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Programs & Events

UPCOMING EVENTS

SPRING CLEAN UP 2024

Register to help clean up Colchester! There are many different areas that you can choose to work on.  Bring family or friends.  We will provide garbage bags and free garbage pickup.  Jobs include spreading mulch raking, weeding, picking up garbage, and more.  Locations include the schools, town buildings and parks.  Meet up at 12pm at Mel’s Downtown Creamery for free ice cream as our way of saying “Thank you”! If you have any questions, please call the Recreation office at 860-537-7297.

  • April 20th, 2024. 8am-12pm

 

OPEN HOUSE-SUMMER DAY CAMP

Campers, bring your families! Join us at the RecPlex to meet camp staff, ask your questions, and get to know all things “camp” before the summer starts!

  • Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 10am
  • Colchester RecPlex pavilion

 

COLCHESTER CHOIR ORCHESTRA WILL HOLD FREE SPRING CONCERT

The Colchester Choir and Orchestra’s Winter Concert is being held on Sunday, May 18, 2024, 6:30 pm, at Bacon Academy, 611 Norwich Ave, Colchester. The Orchestra will feature Classical music and the Choir will feature modern classic favorites.  A reception will follow the concert.  The concert is free of charge, but donations are welcomed to support our goal to bring a wide variety of music to our community free of charge. Check CCO’s website or Facebook page for more details about CCO, or for information about joining the choir or orchestra -  www.colchesterchoirorchestra.org. CCO is a program sponsored by Colchester Parks and Recreation.

  • Location: Bacon Academy
  • When: May 18th 6:30pm

 

SUMMER IN THE PARKS

We are planning for a fun summer of free events on the Town Green!

Every Thursday, July 11-August 22, from 6-8pm.

  • 7/11/24           My Druthers concert
  • 7/18/24           Bob Button Big Band concert
  • 7/25/24           Karaoke Night with DJ Montez
  • 8/1/24             Concert in the Park (TBD)
  • 8/8/24             Mighty Soul Drivers concert
  • 8/15/24           Sunny Train- Kids Concert in the Park
  • 8/22/24           End of Summer Dance Party with DJ Montez

 

MAN OF LA MANCHA: BROADWAY MUSICAL

Colchester Actors Theatre presents MAN OF LA MANCHA, the Broadway Musical this summer! Join us for the heartbreaking and inspirational Tony Award-winning musical, based on Cervantes’ Don Quixote, about one man’s refusal to give up his impossible dream. 

  • When: July 26th & July 27th at 7pm
  • Location: Colchester Federated Church. 
  • Cost: $15 General Admission / $10 Senior Citizens and Students
  • Tickets will be available online starting June 1st at Colchester-Actors-Theatre.ticketleap.com

 

BLOCK ISLAND BREEZE BUS TRIP

Welcome to Block Island, nature’s treasure of the sea, offering an unspoiled rural setting where a visitor can feel like they have stepped back to a gentler quieter time which there are no traffic lights or automobiles on the island.  The island offers a rich history, miles of sandy beaches, and over two hundred freshwater ponds that dot the island.   Your ferry departs from Point Judith, RI. The comfortably furnished boat with enclosed passenger area, cocktail bar, and galley will transport you to the island just 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast.  Enjoy a luncheon at the National Hotel and choose your meal which will be available soon.  There is time to discover Block Islands’ beauty on your own. There are many unique shops, wonderful beaches, and endless natural beauty to round out your special island experience. 

  • Sunday, July 14, 2024 from 7am-9pm
  • Cost: $190 per person
  • The bus will pick up and drop off at Saint Andrews Church in Colchester

 

NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW

Tour includes round trip motorcoach, free time in Newport, lunch at Brick Alley Pub (will need to provide meal selection when it becomes available), and admission to the 2024 Newport Flower Show at Rose Cliff Mansion, a Tours of Distinction Tour Director and the gratuity to the tour director and driver.

  • Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 7am-9pm
  • Cost: $185 per person
  • The bus will pick up and drop off at Saint Andrews Church in Colchester

 

TOWN WIDE TAG SALE

Register for the Town Wide Tag Sale by July 29th, 2024 and pay the $25 fee. Your address and tag sale hours will be placed on a map that will include all local tag sales being held on 8/3/24 in Colchester.

Then, hold your tag sale at your house (or get together with neighbors).  Maps will be available July 30th 2024 at www.colchesterct.gov/recreation-department . Anyone and everyone can print out the tag sale map and visit all of the tag sales in Colchester!

  • All tag sales will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024
  • (Rain Date August 10, 2024)

 

SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

INTERNSHIPS

Are you a college student looking for an internship in the recreation field?  We can work with you and your school to get an internship set up! Internships are available any time of the year. Please call the office to discuss your options at (860) 537-7297.

 

DAY CAMP SUMMER EMPLOYMENT

We are looking for camp staff, counselors-in-training, and volunteers that have a very strong background in working with children of all ages and abilities.  Applications are available online at www.colchesterct.gov/recreation-department.

 

2024 SUMMER CAMPS

 

DAY CAMP REGISTRATION

Summer is right around the corner! Camp registration is open and will continue until the registration maximum is met.  Registration is available online at www.colchesterct.gov/recreation-department.  Camp is available Monday through Fridays, June 24 through August 16.  There is no camp on July 4 & July 5 (the weekly fee will be prorated). Camp hours are 8am-3pm daily with extended care available from 3-5pm. The 2024 camp fee is $170 per camper, per week. Extended care is $40 per camper, per week.  Payment plans and scholarships are available.

 

The camp calendar, including weekly themes and field trips is available on the website. *Please note that field trips and entertainment can change. Updates to the calendar will be made as necessary.

 

COUNSELORS IN TRAINING-SUMMER DAY CAMP

  • Camp Dates: Session 1 June 24, 2024- July 12, 2024 OR Session 2 July 15-August 2, 2024
  • There is no camp on 7/4 & 7/5.
  • Open to teens who are aged 14 or older by June 24, 2024.
  • Times: 8am- 3pm on Monday- Friday
  • Fee is $125 per person, per 3 week session.

There is a mandatory meeting for all applicants on Tuesday, April 23 at the Town Hall from 5:30-6:30pm.

This 3-week program trains participants to become Junior Counselors by developing team skills, problem solving abilities, and confidence. Involvement in the program requires submission of "Teen Leader Application" which can be found on our website. The application is due by 4/30/24.

 

TEEN LEADERS-SUMMER DAY CAMP

  • Camp Dates: June 24, 2024- August 16, 2024
  • There is no camp on 7/4 & 7/5. The fees for this week will be prorated.
  • Grades 6, 7, 8 (in the fall of 2024)
  • Times: 8am- 3pm on Monday- Friday
  • Cost: Weekly fee includes all camp activities including the field trip bus and entrance fees (if scheduled). $170 per week
  • Extended Care: 3-5 pm for an additional fee (register separately).

 

Teen Leadership Camp is an exciting opportunity to develop leadership skills, make new friends, and have fun while problem solving and making a positive impact on our community. Leadership Camp will have a separate curriculum and schedule from the other camp groups. Dedicated staff will guide them from week to week as they develop new ideas, competencies, and camp roles.

 

 

COLCHESTER YOUTH THEATRE CAMP

This two-week Youth Theatre Camp, run by theatre professionals and educators, gives kids the opportunity to learn acting skills, develop characters, bond with peers, and rehearse and perform a fully-staged production--boosting confidence, stage presence, and social skills! Overall, this Youth Theatre Camp aims to provide a supportive and creative environment for young aspiring actors to grow, learn, and shine on stage while gaining confidence and valuable skills that will benefit them both on and off the stage.  Get ready for a wild 2-week Youth Theatre Camp packed with acting tips, character building, buddy bonding, stage swagger, socializing secrets, and a mega confidence boost! Join the gang in rehearsing and rocking a fabulous play!

