It's Basketball Season! Wheelchair Basketball that is.

Basketball season means fantasy drafts, watching the game with friends, wearing your teams jersey to school, and now it means wheelchair basketball at the Provo Recreation Center!

Wheelchair basketball is held on Friday nights from 8:00 PM to 10:00PM, and will run from now through the end of March. This program is for everyone, no matter your abilities. Are you wondering if wheelchair basketball is for you, check out the list below:

• If you have back problems and it is hard for you to exercise, wheelchair basketball is for you. 
• If you have a broken leg or just had surgery, wheelchair basketball is for you. 
• If it is hard for you to exercise or you just don't like doing it, wheelchair basketball is for you. 
• If you are looking for a new way to be active, wheelchair basketball is for you. 
• If you are just looking for something fun to do on a Friday night, wheelchair basketball is for you!

Anyone age 14+ is welcome to come out and play! 

The cost is free for Recreation Center members, or $5 for nonmembers (this includes access to the whole facility plus use of the wheelchairs for basketball). The wheelchairs are provided, or you can bring you own.

If you are interested in volunteering, we will have a training on Wednesday, November 19th at 6:30PM. Volunteers help with check in, maintenance of the court and the wheelchairs, running drills, and will play when  needed on the court.

It's wheelchair basketball season. We'll see you on the court!

Summer Camp 2014

Summer camp is a valuable experience that helps children to mature socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Two sessions are held each week, morning and afternoon, each filled with numerous activities at the Provo Recreation Center including swimming two days a week, field trips to awesome places around the Valley, art projects, non-competitive sports training, educational demos & entertainment.  

Each week will have a different and exciting theme (see below) to keep kids captivated and provide them with exciting stories daily. We typically have a walking field trip on Monday, swimming on Tuesday and Thursday, traveling field trip on Wednesday, and Friday is a celebration day. The first four weeks have additional afternoon sessions specifically designed and staffed for children with special needs. 

Cost: $75 residents | $85 non-resident (per week)

Age:  6-12

Morning session:            9:00am-12:45pm

Afternoon session:         1:00pm-4:45pm

Register here.

Around the World in 5 Days – June 9-13

Get excited to experience several countries from all over the world.  Campers will learn about the Ute Indians at BYU’s Museum of Peoples and Cultures. Morning campers will tour the BYU Folk Dance Costume Warehouse, home to thousands of costumes and accessories from countries all over the world, while afternoon campers will take a trip to the Radha Krishna Temple to see animals and learn about Indian culture.

CSI: Cool Summer Investigation – June 16-20

This week of camp will be filled with experiments and investigations, from giant bubbles to invisible writing.  Campers will explore the BYU Paleontology Museum during the morning session and witness ice cream being made before their eyes with liquid nitrogen in the afternoon. Provo Police will also perform forensics workshops this week. 

Summer Olympics – June 23-27

Start preparing for the Provo Summer Adventure Camp Olympics!  This week we will participate in several Olympic events, from rowing to volleyball.  We will test out our bowling skills Monday and go to a trampoline park Wednesday

Fear Factor – July 7-11

This week, we will have a kid-friendly version of the popular television show, Fear Factor.  Campers will test their social, physical, and mental fears and complete individual and team challenges, all in a fun, safe environment.

Club Hollywood – July 14-18

Hit the stage with us as we learn about and practice our entertainment and performance skills.  We will visit a theater as well as a costume shop.  All aspiring actors will love this week as we perform skits, karaoke, and have fun.

Surfin’ USA – July 21-25

Get ready to get drenched!  We will start the week off with an interactive luau, followed by lots of swimming, visits to the splash pad, water games, and a day at “the beach”. 

A Pirate’s Life for Me – July 28-Aug 1

Join us in a scavenger hunt around Provo.  Morning campers will go on a boat tour, while the afternoon camp will enjoy a war canoe ride through Provo River.  The week will also be filled with pirate-themed crafts and games. 

Superhero Boot Camp – August 4-8

Campers will enjoy a variety of superhero crafts, games, and activities.  From a police demo to roller skating with capes to a final obstacle course challenge, this week will leave each camper feeling super!

Triathlon Training: FAQ

Our outdoor triathlon program starts this Saturday. It lasts all summer long and will incorporate everything you need to complete a triathlon. And the best part, most of it will take place outside. It always helps to have a group to train with. Whether you are a beginner or a well-versed triathlete, this class can cater to your individual needs AND schedule. Register here.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

Q: What kind of training and activities are involved in the class?

A: This class will provide you with swimming instruction in the pool, as well as experience in open water swimming, in a safe controlled environment. We will utilize the Rec Center facilities for biking, running, and cross training and as the weather warms up we will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like trail running, and group rides in the Provo Canyon. Generalized training plans will be given out weekly, along with occasional classes during the week and our Saturday morning class from 7-9am. 

