If you’re not escaping north or south over the school break, never fear, there are children’s programs galore that will inspire and delight.
Compiled by Janice Llanes Fabry
If you’re not escaping north or south over the school break, never fear, there are children’s programs galore that will inspire and delight.
Rye Recreation
>Vacation Golf Camp
Thanks to Rye Recreation Center, TGA Premier Junior Golf is bringing the golf course to grades K-5 to the Osborn School gym February 17-19 from 9:30-12:30. Children will play games while learning fundamentals, advanced techniques, rules, and etiquette. Tee it up and see how much fun playing golf can be! All equipment supplied. Returning students will advance to higher skill levels. Fee: $190 residents, $215 non-residents. Visit www.rye ny.gov/ recreation.cfm to register.
>Mad Science Bugs and Beasts
Grades K-4 can explore the world of creepy, crawly creatures and the animal kingdom on February 18 from 9:30-12:30 at the Damiano Recreation Center. Kids will investigate the fascinating behavior of spiders, ants, bats, and owls. They’ll also learn about habitats, anatomy, and life cycles. Fee: $55 residents, $60 non-residents. Register at www.ryeny.gov/ recreation.cfm.
>Mad Science Planet Rock
Kids in grades K-4 will travel to the center of the earth and unlock the mysteries of the planet in the safety of the Rye Recreation Center on February 19 from 9:30-12:30. They’ll discover the power of weather like hurricanes, tornadoes and thunderstorms and take home their very own U.V. ray detector. Fee: $55 residents, $60 non-residents. Register at www.ryeny.gov/recreation.cfm.
Rye Arts Center
>Add to Your Portfolio
In this intensive workshop, adults and teens will learn to draw from a clothed and/or nude model from February 16-20, 12:30-3:30. Students will work on large paper in charcoal and learn about perspective, foreshortening, and composition. Supplies must be purchased ahead of time. Fee: $295 (members receive 10% discount). Call 967-0700 or register at www.ryeartscenter.org.
>The World in 3D
On February 16-20, from 10-12, ages 8-12 can learn how to create 3D models that can be printed for any application, such as art, jewelry, and technology. Explore how computer modeling is used in many fields, from art to entertainment to engineering. Realize your own personal vision! Fee: $205 (members receive 10% discount). Register at www.rye art scenter.org.
>Budding Artists
Ages 8-12, will receive hands-on instruction on composition, color, and texture through drawing and painting February 16-20 from 12:30-2:30. They will work with a different medium each day, including acrylics, pencil, watercolor, and charcoal. Fee: $205 (members receive 10% discount). Register at www.ryeartscenter.org.
>Musical Theater
Join the Rye Arts Center stage for a production of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” from February 16-20 from 9-4. Kids will learn lines, choreography, and staging. They should bring their own lunch. Directed by Ashleigh Awusie with Cindy Moore as musical director, the play will be presented on February 20 at 7. Fee: $385 (members receive 10% discount). Register at www.ryeartscenter .org.
Rye Nature Center
All one-day camps from 10-12 for ages 3-10
>Plant Awakenings
On February 17, kids will plant bulbs and learn about maple sap and sugaring. They’ll also get a glimpse of all the flowers that are ready to bloom at winter’s end. Fee: $60 members, $70 non-members. Register at www.ryenaturecenter.org or in person.
>Patterns in the Wild
On February 18, participants will look at natural objects that have a variety of shapes. Think about it. Honeycombs and tortoise shells are like hexagons; tree trunks are like cylinders. Look at the world a whole different way. Fee: $60 members, $70 non-members. Register at www.ryenaturecenter.org or in person.
>Winter Games
On February 19, kids will warm up with a variety of fun running and hide ‘n’ seek games. Staff will lead the kids in relay races and camp favorites such as “camouflage” and “deer and wolf.” The older kids will participate in fire making and log saving. If there’s snow on the ground, then they’ll make animal shapes, too. Fee: $60 members, $70 non-members. Register at www.ryenaturecenter.org or in person.
>Amazing Reptiles and Amphibians
On February 20, the children will travel the animal world looking for the biggest, oldest, smallest and strongest lizards, turtles, snakes, and frogs. They’ll explore the Nature Center pond and discuss methods of survival during the winter months. Fee: $60 members, $70 non-members. Register at www.ryenaturecenter.org or in person.
Rye Free Reading Room
>Brown Bag Movies
There will be three popular films at the library for ages 5 and up to enjoy. Bring a bagged lunch. The library will supply drinks and snacks. On February 17, Disney’s “Maleficent” (PG) will be shown. On February 18, it’s Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” (PG) and on February 20, “Alexander & the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” (PG). All start at 1. Visit www.ryelibrary.org.
>Science Just for Fun
On February 20, the Gadgets Science Fun Club will fascinate children in grades 3-5 from 3:30-4:30. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. To sign up, visit www.ryelibrary.org, go to Programs and Events, choose the event, and click on the Register button. Registration opens a week before the event.
Wainwright House
>Kingdom of a Camp
Kids ages 6-9 can be princes and princesses February 16-20 from 9-11:15. Sponsored by We Sing for the World and Wainwright, children will learn beloved royal songs and dances. They will also make their own crowns, tiaras, activity books, and enjoy royalty-themed movies during breaks. The last day will conclude with an exciting performance.
All supplies are included. Fee: $230 members, $245 non-members. To register, call 967-6080 or visit www.wainwright .org.
>Broadway Camp
Wainwright House is offering kids ages 10-13 the opportunity to explore the world of musical theater February 16-20 from 1-4. Performers will learn a solo, duet, or trio; work on a scene with a partner; and learn fun choreography.
A showcase performance will be held February 20 at 5. Fee: $245 for members, $298 non-members. To register, call 967-6080 or log on to www.wainwright .org.
Rye YMCA
>Hoops
Ages 5-11, will learn the fundamentals of basketball, including dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense from February 16-20. Half days run from 9-12; full days from 9-4. Participants are grouped according to age and skill level. Swimming is included on scheduled days. Full-day campers are required to bring a snack and lunch. Half day: Family members $60, Youth members $70, non-members $110. Full day: Family members $80, Youth members $90, non-members $125. Visit www.ryeymca .org.
>Gymnastics
Kids, ages 5 and up, can do drills and tumbling, as well as swimming on scheduled days, from February 16-20. Half and full days are available. Full day campers will also participate in arts, crafts, games, and fitness. Snack and lunch required. Half day: Family members $60, Youth members $70, non-members $110. Full day: family members $80, Youth members $90, non-members $125. Visit www.ryeymca.org.
>Fun All Around
Kindergarteners through sixth graders can spend their winter break, February 16-20, participating in sports, games, swimming, arts and crafts, nature, science, special events, and field trips. Each day runs from 9-4, so snack and lunch are required. Members and ASA/KT participants: $65, non-members $80. Visit www.ryeymca.org.
>Calling All Teens to Fitness
On February 16, 18, and 20, mini and full clinics are available for teens. They will work on agility, cardio, games, strength, and conditioning. Participants ages 14-15 will be eligible for a teen passport card to use the wellness center. For more information, visit www.ryeymca.org.
Rye Historical Society
>Happy Birthday, George Washington
Children ages 7-11 are invited to the Square House Museum on February 18 for a special celebration honoring our first President from 10-12. The father of our country would be 283 years old! Fun activities include presidential games, trivia, crafts, and even a birthday cake. The cost for the program is $15 per child, which includes all craft materials and snacks. Reservations are suggested, as space is limited. Call 967-7588. n
