383 Vandervoort St, North Tonawanda
(716) 695-8520 x6420 (Front Desk)
(716) 695-8520 x5510 (Supervisor)
Email: mbernas@northtonawanda.org
Programs
Program Information
Outside of open-play and sports activities we offer a TON of guided and structured programs throughout the year. These programs often require registration since there is limited space available. Some of the programs are free while others have an associated cost. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for all the updated announcements on programs & signups!
Is there a program you'd like to see at the Rec? Contact us by emailing mbernas@northtonawanda.org
Current Programs
What We Got...
American Sign Language
FREE (Pre-registration required)
K-2 GRADE, Wednesdays, Oct 11-Dec 20 (no class Nov 22)
3-5 GRADE, Thursdays, Oct 12 -Dec 21 (no class Nov 23)
6-12 GRADE, Mondays, Oct 16 to Dec 18
All classes will run from 6:30 to 7:30 PM @ The REC
This American Sign Language course will teach children vocabulary that they can incorporate into their daily lives. Students will be able to produce vocabulary, create sentences, ask and answer questions, as well as sign to music. Throughout the entire course, we will focus on deaf culture, history, and daily tools used. Each week will explore new topics and review previous material.
Our Instructor...
Kelseylynn Talarico is a sign language teacher and ASL interpreter. She is fluent in ASL and has been working with the deaf community for 23 years. She has experience working with all ages and abilities. Kelseylynn is passionate about giving children the tools to communicate in a fun environment. Her focus is on creating inclusive classes that allow children to learn on their own level. Mrs. Talarico lives in North Tonawanda with her husband, three kids, and two dogs, Yuri and Libbi.
Class Schedule and Topics
Week 1: Color Matching and Numbers
Week 2: Halloween and Fall
Week 3: Food, Food, Food!
Week 4: Signs for School
Week 5: Family and Friends
Week 6: Turkey Day and Critters
Week 7: Feelings
Week 8: Brrrr it's Cold!
Week 9: Helping out at Home
Week 10: It's Christmas!
Babysitting Course
No current classes available
Learn how to properly care for infants and young children in a babysitting setting. Learn how to conduct yourself professionally, making babysitting your "business". Learn first-aid and standard safety protocols and procedures.
Class is interactive, keeping students engaged with hands-on experience. The course requires the completion of an examination. Participants will receive take-home materials to use as reference guide for their future babysitting endeavors.
Cheer Club
No current classes available
FREE (Pre-registration required)
1-6 GRADE: Dates TBD
Learn the basics of cheering, including stunts, and basic gymnastic moves with instructors Lymiek Brunson and friends.
Cheer club participants will work towards a final performance during halftime of a youth sports game.
Chess Program
No current classes available
2-12 GRADE: Dates TBD
We will operate as both a chess club and a chess class. Here are the differences:
Chess Class will be more structured week to week for the more serious player with the intent of greatly improving their chess playing knowledge, forming strategies, and testing their limits.
A little more informal. In Chess Club kids can come in by themselves or with friends and play some friendly chess matches. Our instructors will be on hand to give advice and help improve the child's overall chess play. The chess club will run on Mondays like before at 5 PM. You can opt to pay a one-time price of $50 ($60 for non-residents) for the 12-week chess club program or pay a $5 drop-in price just on the days your child wants to attend. (Drop-in payments must be made online prior to arrival and can be made any time before the start time)
Chess Club
Chess Class
Once a child has been registered for the entire 12-week program, they can opt to move from chess club to chess class from week to week. (With instructor approval) If you opt for drop-in only then you can only attend chess club for that given week.
Our motto is “balancing competition and fun,” and is the underlying principle behind all of our lessons.
We hire chess coaches who can connect with students-- coaches who offer them the guidance they need to grow both their skills and their love of the game.
Players will always be pushed to grow, but not at the expense of their enjoyment of the game.
We also have instructors who can cater to any skill level, so that students will never feel that they have “outgrown” their teachers.
Dance Team
No current classes available
FREE (Pre-registration required)
K-6 GRADE: Dates TBD
Learn, practice and perfect a variety of dance techniques, from hip-hop, jazz, and more as instructors Lymiek Brunson, Megan Kinney, and Mia Rosen choreograph a mash-up of styles and songs into a dance routine to be performed during the halftime of a youth basketball game.
All Dance Club members will receive a Dance Club t-shirt.
Junior Hikers
No current classes available
FREE (Pre-registration required)
5-12 GRADE: Dates TBD
We are thrilled to be taking your kids on some fun adventures around WNY. We rent a bus, pack the snacks, and you join along as Michelle Bernas, Youth Program Coordinator and experienced hiker will be hosting these trips herself.
We’ll be taking hiking adventures throughout the year, so be on the lookout for the next adventure!
Each child should have their own water bottle and a small backpack for carrying essentials.
Proper dress is required. There's a chance of getting wet so a change of socks and shoes for the ride home is highly recommended.
RECscape Room
No current classes available
FREE (Pre-registration required)
7-12 GRADE: Dates TBD
Teams of 6 will have 30 minutes to solve the various puzzles with the help of clues left behind by REC staff and try and get their way out of our RecScape Room.
All teams that escape will win a one-of-kind and soon-to-be coveted RecScape Room t-shirt.
The team with the best time each month will win a free pizza party for their team and their picture on our RecScape Room Wall of Fame. Time slots will be available Friday and Saturday nights. Teams can consist of 3 to 6 members. You can only be on 1 team per month.
Snack Attack
(Pre-registration required)
K-6 GRADE: Dates listed below (5pm start time)
Join us as each week we'll be showing kids how to make a healthy, easy-to-prepare, after-school type snack that they’ll then get to enjoy.
Kids will learn about nutrition and how making good dietary choices can have a positive effect on their minds and body.
Kids will receive instruction on how to make their own snacks with guidance from our staff. Anything from safely peeling and slicing their own apple for a yummy PB & Apples treat to preparing their very own personal cake in a mug.
We will do what we can to accommodate your child’s food restrictions. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
STEM Club
FREE (Pre-registration required)
3-5 GRADE: Tuesdays at 5pm (Oct 17 & 24, Nov 7 & 14)
The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is proud to partner with the North Tonawanda Recreation Center to present STEM Club.
STEM Club is a weekly meeting for students to engage collectively in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities.
Participants will explore areas such as physics, coding, electricity, and simple machines with projects and topics geared specifically toward the corresponding age group.
Theater Club
No current classes available
FREE (Pre-registration required)
3-12 GRADE: Dates TBD
Theatre Club @ The REC began in 2015 as a way to give the children of our community the opportunity to explore their interest in the theatrical arts.
We are open to residents of North Tonawanda in grades 3 - 12.
Participation is free. All we ask is that you pay us back with your passion and commitment to our production.
Auditions begin in the winter and practices take place weekly. All students we participate are expected to commit to showing up for weekly practices. We are always looking for stage design, and stage crew help (volunteer hours count towards your high school graduation requirements!)
