Toddler & Pre School & Explorer Programs

If school is cancelled, preschool, and toddler classes are cancelled.  If school is delayed, morning classes are cancelled but classes beginning at noon or later will take place.  If schools have early dismissal, am classes will be held but classes at noon or later will be cancelled.

Playschool     419360-Section 80

A playgroup for children and their caregivers designed in a preschool type setting. Children will explore through centers, do craft projects, participate in large motor skill activities, have circle time, stories and other various social activities. Class is for 8 sessions held at the South End Community Center on Fridays from 9:30-10:30am. The fee for the class is $50 per child. Class begins September 24-November 19. No class October 1.  Program is for ages 2-3.  Registration is September 7-17.

Toddler Open Gym      419360-Sections 06,07

Open gym time for children and their caregiver to explore tunnels, climb, jump, play with various balls and have fun socializing with others. Each class ends with a brief circle time that may include songs, stories, and parachute play. Program is designed for ages 1-3 years old. Fee is $40 per child for the 8-week class. Class is held at Birdseye Complex on Thursdays from 9:00 – 10:00 am, 10:15-11:15 am, First session begins September 23 - November 18. Registration is September 7-17.

Soccer Skills and Drills     419360-Section 83

A Youth indoor soccer program that teaches basic soccer skills in a safe, fun environment. Program designed for ages 3.5-5. Class is held at Birdseye from 5:00-5:45pm beginning September 22-November 10. Registration is September 7-17. The fee for the program is $45 per child.

Music and Movement Exploration 419360-Section 05

A musically delightful class for a child and their caregiver, which involves sing-a-long songs, movement, instrument play, parachutes, scarves and an open gym time. This class will be a great fun time for parent and child ages 1.5-5years old beginning September 21. Class will meet on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:15 am at the Birdseye Complex Gymnasium. Registration is September 7-17. Fee is $45 for the 8-week class.

Story Art      419360-Section 04

A creative class that uses a weekly theme to incorporate an age appropriate craft, book, songs, parachute play and games. Children will make 2 projects each class. Great for siblings ages 2-5 years and their caregivers. Class is held on Mondays beginning September 20 from 10:45am to 11:30 am for 8 weeks. Fee is $45. Registration is September 7-17. Class is held at the South End Community Center. No class October 11.

Creative Cooking      514460-Section 41

This is a hands-on; no heat cooking class for preschoolers and their caregivers. Children will measure, mix, count and create edible projects. Class will also have story time and singing. Discover the fun in cooking with your child. Program is designed for ages 3-5 years old. The fee is $60 per child and includes all supplies. The 8 week class begins on Monday September 20 at South End Community Center from 9:30 to 10:15am. Registration is September 7-17. No class on October 11.

Explorer Programs

Youth Tumbling and Cheer      214570-Section 21

Basic tumbling class for ages 3-6 held at Birdseye Complex on Wednesday nights from 4:00-4:45 pm. The program emphasizes fitness and fun in a non-competitive environment. Children will also learn cheers and chants. The fee for the 8-week program is $45 per child. Registration is September 7-17. Program begins September 22.

Home School Opportunities for Physical Exercise

Open Gym for Home School children is a new opportunity for children to have an open gym to play basketball, soccer, and develop fitness. The program meets every Thursday from 1-2 at the Birdseye Complex for ages 6-12. First session starts September 23 - November 18. Registration is September 1-17. Cost is $60 per family.

Art and the Artists Programs

These programs are new art classes for children age 2-10. Registration is August 16-September 17.

Budding Artists is art for children ages 2-3 with a caregiver. The children will hear a story, then by using their senses, will create their own masterpieces, which will make connections between art and the book. Through painting, drawing, sculpting and different art materials they will be creating an expression of themselves. Class is caregiver participation. Fee is $55 for 8 weeks. Class is held at the South End Community Center on Tuesdays from 1:00-1:45pm, beginning September 21.