  • Who: Youth entering grades 2-7 in the fall of 2024
  • When: Monday-Friday, 8/12-8/23 from 8am-3pm.
    The ticketed performance will be held on Aug. 23rd
    A minimum of 15 and a maximum of 40 actors will be accepted on a first come, first served basis (no auditions are required to attend the camp)
  • Cost: $300 per child

 

SPT SUMMER SOCCER CAMP

Join us for the third year of SPT soccer camp! Every player will get a t-shirt! SPT camps are designed to help players develop technically and tactically. The SPT Soccer Camp will have you involved in the game of soccer whilst giving you the kind of focus, intensive training essential to improvement, no matter what your ability level. You will improve not only on the field but off of it also, with increased confidence and self-belief.  We bring in some of the best coaches in the state! All coaches are local to Colchester- Andrew Storton, Winner of a National championship; Skip Starks, Bacon Varsity boys coach; Lee Elliot, Girl’s Academy coach, Connecticut College assistant coach and UEFA B licensed coach; Ashley Gaedt, former college player and strengthening & conditioning coach; current and former Bacon Academy players.

  • Monday-Friday, 6/24-6/28 from 9am-12pm
  • Monday-Friday, 8/5-8/9 from 9am-12pm
  • Cost: $150 per player
  • Where: RecPlex
  • Ages: 5-15 years old

 

Building Up S.T.E.A.M. Using LEGO® (Grades K-1/Ages 5-6)

It's never too early to begin using the engineering design process! Children are working independently and cooperatively as they begin to explore simple machines using LEGO® Duplo® early childhood materials.  There will be 2 or 3 motion-based projects introduced each day of the week with additional challenge activities for all building skill levels. Your child will have the opportunity to work with and bring home evidence-based lab sheets showcasing what they build in order to share with family and continue the learning process outside of camp.  Projects may include wedge launchers, scissor lifts, and drumming machines.

 

S.T.E.A.M. Works Using LEGO® (Grades 2-5/Ages 7-9)

It's time to explore the engineering design process!  Children are working with standard LEGO® materials to problem-solve engineering challenges involving structure, levers, gears, pulleys, and other elements of simple machines.  There will be 2-3 projects introduced each day of the week with additional challenge activities to accommodate all building skill levels. Your child will have the opportunity to work with and bring home evidence-based lab sheets that demonstrate what they are building so they can share with family and continue the learning process outside of camp. Projects may include drawbridges, flywheel cars, and amusement park rides.

  • Monday through Friday, August 12-16 from 1:00- 4:00pm
  • Cost is $150 per child
  • Location TBD based on registration numbers
  • Minimum # of children is 8; Maximum # children is 16

 

ARCHERY CAMP

Coach Bill is excited to be back in Colchester! With over 30 years' experience as an archery coach, having taught thousands of individuals from beginners to National Champions, he is a 6-time National Championship medalist, a certified Professional Archer, and an Olympic trials finalist. This is a wonderful opportunity for the Colchester community. Classes meet one hour per day for 5 days. All skill levels are welcome to join. This program is not just for children, there is equipment for all ages, and adults are welcome to participate, especially parents and guardians. Archery is a GREAT family activity! Coach Bill will bring professional equipment for students to borrow during class. Every student will participate at times, no sharing o equipment and no one sits "on the bench".

  • Monday through Friday, 8/12- 8/16 from 8:30-9:30am
  • Monday through Friday, 6/24-6/28 from 8:30-9:30am
  • Cost: $75 per resident, per week
  • Ages: 8 and older
  • Location: RecPlex R5A
  • Minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12

 

YOUTH PROGRAMS

 

YOGA, MINDFUL, TOOLS AND MORE II TUESDAYS OR WEDNESDAYS

This class will have children making, using, and taking home tools to support yoga and mindful practices.  The tools will be: Slinky Breath, Yoga Pose Cards, Yoga Focus Time, and Calm Coloring Book with colored pencils.  The instructor will meet students after school and walk them to the class location at CES.  Parents/Guardians will sign out their child at 4:30. Please have your child wear comfortable clothes. Yoga mats will be provided.

