As children return to school and summer camp season comes to a close, the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department offers a new set of exercise programs and activities for both children and adults.
Teenagers and adults eager to learn the state’s signature dance, the Carolina Shag, can get their chance Aug. 20. Instructors teach the basic steps while participants practice the moves to the sounds of beach music. Beginner and intermediate sessions are scheduled for Thursday evenings Aug.20-Sept. 10 and Oct. 22-Nov. 12. No partner is required.
Cotillion lessons are available to young dancers Tuesdays Sept. 15-Oct. 13. Separate sessions are offered for children ages 3-7 and 8-12. In addition to the basic steps to ballroom dances, instructors teach proper etiquette for social occasions.
The Performance Club programs, led by local theater instructor LJ Woodard, offer children a chance to learn acting techniques while performing and having fun. The first sessions, geared toward children in grades K-2 and 3-8, are scheduled each Thursday from Sept. 17-Oct. 29 with a final performance Oct. 30. The second session takes place on Thursdays from Nov. 5-19, culminating with a final Christmas-themed performance Nov. 27.
Children ages 6-10 can begin to learn their way around a kitchen with the Kids’ Cooking Class. The course teaches participants about taking measurements, practicing kitchen safety, using cooking utensils, washing dishes and preparing meals and snacks. Sessions are scheduled each Monday from Sept. 14-Oct. 26 and Nov. 9-Dec.14.
The Safe Sitter Babysitting Training courses give teens and preteens ages 11-14 valuable lessons on watching younger children. Instructors teach the basics of CPR and other important skills, such as what to do during severe weather conditions. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Children ages 6-9 can hoop it up in the Youth Basketball Instructional League on Thursdays, Sept. 17-Oct. 22. After short clinics that teach skills such as shooting, ball handling and passing, the kids face off in games of 20-minute halves.
“We get enough instructors to handle however many kids we have,” said Katie Ryan, parks and recreation supervisor. “Typically, we have two instructors and 30-40 kids.”
Adults can learn the sport of pickleball, a combination of tennis, badminton and ping pong played with wooden paddles and a perforated plastic ball. Group lessons take place Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Sept. 15-24.
For registration forms, visit www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com
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