Swim Lessons at Waterworks

Waterworks in Woodbridge offers children's swim lessons for all levels.  Check out their summer 2012 offerings! 

NEW Programs for Summer 2012 SWIM LESSONS

Waterworks is offering group swim lessons and private lessons in the evenings at the park. Below is our schedule of classes being offered this summer. You may register at the park or at any of the other recreation centers. The group lesson fees are $64 per session.

Swim Lesson Schedule Monday - Thursday (8 classes)
Session I: Jun 18 – 28
Session II: Jul 2 – 12 (no class Jul 4)
Session III: Jul 16 – 26
Session IV: Jul 30 - Aug 9

Preschool 1 6:45 p.m.
Preschool 2/3 6:45 p.m.
Level 1/2 7:20 p.m. and 8:05 p.m.
Level 3 8:05 p.m.

Private Lessons
For those who prefer one-on-one instruction, the Park Authority offers private & semi-private lessons on the same days and times of the day (PM) as group lessons.
Fee: $165/6 – 30 min lessons (plus $55/additional person; semi-private)

Junior Lifeguard Camp
This is two-week training program for youth who desire the skills to become a lifeguard. Students will gain valuable on the job training in the areas of recognizing emergencies, introductory lifeguard skills (certification not included) including First Aid and CPR, and effective communication with guests. Participants will work one days with an experienced lifeguard during the second week. T-shirt & whistle provided, discounted admissions and/or volunteer opportunities are available after class until 6 p.m. on class days (weather permitting).

Prerequisite: Students should be able to swim 100 yards continuously in deep water and tread water for 1 minute.
Fee: $150; 8 sessions
Day: Monday-Thursday
Dates: Jun 18-28 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Jul 30 - Aug 9 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Father's Day Weekend At Leesylvania State Park

Leesylvania State Park is a fantastic location right here in Prince William County! Having a park so close is such a great perk! Here are their activities coming up this weekend! 

Below are this weekend programs and attached are upcoming programs!  Hope to see you here at Leesylvania State Park !

Terrific Tales for Toddlers

Date:	06/15/2012
Time:	10:30 a.m.   To  11:00 a.m.
Location:	Visitor Center
Description:	Join us for story time as we read tales about nature. Once the story is over we will get out the crayons and have fun coloring pictures.

Colonial Children's Games

Date:	06/16/2012
Time:	11:00 a.m.   To  4:30 p.m.
Location:	Visitor Center
Description:	See what games children used to play during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Play a few innings of Town Ball. Race hoops against each other and play a game of catch called Graces. Appropriate for children 4 years old and up.

A Revolutionary Father's Day Presentation

Date:	06/16/2012
Time:	1:00 p.m.   To  2:00 p.m.
Location:	Visitor Center
Description:	Leesylvania State Park is pleased to announce that on Saturday, June 16, 2012 -- local author, educator, and Historic Dumfries Virginia board president Michael Cecere will give a presentation on Prince William County 's most notable Revolutionary War soldier, Light Horse Harry Lee and his father Henry Lee II to mark Father's Day. Mr. Cecere's presentation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center . Signed copies of Mr. Cecere's new book entitled, Wedded to My Sword: will be available for sale after his presentation.

Powell's Creek Hike

Date:	06/17/2012
Time:	2 sessions - 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Location:	Powell's Creek Trailhead
Description:	Join a ranger for a walk through the woods. You'll get to see wetlands, learn how the forest is involved in the water cycle, and hike to a beautiful overlook of the creek. Meet at the Powell's Creek Trailhead.

Father's Day Canoe Tour

Date:	06/17/2012
Time:	8:00 a.m.   To  10:00 a.m.
Location:	Register at the Visitor Center and then meet at Canoe Launch
Description:	Join a ranger for a guided canoe tour on Powell's Creek. You'll get to see wildlife, marsh plants, and test your skills in a canoe. Please register with the Visitor Center 24 hours in advance for the tour. Fee is $9.00 per person, or $6.00 per person when reserving for groups of 4 or more.

Junior Rangers

Date:	06/18/2012   To  08/02/2012
Time:	9:00 a.m.   To  4:00 p.m.
Location:	Sign up at the Visitor Center
Description:	Our Junior Ranger program is back for another exciting year!! Each day we cover new topics, and introduce fun educational activities that help keep things fun and interesting. It is a great way for you and your child to learn about the rich history and nature that is in your own backyard. For more information on exact days and times of program please call. There is a $60.00 enrollment fee per session for each participant. This covers all supplies, graduation certificate, t-shirt, and patch. Junior Ranger Dates Morning Session (AM):    9 A.m. - 12 P.M. Afternoon Session (PM): 1 P.M. - 4 P.M. June 18-21       AM: 4-6 year olds                       PM: 10-12 year olds June 25-28       AM: 4-6 year olds                       PM: 7-9 year olds July 9-12          AM: 7-9 year olds                       PM: 4-6 year olds July 16-19        AM: 4-6 year olds                       PM: 10-12 year olds July 30-Aug. 2   AM: 4-6 year olds                       PM: 7-9 year olds

