Submitted by Josselyn Salafia, HK Recreation Department
(May 13, 2022)—The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department announces a series of programs for the upcoming summer months. For details on any of the programs listed here, please call 860-345-8334 or visit the website, www.hkrec.com.
Curious Campers Pre-School Camp
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Dept. is offering a pre-school camp for children ages 4 – entering K (children must turn 4 by 12/31/21). Arts and crafts, games, story time, special projects and outside play will be featured in the mini-camp designed for pre-schoolers. Please bring a bathing suit for sprinkler use, towel and sunscreen. A snack will be provided. The program meets Monday – Friday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m. at the old HKMS Room TBD. The fee is $80 each session. Non-residents may register for an additional $10. The sessions are as follows:
Session 1: “Messy Munchkins” July 11 – 15, 2022
Session 2: “Fairies & Potions” July 18 – 22, 2022
Session 3: “Sizzling Science” July 25 – 29, 2022
Session 4: “Outdoor Explorers” Aug. 1 – Aug. 5, 2022
Play-Well Transportation Engineering LEGOTM Camp
This camp meets Monday – Friday, June 27 – July 1, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m at the HKHS Lower Media Center. The fee is $222. (non-residents add $10). Please bring a PB- free lunch. Power up your engineering skills with Play-Well TEKnologies and tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering and architecture through engineer-designed projects such as: Tugboats, Space Shuttle and the Eiffel Tower. Design and build as never before and explore your craziest ideas.
Art RecCreationCamp
Explore a world of creativity where children will make a variety of projects, from crafts to paper art and much more! Each day of the week will have a different theme! Come and use your imagination to make artwork you will cherish. And don’t forget: bring a snack, and bring a smock that can get messy. Camp is for boys and girls in grades 1 – 5 and meets Tuesday – Friday from July 5 – July 8, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the HKHS Art Room. The fee is $105 (non-residents add $10).
Science or Just Fun
Experiments and more experiments. Experiments include slime, static electricity, penny cleaning, stress balls, play dough, snow globes and perler beads. Please bring a PB-free snack. This camp is for boys and girls ages 5 – 10 and meets Monday – Thursday, July 11 – 14, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the HKHS Lower Media. The fee is $106 (non-residents add $10).
Casablancas Modeling/Fashion Camp
John Casablancas’s Modeling and Fashion Camp provides children with knowledge of looking like a model, developing their etiquette skills for any setting, feeling good about themselves, perfecting who they are inside and out and tapping into their fashion talents. Design your own t-shirt and show it off at the end of the week. Each day will consist of fun-filled activities such as Makeover Monday, T-shirt Tuesday, Wanna Be Famous Wednesday, Time to Say Cheese Thursday and Fashion Show Friday. Camp is for boys and girls ages 5 to 11 and meets Monday – Friday from July 25 – 29, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the HKHS Lower Media. The fee is $115 (non-residents add $10).
Clay/Pottery Camp
Children love creating and exploring, and they love working with their hands. Pottery crafts are a way for kids to wrap their hands around a three-dimensional project. These classes help kids to have fun and learn something in the process. In this week-long camp we will explore several useful, creative clay projects from start to finish. We will end with a fun ice cream party using our own ice cream bowl! Bring a snack, and bring a smock that can get messy. Camp is for boys and girls ages 5 – 10 and meets Monday – Friday from July 18 – 22, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the HKHS Art Room. The fee is $145 (non-residents add $10).
Cooking with Ease
Come join your friends and/or make new friends. This exciting cooking class is for the eager cooking friends. You will learn basic cooking skills like mixing, chopping, cutting and stirring. Each class you will make a delicious healthy snack. Some treats include salads, vegetables and peanut butter. Prep time is equal to class time. Please notify instructor of any allergies prior to class. We encourage children to try the treat they have made. Please bring an apron which will be left at location. Please bring a snack. Notify instructor of any allergies. This camp is for boys and girls ages 5 – 10 and meets Monday – Thursday, August 1– 5, 2022 from 9:00 – 11:00 pm at the HKHS Lower Media. The fee is $106 (non-residents add $10).
Abrakadoodle Beach Party Art Camp
Get ready for some wet and sandy fun! Design your own sun visor, move to party music and create some incredible underwater art! There will be spray bottle painting, sand art and shell designs, beach party day and more fun on the run! Please bring a snack, and bring a smock that can get messy. Camp is for boys and girls ages 6 – 12 and meets Monday – Friday from August 15 – August 19, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the HKHS Lower Media. The fee is $159 (non-residents add $10).
