HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Parks and Recreation Department will slowly ease its way back into summer programming for area youth.
“We know how important play is to children in their lives so with that in mind, we have decided to do a variety of activities that will hopefully fill that need,” said Marie Carmichael, recreation director.
The following events will be offered this summer.
Curbside Crafts — Starting Wednesday, June 24 and held each Wednesday on July 1, 8 and 15. Parents can stop by the Houlton Rec Center parking lot between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and pick up a bag of three crafts for their children. Children will need to have their own markers, paints, but everything else will be included in the craft bag. This is free and there will be a limit of 100 craft bags, first come, first serve.
Maine Backyard Campout — On Monday, July 6, parents can stop by the Houlton Rec Center parking lot between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and pick up a free family “S’mores Kit.” The recreation department invites families to the Maine Backyard Campout on Friday, July 10 or Saturday, July 11, when people can do their campouts at their home. The Houlton Recreation Facebook site will share some resources such as family camping checklist, safety tips, campfire cooking ideas and fun games/activities. A photo contest will consist of people submitting a picture to the Rec of their backyard adventure. The deadline to submit photos is midnight July 12 . The photo with the most likes will win a Corn-hole Set. Items for the S’mores Kits were generously donated by Andy’s IGA, Hannaford’s and County Yankee Grocer.
Family Walking Program — Join the Rec staff on Fridays from 8-9 a.m. at Riverfront Park in Houlton to go explore the beautiful Meduxnekeag Riverfront Trail. This is a free program. Parents must accompany their child on these walks. Weather permitting, walks will take place on July 10, 17, 24 and 31. Be sure to wear sneakers or comfortable footwear, bring a water bottle and bug spray.
Online Activities: We realize that not everyone is ready to participate in some of the in-person programs. In the meantime, if you haven’t done so yet, like the Houlton Recreation Department on Facebook. Here we will continue to provide you with resources and fun activities for the entire family. We look forward to the time you feel comfortable enough to join us.
The following programs require a telephone pre-registration starting Monday, June 29, from 8:30-5:30 p.m. for Houlton residents; and Tuesday, June 30, for non-Houlton residents. The department will not accept a registration form without first a telephone registration contact. B
All programs will follow the state and CDC guidelines to provide a safe environment for children while in these programs. A Summer Brochure can be downloaded at the town of Houlton website: www.houlton-maine.com or by calling 207-532-1310.
Mini Crafts — Session 1 is Tuesday, July 21, and Thursday, July 23 and Session 2 is Tuesday, July 28, and Thursday, July 30. Grades K-2 will come from 8:30-10AM and Grades 3-6 will come from 10:30-noon. Each session costs $25 for Houlton residents or $38 for non-Houlton residents. This program will be held at the Houlton Rec Center. Each session is limited to 20 youths.
Track and Field — This program will introduce youth to the basic fundamentals of Track and Field. This two-week program will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays starting July 20 at the Millar Civic Center parking lot in Community Park. Ages 7-8 will meet from 9-9:45 a.m., while ages 9-10 meet 10-10:45 a.m. and ages 11-12 meet from 11-11:45 a.m. The cost is $20 for Houlton residents and $30 for non-Houlton residents. Each age group is limited to 15 youths. Children will need to wear sneakers and bring a water bottle.
Science Fun for Little Ones: This program will be held on Monday, Aug. 3, from 9-11 a.m. at the Houlton Rec Center. Come experience science fun through Dr. Seuss-inspired STEM activities. Melissa Goodwin will be the instructor. The cost is $25 for Houlton residents and $38 for non-Houlton residents. Limit 12 children for this program. Be sure to wear play clothes.
Science Fun for Everyone: This program will run Tuesday, Aug. 4 through Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Houlton Recreation Center. Youth must be between the ages of 7-12 years to participate. Parents may choose between two sessions — 9-11 a.m. or noon to 2 p.m. There is a limit of 12 youths per time slot. Melissa Goodwin will be the instructor. The cost is $50 for Houlton residents and $75 for non-Houlton residents. Come explore the world of science through hands-on STEM activities and projects. Be sure to wear play clothes.
Youth Tennis Camp: This camp will run Monday, Aug. 3, through Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Houlton Community Park Tennis Courts. Time and age groups are as follow: ages 7-8, 8:30-9:15 a.m.; ages 9-10, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; and ages 11-13, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Owen Gallop will be the instructor. The cost is $20 for Houlton residents and $30 for non-Houlton residents. Limit six youths per time slot. Youth may bring their own racket or one will be provided to them for the camp. Youth will work on tennis skills and drills during this camp.
Youth Soccer Clinic: This soccer clinic will be held on Monday, Aug. 10, through Thursday, Aug. 13, at the small youth soccer field at Houlton Community Park. Times and grade groups are as follows: Grades K-2, 8:30-10 a.m. and grades 3-6, 10:15-11:45 a.m. Limit 30 students per age group. Houlton varsity girls soccer coach Marina Cameron and members of the varsity squad will be the instructors for this clinic. The cost is $30 for Houlton residents and $45 for non-Houlton residents. Youth are encouraged to wear shin guards, bring water bottle and their own soccer ball to the clinic. This clinic will work on soccer skills and drills.
Lego Camp: Together with the Cary Library, the Rec will offer Lego Camp on Tuesday, Aug. 11 through Thursday, Aug 13 at the Houlton Recreation Center. It is open to youth between the ages of 6-12. Limit of 15 participants. This camp runs from 1-2 p.m. and is free to all participants. Each day will include a themed challenge.
Musical Theater Camp: Youth going into grades 2-6 are eligible. There is a limit of 20 youths. It will be held from Monday, Aug. 17, through Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Houlton Rec Center. It will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Valerie Schultz will be the instructor and the cost is $50 for Houlton residents or $75 for non-Houlton residents. If you love to sing and dance, then this is the camp for you.
Music Lessons: We will be offering Ukulele and Guitar Lessons the week of Aug. 17-20 with instructor Valerie Schultz. Youth must be in Grades 2-6 and each class is limited to 10. Ukulele Lessons will be held from 1-2 p.m. and Guitar Lessons will be held from 2-3 p.m. The cost is $25 for Houlton residents and $30 for non-Houlton residents. Youth must have their own ukulele and guitar. Participants will learn the basics of playing each instrument.
Fall Soccer Program: We will be offering a Youth Fall Soccer Program with pre-season starting Aug. 24-26. Four different age groups will be offered — grades K and 1; grades 2-3; girls grades 4-6; and boys grades 4-6. The cost will be $30 for Houlton residents and $45 for non-Houlton residents. Pre-season meeting times will be given at the time of registration. We encourage all participants to wear shin guards, mouth piece, and bring a water bottle.