Emergent Artists is an art class for children ages 4-6.The children will hear a story and will practice a new art skill taken from the story. The children will investigate and become art detectives, observing how the illustrator created the images in the book.  The children will recreate and design their own artwork based on the illustrator’s style. Fee is $55 for 8 weeks. Class is held at the Birdseye Complex on Thursdays from 4:00-4:45pm beginning September 23.

Advanced Artists is an art program for children ages 7-10. They will look at the elements and design of award-winning books. They will be introduced to a variety of vocabulary to help learn the basic concepts of art. Artwork will be based on a combination of artistic elements to create their own composition. Fee is $55 for 8 weeks. Class is held at the Birdseye Complex on Tuesdays from 4:00-4:45pm beginning September 21.

Youth and Teen Programs

Outdoor Youth Tennis Lessons     212360-Section 01, 02, 05
Class will be held on Tuesdays at Bunnell Tennis Courts beginning September 14-October 12 for 5 weeks with registration August 23 – September 10.  Pee Wee (ages 4-5) will be from 3:30–4:00 pm and the fee is $55.  Juniors (ages 6-9) will be from 4:00-5:00 pm and the fee is $95.  Beginner/Advanced Beginners for ages 10-13 will be from 5:00-6:00 pm and the fee is $95.

The Recreation Department will offer dance classes on Tuesday afternoons at the Baldwin Center.  The next session will begin on Tuesday, September 21.  Class size is limited.  Class times are as follows:

3:45-4:30 pm for ages 3-4             Tap & Ballet

4:30-5:15 pm ages 5-6            Tap & Ballet

5:30-6:15 pm ages 7-12            Hip Hop and Jazz

Classes will be for 8 weeks and the fee is $60.  Registration is August 16-September 18.

The tennis clinic will be held on Wednesdays at Chapel School starting November 3- December 8, with a make-up date of December 15 if need be.  Registration is October 4-29.  Pee Wee (ages 4-5) will be from 3:15–3:45 pm and the fee is $55.  Juniors (ages 6-8) will be from 3:45-4:45pm and the fee is $89.  Ages 9-12 will be from 4:45 – 5:45 and the fee is $89. A second session will run January 19- February 16, with a make-up date of March 2.  Registration will be held January 3-14, same class times and prices.

The Stratford Recreation Department is offering a Youth Wrestling Program for grades 3-8 on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:00 pm.  The program will alternate between Bunnell and Stratford High Schools depending on the school sports schedule.  The program will begin in January for 8 weeks.  The fee is $75.

The focus of this program is to introduce the youngsters to the sport of wrestling.  The basic fundamentals of wrestling will be taught to gain interest and knowledge of the sport.  This program will prepare elementary and middle school students to compete at the high school level and just have fun.  Registration is at the Recreation Office at Short Beach Park from November 22- December 17.

Six week introductory level basketball and life skills program for youth in grades K-4 and 5-8 will be held on Tuesdays, starting on September 21-November 9 from 6:00pm-7:00 pm at Birdseye Complex Gymnasium.  Youth will get hands on basketball drills and age appropriate life skills topics related to wellness and fitness, communication, goal setting, decision-making and problem solving.  No class on October 26, November 2.  Registration begins September 7-September 17.  Fee for this program is $20.  Next session will be in January.

Intermediate level six - week basketball and life skills program for youth who have already completed Drills I and are ready to move to the next level of basketball instruction.  This program will offer more intense drills and scrimmages for participants applying the life skills learned in Drills I to the game of basketball.  This program will be offered on Wednesdays at the Birdseye Complex from 6:00 pm-7:15 pm starting September 22-October 27.  Registration begins September 7-September 17.  Fee for this program is $25 for the six weeks. Next session will be in January.