Q: What if I don’t own a bike? Can I still participate?

A: Absolutely! Having a bicycle is not a requirement for the class. On the occasional days that we will be biking outside, bike rentals from T3 will be available at a discounted rate for the class as well as rental options at BYU. Borrowing a bike from a friend would be a great idea if that option is available to you as well.

Q: My swimming experience is limited, and open water scares me to death! Will this be safe?

A: Every effort is made to keep the class participants feeling safe and secure. Swimming instruction will be mostly given in the Rec Center pool. Our open water swimming will take place at the Lindon beach in a very swimmer friendly area that is shallow enough to stand in (about the height of a kiddie pool) for hundreds of meters. Your instructor will be with you the entire time and never pressure you to do more than you are comfortable. Water safety is number one priority.

Q: What kinds of equipment or gear will I need for the class?

A: There are a few training gear items you will need for the pool. Your instructor will go over those items with you when class starts. The cost will be minimal as you will receive a 20% discount on everything at T3 Triathlon shop, as perk for class members. A good pair of running shoes is important along with comfortable workout clothing. As mentioned above, owning a bike is not required, but renting or borrowing a bike will be necessary to participate in the outdoor group rides (which will not be every week).

Q: I’ve heard the class will participate in the Doxa triathlon relay at the end of the 12-week course. Do I have to participate? Will it be included in the cost of the course?

A: The Doxa relay is a “Ragnar” style 24 hr. 12 man team triathlon relay that we will aim to participate in as a class, or as a combination of class members and outside friends. Participation is completely optional, but having a race that you are training for gives more purpose and drive to your training. The cost of the relay is not included with your course fee, but there will likely be a deep discount for class members.

Doesn’t this class sound like fun? Come join us. If you want to come check out the first class before you sign-up, we’ll meet at the Provo Recreation Center this Saturday, May 31^st at 7:30am for an orientation. Any other questions? Contact Alicia Christensen at achristensen@provo.org.

What is Bike Prom anyway?

What is Bike Prom anyway?

Bike Prom is this Friday, but what is Bike Prom anyway? Are people supposed to be dancing on their bikes? Is there some sort of parade that leads to the dance? Do we have to bring a date? What’s the benefit of signing up early? What’s the dance going to be like? What to wear? Feeling confused? Let me clear things up for you!

Friday, May 16, 6-10pm

Ride: Meet at Kiwanis Park at 6:00pm, FREE

Dance: Recreation Center, 8-10pm | $5 Advanced Purchase

The Ride

What better way to celebrate National Bike Week, than biking to prom this Friday night?! All tandems, cruisers, and unicycles are welcome! The ride will begin at 6 pm and consist of a ride through iconic parts of Provo, starting at Kiwani’s Park and ending at the Recreation Center (about 6 miles). The ride is open to all ages! Here’s a route to review and enjoy before Friday.

The ride will be guided by pace setters who will help lead and follow the group. If you’re worried about the length of the ride, don’t worry we seek to accommodate all who participate. Just come enjoy the pumping music as we cruise through town!

If you get a flat on the ride, don’t worry, Swim-Bike-Run will be there to solve any street problems. If you get tired or need to opt out of the ride, just checkout with one of the ride guides. You can head home or go straight to the dance. 

Don’t have a bike?

Not to worry, Outdoors Unlimited is offering a 15% discount off of ALL bike rentals for this event. Call or visit their store to take advantage of this great offer!

 

The Dance

The dance will take place at the Provo Recreation Center, located at 320 W 500 N. As riders arrive, valet bike parking will be available for all bikes. You may drive to the dance without participating in the ride if you desire. The dance is for ages 16 and older, but Kids Club will be available for ages 4-12 during the event at no additional cost (see details below). 

   

What to Wear?

We’re leaving it up to you! We of course encourage your finest prom attire, but if you must sport the bike shorts or other attire, please do.

Photo booth

We know you will be dressed in your best, so don’t worry if you forget your camera. You’ll get to pose on our tandem bike for a personal photo shoot. We will not only capture some great photos of you & your date but will print free photos for you to take home at the end of the night! Here’s a preview of some great props that will be available!

DJ

Prepare to be blown away with some hip track mixes done by Provo’s DJ KiDMACHiNE. We promise your feet will be unable to resist the urge to dance all night long. Want a sample? Check out some of his work at https://soundcloud.com/kidmachine

Mocktails & Hors d’oeuvres

Enjoy a FREE drink on us! Zero Proof Mocktails will be mixing drinks at Bike Prom. Everyone at the dance will get one free mocktail of their choice. Additional drinks will be available for purchase. We’ll also have a variety of hors d’oeuvres for you enjoyment. Graze along the refreshments to enjoy tiny hamburgers, berry skewers, and more sweet and savory dining.