Summer Soccer Fun with Vale
Younger players will learn the fundamentals and develop skills in a safe, nurturing and non-competitive environment. This program is for boys and girls ages 3-7 and meets on Tuesdays, July 12 through August 9, 2022 5:00-5:45 p.m. (ages 3 – 4), 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. (ages 5 -7) or Thursdays July 14 through August 11, 5:00 – 5:45 p.m. (ages 3 – 4), 5:45-6:45 p.m. (ages 5 – 7) at Killingworth Recreation Park. The fee is $75 each session. Non-residents please add $10.
Skyhawks Baseball Camp
This camp is for boys and girls ages 7 – 12 and meets Wednesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at HKHS Softball Field. The dates are June 22 – 24, 2022. The fee is $155. Non-residents, please add $10. Designed for beginning and intermediate players, this program teaches athletes new baseball skills along with vital life lessons such as respect, teamwork and responsibility. Learn the fundamentals of fielding, catching, throwing, hitting and base running, all in a fun, positive environment. Players should bring a bat, glove, water and snack or lunch.
Skyhawks Volleyball Camp
This camp is for boys and girls ages 10 – 14 and will be held Monday – Friday, June 27 – July 1, 2022 at the HKHS Field House from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The fee is $165. Non-residents, please add $10. Skyhawks Volleyball takes the energy and excitement of this great team sport and puts it together into one fun-filled camp. All aspects of the game are taught through drills and exercises that focus on passing, setting, hitting and serving. This co-ed program is designed for the beginning and intermediate player. The volleyball staff will assist each athlete in developing fundamental skills through game-speed drills and daily scrimmages aimed at developing the whole player. Please bring 2 snacks, water bottle and knee pads.
Skyhawks Golf Camp
This camp is for boys and girls ages 5 – 10 will be held Tuesday – Friday, July 5 – July 8, 2022 at the HKHS Multi-use Field from 9:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. The fee is $139. Non-residents, please add $10. Boys and girls will learn the fundamentals of swinging, putting, body positioning, etiquette and keeping score. No need to bring your own clubs, all equipment is provided. For safety reasons, the instructor-to-camper ratio is low. Please bring 2 snacks, bathing suit, towel and water. Includes a t-shirt, and player evaluation. Includes pool time from 11:45-12:30 p.m. *No flotation devices allowed.
Skyhawks Basketball Camp
A camp for boys and girls entering grades K –5 will be held Monday through Friday, July 18 – 22, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Gr. K – 2) or 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Gr. 3 -5) at the HKHS Field House. The fee is $139 (Gr. K – 2) / $185 (Gr. 3 – 5). Non-residents, add $10. This fun, skill-intensive program is designed with the beginning to intermediate player in mind. Using our progressional curriculum, our basketball staff focusses on the whole player, teaching your child the skills needed both on and off the court to be a better athlete. Each day will start with a “skill of the day” and progress into drills and games. After a week of passing, shooting, dribbling and rebounding, your child will show you why this is one of our most popular programs. Please bring 2 snacks, water bottle and sneakers. Fee includes a T-shirt, ball, and player evaluation. Campers will be divided by age groups. If registering for full day please bring a lunch.
Running Rams
This camp is for boys and girls ages 5 – 15 and will be held Monday through Friday, June 27 – July 1, 2022 at the Old Saybrook High School Track from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. The Fee is $145 (non-residents add $10). The camp will feature instruction in many track and field disciplines from some of the area’s best coaches. Each day will also include a fun activity, such as ice cream sundae night and pizza night. Participants will receive a t-shirt and awards at the conclusion of the program. *All participants must be 5 years old at the start of the program.
Skyhawks Flag Football
Flag Football fueled by USA Football is an exciting introduction to America’s favorite game. This program is for boys and girls ages 8 – 12 and will be held Monday – Friday, July 25 – July 29, 2022 at the HKHS Multi-Use Field from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The fee is $165. Non-residents, please add $10. Using skills and drills from the Football Development Model, developed by the experts at the sport’s national governing body – USA Football – coaches will teach the key concepts of passing, receiving, running, kicking, punting and flag-pulling, all presented in a positive environment with a focus on critical life lessons, such as teamwork and sportsmanship. Please bring snacks, water, cleats, sneakers and sunscreen. Fee includes a T-Shirt & player evaluation.
Skyhawks Mini-Hawk Camp (Soccer, Basketball, Baseball)
This introductory multi-sport program for children ages 5 – 7 meets Monday through Friday at the HKHS Multi-Use Field the week of July 11 – 15, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and August 8 – 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The fee is $139 each session. Non-residents please add $10. This multi-sport program gives children a positive first step into athletics. Baseball, basketball and soccer are taught in a safe, structured environment with lots of encouragement and a big focus on fun. Mini-Hawk games and activities were designed to allow campers to explore balance, movement, hand/eye coordination and skill development at their own pace. Skyhawks staff are trained to handle the specific needs of young athletes. Please bring 2 snacks, water bottle, glove, shin guards and sunscreen. Fee includes a T-shirt, ball, and player evaluation.
