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HomeFeaturesFamily & ParentingHK Rec. Dept: Spring 2019 Programs & Activities

HK Rec. Dept: Spring 2019 Programs & Activities

Submitted by Josselyn Salafia.

For more information on any of the following programs, please call the HK Recreation Department at 860-345-8334 or visit us on-line at www.hkrec.com.

Messy Mondays

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering a program for children ages 18 mths – 4 years old this spring. This program offers the opportunity to meet other parents and toddlers in a playgroup atmosphere. Your child will have fun getting messy. Experiment with different textural materials such as shaving cream, goop, finger paints, play-dough, and more! Parents – leave the mess to us. This is a great social experience for both you and your toddler. The program meets Mondays at the HK Central Office A-117 from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. from April 1 – May 13 (No 4/15). The fee is $50 / $35 siblings each session. (Non-residents add $10).

Young Chefs of HK

The HK Recreation Department is offering some fun cooking classes this spring. Young Chefs is for boys and girls in grades 1 – 5. It meets from 4:15 – 5:45 p.m. at the HKHS B-112. The fee is $26 each class (non-residents add $10). It is a unique culinary experience which will offer cooking classes to children in a safe environment that will encourage discovery and creativity. Each visit will be a new experience with fresh monthly themes and exciting new programs. Students sharpen their skills by employing the mantra, “Mise en Place” which, in the cooking world, translates into “Everything in its place.” Young chefs will learn basics in kitchen safety, proper food handling, food preparation, cooking and baking techniques, presentation, and so much more! At the end of each workshop the young chef will leave with a packet of info on how to recreate what we made in class and tasty treats for their family to try. Workshops include:

  • April 3, 2019 –Homemade ravioli.
  • May 1, 2019 –Make homemade Pizza!
  • June 5, 2019– homemade chicken nuggets and yummy fruit smoothies.

Science Outreach

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department has the Children’s Museum of SE CT coming to HK. These programs are a mix of science demonstration and hands-on activities for boys and girls ages 3- 5 and boys and girls in grades K-4. The fee is $22 each session. There is also a discount if you sign up for 2 or more classes. The topics include:

  • Fossils to Footprints- fun look at how fossils are made. Kids will create their own “fossil” to take home. This workshop will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 (ages 3-5) at the HK Central Office room A-117 from 1:15 – 2:00 p.m. There will also be a workshop for Boys and Girls in grades K-4, Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Haddam Elementary School and on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Killingworth Elementary School from 3:30-4:15 p.m.

Engineering Workshops

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department welcomes Engineering Imagination. These programs are a mix of Engineering and hands-on activities for students in grades K – 4. The fee is $22 (non-residents add $10).
The topics include:

  • Rocket Cars! Students will design, build, and race model “Rocket Cars!” This workshop will explore the unique history of using jet engines to engineer extremely fast land-based cars. Students are sure to have fun while challenging themselves to make their vehicles more aerodynamic, efficient, and faster! Students will also take home the “Rocket Cars” that they engineered in class! This workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 7 at Killingworth Elementary School, Wednesday, May 8 at Haddam Elementary School and Friday, May 10 at Burr Elementary School. Sessions will be held from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Field Hockey Fundamentals

If you are looking to learn a new sport or are going into middle school and are considering trying out for the field hockey team, this clinic is a great way to learn the fundamentals. Players will learn the rules of the game, playing positions, stick handling skills, defensive and offensive skills, and more. Come join us to learn the fun sport of field hockey! This program will meet Wednesdays, May 1 – June 5, 2019 at HKHS Field (TBD)/Fieldhouse from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The fee is $72 (non-resident add $10).

Chris Corkum’s Baseball Clinic

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering a Baseball Clinic for boys and girls ages 7 – 12 years old on Monday and Tuesday, April 15 and 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the HK Central Office Gym/Softball Field. The fee is $67 (non-residents add $10). The Camp is run by Chris Corkum’s Baseball Inc. Participants will have the opportunity to start the season learning proper fundamentals. Program will consist of a series of drills and instructional games which will educate, train, and bring out the best in all ability levels. Throwing, hitting, and team play are the major areas of concentration.

Creative Art

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering Creative Art classes this spring. Children in grades K – 4 will explore a world of creativity through a variety of different projects from wood crafts to paper art and make fun projects. Each session will also have a day of cookie decorating! Class will meet on Mondays from 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. at Killingworth Elementary School from April 29 – May 20. The class will meet on Tuesdays at Haddam Elementary from April 30 – May 21. There will be class at Burr Elementary School on Wednesdays, May 1 – May 29 (No Class 5/8). The fee is $50 per each four-week session (non-residents add $10). Kids should bring a smock or shirt that can get messy.

