Parks and Recreation schedule

The Darien Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of programs for the residents of Darien. Registration for programs takes place online at www.darienct.gov/parkrec, at the Parks and Recreation office located in Town Hall, or through the mail. For more information, call the office at 203-656-7325.

Summer 2012 programs

Family Programs

Safe Boating Classes: Professional marine education comes to Darien to offer this eight-and-a-half hour course that will meet the requirements to obtain a Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate. This class will meet Tuesday, July 10, and Thursday, July 12, from 6 to 10:15 p.m. at the Darien Town Hall. Participants must attend both dates and all hours to be considered for certification. The fee for this program is $115/Darien resident; $138/non-resident. Pre-registration is required.

Youth Camps

Blue Wave Kickers Soccer Camps: Focus of these camps will be on skill improvement and fun. Jon Bradley, head coach of the DHS boys varsity soccer team, will direct these camps for youth ages 3 - 12. Camps will be held at the Darien Town Hall fields the weeks of July 9, July 16, July 30, and Aug. 20. Participants of these camps will receive a soccer ball and T-shirt. Check the website for more specific ages, times and fees.

All Star FC Soccer Camps:These camps for children ages 3 to 12 will be directed by Leigh Parsons, Darien High School's girls soccer coach. These camps will begin with stations specifically designed to improve all aspects of a soccer player's game and end with scrimmages to practice the skills and techniques they have learned. Camps will be held at the Darien Town Hall fields the weeks July 23 and Aug. 6.

New Level Tennis Camps:Summer tennis camps are a great opportunity for participants to learn the game of tennis and have a great time. Camps meet from 9 a.m. to noon at Darien High School in one-week increments through the week of Aug. 13. The fee for one week of tennis camp is $195/Darien resident; $234/non-resident. These camps are offered for children between the ages of 6 and 15 and participants will be grouped by age and level.

Flag Football Camp: Emphasis of this camp (for ages 6 to 12) is placed on rules, teamwork, and fair play. Games and scrimmages occupy the majority of the camp day. Camp meets from 9 a.m. to noon at Town Hall Holahan Field (behind Town Hall) the week of Aug. 6. The fee for one week of flag football camp is $205/Darien resident; $246/non-resident. This camp is offered by Overtime Athletics and is geared towards beginner football players. An additional camp will be offered in August. Check the website for more information.

Overtime Athletics Sports Camp: This variety sports camp for children ages 5 to 12 includes instruction in the fundamentals of traditional sports as well as utilizing Overtime Athletics signature curriculum incorporating non-traditional sports. Camp meets from 9 a.m. to noon at Town Hall Holahan Field (behind Town Hall) the weeks of Aug. 13 and 20. The fee for this one week of camp is $165/Darien resident; $198/nonresident.

Horsemanship Camps: Mead Farm (Stamford) and Darien Parks and Recreation will be offering group camps for youth ages 4 and above. Each camp includes riding, horse care, and stable management. This program is designed for riders who did not attend the 2011 Horsemanship Camps at Mead Farm. One-week camps run through the week of Aug. 6. Camps for ages 4 to 6 will run from 1 to 4 p.m. and the fee is $475/Darien resident; $570/non-resident. Camps for ages 7 and up will run from 8 a.m. to noon and the fee is $550/Darien resident; $660/nonresident.

Future Stars Baseball/Softball Camp: This camp will provide each camper with top baseball/softball instruction. Also included in this camp is the educational "Lessons of Life" program and each participant will receive a Future Stars baseball shirt and cap. This camp will meet from 9 a.m. to noon during the week of Aug. 6. This camp will be held on the Town Hall front fields and is for children ages 5 to 12. The camp fee is $175/Darien resident; $210/non-resident.

Future Stars Cheerleading Camp: Future Stars' mission is to initiate a positive and fundamental base for young children interested in cheerleading. While teaching the fundamentals of cheerleading, Future Stars will also introduce their "Lessons of Life" educational program. This camp will meet from 9 a.m. to noon during the week of Aug. 6 at the Darien Town Hall small gymnasium and fields. This camp is offered to girls ages 6 to 10. The camp fee is $160/Darien resident; $192/non-resident.

Techstars Technology Camps: TechStars by Computer Explorers are a series of technology classes designed to facilitate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) learning. The educational materials and equipment that is used in the curriculum came from various sources like Lego Education, MIT Media Lab who emphasize STEM education and 21st Century Skills. But most importantly, the classes provide a hands-on educational setting to make learning fun. Junior Robotics will meet from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. the week of Aug. 6 for ages 8 to 12; Flights and Rockets will meet from 1 to 4 p.m. the week of Aug. 6 for ages, 5 to 8; Fungineering will meet from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. the week of Aug. 13; and Claymation Moviemaker will meet the week of Aug. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m.. All camps will be held in Room 119 of Darien Town Hall. Camp fee is $225/resident; $270/non-resident.