Skyhawks Beginner Tennis
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering a Beginner Tennis program for boys and girls ages 3 – 6 and will be held Mondays from June 27 – August 1, 2022 (No 7/4) at Sheldon Park in Killingworth. Children ages 3-4 will meet from 5:00 – 5:45 p.m. and children ages 5 – 6 will meet from 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. To create a successful learning environment, modifications to Skyhawks traditional tennis program have been made. The court is smaller and has shorter nets, and the racquets are smaller, and the balls are foam. With these modifications, any young child can immediately begin playing tennis, even if he or she has never picked up a racquet before. In addition to developing a love for tennis, athletes will learn the rules and etiquette that make tennis such an exciting game to play. The participant-to-coach ratio is approximately 6:1. Due to limited court space, these programs fill up quickly. Please bring water, sneakers, a 19”-21” racquet, and wear sunscreen. Includes a t-shirt & player evaluation.
Skyhawks Tennis Camp
Skyhawks Tennis camps are for children ages 7 – 12 and meets Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Camps are held from July 11 – 15, 2022 at Sheldon Park in Killingworth and August 1 – August 5 at the HKHS Tennis Courts. The fee is $139 each session. Non-residents, please add $10. Grab your tennis racquet and get ready to play! Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate or an advanced player, this program will improve your game and help you get more enjoyment from tennis. Skill levels and ages will be divided accordingly. Our tennis programs focus on skill refinement as well as practice and match play to develop consistent, well-rounded tennis players. Each player is given personal attention and taught through repetition in an enjoyable, lively atmosphere. Skyhawks tennis breaks down the fundamental skills of tennis through easily understood games and exercises to help improve the athlete’s overall coordination and technique. Players learn proper grips, footwork, strokes, volleys and serves during a series of drills designed to teach skills in a fun and dynamic way. In addition to developing a love for tennis, athletes will learn the rules and etiquette that make tennis such an exciting game to play. Due to limited court space, these programs fill quickly. Please bring a tennis racquet, appropriate clothing, water bottle, sneakers, sunscreen, two snacks and water. Includes T-shirt and player evaluation.
Skyhawks Multi-Sport Camp (Soccer, Basketball, Baseball)
This is an introductory sports program for children ages 7 – 11 and meets Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m at the HK High School the week of August 8 – 12, 2022. The fee is $139. Non-residents, please add $10. This multi-sport camp is designed to introduce young athletes to a variety of different sports in one setting. For this program, 3 sports are combined into one fun-filled week. Athletes will learn the rules and essentials of each sport through skill-based games and scrimmages. By the end of the week, your child will walk away with knowledge of three sports along with vital life lessons such as respect, teamwork, and self-discipline. Please bring 2 snacks, water bottle, shin guards and sunscreen. Fee includes a T-shirt, ball, and player evaluation.
Vale Soccer Camp
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department and HK Soccer Club are offering a Soccer Camp run by Vale this summer from August 1 – August 5, 2022 at the Killingworth Recreational Park. The camp will be held from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for boys and girls, grades K – 4, and from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. for kids ages 3 – 5. The fee is $150 for the 3-hr camp and $75 for the 1.5 hour camp. Non-residents, please add $10. Younger players will learn the fundamentals through fun games, small-sided games, as well as be introduced to attacking, defending and the rules of the game. Older players will develop themselves through challenging game-related situations. The focus will be on technical development, functional and positional practices, tactical decision-making and advanced concepts and fitness. Please bring water bottle, shin guards, sunscreen and snack.
Pool Activities and Events
Pool Memberships are valid from July 2022 – June 2023. Family pass is $130 ($140 for non-residents). Individual Passes are $65 or $75 for non-residents. Please call 860-345-8334 for more information, availability, or go to www.hkrec.com to register on-line.
Swim Lessons for Children
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department has openings in children’s swim lessons this summer. Class sizes will be 3-4 per instructor with limited spots. Please do not send child if showing any signs of illness. Classes are conducted at the HKHS Pool and are for kids ages 4 and up (must be able to participate in a group instructional setting). We have revised our levels for ages 4+. Please register your child in the appropriate level based on the required pre-requisite skills listed for each one:
Level 1 (Introduction to Swimming & Water Safety) – has no experience swimming (cannot swim without an aid).
Level 2 (Learn to Swim 1) – must be able to submerge head under water without holding nose for a minimum of three seconds and be able to do one solo skill (back float, front glide with the head in the water or a front float).
Level 3 (Learn to Swim 2) – must be able to back float alone 3-5 seconds, front glide alone with head submerged 3-5 seconds, and be able to do a few strokes on front and back without assistance. Strokes must be easy breaststroke or backstroke. No doggy paddle.
