CREEPERS, CRAWLERS & CRUISERS

♥ Early Childhood ♥

Five Thursdays, June 15 to July 20, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., (no class on 7/6)

Ages 1ish to 2ish, 5 weeks, $50
Summer fun for the ones. In this playgroup you will enjoy both inside and outside play. Sensory, simple water play, group time, crafts, and a story. Is there and activity you want to try with your child but haven’t yet?  Contact Arleen Sharp @860-434-7208 x207 and we’ll make sure we include it in our fun.

BEACH DANCES

Tuesdays, June 20 to August 8, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

For Middle Schoolers at White Sands Beach

At White Sands Beach for middle schoolers in Lyme and Old Lyme. $5 per week admission – music, food, fun, friends!!
Weather permitting, please check our website or facebook page for possible cancellations due to weather by 5:00 p.m. on Dance nights. LYSB requires a one-time registration for the beach dances. No Beach Dance on July 4th

ACTS OF KINDNESS

♥ Early Childhood ♥

Service Projects for Young Children
Tuesdays, 10:00 to 11:15 a.m.
Ages 3-6, $10/date, register for one or all four

Tuesday, June 20 – The Summer Lunch Project
Create packages of much needed summer items including food for local families in need, providing a little boost to help get through the summer.

Tuesday, June 27 – Dog & Cat Treat Making
Please bring a small bag of dry dog or cat food with you this day. We will be crafting homemade treats at LYSB. All treats and food will be shared with local shelters & food pantries.

Tuesday, July 11 – Treasure Boxes for the Lymes Senior Center
Decorate and fill treasure boxes with items guaranteed to make our local seniors smile.

Tuesday, July 18 – Fill a Sock Project & Birthday Boxes
For youth at Safe Futures

SENSORY SATURDAYS

♥ Early Childhood ♥

Two Saturdays 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Ages 1.5 to 5, $12/date, register for one or both
Hands on summer fun and sensory play. Please bring or have your child wear a bathing suit & a towel. Groups will meet outside if weather permits. Inside if necessary.

• Saturday, June 24 – Water Play & Pirates
• Saturday, July 15 – Dino Day and more

SUMMER BABIES GROUP

Mondays, June 26 to August 7, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., free

Ages 0 to 1ish
For new and expecting parents of children up to 12 months. This group is casual, comfortable, and informative. Meet other parents of babies.  We will cover weekly topics of interest based on your questions and concerns commonly found during the first year of parenting. Meeting in the child friendly atmosphere of Mimi’s Place at LYSB. Join anytime.

CHILL OUT at LYSB

June 26 to July 27 (Monday through Thursday, 2:00 to 5:00, after Park & Rec camp) (no program on 7/4)

Chill out at LYSB after park and rec!  Children will be escorted from park and rec day camp to the LYSB where they can hang out with their friends, play basketball, watch movies, games, art and crafts and much more.  Snacks will be provided.   Fee: $250 per child for the five week session. (you must register for all five weeks).  NOTE: THIS PROGRAM WILL NOT RUN DURING WEEK #6 of PARK & REC CAMP.  WEEKS 1 to 5 ONLY. NOTE: THIS PROGRAM RUNS MON-THURS AND IS NOT HELD ON FRIDAYS. No program on July 4th. Space is very limited.

run like a girl

Wednesdays, June 28 to August 16, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

For girls entering grades 4-8
Join us for a summer of running while building self-esteem, inspiration, goal setting, leadership, courage, and more!  Each week we’ll go for a group run on local trails, followed by fun activities at LYSB. Beginning runners welcome!! Coached by Alli Behnke, MSW (and fellow runner!) with LOLHS mentors.  Fee: $30, includes tshirt and supplies.

DINOSAUR PLACE FIELD TRIP

♥ Early Childhood ♥

Wednesday, June 28, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Rain or Shine
Join LYSB at this 60-acre family fun park!

Deadline to purchase tickets is June 1. All tickets must be purchased through LYSB.

Meet us at Nature’s Art Village in Montville to enjoy a fun packed day of adventure. Included in this visit is New England’s largest splash pad, A-MAZE-asaurus, Monty’s Playground, T-Rex Tower, and Jump & Roar Jurassic Moon Bounce.