Friends of Leesylvania State Park ’s monthly meeting

Date:	06/19/2012
Time:	7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location:	Main Office
Description:	The Friends Leesylvania State Park help the park serve visitors and protect the park's natural resources. The group raises money and supports park programs such as the Junior Rangers, Free Kids Fishing Tournaments, and Haunted History Hikes. Friends also help guests and promote the park's unique nature and history, as well as fishing, boating and more. Members have many interests and various backgrounds. There are several membership options. Feel free to email Friends of Leesylvania (friendsofleesylvania@gmail.com) to learn more or come to one of its meetings. It meets the third Tuesday of each month.

Going Batty!

Date:	06/21/2012
Time:	3 Sessions - 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., & 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Location:	Visitor Center
Description:	Although some mammals can glide, bats are the only ones that can fly. Join us to learn where they live, what they eat, and why they can fly around safely at night. Fee is $2/person, $6/family

Guest Post: Joseph D. Reading Park

In honor of National Kids to Parks Day (May 19, 2012), I decided to venture outside my comfort zone and take my girls (three years old and one year old) to a park we never had been to before.  We actually drive by it several times a week, but have never checked it out.

I was pleasantly surprised as we drove down the driveway leading to the park area.  Parking is close to the playground and is easily accessible.  There is a sidewalk leading right from the parking lot to the playgrounds which is great when bringing a stroller along.  We passed by several covered pavillions which were set up for parties.  Some people even set up their own!  They all looked very inviting to my party loving three year old!

Slide on "little kids" playground

There are two playgrounds right next to each other.  They look very well maintained and inviting.  One is the "little kid" playground and the other is the "big kid" playground.  There were very few differences between the two, namely the "Wiggly Bridge" (as my three year old called it) and some more spaces to climb up/down.  Both playgrounds have swings (bucket and regular) and slides.  The slides have a tendency to get hot as they old school metal ones, but weren't too bad the day we were there.  We checked out the "little kid" playground first.  My one year old is not walking yet, so I sat her in the mulch by the large number manipulative.  She had fun spinning the numbers and watching her big sister run around.  The "big kid" playground was just too inviting, so my three year old ended up spending most of her time over there, but would go back and forth between the two.  The playgrounds are close enough that you can watch your children on both at the same time.  My girls also really liked the swings.

"Big kids" playground

"Little kids" playground

We were there before lunch time and the sun was really strong over the playground.  The only shade to be found was that made by the equipment itself!  Make sure you bring a lot of water when you come if it is sunny.  There is a water fountain near the bathroom, but it was not working the day we went.  We decided to take a break for a snack under one of the many trees on the park grounds.  It was nice to get out of the sun for a while.  There is also a lot of room for children to run around.  As we ate snack, my three year old was eying a "mountain" by our spot.  She felt like such a big girl when she reached the top.  There was a flat field at the top which would be perfect for flying kites in the fall!

One thing I always look for when I am going out is a bathroom.  Thankfully, there is a bathroom on the park grounds as we had to use it on the way out.  Unfortunately, it had a strong smell of cleaner, but didn't feel very clean.  There was no soap, but the water did work.  Note to self, bring hand sanitizer!

All in all, we really enjoyed our first visit at Joseph D. Reading Park.  I definitely see us going there in the future to play and for picnic lunches.  Kline's Freeze (yum!) is not far from the park entrance so you could get ice-cream on the way in or on the way home!

The lowdown:

Pros

Easy parking.

Pavilions available.

Well maintained and clean equipment.

Two playgrounds for different ages.

Lots of shade for resting and picnics.

LOTS of room to run.

Cons

Playground is very sunny.

Metal slides get hot.

Bathroom is not the best.

Make sure you bring enough water for everyone and some hand sanitizer!  Maybe we'll see you there!
___________________________________________________
Angela Pounders is a transplant to Manassas Park from Arlington.  She is blessed to be a stay at home mama to two beautiful girls.  As a former teacher (as well as preschool director and Children and Family Director), she is always on the look out for fun, easy and educational things to do with her girls.  She also loves to share her ideas and is looking to start her own blog, Master's Daughter, by the fall.

Potomac Mills Kidgits Presents Mirror Mirror Event June 23

POTOMAC MILLS WELCOMES FAMILIES INTO SNOW WHITE’S MAGICAL WORLD WITH MIRROR MIRROR EVENT ON JUNE 23

Step into an enchanted kingdom in celebration of the June 26 Mirror Mirror Blu-ray™, DVD and movie download release

WOODBRIDGE, VA (June 14, 2012) —Kids and adults can get ready to use their imaginations as Simon malls and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment are teaming up to turn Potomac Mills into the ultimate Snow White experience in honor of Relativity Media’s family comedy Mirror Mirror, starring Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer and Nathan Lane.  Filled with mystic mirrors, an enchanted forest and rebellious dwarfs, the Potomac Mills’ Grand Court will never be the same.

