Monday, May 20, 2013

Text Size

Preschool & Youth Programs

DSCN0656

View a copy of our Current Fun Times on-line

Register NOW for a program. We offer a wide variety of Preschool and Youth Programs ranging from arts & crafts, athletics, camps, youth centers, special events, playground programs and many more! You are sure to find something of interest to your family.

Lemonade Day

Saturday, May 11

The City of Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department is a proud supporter of Lemonade Day Fort Wayne 2013 – a free, fun, experiential learning program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their own business through a lemonade stand. By engaging in a month-long learning experience through which a child and a caring adult exercise a step-by-step process of starting a business, then actually implementing the business on Lemonade Day on Saturday, May 11, children will have the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and to keep the profits they earn. To learn more and to register for your own FREE Lemonade Day participant materials, please visit www.fortwayne.lemonadeday.org.

Summer Middle School/High School Basketball Leagues

Summer basketball leagues for middle and high school (7th-12th grade) boys and girls are scheduled to begin the week of June 10 at Concordia Theological Seminary (MS) and other locations throughout Fort Wayne. Each league consists of 12 games. Teams will play two days per week, two games each day. You must register as a team and all individual registration forms and fees for each team member must be submitted together. (The IHSAA rules allow an unlimited number of players from the same school to play on a team and the school coaches are allowed to coach them.) Please visit our website at www.fortwayneparks.org to download registration forms, rosters and rules. Registration forms will be available on-line or at the Parks and Recreation Department beginning March 8. If you do not have internet access, please call 427-6000 to request the forms by mail.

Little Sluggers T-Ball

Little Sluggers is a non-competitive, instructional program emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun for boys and girls ages 3-4. Little Sluggers instruction is through demonstration and drills. Games, scrimmages, and competition are not part of the Little Sluggers program. Classes will meet twice a week for four weeks with sessions beginning in June and July.

Pee Wee T-Ball

Pee Wee T-Ball is a non-competitive, instructional program designed to help young athletes (ages 5-7) develop basic baseball skills – throwing, catching, fielding, batting, and base running. Players will “scrimmage” amongst the group. Classes meet twice a week for seven weeks beginning in mid-June.

Lob Ball

Lob Ball replaces the t-ball tee with a slow underhand pitch by a coach and focuses more on strategy and game situations. Participants (ages 6-10) should possess the basic skills of throwing, catching, hitting, and base running, and have some previous experience in an organized t-ball program. Lob Ball is a non-competitive, instructional program that will meet twice a week for seven weeks beginning in mid-June.

Instructional Softball

In this instructional program, boys and girls ages 7-11 will learn fielding skills, positions, batting techniques and game strategies. Pitching will also be introduced.

Mini Kickers & Little Kickers: Intro to Soccer

In Mini and Little Kickers, boys and girls ages 2-4 learn to kick, trap, and pass a soccer ball while also learning basic rules and soccer terms. One adult is required to participate with each child. Classes will meet twice a week for 4 weeks with sessions beginning in June and July.

Kickin’ Kids

This non-competitive, instructional program is designed to help young athletes (ages 5-7) develop basic soccer skills – kicking, trapping, and passing – while also learning rules of the game, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. Classes meet twice a week for 7 weeks beginning in mid-June.

Big Kickers: Soccer Training

Our Big Kickers program focuses more on strategy and game situations. Participants should possess the basic skills of kicking, trapping, and passing a soccer ball while also knowing basic rules and soccer terms. It is a non-competitive, instructional program open to boys and girls ages 6-10. Big Kickers meet twice a week for seven weeks beginning in mid-June.

Flag-Football

Our outdoor flag football program will focus on the basic fundamentals of football – offense, defense, passing, and throwing – as well as rules of the game, emphasizing skill development in a non-competitive environment. The program is open to boys and girls ages 5-11.

Volleyball

Our volleyball program will focus on the basic fundamentals of volleyball – passing, hitting, setting, and serving – as well as rules of the game, emphasizing skill development in a non-competitive environment. The program is open to boys and girls ages 7-12.

