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We will continue to update this page as additional programs become available. We encourage you to check back regularly for the latest information.

Fall Programs - Coming soon!

Select a program below to expand the dropdown and view additional information.

WHO: Ages 6 – 13

WHEN: Mondays,    Sept. 28th – Oct. 19th

TIME: 6pm—7pm

WHERE: Van Buren Town Hall

FEE: $25  per participant


(min # of kids = 6, Max # of kids = 10)

 

 

Bring your favorite cartoons to life in this fun and creative 4-week drawing program! Each week, participants will learn step-by-step techniques to sketch a brand-new cartoon character while exploring different drawing styles, shapes, and expressions. From classic cartoon icons to modern animated favorites, artists will build their confidence and improve their sketching skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

 

WHO: All ages

WHEN:  Monday, October 19th

TIME:  6:00 – 7:00pm

WHERE: Van Buren Park Lodge

FEE:  $24/person

 

Learn the art of cake decorating in this fun and hands-on piping workshop! Participants will begin by practicing a variety of piping techniques on parchment paper, allowing them to build    confidence and master essential skills.

Once everyone has had the opportunity to     practice, participants will put their new skills to the test by decorating a real cake using the  techniques they’ve learned. By the end of the program, each participant will leave with a beautifully decorated cake and the confidence to continue exploring the world of cake decorating at home. This workshop is perfect for beginners and anyone looking to sharpen their decorating skills in a relaxed and creative environment.

 

Get ready for Halloween with a creative twist! Participants will design and paint their very own canvas trick-or-treat bag using glow-in-the-dark paint. Kids can let their creativity shine as they create a spooky, colorful, and one-of-a-kind bag that will glow as they head out for Halloween night. It’s the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit while making something they can use for trick-or-treating!

 

WHO: 5th grade and up

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 26th

TIME:  9:00am—12:00pm

WHERE: Van Buren Park Pav E&F

FEE:  $40/child – Town of Van Buren residents

          $45/child – Non-resident

(Min. # of participants 5, Max # of participants 15)

 

Ignite curiosity and launch into the world of engineering! In partnership with CNY Robotics, this hands-on program introduces youth to the exciting science of propulsion—the force that powers rockets, airplanes, and more.

Participants will explore the fundamentals of propulsion through engaging lessons and real-world applications. The program emphasizes learning by doing, as students design, build, and launch their own small solid rocket engines using Estes model rockets.

Through guided instruction and interactive experiments, students will gain a deeper understanding of how propulsion systems work while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. The program culminates in a thrilling rocket launch experience that brings science to life.

 

WHO: Boys and girls 11 – 15 years old

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov 3rd

TIME: 8:00am – 1:00pm

WHERE: Van Buren Lodge (off of Connors rd.)

FEE: $70/participant – Resident

        $80/participant –  Non-resident

 

Safe Sitter® teaches young teens everything they need to know to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting.  Participants will learn life-saving skills such as how to rescue someone who’s choking, basic first aid, how to handle situations that may occur, how to prevent injuries, how to seek help when serious issues arise and helpful information like what to do if there is severe weather.

 

Students will need to remain on site for the entire time so each participant will need to bring the  following items to class:  a lunch, drink, snack, notebook and a pen/pencil.

 

WHO: Ages 5 and up

WHEN: Monday,  Dec. 14th

TIME: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

WHERE: The Painting Café Studio

FEE: $20 per participant


(Min # of kids = 5, Max # of kids = 12)

 

Get into the holiday spirit with our Buddy the Elf Holiday Canvas & Cocoa workshop! Participants will create a festive canvas painting inspired by characters from the beloved holiday movie Elf. Choose from a variety of character designs featuring Buddy and his friends, then follow along step-by-step to create your own masterpiece. While you paint, enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa and celebrate the magic of the season.

 No painting experience is necessary—all supplies are provided. Just bring your holiday cheer!

 

WHO: Children ages 5 and up

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 23rd

TIME: 6:00pm  – 7:00pm

WHERE: The Painting Café Studio

FEE: $14 per Participant

 

 (Min # of 5; Max # of 12)

 

 

Celebrate the season with a hands-on clay workshop! Participants will roll and shape clay into a decorative bowl, then personalize their creation using fall-themed cookie cutters such as leaves and other autumn designs. Each participant will leave with their own unique clay bowl to take home and cure according to provided instructions.

No experience necessary—all materials are included!

 

Who:   Kids 5-12

When:  Saturday, October 24th

Where:  Van Buren Park, Pavilion B

Time:  7:00pm

Fee:  $10.00/participant

Get Ready for a spooktacular twist on a classic tradition! Join us at Van Buren Park for our Halloween Egg Hunt, where the fun of an Easter egg hunt meets the excitement of Halloween. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costumes as they search the park for candy filled eggs hidden throughout the grounds. Bring your flashlight, wear your costume and get ready for an evening filled with treats, surprises, and fun. 

Registration Information

Before you can register for any program you must create a new user account to register for an account through our online platform, Civic Rec. The Parent/Guardian must establish an account first. You must complete all questions, in order to be registered. You may add additional household members for anyone that may also want to register for classes, activities or memberships.

 

To register, for any of the programs, please download a registration form (under the form link) and mail it, fax it or drop it off.

Visit Civic Rec. Platform

Registration Procedure For Programs

Please do not wait to register for a program! There is a point – usually 5 business days prior to start date – when we need to make a decision whether to cancel a program due to lack of participation. Invariably, we get many telephone inquiries on a program after we’ve cancelled it!

 

Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and are accepted:
– Until the business day prior to the program start date.
– By a specified registration deadline (will be listed with the program, if applicable), OR
– Until the program fills to capacity.

 

Fill out a registration form (one per person). These can either be downloaded from this website, or found in the Recreation Departments program brochures. Mail the form(s) with payment to the Parks and Recreation Department, or stop by during office hours (8:30am – 4:00pm | Monday-Friday).

 

Payment is accepted in the form of cash, check, or credit cards (with a minimal fee)! Please do not send cash through the mail. Completed registration form and payment must be received by this office prior to participation in a program.

 

**Due to budgetary and time constraints, you will NOT be sent a confirmation of your registration, OR be contacted by telephone! You will ONLY be contacted if we are unable to fit you into the program requested, or in the event of a program cancellation. So, if you do not hear from us, simply report to the program the first day it meets. You are certainly welcome to contact this office to check on any registrations.**

Download The Program Registration Form

Make A Suggestion

Most of the activities listed in our brochure are the result of interest on the part of an individual or group of people. If you would like our department to expand on any existing programs or create new ones, we would welcome your suggestions! Either mail or email your ideas, call us, or visit the Parks & Recreation office during business hours. We’d love to hear from you!

Contact Us

Parks & Recreation Office Information

Last Updated: September 8, 2026