Education & Enrichment

Provide leisure opportunities for our community to learn, engage, and acquire new life skills in a safe space.

ALL ABOUT A GARDEN

We’re planting the seed of knowledge and encouraging healthy habits while learning all about a garden. Come and unleash your green thumb! This program will be held entirely outdoors, with physical distancing between each participant. Participants should bring a water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes. A hat and sunglasses are recommended. Age: 5-12 CR Fee: $9 NCR Fee: $14 EDISON JOHNSON RECREATION CENTER 16677 Jun 22-Jul 27 W 12pm-1pm

BABYSITTERS TRAINING COURSE

Learn the skills to be the best babysitter on the block. Babysitter Training is an American Red Cross instructional program. The course is fun and fast-paced with hand-on activities, role-plays, instructional videos, and discussions. You will gain the confidence to make smart decisions and stay safe in any babysitting situation. Participants should bring snacks and a lunch. Preregistration is required one week prior to class. Have an email ready to provide for American Red Cross certification. Age: 11-14 CR Fee: $24 NCR Fee: $29 I.R. HOLMES, SR. RECREATION CENTER 16697 Jul 29 F 9am-3pm

BECOMING ME WITH GIRL SCOUTS

In partnership with the Girl Scout organization, this program is a unique opportunity for all Durham area girls to embark on the journey to becoming their best selves. Girls will participate in weekly activities that include STEM, games, and other forms of creative expression. Girl Scout membership is NOT required. Age: 5-12 No Cost EDISON JOHNSON RECREATION CENTER 16678 Jul 6-Aug 10 W 4pm-5pm

Do you enjoy a good challenge? Learn chess strategy and practice playing against others. By learning this centuries old two-player brain game, you’ll build and develop lifelong skills in creative problem solving, pattern recognition, and critical thinking. Age: 13-18 CR Fee: $9 NCR Fee: $14 I.R. HOLMES, SR. RECREATION CENTER 16689 Jun 7-Jul 12 T 2pm-3pm 16690 Jul 19-Aug 23 T 2pm-3pm

COLOR THE PARK

Do your kids enjoy painting? Would they like to try it on a large scale? Then they will have a great time at Color the Park! Make some art. Make a mess. Have a blast! Age: 1-5 CR Fee: $4.50 NCR Fee: $9.50 EDISON JOHNSON RECREATION CENTER 16670 Jun 17-Jul 8 F 10am-11am

MAKERS MONDAY

Bring out the inner artist. Come enjoy Makers Monday, DIY style. Participants will enjoy making handmade crafts and creations that others will not believe you “Did It Yourself.” Age: 6-12 CR Fee: $1.50 NCR Fee: $6.50 EDISON JOHNSON RECREATION CENTER 16671 Jul 11 M 11am-12pm 16672 Jul 18 M 11am-12pm 16673 Jul 25 M 11am-12pm

OPEN COMPUTER LAB

Come in and take advantage of our computer lab. Access to the Internet, Microsoft Office products, and printing will be available. Age: 13 and up No Cost HOLTON CAREER AND RESOURCE CENTER 16754 Jul 1-Jul 29 M,W,F 10am-8:30pm 16755 Jun 4-Jul 23 Sa 10am-2pm

RESOURCE CENTER

Resource Center provides a place for the public to work uninterrupted on job or school related projects--anything from homework assignments to resume writing. Age: 5-19 No Cost WEAVER STREET RECREATION CENTER 16794 Jun 1-Aug 31 M-Sa 4pm-9pm Yes, manners matter! This is a comprehensive program that teaches all elements of everyday etiquette for youth. Through a variety of activities, participants will build self-confidence and develop leadership skills for use in social situations. These include: shaking hands with adults, inviting a friend to the movies, online communication, face-to-face conversation, displaying proper table manners, and much more. Participation in this course is an investment in personal success! Age: 10-17 CR Fee: $9 NCR Fee: $14 I.R. HOLMES, SR. RECREATION CENTER 16691 Jun 9-Jul 14 Th 2pm-3pm 16692 Jul 21-Aug 25 Th 2pm-3pm

PAMPER YOUR POOCH

It’s no secret that dogs bring our families so much love and joy. Your child will have a chance to return the favor when they participate in this fun class. During this hands-on program, your child will work on two exciting DIY projects they can bring home to your family pooch: 1) A bag of homemade, no-bake dog treats and 2) a “snuffle basket” toy to entertain your pup and keep their mind active and engaged. Participants should bring a container to take their doggie treats home. Parent participation encouraged. Preregistration is required and space is limited. Please be aware that dog treat recipe uses peanut butter. Age: 6-11 CR Fee: $1.50 NCR Fee: $6.50 WALLTOWN PARK RECREATION CENTER 16635 Aug 4 Th 6:30pm-7:30pm