Fees: Children under 2 free, Ages 2-5 $29.99, Ages 6-17 $33.99, Ages 18-59 $29.99, Seniors Age 60+ $27.99

Details: We will enter as a group.  Meet near The Ice Cream Shoppe no later than 10:15. This is a stroller friendly park. We will be outside all day. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, a hat if desired, lots of liquid refreshments & your lunch (picnic style) in your own cooler. There is a food stand if needed.  Socks are a MUST for the T-rex Tower. The splash pad is for all ages to enjoy. Non-skid water shoes or sneakers are required for the splash pad. A bathing suit and towel. There is an area to change clothes by the splash pad.  For more information please see: Naturesartvillage.com

SHORELINE TRACK & FIELD CLUB

RUN  •  JUMP  •  THROW

Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 27 to August 3, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Grades 4 to 8, $50 includes tshirt

At the Shoreline Track & Field Club, children going into 4th to 8th grade can feel what it is like to be on a track team, coached by seasoned high school and college student leader athletes. On the first day of camp, kids will try a variety of events and eventually join a group. These groups include a distance group for kids that want to run long distance track events (any event 800m or longer). A sprinter group for running shorter distance events. A jumping group for kids interested in long jump, high jump and triple jump. Lastly, a thrower group for kids interested in throwing shot put or discus. The first few days of the club will be focused on team bonding exercises – with the club at large, as well as within each group. As the season progresses, we will begin to focus on setting new personal records (commonly referred to as PRs) by introducing common track workouts specific for each group. Every other Saturday starting at 9am, we hill host optional meets for members of the club to compete against each other. No prior track experience is need for the program, beginners welcome.  Scholarships available.

KIDS CARE CLUB

Four Thursdays, July 6 to 27, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
For grades 1-5, Fee $25

Have you ever wondered how you could make a difference in your community? This the group for you!  We are looking forward to working with elementary students and learn about community outreach through a series of fun weekly activities.

BOLD (Boys Outdoor Leadership Development)

• Session I: Mon, July 10 to Fri, July 14, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Session II: Mon, July 31 to Fri, August 4, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm – Full, Wait List only

For boys entering grades 6-8

For adventurous Lyme Old Lyme middle school boys to learn leadership, respect, listening and teamwork. We will participate in activities such as ROPES, paddle boarding, Open Space Hike, and more adventures on Land and Sea. We will meet at a different location each day. This program is outside therefore events could be cancelled due to inclement weather. Space is limited. Fee: $125.  Scholarships available for L/OL residents.

TENNIS PALS

Monday, July 10 to Friday, July 14, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

For youth and young adults with physical, cognitive, and/or developmental challenges, ages 8 and up, Fee: $25, scholarships available.
The mission of Tennis PALS Foundation is to introduce the physical, mental, and social benefits of tennis to youth and young adults with special needs including physical, cognitive, and/or developmental challenges. Tennis PALS provides a fun, supportive, and adaptive environment. We will do our best to make the game adaptable for people with any challenge. We meet at the Lyme-Old Lyme High School tennis courts with local tennis pros and student volunteers. All equipment will be provided by Tennis PALS. For more info visit www.tennispals.org

INFANT & BABY MASSAGE

♥ Early Childhood ♥

Mondays, July 10 & 17, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Ages infant to crawler, $20

Infant massage is a great way to communicate and comfort your baby. A two-week class that allows you to massage your baby while learning the full massage routine. This is a relaxing time for both baby and parent with time allowed for socializing with other parents. The International Association of Massage has been providing professionals, parents, and caregivers with information and expertise on infant massage since 1992. IAIM massage promotes positive bonding, stimulation, and relief from colic and gas pains. It also promotes better sleep.

PARTY PIGS with Gilbert & Meadow

♥ Early Childhood ♥

Wednesday, July 12, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Ages 2 and up, $15/child

Connecticut’s famous “party pigs” entertaining all they see while traveling throughout New England. Gilbert with his young friend Meadow will join us outside at LYSB. Gilbert is an American Mini Pig who loves to travel & amuse those whom he visits. You may find yourself scratching his back, feeding him, or giving him a kiss. Meadow is an American Mini Pig under one year old and much smaller. She loves to join in on the games. Join us for this action packed hour of fun.

WHAT A HOOT.  OWLS AT LYSB.

☼☼Family Event☼☼

Thursday, July 20, 5:30 p.m.

WHOOOOO doesn’t love owls? Join the experts from Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center to learn all about these awe-inspiring creatures.  Learn some fun facts, hear a story and if you are lucky, you might even get to meet a real OWL!  $10 per family.

BINGO ON THE BEACH

☼☼Family Event☼☼

Wednesday, July 12, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

At White Sands Beach
This is a free event. Bring your own picnic, beach chairs and blankets and get ready for some good ol’ fashioned family fun. Open to all Lyme / Old Lyme families.
Registration not required.

CLAY CLUB

Tuesdays, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Ages 6 to 12, $20/day, register for one or all three

In Clay Club we will practice the basic techniques for creating with polymer clay. We will have a magical forest theme for our guided projects. There will be time for making pieces from your own creative choices also. The pieces will be baked at LYSB and ready to take home at pick up.

