By Davy James, Staff Writer
The South Brunswick Township Department of Parks and Recreation is introducing some new programs with hopes of keeping kids active during the fall and away from the television and computer.
”We’re trying to get kids out and doing more activities,” said Program and Facilities Coordinator Pat Papenberg. “It seems like more and more kids are sitting at home playing on their computers and text messaging instead of getting out and doing something sociable.”
The Recreation Department will co-sponsor a Learn to Skate program at ProSkate Skating Arena for boys and girls ages 4 to 12. The program will emphasize getting comfortable on the ice, while gaining balance, control and self-esteem through games and activities in small groups.
Classes will meet on Tuesdays and Saturdays and include a 30-minute lesson, a 30-minute practice session, free skate rental and two free public skate passes. Class fees are $122.50 for a five-week session or $145 for a six-week session. Sessions have already begun and will run through the first half of 2011.
The Recreation Department also is co-sponsoring a bowling club with Brunswick Zone/Carolier Lanes that began last weekend for boys and girls ages 5 to 18. The club will meet Saturdays and includes three games per session, free shoe rental, certified coach instruction and an end-of-season party with trophies.
The club has three fee options, with a basic $96 per participant program, a $120 program in which participants will receive their own bowling ball to keep or a $132 program in which participants receive a bowling ball and bag to keep.
For younger children the township is offering a “yoga-rate” class at the Community Center for kids ages 3 to 5.
”This is a program that combines yoga and karate,” Ms. Papenberg said. “This is really going to be a good class. It teaches discipline and respect along with meditation and deep-breathing exercises. Kids have so much going on these days it can scatter their minds so this will help them relax and discipline their minds.”
The program will be held at the Community Center at Woodlot Park and will cost $76 for a six-week program. A free demonstration session will be held at the Community Center on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. for 3-year-olds and from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for 4- and 5-year-olds.
For more information on the Recreation Department’s fall offerings and for more information on session dates and fees visit the Recreation Department website at www.sbtnj.net and click on the Recreation tab.
”Residents should always take advantage of programs like these that get them out of the house, active and in a social environment,” Ms. Papenberg said.