  • Tuesdays: April 16-May 7 from 3:30-4:40pm; OR
  • Wednesday: April 17- May 8 from 3:30pm-4:30pm
  • Costs $60 per person
  • K-2 Colchester Elementary School students
  • Instructor: Susie Hawkins

 

 

YOUTH TENNIS LESSONS

Players will develop new skills and techniques through enjoyable activities, drills, and games.  The classes will be run by Shaun Keane who has over 17 years of teaching and running tennis clinics to a variety of ages. Instruction will be differentiated among the levels of the players in each of the clinics to ensure each player is improving on their skill set.   

  • When: Every Tuesday, 5/14/24-6/4/24 (makeup date will be 6/11/24)
    • Ages 5-7: 3:45-4:30 $65/session
    • Ages 8-12: 4:30-5:30 $85/session
  • Where: Colchester RecPlex
  • Minimum of 5, maximum of 10 players

 

INDOOR STREET SOCCER CAMP

Learn ball control, dribbling, and shooting as you master the skills needed on the soccer field! Street Soccer Skills Camp is a great way to enhance player's skills and performance in a "Club Neutral" environment. Participants must provide their own shin guards, cleats, and water bottles.

  • When: 7/8-7/12   OR   7/22-7/26  9:00am-12:00pm
  • Ages 6-12
  • $145

 

 

 

 

ADULT PROGRAMS

 

GOLF LESSONS-OUTDOOR/SUMMER

Lessons focus on putting, chipping, bunker play, full swing, etiquette, course management along with a video analysis of each participants swing.  All participants should bring their own clubs; however, clubs will be available for use if needed. 

  • Mondays, June 3- June 22 from 6-7pm
  • Chanticlair Golf Course
  • Ages 16+
  • $99

 

 

 

AUDITIONS FOR COLCHESTER ACTORS THEATRE SUMMER BROADWAY MUSICAL: MAN OF LA MANCHA!

ABOUT MAN OF LA MANCHA:

Man of La Mancha is one of the world’s most popular musicals. Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th-century masterwork Don Quixote and set during the Spanish Inquisition, the original 1965 production won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Cervantes is in prison awaiting trial during the Spanish Inquisition. He and his fellow prisoners perform a play-within-a-play, telling the story of the elderly Alonso Quijana, who renames himself “Don Quixote” and goes on a quest to right all wrongs in the world. The rousing, Spanish-inflected score includes the classic numbers “The Impossible Dream,” “I, Don Quixote,” “Dulcinea,” “I Really Like Him” and “Little Bird." Dare to Dream the Impossible Dream with us this summer!

  • Auditions will be held Monday, May 13th-Thursday, May 16th from 6-8pm. Virtual submissions will be accepted.
  • Rehearsals will be held Monday-Thursday 6pm-8pm, beginning June 4th.
  • Show Dates: July 26th and 27th
  • Open to actors ages 14+

 

 

LET’S SEW! (Some things)

Would you like to learn to sew or get back into sewing? There will be a new project in each class using different sewing skills. All the prep work is done for you. All you need to do is sew! However, you will need to bring your own sewing machine, manual, power cord and supplies (thread, scissors, thread & pins).

  • When: Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23 from 6:00-8:00 pm
  • Where: Town Hall, Room 2
  • Cost: $50 resident/ $55 nonresident
  • Who: Ages 18 and older, minimum of 3, maximum of 5

 

 

CT DEEP SAFE BOATING CLASS 2024

Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (AKA Boating Certificate):  Successful completion of the class qualifies a person to purchase their Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) for $50 on the Sportsmen Licensing System. The CPWO allows an individual (see age restrictions below) to operate any recreational vessel including a personal watercraft.