CHILL AND PAINT

Want to have an easygoing Friday night? Come out to Edison Johnson to paint a picture while listening to some smooth jazz and R&B. Age: 13-16 CR Fee: $6 NCR Fee: $11 EDISON JOHNSON RECREATION CENTER 16676 Aug 12 F 1pm-2pm

MATURE ADULT ACTIVITIES

CHECKING OUT THE LIBRARYINNOVATION LAB

Did you know that the Durham County Public Library has a wonderful and innovative space called the Innovation Lab? Come join your Mature Adult friends for a fun afternoon of exploring and creating various digital and physical fields. Come here for 3D printing, laser cutting, coding, robotics, digital design and more! Now, before you say, “What in the world, I don’t know how to do this!” know that you will have step-by step guidance and all the materials you’ll need. It isn’t rocket science, it’s fun! Plus, you’ll be able to impress the grandkids with all you learn! Participants will supply their own transportation to and from the Durham County Public Library. Parking is free. Age: 55 and up CR Fee: $15 NCR Fee: $20 16629 Jun 7 T 1:30pm-3:30pm

RHYTHM-KINETICS FOR MOBILITY WELLNESS

Explore the self and release body tensions and psycho-emotional anxieties with a mindfulness brought about through music and rhythm-kinetic movement activities. This program will increase mind-body coordination, strengthen muscles, improve balance, increase visual focus, enhance creativity, self-awareness, socialization and much more. Mindfulness activities will include breath control, relaxation, upper and lower body movement activities, drum circle, and musicmaking. No musical experience required. Walkers and wheelchairs welcome. Age: 55 and up CR Fee: $11.25 NCR Fee: $16.25 I.R. HOLMES, SR. RECREATION CENTER 16687 Jun 9-Jul 14 Th 10:30am-11:45am 16688 Jul 21-Aug 25 Th 10:30am-11:45am

CHECKING OUT THE LIBRARY- NC COLLECTIONS

The North Carolina Collection at the Durham County Library preserves and makes available materials related to the history of Durham city and county. The collection also offers a wealth of materials for people interested in researching North Carolina-related topics. Old newspaper archives, books, periodicals, maps: a treasure trove of memories and information for long-time residents of Durham and/or newcomers to the area. Bring your memories, bring your questions! You never know what or who you will find! Participants will supply their own transportation to and from the Durham County Public Library. Parking is free. Age: 55 and up No Cost 16630 Aug 16 T 1:30pm-3:30pm

There is nothing better than reading a good book on a warm summer day, except for getting together with friends old and new to talk about it! Mature adults are invited to read an assigned book (chosen by mature adults) and then meet virtually over the course of four weeks and discuss what we’ve read. You know everybody will have different opinions and take-aways and thoughts on characters in the story that you’ll love or hate - and that is what will make talking about it all the more fun! Book title will be sent to participants well in advance of the program beginning. Age: 55 and up No Cost VIRTUAL ONLINE - ZOOM 16620 Jun 9-Jun 23 Th 2pm-3pm

VIRTUAL LUNCH AND OTHER TRIVIAL MATTERS

Of all the fun things to do in the summer, eat and talk are right up at the top of the list. Throw in a game or two AND have it all be from the comfort of home - voila! You’ve got a perfect summer day. We’ll go one better and have three of them! Join Mature Adults virtually who you know or will get to know for lunch, chat about anything and play a trivia game or two! You provide the lunch and the conversation, we’ll provide the trivia! Fair warning: we expect to see a lot of good ol’ tomato sandwiches on Wonderbread come the August session! Age: 55 and up No Cost VIRTUAL ONLINE - ZOOM 16626 Jun 30 Th 12pm-2pm 16627 Jul 28 Th 12pm-2pm 16628 Aug 25 Th 12pm-2pm

VIRTUAL IT’S A SUMMER MYSTERY

We know July and August are going to be hot, it’s Durham! But what better way to stay cool than joining up with old friends and new acquaintances to read a great mystery novel, and then discuss it in chilling detail! By what page did you figure out the killer and what clues did you miss along the way? We’ll let you know the book title well in advance of the program’s start. It’ll be a hot time in the old town once our Mature Adults are on the case! Age: 55 and up No Cost VIRTUAL ONLINE - ZOOM 16621 Jul 19-Aug 9 T 2pm-3pm Durham has a world-known national Black-owned wine business and we want to learn more about it - and sample their wines! Come learn about winemaking and all that literally and figuratively goes into it! Plus, see up close and first-hand one of the new thriving Black woman-owned businesses in the Bull City. A wine tasting will be offered as part of the registration fee. Participants will supply their own transportation to and from the winery. Parking is free. Participants are also responsible for any purchases made after the program. Age: 55 and up CR Fee: $30 NCR Fee: $45 16631 Jun 3 F 1:30pm-3:30pm