Itty Bitty Basketball

In Itty Bitty Basketball, we focus on fundamental skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting in a fun, non-competitive environment. Each child must be accompanied by an adult throughout the program. This program is for children ages 2-4.

Pee Wee Basketball

Pee Wee Basketball focuses on fundamental skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting, as well as rules of the game in a non-competitive environment. The program is open to boys and girls kindergarten-5th grade.

Lifetime Sports Academy

The Lifetime Sports Academy will be held in McMillen Park June 10-July 26. The Academy features group lessons in swimming, golf, and tennis for boys and girls ages 8-18. Program hours will be Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Watch for more details in the Summer Fun Times booklet or call 427-6000 in mid May for a brochure. The Lifetime Sports Academy is a FREE program. Please visit our website at www.fortwayneparks.org for a complete detailed brochure available March 8th.

Pee Wee Golf Tour

The Pee Wee Golf Tour is open to boys and girls ages 3-11 and consists of a series of golf tournaments at various courses throughout the city. Tournament formats and fees vary for each event. Visit our website at www.fortwayneparks.org beginning March 7 to download the schedule of events, deadline dates and registration forms. If you do not have internet access, call 427-6000 to request forms by mail. A tentative list of golf courses for the tour includes: Shoaff Park, McMillen Park, Brookwood Par 3, Canterbury Green, Lakeside Par 3, and River City. The Pee Wee Golf Tour is sponsored by Pepsi and Mizpah Shriners.

Junior Golf Tour

The Junior Golf Tour is open to boys and girls ages 12-18 and consists of a series of golf tournaments at various courses throughout the city. Tournament formats and fees vary for each event. Visit our website at www.fortwayneparks.org beginning March 7 to download the schedule of events, deadline dates and registration forms. If you do not have internet access, call 427-6000 to request this information by mail. A tentative list of golf courses for the tour includes: Canterbury Green, Deer Track, Colonial Oaks, Coyote Creek, Brookwood, Chestnut Hills, Donald Ross, Park, McMillen Park, River City, Lakeside and Shoaff Park. The Junior Golf Tour is sponsored by Pepsi and Mizpah Shriners.

Franke Park Day Camp

Since its inception in 1946, Franke Park Day Camp has provided unforgettable childhood experiences for thousands of Fort Wayne area youth. With its strong emphasis on nature education, basic camping skills and Native American Lore, Franke Park Day Camp provides an environment which fosters cooperation, problem solving and socialization as well as the dirty, muddy, outdoor fun kids of all ages enjoy!

Day Camp Brochure & Registration Form

A summer day camp brochure containing detailed information and a registration form will be distributed through the Allen County Public Libraries and Fort Wayne area schools in early March. You may download the brochure at www.fortwayneparks.org or call 427-6000 to request a brochure by mail. Franke Park Day Camp registrations will be accepted on the official day camp registration form only. Registration begins Friday, March 22 (see page 23 for details).

Day Camp Schedule

Session 1 June 10-14

Session 2 June 17-21

Session 3 June 24-28

Session 4 July 8-12

Session 5 July 15-19

Session 6 July 22-26

Session 7 July 29-August 2

Day Camp Fees

Day Campers (age 4-11)$88

Junior Leaders (age 12) $88

Counselors in Training (ages 13-18) $70

CIT (5 weeks or more) $280

A.M. Camp Care $25

P.M. Camp Care $25

Note: Financial assistance is available for qualified youth. Please inquire about the Franke Park Campership Program at the time of registration.

65th Annual Big Pow Wow

Tuesday, August 6, 7:00 p.m.

Farmin’ Fun Day Camp

June 17-August 2

Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

The Farmin’ Fun Day Camp provides summer fun for boys and girls ages 4 and older. Activities include environmental exploration, arts and crafts, farming and gardening, animal care, games and much more. The garden will be abundant with vegetables to harvest and sell, the pygmy goats will be caring for new babies and you’ll meet other animal residents . . . donkeys, sheep, goats and chickens! Join us for fun on the farm! With so much to see and do, you won’t want to miss a minute. Six weekly sessions will be offered beginning June 17. (No camp will be held the week of July 1-5.) Hours are 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for ages 6 and older and 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for ages 4-5. Before and after camp care is available. We also offer a “Farmers-in-Training” (FIT) program for ages 11 and older. Watch for complete details in the Summer Day Camp brochure that will be distributed through area schools in early March or call 427-6000 to request a brochure by mail. The brochure will also be available online (www.fortwayneparks.org) in early March.