Kids Club (Age 4-12)

For no additional cost, child care will be provided during the dance. Your kids will enjoy a movie as well as various activities, while you dance the night away next door. Child care will be available from 7:30-10pm for ages 4-12. It will be managed by the Recreation Center’s excellent and certified child watch staff. We encourage you to bring your kids on the ride and then drop them off at Kids Club during the dance.

What actually costs $5?

The Dance! You MUST register before the dance in order to get this price. If you forget to register, you can still purchase your ticket at the door, however, it will cost $10. So DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER! Register at this link or at the Recreation Center.

Your ticket will gain you access to the dance, free use of the photo booth with prints, free hors d’oeuvres and mocktail, and chance to win one of several prizes (including gift cards, local restaurant certificates, movie passes, and a Google Chromecast). All dance participants will receive a promo code to Madsen Cycles.

Special thanks to our sponsors and supporters: Utah Trikes, Madsen Cycles, Swim-Bike-Run, Zero Proof Mocktails, and Racers Cycle Service.

World Culture Tour: Germany

Every 2nd Friday, Provo Recreation hosts the World Culture Tour. The public is invited to sign up for cooking classes [click here] and/or attend a free foreign film showing following the class. We invite local experts and chefs to instruct small groups on culinary tradition and complete meals.

Last Friday, our guest chef was Andrew Brown, a local resident who lived in southern Germany and Austria for several years and studied German during university.  Andrew taught local residents how to make jager schnitzel, rotkohl, and *%^&$*$.  Everyone had a great time pounding out their schnitzel, preparing a homemade mushroom gravy, and of course eating all the delicious foods!

All cooking international cooking classes are the 2nd Friday of each month at 6:30pm.  The film always follows the class at 8:00pm. Classes are for age 14 and up.

After the movie class participants and others gathered in front of our big screen to watch Good Bye, Lenin! in German with English subtitles.  Thank you to The Awful Waffle for providing the prize for this week's German trivia question!

If you didn't get a chance to attend the recent World Culture Tour here are links to recipes similar to/used in the class: Jäger Schnitzel, Rotkohl, and Rote Gruetze (we substituted cottage cheese for custard).

We hope to see you next month on November 8 for some cooking tips from Down Under with our Australian theme!
  

If you are looking for information regarding the World Culture Tour series or other cooking classes, please call 801-852-6600. Registration is open for our seasonal cooking class, fall baking class, and our Australia World Culture Tour class [register here].

New Art Programs!

Adult Art Classes

Join us for three fabulous teen-adult art classes at the Provo Recreation Center. We are happy to offer Painting, Mixed Media Art, and Adult Pottery. 

In the Painting class you will learn the basics of three popular painting mediums: watercolor, acrylic, and oil. You will learn a variety of painting techniques, some color theory, and fun facts about art history.

Tuesdays 6:00 -8:00 PM

July 30-Sept 3

Residents $75, Non-Residents $85

Mixed Media Art combines drawing and painting techniques to create a unique, layered look to your artwork. This class allows you to learn a little bit of this and that; then, throw it all together into fabulous art projects.

Thursdays 6:00 -8:00 PM

July 11 - Aug 8

Residents $60, Non-Residents $70

Adult Pottery is designed for adults desiring create ceramic ware on the potter's wheel. This class helps you to create beautiful three-dimensional art.

Wednesdays 6:00 -8:00 PM

Aug 14 - Sept 18

Residents $75, Non-Residents $85

Adventure Day Camp!

Monday - Thursday this Summer! Sign up now, spaces fill fast!!

Ages: 6-11 (Children entering 1st- 6th grade)

Fee: $45/ Week (Includes all field trips, transportation, activity costs, and admission charges.)

Where: The Center (222 W 500 N, Provo)

Registration:  Sign-up now! Must be done in person at the Parks and Recreation office 351 W. Center St.   No refunds after the first day of camp.

Camp Sessions:

Morning Camp: 9:00 am – 12:45 pm

Afternoon Camp: 1:00 pm – 4:45 pm

Lights, Camera, Action!         June 11 – June 14

Mad Science Mayhem:           June 18 – June 21

Super Star Sports:                   June 25 – June 28

Animal Safari:                         July 9 – July 12

Time Travelers:                        July 16 – July 19

A Pirates Life for Me:             July 23 – July 26

Summer Sun and Fun:            July 30 – August 2

Magic and Mystery:                August 6 – August 9

Description: The Adventure Camp will include: crafts, sports, games, demonstrations, projects, movies, entertainment, and fun activities related to each weeks theme. Youth will go on exciting tours and field trips, discovering fun attractions throughout Utah County. Transportation is provided by Provo School District’s bus service and is included with registration. Please pack a lunch/snack for your child to have each day. 

Adventure Day Camp made the cover of the Activity Guide! Check it out HERE!

RSVP for the Adventure Summer Camp HERE!