 

No person under age 16, issued a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) or a certificate approved by the Commissioner, may operate a personal watercraft without the onboard supervision of a person at least age 18 who has a CPWO.

 

No person under the age of 16 may operate a vessel that is engaged in tubing or water-skiing. A child under the age of 16 may be permitted to operate a vessel, other than a personal watercraft, without obtaining a SBC or CPWO, if the youth is under the direct supervision of a person at least age 18 who has had a boating certificate for at least two years.

 

A child under the age of 12 who has obtained a SBC or CPWO may not operate a vessel with greater than 10 horsepower, unless the youth is accompanied on board by a person at least age 18 who holds a SBC or CPWO.

 

The class is 8 hours long in total. Students are required to attend all sessions. While there is no minimum age requirement to take the class, students must be able to attend the 8 hour class and take a 60 question multiple choice test.

 

A Connecticut Conservation ID Number is a unique and permanent number that is assigned to you by the Connecticut Online Sportsmen Licensing System. You MUST provide your Conservation Id to register for this class. You cannot take the exam, purchase your certificate, or re-print your certificate without it.  If you have a Connecticut Hunting or Fishing License, your Conservation ID Number will be the same ID number that was assigned with the hunting or fishing license.  If you have never been issued a Conservation ID Number, go to the Online Sportsmen Licensing System at https://ct.aspirafocus.com/internetsales to create one.
For instructions on how to obtain an ID visit: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/Boating/Boating_Docs/How-to-Obtain-a-Conservation-ID-Number.pdf

 

  • May 14th AND May 16th  from 5pm-9pm
  • Colchester Town Hall Meeting Room 1
  • $25 per person
  • Minimum of 15 and a maximum of 25 will be accepted into this class

 

INTERMEDIATE YOGA

This class is designed for students that are beginners as well as experienced.  I will be starting with gentle warm up poses and then building some heat in the body before winding down to deeper more relaxing poses followed by a relaxation mediation.  Please bring props if you have them including block straps and a blanket.  We will have a fun time and you will walk out feeling better than when you came in!

  • Tuesdays from 6:00pm-7:00pm
  • $70 per resident $75 per nonresident
  • Spring/Summer dates coming soon- check website
  • Instructor: Indora Chaviaras

 

SENIOR YOGA

ONLINE with Facebook Live- Gentle Yoga is perfect for age 45 and over to explore yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditation. Yoga improves your balance and strength, stretches your entire body, and focuses your mind and calms your emotions. All levels of fitness or yoga experience are welcome.  

  • Mondays from 4:45pm-5:45pm
  • April 15-May 6
  • May 13-June 10 (no class May 27)
  • June 17-July 8
  • $35 for residents, $40 for non-residents (4 weeks)
  • Instructor: Anne Beauregard
  • Facebook Live (the private link will be mailed to you after you register)

 

ZUMBA

Zumba is a fun, high-energy workout experience that keeps you excited to exercise and return for more. Zumba is a dance party disguised as a workout— Zumba is a safe, fun, and effective workout for most people who want to enhance their cardiovascular fitness through dance.

  • Mondays from 6:30pm-7:30pm
  • $80 per resident, $85 per nonresident
  • Spring/Summer dates coming soon, check website
  • Instructor: Dana Belanger

 

SPRING DOG TRAINING CLASSES

A six-week basic obedience course using positive reinforcement training methods. Each session will run for one hour. This course will teach you and your dog how to effectively communicate with each other while learning all the basic obedience commands. First session is humans only. All dogs must be leashed with a non-retractable leash. No pinch or choke collars allowed; harnesses are highly recommended.  Please bring a water bowl & water as well as waste clean-up bags. Only one dog per handler.

Pawfessional K-9 Training uses positive reinforcement training to help families and their dogs with behavior, obedience, and communication skills. Owner Sean Shoemaker is an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer and AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, has over 5 years’ experience working in basic and advanced obedience training. Sean’s goal with his training is to help families integrate their canine companions into their family and works with clients in both group and individual settings.