• Tuesday, July 25 – Making a unicorn
• Thursday, July 27 – Making an elf
• Tuesday, August 1 – Making a forest house

SITTER SAFETY CLASS

Three Wednesdays, July 12, 19, and 26, 12:00 to 1:45 p.m.

An intense sitter safety and training course appropriate for babysitters, big brothers and sisters, and children staying home alone for the first time. This course touches on a variety of safety skills such as basic first aid, fire safety, and 911 skills. Fee is $50 and includes supplies, snacks, and guest speakers.

LYSB NIGHT AT THE YARD GOATS

☼☼Family Event☼☼

Tuesday, July 18, 7:00 p.m.

Join us for LYSB Family Night at the Yard Goats at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford. The Hartford Yard Goats are taking on the New York Yankee affiliate, the Somerset Patriots.  Our group tickets are located in the Picnic Pavilion on the concourse level and include a 2.5 hour all you can eat buffet including hamburgers, hot dogs, bbq chicken, mac and cheese, pasta salad and more! Game starts at 7:00. Tickets are $40 per person and fans get a free Yard Goats hat walking into the game (while supplies last), Limited tickets available, so book now.

MUSIC & MOVEMENT

♥ Early Childhood ♥

Ages 1.5 and up, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., $15/day
Pick the dates that work for you

Let’s be active, dance, make music, and have fun! Music and Movement starts with free choice play as we gather and then moves to a group circle with a welcome song. Each class we will do finger play songs, try instruments, use gross motor full body movement, practice movement skills with equipment, sing, and dance. This will be an outdoor class, meeting on the LYSB basketball court. Please dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and sun protection such as sun hat and/or sunblock.

Monday, July 24 – If You’re Happy and You Know It:  freeze dance, drums, parachute activities, and dancing with ribbons
Wednesday, July 26 – Slippery Fish: freeze dance, triangles, ball & cup activities, obstacle course, and dancing with pom poms
Friday, July 28 – Little Peter Rabbit: freeze dance, bell sticks, silly feet, parachute activities, and dancing with umbrellas
Monday, July 31 – Itsy Bitsy Spider: freeze dance, tambourine, ball & racket activities, obstacle course, and dancing with fans
Wednesday, August 2 – Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Pizza Hut: freeze dance, rhythm sticks, bouncing balls, parachute activities, and dancing with flowers
Friday, August 4 – I’m a Little Tea Pot: freeze dance, shaky eggs, jump sack activities, obstacle course, and dancing with scarves
Monday, August 7 – Pirate Song: freeze dance, kazoos, hula hoop activities, parachute activities, and dancing with ribbons
Wednesday, August 9 – Head Shoulders Knees and Toes: freeze dance, drums, toss to targets, obstacle course, and hula hoops
Friday, August 11 – Open Shut Them: freeze dance, rhythm sticks, silly feet, parachute activities, and dancing with pom poms.

WILDCAT EXPLORERS

♥ Early Childhood ♥

Exploring various outdoor locations in Old Lyme
Ages 0 and up, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., $15 per family/date

Enjoy the beautiful outdoors with the Wildcat Explorers. Little explorers and their parents will enjoy time in Old Lyme’s Land Trust areas with friends. We will meet at a different trail head each morning. We will start our journey with an opening circle, then go on a hike, do an outdoor craft or game, read a story in the woods, and finish with a closing circle at the end of the hike.  Please dress for the weather, rain, or shine. Bring a water bottle for each person in your party. Choose a bug repellent method that works for you such as tall socks and/or bug spray.

• Tuesday, July 25 – Goberis Chadwick Preserve, 372 Shore Road
• Thursday, July 27 – John Lohman CT River Preserve, 33 Coult Lane
• Tuesday, August 1– Hatchets Hill Preserve, 29-1 Hatchets Hill Road
• Thursday, August 3 – Mile Creek Preserve, 191 Mile Creek Road
• Tuesday, August 8 – Lay-Allen Preserve, Bayberry Ridge Road
• Thursday, August 10 – Upper Three Mile Creek Preserve, 106 Four Mile River Road

CPR FOR BABYSITTERS

Wednesday, August 2, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Add this valuable class to your LYSB babysitter’s course and learn how to save a life! Learn CPR and how to clear a blocked airway in children and infants. Parents want to hire babysitters who know CPR and can help kids who are choking. Instructors will teach you everything you need to know to provide lifesaving care during a cardiac or choking emergency in this class. Class cost is $55 and awards a Certificate of Completion. Scholarships available.

ENGINEERING CAMP

• AGES 5 to 8: Mon July 31 to Fri August 4, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• AGES 9 and up: Mon August 7 to Fri August 11, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Aspiring Engineers! Discover the marvelous and spectacular world of engineering through the hands-on, minds on summer camps offered by Engineering Imagination, LLC! In these exciting, educational summer camps, participants will use a variety of mediums such as LEGO, recycled materials, salvaged motors and gears, balsa wood, and more to explore the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) curriculum. Using the different mediums, participants will learn about and build projects such as hydroelectric waterwheels, model rockets, and scale bridges! With activities focused on green engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and architecture, your child is sure to have a blast while learning along the way! Fee: $300. Scholarships available for L/OL residents.

GOLD (Girls Outdoor Leadership Development)

Monday, July 31 to Friday, August 4, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For adventurous Lyme Old Lyme Middle school girls to spark their personal strength and confidence through a variety of outdoor activities and adventures. This program is outside therefore events could be cancelled due to inclement weather. Space is limited. Fee $125. Scholarships available for L/OL residents.

MERMAID CRAFTERS

Three dates in August, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Ages 6 to 12, $20/day, register for one or all three

Calling lovers of sparkle, seashells, scales, purples, blues, and turquoises. We will meet in Mimi’s Place for some crafting fun all with a mermaid theme. Each session will offer two crafts, time with friends, and lots of fun!

• Thursday, August 3 – Mermaid Rock tic-tac-toe game and Mermaid Slime
• Tuesday, August 8 – Mermaid Dolls with pipe cleaners and Mermaid Tail Keychain
• Thursday, August 10 – Mermaid Initial Letter Decor and Jeweled Shell Necklace

FANTASTIC FROGS AT LYSB

☼☼Family Event☼☼

Thursday, August 10, 5:30 p.m.

Our friends from Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center wll be at LYSB for this fun interactive program.  Families will learn more about these unique animals, their amazing adaptations while seeing them up close and in person!  Bring a lawn chair or blanket. $10 per family.

HAMBURG FAIR SINGERS

Wednesday, August 16, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at LYSB
Saturday, August 19, at the Hamburg Fair Stage
All ages, free

Perform on stage at the Hamburg Fair!!
Calling all youth singers in Lyme/Old Lyme! Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs, on air host of PBSKids Television, will be performing at the Fair and he needs YOUR help! Come to a one-day rehearsal at LYSB to learn some of Steve’s best-known numbers, and the Hamburg Fair Song. No previous experience is necessary. To learn more about Steve CLICK HERE. To see a video of our group’s performance at last year’s Fair CLICK HERE.
For all ages, t-shirt included. FREE!

FOREST BATHING

♥ Early Childhood ♥

Wednesday, July 19, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
at McCullough Family Open Space, Old Lyme

All ages, $20, each child must register, adult must accompany

Bring the family and come dip your toe into the Japanese-inspired practice of shinrin-yoku or “taking in the forest atmosphere,” also known as forest bathing. On this family-friendly walk, your certified forest therapy guide, Regan Stacey, will guide you on a mindful (and playful!) stroll. We will slow down, awaken our senses, and enjoy the wonders of nature through a series of sensory-opening invitations designed to connect with nature. What will you discover?  You are welcome to bring a blanket, towel, or mat for our sitting sessions.

What is Forest Bathing?
A growing global wellness movement, it is backed by nearly 40 years of scientific research on the holistic benefits of immersing yourself in nature. These benefits include reduced stress and blood pressure, increased creativity and focus, improved mood and sleep, and a boost to immune functions.  Regan Stacey is an artist and advocate for the Earth whose passion is to reconnect humans to nature for personal and planetary well-being. She believes we can all awaken the forest within. Through her private practice, she offers forest bathing walks, mindful nature retreats, and mindfulness training.  She is also co-founder of The Forest Therapy School, training forest therapy guides to share this work around the world. Find out more about her work at reganstacey.com or theforesttherapyschool.com.

KINDERGARTEN MEET UPS

☼☼Family Event☼☼

Dates in August tba

Calling all incoming kindergarteners!!!! Come to Mile Creek and Lyme Schools to meet your new Principal, and see other families and friends. LYSB will have some fun activities on the school playground, stories with the Principal, and more. LYSB will host one date at each school. More info coming soon. (Note, we will not be visiting classrooms or meeting kindergarten teachers at this event)

ICE CREAM SOCIAL for 6th GRADERS

☼☼Family Event☼☼

Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 2:00-2:30 p.m.

After you visit LOL Middle School to see your classroom and teachers, stop by LYSB for ice cream, music, and friends! Parents and siblings welcome.