Discover what is offered at Vaughan’s community centres
It’s almost that time again – the start of school. Before schedules become busy, families can plan their fall and winter leisure activities using the new Recreation & Culture Guide.
Whether you’re a preschooler or older adult, it’s never too early or late to learn new skills and adopt new hobbies. From playing just about any sport (skating and hockey included!) to drawing and painting, the Recreation and Culture department has planned programs to suit all interests—even unique ones. Some of the new specialty courses include: learning carpentry; solving a (mock) crime; playing the ukulele; building robots; performing in musical theatre; and, participating in the “Special Olympics.”
Community centres across Vaughan are offering dozens of trendy new courses guaranteed to create rewarding experiences and, potentially, a new set of skills. Here’s a sample:
Ryan Johnson, a Special Olympics athlete, once said, “A rewarding life is filled with challenge. So do not pity me, give me a chance.” Active Start and FUNdamentals are two initiatives led by Special Olympics Canada to help children with disabilities build confidence, social skills and imagination. Children learn to build the necessary skills to take part in competitive sports later in life and learn to strengthen activity skill sets and motor skills. The programs will be offered in Vaughan this fall for children from two to 14 years old. This is a great opportunity for children to put their skills to the test with competitive sporting games in a safe environment.
3-D printers are changing the face of our future and how things are being constructed. Children aged six to 12 can take part in learning this technology in Vaughan. In three classes, they will learn how to fabricate, from start to finish, their own 3-D objects such as cars, jewelry, robots and small toys. They will be able to take home two masterpieces to show family and friends.
You may have seen these miniature guitar-like instruments at Hawaiian luaus, and now, children aged six to 12 can learn to play a ukulele close to home. You can enjoy the sound of a tropical paradise! At Vellore Village Community Centre, your child can learn the fundamentals of the ukulele with the instrument provided during lessons. They’ll be introduced to basic playing techniques, learn how to hold and tune a ukulele and play songs in groups. This instrument is a perfect start to learning string instruments for your small aspiring musician!
NEW: Hands-on Robotics
Take your child’s creativity and technology skills to the next level. Using Lego’s newest Mindstorms EV3, students will grasp concepts of building structures and gearing up robots, and build at least six robots. Students will have fun programming their robots to navigate paths, throw balls and avoid obstacles. Classes are offered for children ages six to 12 and youth from 13-17.
With registered and drop-in programs for all ages, there’s something for everyone. So go ahead – take a spin at ballroom dancing, fight stress with yoga and tai chi, or learn a lifesaving skill during swim lessons.
For program information, view the Recreation & Culture eGuide, a digital publication with direct links to online registration, which begins Aug. 18. In this publication you’ll find leisure opportunities across Vaughan, including:
half price recreational swims for children and youth- December, March Break and PA Day camps for ages three-16
- special theme programs such as the Vellore Haunted House
- Culture Days event and newcomer bus tours in September, plus various art shows & exhibitions
- parks, trails, skateboard parks, indoor arenas and outdoor rinks
- pay-as-you-go and membership options for aquafitness, swimming, skating, sports and fitness
- older adult groups and bocce
- employment and volunteer opportunities
- information about RecAssist, a fee assistance program for low income individuals
Recreation & Culture Guides were delivered to residents in July. Copies are available at Vaughan community centres, libraries and City Hall. For assistance, call the Recreation and Culture department at 905-832-8500 or visit vaughan.ca/recreation.
Visit the City of Vaughan’s website at vaughan.ca.
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