Lego my LEGO

How many Lego creations can you build from this 115 piece unique set? Use our plans or your own plans. No Legos will be taken home. Children will build by themselves and in groups.

This program is for children in grades K-5. Session 1 will meet on Tuesdays at Killingworth Elementary School, April 23 – May 28 (No 5/7). Session 2 will meet on Thursdays at Haddam Elementary School, April 25 – May 30 (no class 5/9). Both Sessioins will meet from 3:30 -5:00 p.m. The fee is $103 each session (no-residents add $10).

Horseback Riding

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering Horseback Riding Lessons this Spring for ages 6 – 18. Classes run for 4 weeks. The fee is $165 (non-residents add $10).   Session 3 lessons will meet on Tuesdays, April 30 – May 21. Sesssion 4 lessons will meet on Wednesdays, May 1st – May 22 . Both session 3 & 4 will be held at Sycamore Farm and will meet from 5:45-6:45 p.m. (ages 6-12) or 7:00 -8:00 p.m. (ages 13 – 18). There is a max of 4 participants per time slot.

This class will cover grooming, saddling, riding, safety skills, as well as fun games. Lessons are geared for the novice rider. All equipment will be provided including Western and English saddle and helmet. More advanced students are welcome. Facility is lighted. Participants should wear pants. A heeled shoe (boots) is preferred. Classes are held at Sycamore Farm, 118 Christian Hill Rd., Higganum.

Toddler Swim Classes

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering Parent & Tot and Pre-School swim classes this spring. Parent and Tot is for toddlers 9 months to 3 years olds (with Parent) from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. and Pre-school swim is for 3 year olds without the parent from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 14 – June 6 at the HK High School Pool. The fee is $70 or $56 with new pool membership for residents and $80 for non-residents. The parent and tot class is an excellent opportunity for parents to acquaint their children with the water and begin development of swimming techniques. A parent or guardian must accompany the child in the water at all times. The pre-school swim class is the perfect opportunity for your toddler to start swim lesson in a group instructional setting without the parent in the water with them.

Swim Lessons (Children and Adult)

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering Swim lessons this Spring for children and adults. Classes are conducted at the HK High School Pool. Lessons meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Session 4 & Session 5 are from April 2 – March 2 (No Class 4/16, 4/18) Children’s Swim Lessons (ages 4 and up) are from 6:00 – 6:40 p.m. or 6:50 – 7:30 p.m. and Adult Semi-Private Swim Lessons are from 7:50 – 8:30 p.m. The fee is $74/ $58 with pool membership / and $84 for non-residents each session. $5 Sibling discount.

When I’m in Charge

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering the American Red Cross “When I’m in Charge” class this spring. Class will be offered Thursday, April 4 from 5:45 – 7:45 p.m. at the HKHS Lower Media Center. The fee is $26. Non-residents please add $5. The course is for students ages 9 and up, and is designed to teach kids how to be responsible when at home. Topics include internet safety, gun safety, family communications, sibling care, basic emergency care & confidence building.

Crossroads Driving School

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation is offering a Driver’s Ed program this winter. Participants must be 16 years old before the start of the first class. Option 1 is a Full Program that includes 30 hours of classroom as well as the safe driving and alcohol program along with 8 hours of behind-the-wheel. The fee is $565 (non-residents add $10). Option 2 is a Classroom only option, where participants can take the 30 hours of class, but no driving. Includes the Safe Driving portion. The fee is $290 (non-residents add $10). Option 3 is the Safe Driving and Drug and Alcohol Program, which is the 8 hour course that fulfills the requirement of the State of CT for license applicants who took a Home Training Program. This course is required for all drivers, including those who are over the age of 18. The fee for this course is $150.

Classes will be held at the HK Central Office A-119. Session 2a will meet on Mondays & Wednesdays April 3 – June 3 (No 4/15, 4/17) (plus 4/1 – Parent/Student Class, 6:00 p.m. in the HK HS Seminar room) from 2:45-4:45 p.m. Session 2b will meet on Tuesdays & Thursdays April 2 – May 23 (No 4/16, 4/18) (plus 4/1 – Parent/Student Class, 6:00 p.m. in the HK HS Seminar room) from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

There will be a Safe Driving Program offered April 2, 4, 9 from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. or April 3, 8, 10 from 2:45 – 4:45 p.m. (plus parent/student orientation on 4/1 from 6:00– 8:00 pm) The Parent/Student Orientation is mandatory for both student and parent and will be held in the HK HS Seminar Room.