City Safari Summer Day Camp

June 17-August 2

Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Fort Wayne and its surrounding areas are home to various well-known people, places and things that could quite possibly take an entire summer to explore. If you’re entering 1st-6th grades join us as we take part in a new adventure each and every week incorporating a different theme each week through games, activities, arts and crafts. Each week consists of exploring different landmarks in and around the city, tending gardens, learning from local experts, and riding the Citilink bus to Northside pool for a day of swimming. We’ll also be going on off-site field trips each week according to the theme. Feel free to try any one of the six weeks or join us for an entire summer of fun! A typical day runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CCDF vouchers are accepted, and free before and after care is provided every day. Note: There is no camp July 1-5. For more information, look for the Park Department’s Day Camp brochure or phone 427-6440.

Testimonials

Little Kickers
Our daughter loved soccer. We even got a net and ball for home so she could keep playing. I would recomment this to anyone. Courtney R.

This program was exactly what we were hoping it would be: a fun and educational intro into organized sports! Jennifer F.

This program was beyond what we expected. It is the perfect intro to the fun of soccer! Lauren C.

I loved the soccer program. My boys enjoyed learning the fundamentals of soccer while the staff modeled a teamwork and perserverance. D. Koons

My child learned that soccer is great fun in an outdoor, fun atmosphere. Andrea S.

Focus is on fundamentals, not competition, many children lose fundamentals if they are thrown into competition too quickly. Tony S.

Flag Football

Programs were a great way for our child to make new friends and build skills to play flag football. Rocky M.

My boys had a lot of fun. That's just as important as learning skills. The staff was just awesome. Rebecca R.

This was a wonderful program for our son to learn the basics of flag football. Fabulous coaches and well organized. Thank you! Kelly R.

Great program and excellent coaches! Sarah D.

I was very impressed with the staff! For being high school students they did a great job of relating to the kids. They were fun, encouraging and just all around positive role models for the boys! To be honest...the coaches made the program. My son loved them! Excellent job! Ally T.

The staff was amazing, and my son loved coming every Monday and Wednesday. Christie S.

Kickin' Kids

Coach Josh and his team did a great job teaching the fundamentals of soccer in a fun and encouraging way. Nice job. See you next year. Kathy G.

Staff great with children. Jerome and Lolita G.

Wow, what an amazing program. Ethan loved soccer so much he counted down the days for the weekend to be over. J. Smith

I couldn't imagine a better learning environment for the kids. A great mix of learning and fun. Brad S.

For several years our daughter has loved the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation soccer program. Andrea L. S.

Excellent program with good leadership. I would recommend this program-Ann S.

Staff was very active and informative. They made it a fun learning experience. Cassandra G.

Big Kickers

Keep up the great work! Mike H.

I am very satisfied with the instruction and overall program, we will definitely sign up for another program. Debi C.

Really enjoyed the interaction from adult to child-encouragement, keeping the focus on learning and growing and fun! Jennifer C.

T-ball

We really liked the fact that you provide financial assistance for lower income families and the staff was great with the kids. Eric G.

The staff was very friendly, patient, and most of all made it fun. Jen G.

Our family loved the t-ball program. We have two girls in the program and they both are developing a love for the sport. Maria H.

Amazing program! Fantastic coaches! Great organization! Jennifer N.

Itty Bitty Basketball

Staff did a great job working with kids and making them feel welcome. Nico T.

Raiden always wanted to show the family what he learned in class! It was fun to watch him get excited to learn. Shawnda L.

I have recommended this program to several parents. Laurette A.

Volleyball

The Parks and Recreation Volleyball program was excellent for my 9 year old. She learned many skills and launched forward in overall confidence. She will now be ready to participate in a volleyball league in the fall. Thank you! Neil G.

Questions? E-mail: