Preschool/Youth

Dec 20, 2021

Preschool/Youth Monthly Newsletter

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Preschool Open Gym

Bring your little ones to Preschool Open Gym! The gym is set up with age-appropriate toys and equipment for you and your child to play and have a safe, fun time. This is an unstructured program and parent participation is a requirement throughout the program. Preregistration is required. Due to COVID precautions, space is limited to 30 kids per session. Fee is $3 per child or those with a Preschool Open Gym (POG) punch pass can purchase their ticket for free and a punch will be deducted on site. More information click here.

Family Programs

Father/Daughter Dance: Join us for a night of dancing and fun for young ladies and the special man in their lives (dad/grandpa/uncle, etc.). The evening includes desserts, dancing, crafts and a photographer to capture all of the fun memories of the night. Dress for a special party in attire that is comfortable and fitting for the evening. Enrollment is per couple – register under child’s name. Dinner & dance is one fee and one registration.

Family Polar Hikes: Ready to get outdoors this winter and explore your Dublin parks? Join us each month for fun, fitness and fellowship during a 2-3 mile hike at one of Dublin’s community area parks (weather permitting). Each month provides families with the opportunity to explore, learn and actively engage in nature at a different Dublin park. Registration fee is per child participant. Parent participation is required.

Leapin’ Leprechaun Park Hunt: The search is on to find the Leprechaun that has escaped in our Dublin parks! Families participate together in a nature park hunt to find the leprechaun and his pot of gold before the St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Registration fee is $5 per family – please only register one member of your household.

Spring Egg-stravaganza Event: Grab your paintbrush, tennis shoes, and swimsuit – get ready for an egg-stravaganza! Travel throughout the DCRC participating in three stations consisting of collection of floating colorful eggs in the pool, an arts & craft project and a self-led scavenger hunt! Each station will last 30-minutes with travel time for a total of 90 minutes. Participants will receive a prize at the end of the event.

Family Fishing Fun: Family Fishing IMG Join Ms. Barbara at the DCRC pond for a fun, family evening of fishing! Get up close and hands-on with nature as we practice techniques to catch fish, including how to properly cast and catch. Equipment and supplies are provided. Registration fee is per child participant (families receive one set of materials per registered child). Parent participation is required.

Family Fish w/ a Firefighter: Join Washington Township firefighters for an enjoyable family fishing program at the DCRC pond. Included in the program is basic instruction on equipment, bait, fishing techniques and pond safety. Dress for outdoor conditions and wear closed toe shoes. Registration fee is per child participant (families receive one set of materials per registered child). Parent participation is required.

Preschool Programs

Creation Station: Create an art masterpiece each week using unique materials and paints to explore a variety of art techniques. Materials may include marshmallows, cars, cookie cutters, bubbles, paint, playdough and more. Plan to dress for a mess! Each session offers new themes/projects.

Ooey Gooey Creations: Create fun art projects by exploring with different materials. This is a great way to introduce textures, have different sensory experiences, and work with many different mediums. Have fun with play dough, paint, and more. Get ready to have a real messy time! Parent participation required.

Tumble Time: Join Dublin Dance Centre & Gymnastics in developing and improving your child’s coordination, large motor and movement skills through basic tumbling techniques. This dynamic class allows your child to safely explore movement! Dance, music, and games are intermixed with free time and a circuit course for your child’s large motor development and socialization skills. Learn basic ballet and jazz fundamentals in fun, engaging themes for your child. Parent participation required.

Storybook Forest: Visit a land of imagination in our Storybook Forest! Our Storybook Forest is a great way to enjoy the wonders of nature and a bedtime story all at once. Each session, participants will visit a new secret area of Coffman Park and enjoy a story time with friends. Parent participation is not required, but due to the age of participants, parents/guardians must stay present outside the classroom for bathroom breaks or behavioral interventions.

Young Explorers: Grab your young explorer and join us for an activity time! Activities and games for socialization are a great way for children to learn how behave around their peers, no matter if they are a toddler, preschooler of just started kindergarten. Children learn important social skills like sharing, taking turns, and working together while playing with friends! Each session is a different theme and teaches children something new! Fee is per child participant. Parent participation is not required, but due to the age of participants, parents/guardians must stay present for bathroom breaks or behavioral interventions.