Basic Boating Safety Class

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering the CT Basic Boating Safety Class for participants ages 12 and up on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 21, 23 and 28. Classes will be held at the HES All-Purpose Room from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. The fee is $15 for residents of Haddam and Killingworth and $20 for non-residents. This 10-hour D.E.E.P. course includes instruction in navigation rules, legal requirements, safety afloat and other topics that will help students become safe and knowledgeable boaters. Students passing the course will satisfy the requirements for the CT Safe Boating Certificate and Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation.

Canine Encounters-Dog Obedience

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Dept. is offering Basic Dog Obedience class this Spring. Class will be held Thursdays starting May 2, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Dogs ages 5 months and up). Class will be held at Parmelee Farm. The fee is $98 ($78 for repeating students). Non-residents please add $10. The 1st class is theory and is for owners only and will meet in the HK Lower Media).

Canine Encounters teaches dog owners how to teach their dogs. Classes provide socialization through a group setting and enhances the relationship between owner and dog through the partnership which is developed through training. Communication, positive reinforcement, repetition, consistency, and timing are combined to establish bonding and skills. The basic command such as sit, stay/wait, down, heel, the recall (come when called), and stand are taught in a positive and fun atmosphere. The goal is not a controlled pet but rather a well-mannered, enjoyable and loved companion that is included in our lives.

Adult Horseback Riding

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering Adult Horseback Riding Lessons. Classes run for 4 weeks. The fee is $165 (non-residents add $10). Lessons will be May 2 – May 23 and will be held at Sycamore Farm and will meet from 5:30-7:00 p.m. There is a max of 4 participants per time slot.

All equipment will be provided including Western and English saddle and Helmet. More advanced students are welcome. Facility is lighted. Participants should wear pants. A heeled shoe (boots) is preferred. Classes are held at Sycamore Farm, 118 Christian Hill Rd., Higganum.

Creative Cuisine at the CIA

Travel to Hyde Park, New York and the Culinary Institute of America on Tuesday, April 9. This school has been a leader in culinary education for over four decades, since its founding in New Haven in 1946. Ninety chefs and instructors from 18 countries conduct courses in the fundamentals of cooking and baking, wines, table service, purchasing, nutrition, and sanitation and safety. The institute is different from most schools in that visitors may take an active role in the educational process by dining in its public restaurants. The students staff these restaurants as part of their curriculum. You will dine today at the CATERINA DE’ MEDICI RISTORANTE. This is the final graduating course of the Culinary Institute’s program. Your three-course meal will include Risotto al Pomodoro (Risotto with tomato, basil and goat cheese), Pollo alla Valdostana (Pan fried chicken with fontina, mozzarella, mushrooms and Mediterranean potato salad), and Profiterole allo Zabaglione (Cream puff with chocolate-hazelnut sauce) There will be no menu substitutions. After the luncheon, head over to the MILLBROOK WINERY for a five-star wine experience with an educational tour and tasting of their award-winning wine. Millbrook Winery has been voted “Best Winery” in the magnificent Hudson River Valley for the last 20 consecutive years and has been written up favorably in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. You won’t want to miss this Hudson Valley Getaway! Fee includes Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation, complete luncheon, tour and wine tasting and driver director gratuity.

The fee is $143 per person. Fee includes Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation, complete luncheon, Whale Watch Excursion and driver gratuity. Registration fills quickly. Register at www.hkrec.com or mail a registration form and check to the HK Recreation Department at PO Box 569, Higganum, CT 06441.

April Vacation Camp

Camp will be held at the HKHS Cafeteria from 7:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday April, 15 – April 19, for children in grades K – 6. Swimming will be offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.  Children must be able to swim without a bubble.  Lifeguards will be on duty.

On Tuesday there will be an entertainer, Dinosaur Adventures!  Featuring fossils and many types of dinosaur artifacts that children will be able to touch as well as la variety of live animas that are relatives of the dinosaur, including an armadillo!  On Thursday there will be a field trip to see How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, at Marquee Cinemas in Westbrook.  Friday is Sports Day.  A variety of sports and games will be played.  Children will receive a prize for supporting their favorite team or sport by wearing a team shirt or hat.

Weeky and daily rates avilable.  A sibling discout is offered.

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