Houlton Rec lists programs

The following programs are being offered through the Houlton Parks and Recreation Department.
A Vacation Fun Program will be held on Dec. 28-29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the rec center for grades preK-6. Cost is $6 per day per child.
On Tuesday, Dec. 28, there will be crazy games and contests. Children need to bring their own lunch and drink. On Wednesday, Dec. 29, Sportsmania Day will be held, and children will be provided with a pizza lunch and drink.
    Registration is required. To register, call 532-1310 by Dec. 23.
Sneakin’ In Science vacation program will be held Thursday, Dec. 30 from 9-11 a.m. at the rec center for students’ ages 7-12. Instructor Sara McQuarrie will explore fossil fun activities with the kids. Cost is $20 per child with a limit of 12 children. Participants will find and search for real fossils like paleontologists. Kids will keep whatever they find! Along with the fossils, the students will be able to take home a “Dig a Dinosaur kit.” Registration is required by Dec. 28.
A Red Cross baby-sitting training course will be held Thursday, Dec. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the rec center for youth ages 11-15. Red Cross certified instructors will be on hand to run the course. Cost is $45 per person, which includes a full day of training, special portfolio, CD and training manual, certificate and healthy snacks.
Registration is required, call Penny Kern at 493-4620, or e-mail her at kernp@pinetree.redcross,org.
There are discounted Portland Pirate hockey tickets on sale at the recreation center. Adult tickets are $10 and student/senior citizen tickets are $8. For more information stop by the rec center or call 532-1310.
Discounted Big Rock ski tickets are on sale also at the recreation center. Junior lift tickets (ages 5-17) are $20 and adult lift tickets are $24. Tickets are good for any day Big Rock is open. Stop by the rec to pick up tickets.
Upcoming January programs
Sneakin In Science will be held on the following Wednesdays, Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at the rec center from 6-7 p.m. for youth ages 7-12. The program is limited to 15 children. Instructor is Sara McQuarrie. Cost is $40 per child, with the following sessions: “What happens when I?” “These plants do what?” “Oceans: Ever wonder what creates a wave?” and “What do you know about water?”
Each session will feature hands on experiment and youth will bring home projects each week. It is 100 percent science fun and children may even “sneak” in a little learning along the way!
Registration is required by Dec. 28.
The Maine Recreation and Park Association, along with the Maine Red Claws will hold a Hot Shot Basketball Program each Wednesday, starting Jan. 12 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for youth ages 9-18.
The boys and girls divisions are as follows: 9-10; 11-12; 13-15 and16-18 Cost is $10 for Houlton residents and $15 non-Houlton residents.
Hot Shot consists of a youngster shooting a basketball from five hot spots on half of the court in a one-minute time period. Practices will be held for four weeks and the local shoot off will be Feb. 9     Registration is required by Jan. 12.
An After-School Fun Program will be held each Thursday, starting Jan. 6 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the rec center for children grades preK-4. There is a limit of 20 children.
Cost is $25 for Houlton residents and $38 non-Houlton residents. This program consists of crafts, games, contests, and a snack each day.
Registration is required by Jan. 3.
Pilates will be held each Tuesday and Thursday, starting Jan. 4 at 5 p.m., with instructor Yvonne Hyman.
Cost is $40 for Houlton residents and $60 for non-Houlton residents. There is a limit of 20 participants. Registration is required by Jan. 2.
Zumba will be offered each Monday at 7 p.m.; Thursday at 6:15 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m., starting Monday, Jan. 3. Instructor is Rachel DiStefano, and the program has a limit of 25 participants.
Cost is $55 for Houlton residents and $75 for non-Houlton residents. Registration is required by Jan. 2.