Whirlygig: Join Miss Marlene while she plays guitar and invites you to sing along to your favorite songs, plus learn new ones that you can enjoy at home. Using your imagination, go on a musical journey of discovery and delight each week in this high-energy parent/child participation program. Development of motor, social and language skills are developed naturally while in a playful class.

Kinderdance: Kinderdance® for young children is a developmental dance, motor skill, music, and fitness program, blended with academics, specifically designed for boys and girls ages 3-5. Children can be enrolled for up to 3 years with this 3-level program. Parents who want to give their child the opportunity to dance will love how Kinderdance® teaches the basics of Ballet, Tap, Acrobatics and Creative Movement while blending educational concepts, designed to teach to the total child.

First Down Tots: First Down Tots is an engaging development program for kids. It uses a variety of games that teach the sport of football and develop fundamental skills. The goal is to build fitness, muscle coordination, football fundamentals and create a love of the game. No tackling or blocking is conducted at this level. Parent participation welcomed, but Skyhawks Sports staff leads the program.

Preschool Sports: Athletic movements including kicking, throwing, catching, rolling and running are introduced in this exciting Bally Sports program. Instructional in nature, with an emphasis on learning fundamentals in a fun way, this weekly class includes relay races, partner games, and more! All equipment provided by Bally Sports Group. Parent participation is required.

Multi-Sports Class: Have a ball with Bally Sports while learning a wide variety of sports! Participants engage in age-appropriate activities each week that help them learn the fundamentals of each specific sport. Sports may include soccer, baseball, basketball, flag football, and hockey. Participants receive valuable lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, respect and more while having a blast. All equipment provided by Bally Sports Group.

Little Ballers: Discover the fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding, and the concept of game play in this fun, age-appropriate sports program perfect for first time basketball players. Each week includes developmental instruction and modified recreation game play.

Little Sluggers: Bally Sports Group’s Little Sluggers is a great introduction to the game of baseball for young children. Using age-appropriate activities, players are introduced to fundamentals of baseball in an atmosphere that is supportive, fun and encouraging. Each week the program includes an instructional portion that introduces players to batting, base running, fielding, throwing and catching. A modified game is also played each week. The Little Sluggers T-Ball program provides your child with a fun and positive t-ball experience that encourages continued participation in the sport. Participants need their own baseball glove; all other equipment provided by Bally Sports Group. Parent participation welcomed, but Bally Sports staff leads the program.

Soccer Shots Mini: Soccer Shots Mini is a high-energy program introducing children to fundamental soccer principles, such as using your feet, dribbling and basic rules of the game. Over the course of the session, children learn basic soccer skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. An optional sports jersey is available for purchase; fees payable directly to Soccer Shots staff after the first class.

Soccer Shots Classic: Soccer Shots Classic utilizes creative and imaginative games to focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. Over the course of the session, children learn basic soccer skills in a fun, noncompetitive environment, as well as positive character traits including respect, teamwork and appreciation. An optional sports jersey is available for purchase; fees payable directly to Soccer Shots staff after the first class.

Amazing TOTs: Amazing Athletes uses a multi-sport program to benefit children physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. This program introduces the fundamentals of 10 different sports (soccer, hockey, volleyball, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, football, track and field, baseball, and golf) in a non-competitive environment. Children in Amazing Athletes routinely gain greater confidence, learn to combine fitness with fun, and develop six key motor skills: balancing, running, jumping, throwing, catching, and kicking. Parent participation required.

Amazing Athletes: Amazing Athletes shows kids just how much fun fitness can be! During the 30-minute weekly class, children learn the importance of patience, teamwork and self-confidence in a non-competitive, learning-based environment that fosters a love of healthy living. Through structured active play, Amazing Athletes develops six different motor skills of balancing, running, jumping, throwing, catching, and kicking. Their program encourages kids to explore and develop a variety of athletic skills through the introduction of 10 different sports. Children are introduced to 16 different fruits and vegetables, as well as important vitamins and minerals so that they go home excited about trying new, healthy foods. They also learn to name and identify 10 major muscles key to maintaining good gross-motor movement and body wellness. Parent participation welcomed, but Amazing Athletes staff leads the program.