Potomac Mills invites Washington D.C.-area families to attend a fun-filled day at this special Simon Kidgits Club event, taking place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 23.  In celebration of the June 26 Blu-ray™, DVD and movie download release of Relativity Media’s Mirror Mirror from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, kids can get involved in engaging activities based on this fresh film inspired by the beloved children’s classic.

At the event, children will have a chance to view Mirror Mirror in a special viewing area and relive the fantasy film with countless themed activities, including tiara decorating, majestic mirror-making and a coloring station.  Additionally, the Mirror Mirror experience lets kids create their own magical, make-believe potion as well as learn a special dance to the film’s featured song, “I Believe”, thanks to the Blu-ray dance-along feature. Families can also capture their magical event moments with an enchanting photo opportunity and pose next to a special Snow White standee.

“The Simon Kidigts Club is helping families have fun by bringing one their favorite fairytales to life. Our Mirror Mirror inspired event will deliver an entertaining experience to kids and adults by encouraging everyone to use their imagination,” said Jayne Stilson, assistant vice president of business development for Simon Brand Ventures, the business-to-consumer division of Simon Property Group.

The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. Since 2003, the Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.

For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club and “Mirror Mirror” events, visitwww.simon.com/kidgits or find Potomac Mills on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PotomacMills) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/shoPotomacMills).

Duck Splash

Coming this weekend!! It's Occoquan Virginia's 6th Annual Duck Splash!!

Please help support PWTSC’s work by adopting a duck for the 6th Annual Duck Splash. On June 16, at 12:30pm we will drop 3,000 little rubber duckies into the Occoquan River at the Historic Town of Occoquan. The first 10 adopted ducks to cross the finish line win cash prizes for their owners. It is $5 to adopt a duck and while it is a lot of fun to be there when the ducks go in, you need not be present to win.http://www.pwtsc.org/index.php/2012/04/6th-annual-duck-splash You can adopt a duck from any PWTSC Board member, at participating Occoquan Merchants, the Occoquan Farmer’s Market, at the Spring Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show, or right here on-line (use the “buy” button at the bottom of this page). The prizes are: 1st Place – $500 6th Place – $20 2nd Place – $100 7th Place – $20 3rd Place – $100 8th Place – $20 4th Place – $100 9th Place – $20 5th Place – $100 10th Place – $20 Purchase your ducks at http://www.pwtsc.org/index.php/2012/04/6th-annual-duck-splash All net proceeds from the event will benefit Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization devoted to expanding trails and streams access throughout Prince William County. Enjoy the atmosphere of beautiful historic Occoquan and support a great cause! You can also help support PWTSC by selling Adopt-A-Duck tickets to your friends, family or at local events. Contact Zoe Vitter at 703-785-5785 or president@pwtsc.org for information.

Kick off Summer with Books

CRIBS: Caring Relationships Involving Book Sharing is kicking off the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation for kids ages 5-8 with a free reading celebration. Our goals are to help children have fun with books and share in quality reading time with family. Join us in games, door prizes, a magic carpet story time, and our all new CRIBS Market. Share your summer Reading Hopes and Dreams for a free registration to our Great Adventure Reading +STEM Camp. Contact Barbara G. Edwards, Director for more information.

When:    Saturday, June 16, 2012  at 2:00 PM

Where:   Canterbury Woods Center    12184 Chaucer Lane  Woodbridge VA 22192

Contact   bgedwards@comcast.net.  571 338 4167

The Great American Backyard Campout

On June 23rd, the National Wildlife Fund will be sponsoring the Great American Backyard Campout.  They're inviting everyone in Prince William County (including you, your kids, neighbors, friends and even scout troops) to hoist a tent in the backyard and make some great summer memories!

You can just participate, or, choose to take it one step further and register a team to help raise money to get kids active and outdoors.

From the NWF Website:

Did you know that today, 25% of kids play outside daily—as opposed to 75% a generation ago? Be a part of the Great American Backyard Campout and set an example for children that will get them excited about the great outdoors. Join thousands of campers on June 23 (or you can choose another day that's convenient for you). Embrace an active, healthy outdoor lifestyle—we'll show you how.

Improving your Kids' Health is Rewarding for Them.......and for You!

You have the option to help support NWF's work to connect kids with nature for their overall good health by raising money for our programs. You can set a personal or team fundraising goal, invite your friends and family to support your Campout, and earn the official Campout t-shirt. It’s easy—we’ll give you all the tips and tools you need to be successful plus the added reward of happier, healthier kids.

Register and Win a Trip

You could get the chance to Go Behind the Scenes with NWF celebrity naturalist David Mizejewski. One lucky camper and a guest will win a trip to an upcoming NWF television appearance in New York City or Los Angeles.