Stratford Recreation announces that Mad Science will be back this fall at your school.  Learn about Physics, Forces & Flight or Sensational Senses.  These will be 4 week courses that will meet 1 day per week after school from 3:15pm – 4:15pm.  The fee is $65. Registration is August 23-September 12.  The schedule for the program is listed below:

Monday is at Chapel and Eli-Whitney from 3:15-4:15 pm on September, 13,20,27, October 4. No class October 11.  Session 2:  October 18,25,November 1,8, Session 3: November 15, 22, 29, December 6.

Tuesday is at Lordship from 3:15-4:15 pm.   Class meets September 14, 21, 28,October 5.  Session 2: October 12, 19, November 9, 23.

Wednesday is at Wilcoxson from 3:15-4:15 pm and Honeyspot and Johnson from 3:15-4:15 pm on September 15, 22, 29, October 6.    Session 2: October 13, 20, 27, November 3.  Session 3: November 10, December 1, 8, 15.

The league has three divisions: grades 3 & 4, grades 5 & 6 and grades 7-9.  Registration begins September 13- October 29 with a fee of $70.  A clinic will be scheduled for Saturday November 6 at 10:30 – 12:30 pm at Birdseye Complex.  Grades 3 & 4 will play games on Fridays from 6:00-7:00 pm and grades 5 thru 9 will play on Friday night or Saturday mornings. All games will be played at the Birdseye Complex Gymnasium. Program begins in December with team practices and will run through mid March.  Teams will practice one day during week, schedule permitting. If you coached last year please contact the Recreation Dept. if you plan on coming back, those interested in volunteering to coach also contact the Recreation Office at 385-4052.

The Recreation Department, in cooperation with the Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association, will sponsor the Hot Shot Finals Contest for boys and girls ages 9-15.  The winners will advance to the County Finals and then State levels of competition.  Each player will have one minute to shoot from the “hotspots” placed on the basketball court.  Starting at half court, the players dribble into shooting range and shoot from the designated spots.  The total of three one-minute rounds is added together.  The contest challenges a player’s speed, shooting, dribbling and rebounding ability.  The divisions are based on each child’s age before December 31, 2010.  A birth certificate will be required in order to participate. There is no fee for this event, but participants must be registered. The event will take place on Wednesday January 5 from 6-8pm at Flood Middle School and Friday January 7, 2011 at Birdseye Complex from 6-8pm.

Children will work together to learn the skills of basketball.  Instructor will show participants what to do to learn the game.  Program will be on Saturday mornings from 9:00-10:00 am at Birdseye Complex beginning November 6-December 18, no class November 27.  Fee is $20 which includes a t-shirt.  Another session will begin in January.

Chess Club for grades 1-12 will meet on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 pm at Birdseye Complex beginning Thursday, September 23.  Matches will be arranged according to ability.  This is an 8 - week program.  Registration is August 16-September 17 and the fee is $35.  Chess instruction will also be offered for beginners.  Volunteers are needed, please contact the Recreation Office at 385-4052.

Be your favorite zoo animal.  Games, moon bounce and costume contest.  Fun for Everyone!!  Date is Saturday, October 30 at Birdseye Complex from 4-6 pm.  Children 12 & under must come with an adult. Tickets go on sale September 21.  Volunteers are always welcome to help at this event.  Candy Giveaway for ages 12 & up will be from 6-6:30 pm.  Fee is $5.00 per child.  No Fee for those 18 and older accompanying a child.  Inquire about our family discount.

Learn Karate from professional instructors in a safe and fun environment.  The lessons build confidence, focus and discipline.  The next session begins August 30 – October 22 at Franklin School.  Registration is August 2 – 27 at the Recreation Office.  The next session is October 25-December 17.  Registration is September 20 - October 22. 

