LFR Newsletter
April
Department Updates
Summer Camp Registration Opens April 8th
Starting on April 8th at 9:00 AM, summer camp registration will officially open online and over the phone for Manchester residents!
To register, please visit the Recreation’s registration page (http://reconline.townofmanchester.org) or call the Recreation Main Office at (860)647-3084. To register online, you must have an active account in our system. If you are unsure if you have an active account, please call the Recreation Division at (860)647-3084 to find out!
Summer camp is scheduled to run weekdays from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM for a six-week season; before and/or after care is available at an additional cost. The schedule is broken up into three sessions: Session 1 (July 1-12), Session 2 (July 15-26) and Session 3 (July 29 – August 9).
Camp sites will be broken up into the following age brackets:
- Center Springs Park (Ages 5-7)
- Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center, Bowers Elementary School & Martin Elementary School (Ages 5-11)
- Community Y Teen Camp (Ages 11-13)
- RLT @ Leisure Labs (Ages 14-15)
If financial assistance is required, please contact Katie Clark at Manchester Senior, Adult and Family Services at (860) 647-3065 for a consultation. Financial Assistance approvals submitted prior to April 1st will be entered into the system and will allow you to register at the appropriate rate on April 8th. Payment will be required, in full, at the time of registration to reserve your child’s space at camp.
Please review the summer camp flyers for additional information. Questions? Contact Recreation Supervisors Taylor McBride ([email protected] / 860-647-6039) and James Costa ([email protected] / 860-647-3089).
Recreation Membership Card – Free 2024 Adult Memberships
Beginning Monday, January 1, 2024, the Town of Manchester’s Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation will be offering free Recreation Membership Cards to all adult and senior residents for the 2024 programming season, made possible through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
A Recreation Membership Card can be purchased at Center Springs Park, the Community Y, Customer Services at Town Hall and the Senior Center. This card will allow access to the town’s recreation centers, outdoor & indoor pools, and the Community Y Fitness Center. Senior citizen passes are also valid for the Manchester Senior Center and Senior Center programs.
This offer is available to Manchester residents only. Questions? Please contact the Recreation Division at (860)647-3084.
Recreation Division
Lifeguard Training (LGT) April Vacation Session
Looking for a great summer job? Through video, group discussion and hands – on practice, learn patron rescue and surveillance skills, first aid and CPR/AED. Successful candidates will receive a 2/yr CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuers and a 2/ yr Lifeguard certification. Due to this being a Blended Learning course, online and in person, registration will close on 04/07.
- Prerequisites: Must be at least 15 years of age and pass certain swimming requirements. Attendance at each class is mandatory.
- Facilitator: Josh Charette
- Location: Manchester High School Main Pool
- Ages: 15+
- Meets: M-F, 04/08/24 – 04/12/24, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Fee: $50/$250 (nr)
Youth Service Bureau
72-Hour Bag Supply Drive to Benefit Fire Victims
Residential fires often happen without warning and are among the most devastating to individuals and families. The first 72-hours are critical in meeting the most basic needs for victims such as food, shelter and clothing. You can help by purchasing toothbrushes, unscented soap, gallon Zip Lock bags, blankets (preferred size 50×70), or gift cards (denominations of $10 or $20).
- Location: Youth Service Bureau, 63 Linden Street
- Meets: M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Information: For more information, please contact Kellie Gauvin or Tasha Weston at (860)647-5213.
Mystic Aquarium Trip
Come play for the day at Mystic Aquarium! Explore all the aquarium has to offer and enjoy a private sea lion training with our group. This program is appropriate for youth and families of all ages. Transportation from the YSB is provided; the bus departs at 8:15 AM. Please pack a lunch or lunch is available on-site for purchase.
- Meets: M, 04/08/24, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Location: Youth Service Bureau, 63 Linden Street
- Ages: All welcome
- Registration: This event is free. Questions? Please contact Kellie Gauvin at [email protected].
iLuminate Artist of Light – An Electric Fusion of Light and Dance
Music, art and the technological magic of illuminate brings you a story of adventure and romance told through dance styles, ranging from contemporary, hip-hop, Latin, and break dancing, all using the power of light. Please note that this event is not suitable for youth or adults with sensitivity to sound or light.
- Meets: Sat, 04/13/24, show starts @ 3:00 PM
- Location: Bushnell Theater (Transportation provided from 63 Linden Street)
- Ages: Youth 10+ & their families
- Registration: This event is free. Questions? Please contact Kellie Gauvin at [email protected].
Ballet Theatre Company – Snow White
Snow White blends elements from the traditional tale with her own ballet twists, following Snow White as she experiences hardships, friendships and unexpected trials with unwavering kindness. Transportation from the YSB is provided; the bus departs at 12:30 PM.
- Meets: Sat, 04/20/24, show starts @ 2:00 PM
- Location: Bushnell Theater (Transportation provided from 63 Linden Street)
- Ages: Youth 8+ & their families
- Registration: This event is free. Questions? Please contact Kellie Gauvin at [email protected].
Neighborhoods & Families Division
Spruce Street Community Garden Learnshop: At-Home Composting
Want to get started on composting and don’t know how? Have you been composting, but have been unhappy with the results? Join us for our At-Home Composting workshop to learn from a UConn Master Composter!
- Meets: W, 04/03/24, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Eastside Neighborhood Resource Center, 153 Spruce Street
- Ages: All welcome
- Fee: No cost
Nathan Hale Movie Night: Shaun The Sheep
Join us for our free, family-friendly movie night series indoors at the Nathan Hale Recreation Center! Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs & blankets. Light refreshments will be provided.
- Meets: F, 04/05/24, screening starts at 6:00 PM
- Location: Nathan Hale Recreation Center, 160 Spruce Street
- Ages: All ages welcome.
- Fee: No cost or registration required.
Family Fun Night: Arts & Crafts Night
Family Fun Nights are based on the idea that, when it comes to creating connections – fun comes first! These events provide families a positive, no-cost opportunity for connection & recreation. Enjoy a variety of art and crafts, including themed craft kits, activities, coloring pages & more!
- Meets: F, 04/19/24, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Eastside Neighborhood Resource Center, 153 Spruce Street
- Ages: Students PreK – Grade 6 & their families
- Fee: No cost or registration required.
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About Author
James Costa is the Neighborhoods & Families Coordinator for the Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation. He began working with the division during his sophomore year at Manchester High School, and he is now a UConn graduate with degrees in Journalism & Film Studies.
Fun Fact #1: I won my car in a raffle during Manchester High School’s Project Graduation.
Fun Fact #2: My all-time favorite movies are All That Heaven Allows, Punch-Drunk Love & Twin Peaks: The Return.