Youth Programs

Kids Café: At the Kids Café, participants are involved in creating a sampling of foods based on a theme. Recipes are taken home to make and share with their family. Learn fundamental kitchen skills, work cleanly and safely in the kitchen and explore new foods following recipes geared for this age group. If your child has allergies, please contact Rachel Keitz at rkeitz@dublin.oh.us prior to registering for this program.

Ancient Ohio Survival: Learn ancient skills needed for survival at an archaeological site at Ferris Wright Park. Utilizing American Indian tools used 2000 years ago, participants are actively engaged for a true ancient history experience. Dress for outdoor wet/muddy conditions, bring a filled water bottle, raincoat and wear close-toed shoes.

Beginner & Intermediate Chess: Students learn the rules and concepts of chess, tournament procedures, etiquette and the knowledge to participate in a casual or competitive game with family or friends. This is the perfect class for a new player or novice player looking to increase confidence in his or her game. In the first half of each class, world champion openings, ideas in the middle game, endgame patterns, tactical motifs and elements are examined and discussed. For the remainder of the class, students are given the opportunity to play against one another in the weekly club tournament.

LEGO Robot: BattleBot: The Robot Academy STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) class encourages creative problem solving as students learn engineering skills with engaging activities. Students build and program LEGO Robots to compete in a BattleBot championship to win prizes. No experience is necessary. A snack is provided. Optional purchase of Robot Academy’s Arduino LEGO Robot to take home at the end of the camp for $125 at Robot-academy.com/product/arduinolegorobo.

Challenge Island: Challenge Island® provides STEM education enrichment programs that challenge kids with creative problem solving and critical thinking. Programs are designed to expand STEM skills, while creating, problem solving, and collaborating. Children learn to think critically and creatively. Thinking in unique, “out-of-the-box” ways will become second nature to them. Activities inspire creative problem solving while using both the left and right portions of the brain. Islands are the mainstay of Challenge Island® with each session taking place on a unique thematic island.

Cultured Kids Club: Culture Day: Cultured Kids Club provides children the advanced language skills necessary to achieve native-level communication in reading, writing and verbal pronunciation for a lifetime of opportunity in education, employment and world adventure. Culture Day programs teach children about the cultures and customs of different French or Spanish-speaking countries from around the world through live teacher and class interaction. Cultured Kids Club provides a plethora of fun facts and entertainment using engaging games, activities, songs, dances, art projects and visual aids!

Textile Art: Textile Art is an interactive process-based art program exploring the use of fabrics and other textiles to create finished art projects. Materials utilized during the session may include: screen printing, sewing, hand-stitching, batik, tie-dye, weaving, multimedia projects and sculptures. Participants take all projects home on the last day of class.

Ceramics 1: Learn three basic hand-building techniques (pinch pot, coil, and slab construction) and proper glazing methods to create ceramic pieces based on personal interests. Each class includes a demonstration followed by the opportunity for hands-on practice with additional assistance as needed. Develop individual creative processes and personal expressions through this engaging art form. All supplies and materials are included in the fee. No outside ceramic work or materials are permitted in this program.

Ceramics 2: Take the basics of ceramic hand-building to the next level! This projects-based class is designed to expand on the knowledge gained from Ceramics 1 and includes an opportunity to learn wheel-throwing ceramic techniques. All supplies and materials are included in the fee. No outside ceramic work or materials are permitted in this program.

Skyhawks Beginning Golf Class: Participants learn the fundamentals of swinging, putting, body positioning, etiquette and keeping score. The program is specifically designed for the entry-level player, simplifying instruction so that young players can make an easy and effective transition onto the golf course. All equipment provided.

Flag Football Fueled By USA Football: Experience the excitement of football with Skyhawks Flag Football Fueled by USA Football. Using a curriculum developed by the experts from USA Football, coaches teach skills of passing, receiving, kicking and flag pulling. Participants gain confidence and learn important life lessons in a fun, positive environment.

Minor League Baseball: Bally Sports Group Minor League Baseball is a great introduction to coach-pitch baseball for beginning baseball players! Skills taught include batting, fielding, throwing and catching. The program also includes both practice and a modified, non-competitive game each week. As weeks progress, new aspects of the game/game scenarios are added to allow children to learn within the context of the game. Coaches emphasize the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship in a positive atmosphere. Kids leave the program wanting to continue their baseball careers! Participants need their own baseball glove; all other equipment provided by Bally Sports Group. Parent participation welcomed, but Bally Sports staff will lead the program.