Level 4 (Introduction to Competitive Strokes) – must be able to swim the width of the pool using easy breaststroke, including a roll to breathe without assistance and an easy backstroke without assistance. Must be able to jump in, swim to the center of the pool and swim back without assistance.
Level 5 (Pre-Swim Team) – must be able to swim both freestyle and backstroke for 2 widths of the pool in under 2 minutes, demonstrate basic breaststroke kick and dolphin kick, perform a sitting dive and swim 5 feet under water and back up without panic or assistance.
2022 daytime lessons meet Monday through Friday. Dates and times are:
Session 1: 6/27 – 7/1 A) 9:45 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. B) 10:30 – 11:10 a.m.
Session 2: 6/28 – 7/12 (T/TH) 6:30 – 7:10 p.m. (T/TH)
Session 3: 7/5 – 7/8*(No 7/4) A) 9:45 – 10:25 a.m. B) 10:30 – 11:10 a.m.
Session 4: 7/11 – 7/15 A) 9:45 – 10:25 a.m. B) 10:30 – 11:10 a.m.
Session 5: 7/18 – 7/22 A) 9:45 – 10:25 a.m. B) 10:30 – 11:10 a.m.
Session 6: 7/19 – 8/2(T/TH) 6:30 – 7:10 p.m. (T/TH)
Session 7: 7/25 – 7/29 A) 9:45 – 10:25 a.m. B) 10:30 – 11:10 a.m.
Session 8: 8/1 – 8/5 A) 9:45 – 10:25 a.m. B) 10:30 – 11:10 a.m.
Session 9: 8/8 – 8/12 A) 9:45 – 10:25 a.m. B) 10:30 – 11:10 a.m.
Sessions are $65 / $55 each with new pool membership and $75 for non-residents.*Session 3 is $52 / $44 each with new pool membership and $62 for non-residents. Evening lessons are on Tuesday and Thursdays from 6:30 – 7:10 p.m.
Parent/Tot Swim Classes
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering Parent & Tot swim classes for toddlers 9 months to 3 years old (with Parent), Monday – Friday June 27 – July 1, July 18 – 22, August 1 – 5, 2022 from 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. The fee is $60 / $50 with new pool membership (non-residents add $10). 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.
Pre-School Swim Classes
There will be lessons for three-year-olds held the weeks of July 11 – 15, July 25 – 29 or August 8 – 12, 2022 from 9:00 – 9:30 am. The fee is $60 / $50 with new pool membership (non-residents add $10). This class is a perfect opportunity for your toddler to start swim lessons. He or she must be able to take part in a group instructional setting without the parent.
Masters Swimming for Adults
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering Masters Swimming for Adults this Summer. This program will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:00 – 7:15 a.m. at the HKHS Pool. For more information, please contact Jim Grimaldi at 860-345-7540.
Karate Kids
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering Karate for boys and girls ages 5 + Mondays & Wednesdays. Session 1 will meet from June 27– July 18, 2022 (No 7/4). Session 2 will be held from July 25 – August 10, 2022. The classes meet from 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. at Parmelee Farm Pavilion in Killingworth. The fee is $48 each session. Non-residents can sign up for an additional $10. Children will be introduced to Washin-Ryu Karate-Do, a unique form of traditional Japanese Karate; they will learn the meaning of self-respect, respect for others, self-discipline and concentration. Mr. Moan also will talk to the kids about safety awareness and how to avoid abductions. The instructor, Mike Moan, is an 8th Degree Black Belt.
Gymnastics
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering gymnastics this summer for participants ages 5 – 11. This program will be held on Tuesdays, July 5 – July 26, 2022 at the Old HK Middle School Gym from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The fee is $82. Non-residents, please add $10. Students will be introduced to basic floor tumbling as well as some apparatus use. They will work on front rolls, back rolls, cartwheels, handstands and bridges. They will learn to walk front and back on the balance beam as well as hops, skips, and little jumps.
Babysitter’s Training Course
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering the American Red Cross Babysitting Course. This class will meet Friday, June 24 from 8:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. in the HKHS Lower Media Center. There will be a second session that meets Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 26, 27, and 28, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The fee is $76 and includes a Red Cross Babysitting Manual and Certificate. Non-residents, please add $10. This American Red Cross Program has been updated to include Basic Child Care, First Aid for breathing and bleeding emergencies, and injury prevention, as well as covering other important topics to prepare young adults for babysitting. Students will not become certified in CPR or First Aid, but will gain knowledge. This class is an excellent opportunity to help students build self-confidence as well as job leadership and decision-making skills.
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 held on Wednesday, April 19th 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, and confidence building.