Little Ninjas (age 4-6)                        Monday and Wednesday                        Beginners                         5:15-5:45 pm  section 07

                                                                                         Friday                                                                                                                   5:45-6:15 pm  section 09

Beginner Class (age 7-adult)                        Monday, Wednesday & Friday                                                                                  6:25-7:15 pm  section 10

Advanced Class (age 7-adult)                        Monday, Wednesday & Friday                                                                                7:25-8:15 pm  section 11

Fee:

Little Ninjas once times per week = $54

Little Ninjas two times per week = $108

Beginner/Advanced once classes per week = $69

Beginner/Advanced two classes per week = $138

Beginner/Advanced three classes per week = $158

The Recreation Department will be offering a variety of programs this fall and winter.  The Complex includes a full size gym, game room and classrooms for programs and activities.  Activities will include art and crafts programs, basketball contest, pool contest, science programs, 4-H club, open gyms, theatre workshops, fitness programs, dance classes and much more. 

The Birdseye Complex Recreation Center will be open Monday-Friday from 3-5 pm for grades 3-8 with a variety of activities scheduled in the game room, cafeteria and gym.  The center will open the week of September 20.  All children must be registered prior to attending the center.  Registration starts September 7 and is ongoing throughout the school year.  This is a free program offered by the Recreation Department.  A parent meeting for those interested in sending their child will be Monday, September 13 at 6pm at the Birdseye Complex.  When there is a half-day of school or no school the program is closed.  The program may close due to the weather.  Children are free to leave on their own at anytime from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.  There is no after school program on the following dates: October 11, 26, November 2, 4.

Birdseye                        Monday-Friday                        grades 4-8                        3 - 5:00 pm                        34

Birdseye                        Tuesday                                   Men                                 7:15 – 9:00pm                        39

Birdseye                        Wed. & Thurs.                         grades 9 - 12                     7:30 - 9:00 pm                        52

The program starts on Nov. 8 and will be from 3:00pm – 4:30pm Monday - Thursday.  Children will have the opportunity to do homework, as well as activities such as games, crafts and special events.  Children will meet in the gymnasium.  Grades 5 –6 will meet on Monday and Wednesday and Grades 4- 5 will meet on Tuesday and Thursday. There is no after school program on school closing due to weather or scheduled half days. Register online at www.townofstratford.com or at the Recreation Office located at Short Beach Park. This is a free program and children must be registered prior to attending. They are also free to leave on their own at anytime from 3:00pm 4:30pm once they sign out.  For more information please call 385-4052. There is no after school program on the following dates: November 11, 24, 25, and 26, December 23 - January 2.  Re-opens January 3. Christmas week there will be a special program for the week held at Birdseye Complex. A fee is charged. There will be four different trips during the week.

Lordship                        Mon and Wed.                         grades 5 and 6                           3:00-4:30 pm                        24

                                     Tues. and Thurs.                       Grades 3and 4                            3:00-4:30 pm                        24

Franklin                          Mon. and Wed.                       Grades 5 and 6                           3:00-4:30 pm                        35

                                       Tues. and Thurs                      grades 3 and 4                            3:00-4:30 pm                        31

Open Gyms

Wooster                        Wed. and Thurs.                        grades 9 –12                         6:00 - 7:30 pm                        33

Wooster                        Wed. and Thursday                  Men                                          7:30-  9:00 pm                322600-04

Lordship                        Wed. and Thurs.                        grades 6 - 8                           6:00 - 8:00pm                        30

A registration form is required for all participants.

The Stratford Recreation Department is always looking for teens interested in volunteering. We accept teens in or entering grades 8-12. Our department offers a variety of programs both during the school year and summer that can utilize youth volunteers. Opportunities can involve after school sports and learning programs, special events through out the year and summer camps. We offer our volunteers First Aid &CPR training and orientation programs. Our volunteers must fill out an application at the Department and go through a screening process to determine the best fit for the volunteer and the programs. There are several benefits for youth in volunteering such as personal growth, community awareness, developing leadership skills, new friends, positive activity and community service experience for jobs, college and financial aid.

SCHOOL VACATION WEEK SPECIALS