Learn to Volley: Build your skills in volleyball through development of passing, setting, blocking and serving. Each week includes modified games that help players learn spacing on the court, communication with teammates and moving to the ball. Open to both new and skilled players.

Shooting Stars Basketball: Learn the fundamentals of basketball with instruction on dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding, defense and the concept of game play. Build an understanding of the skills by utilizing fun terminology and engaging activities. Open to both new and skilled players.

Karate – Beginners: Students learn the basics of karate in a fun and safe environment. This no-contact introduction teaches students the basics of traditional Okinawan karate through both lecture and practice. Completion of the beginner class is required to progress to the next level of study. Parent participation is not required, but due to the age of participants, parents/guardians must remain outside the classroom for bathroom breaks or behavioral interventions.

Beginners I

Beginners II

Karate – Intermediate: Students continue their study of karate beyond the basic exercises. This includes study of kata, higher-level explanations of the basics, basic personal safety and self-defense. Completion of the beginner class is required for admission to this class. Parent participation is not required, but parents/guardians of children under 10 yrs. must remain outside the classroom for bathroom breaks or behavioral interventions.

Karate – Advanced: Students continue their study of karate up to and beyond the black belt rank. This includes study of advanced kata, higher-level explanations of the basics and the study of traditional karate tools. Students must be 16 years or older to earn the black belt rank. Parent participation is not required, but parents/guardians of participants 10 yrs. and younger must remain outside the classroom for bathroom breaks or behavioral interventions.

Camps

School’s Out: School’s Out participants stay actively engaged in games, crafts, and nature/science exploration, with specialized activities and guest speakers scheduled from noon-2 p.m. each session. Outdoor play is possible, weather permitting. Bring a nut-free lunch and be prepared for a day of fun and play! A 2022 online health care form is required to participate. Parents/Guardians receive Health Care Form information via email closer to the date of the program.

Spring Break Camp: Spring Break Camp participants stay actively engaged in games, crafts, and nature/science exploration, with specialized activities and guest speakers scheduled throughout the week. Outdoor play is possible, weather permitting. Bring a nut-free lunch each day. Swimming days and field trip (TBD) also included in the week. A 2022 online health care form is required to participate. Parents/Guardians receive Health Care Form information via email closer to the date of the program.

Spring Break Sports Camp: Participate in a variety of exciting sports and camp activities along with traditional camp games hosted by Bally Sports Group. Sports instruction includes soccer, basketball, flag football and more! All supplies and materials are provided. Bring a water bottle and be ready to stay actively engaged from start to finish.

LEGO Robot: BattleBots Camp: The Robot Academy STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) class encourages creative problem solving as students learn engineering skills with engaging activities. Students build and program LEGO Robots to compete in a BattleBot championship to win prizes. No experience necessary. Snack provided. Optional purchase of Robot Academy’s Arduino LEGO Robot to take home at the end of the camp for $125 at Robot-academy.com/product/arduinolegorobo.

Spring Break Cooking Camp: This Spring Break Cooking Camp is perfect for participants who already have some experience in the kitchen. Students learn kitchen safety, proper measurements, proper knife handling and a variety of cooking and baking techniques. The camp provides participants the opportunity to follow a recipe from start to finish and apply new skills learned in class while cooking.

Preschool/Youth Programming Team

Phil Gross, Recreation Supervisor, 614.410.4552, pgross@dublin.oh.us
Rachel Keitz, Recreation Program Coordinator (PSY), 614.410.4575, rkeitz@dublin.oh.us
Matt Rice, Recreation Program Coordinator (Teen), 614.410.4557, mrice@dublin.oh.us
Tammy Abel, Program Specialist, 614.410.4573, tabel@dublin.oh.us

Volunteer

If you’re available one day per week between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., our preschool classes need volunteers to help make programming possible. Days and opportunities vary. Email Shannon at volunteer@dublin.oh.us if you can help.

Accommodation Requests

Parks & Recreation Services promotes an inclusive policy for all of our programs. To provide the best overall experience for your child or to carry over IEP accommodations, an appointment must be made for an inquiry of needs. Contact Jodi Shealy, Adaptive Recreation Coordinator, at 614.410.4574. An accommodation plan MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO your child’s program or camp registration. This plan is required for each seasonal enrollment.

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