 

All canine participants must provide proof of rabies and distemper. The Bordetella vaccination is recommended as well. Dogs with canine or human aggression are not recommended for this course.

  • Fee: $150.00 Resident/$155 Non-Resident
  • Ages: 18 and older, Min.4/Max.8
  • When: Saturdays, April 6 (no dogs) , 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18 (Rain date May 25 if needed)      
  • Time:    from 9:00-10:00 am                     
  • Instructor: Shoemaker, Sean (Pawfessional K-9 Training)
  • Location: Ruby Cohan Woodlands

 

COLCHESTER CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA

We look forward to welcoming new members looking for a social orchestra and choir with a passion for music. Seats are open in all sections, both Choir & Orchestra.  Many adult members join with their school-aged children and/or spouses. It is truly a family activity. There are no auditions, but being able to read music is helpful.  Rehearsals are held on Thursdays throughout the year (Choir 6 – 7:30 pm and Orchestra 7:30 – 9 pm).

The membership dues are $35 for the year for adults and $15 for students that covers the cost of the music and concert expenses.  For other information and to see videos of past performances go to our website: www.colchesterchoirorchestra.org  

BARRE

This class combines barre and strength exercises with floor work based on Pilates principles. It is a full-body workout with plenty of stretching and moments to breathe. Equipment: A sturdy chair to act as a barre to hold on to, sets of weights (try allowing yourself a range from 2-3 lbs to 5-8 lbs.) Mat and water are recommended.

  • Tuesdays, April 16-June 18 from 6:00pm-6:45pm
  • $80 (10 weeks)
  • Zoom, Links for Zoom will be emailed to participants upon registration. 

 

PILATES

Exercises focus on the core muscles which include the abs, back, glutes and shoulders. We work to create balance and strength in your trunk and loose, limber limbs. Pilates strives to make you strong and long while improving balance, coordination, and posture. Every part of the body gets worked and you’ll discover muscles you never knew you had. Please bring a mat, water, a green (or medium weight) flex band, and a 7.5-9-inch stability ball.

  • Tuesdays, April 16-June 18 from 4:45pm-5:45pm (10 weeks) $80 per person
  • Tuesdays, July 9-August 20 from 6-6:45 pm (7 weeks) $59 per person
  • Zoom, Links for Zoom will be emailed to participants upon registration. 

 

CARDIO STRENGTH

This functionally, fun class provides a complete workout that will help tone and reshape your body.  We’ll target the arms, legs, abs, and butt. In addition to using weights to help build strength, this class incorporates some light cardio to help improve cardiovascular health.  Strength and cardio combo are a great way to improve overall fitness and build bone density.  You’ll need a yoga mat and weights.  (1-3 lbs. and 5-8 lbs. or larger if desired)

  • Wednesdays: April 17-June 19 from 8:30am-9:15am
  • $80 (10 weeks)
  • Zoom, Links for Zoom will be emailed to participants upon registration. 

 

CORE STRENGTH

This functionally, fun class provides a complete workout that will help tone and reshape your body.  You will use light weights, bands, and your own body weight to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and stamina to sculpt and tone.  Bring a yoga mat, water, and light weights. 

  • Thursdays: April 18- June 20 from 6:00pm-6:45pm (10 weeks) $80 per person
  • Thursdays, July 11-August 22 from 6-6:45pm (7 weeks) $59 per person
  •  Zoom, Links for Zoom will be emailed to participants upon registration.

 

15 MINUTE HIIT

Short on time? This workout is for you! Backed by research that shows short bouts of intense exercise can be as effective as longer more moderate workouts, this class makes it easy to fit exercise in your schedule. This class will have a short warm up and cool down, and in-between we will be working intensely with fun, full body moves. Modifications will be given so that you can work at the right pace for you. Plan to leave feeling energized.

  • Wednesdays, July 10-August 21 from 8:30-9:15 am
  • $28 per person (7 weeks)
  • Zoom: Links will be sent to participation after they register