Upcoming Events

Ages 11 – 16

Oil painting is one of the best ways to showcase the beautiful textures in nature. This new teen art skills class with Kristin Bailey from Purple Paintbrush LLC is recommended for any avid young painter who’s tried watercolor, acrylic, or tempera and wants to learn more!  Students are welcome to bring a small nature-themed object of interest as inspiration.

Registration deadline: Monday, July 29

Ages 12 – 14
Monday – Wednesday, August 5 – 7
(Rain date: Thursday, August 8)
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Archery and nature education combined! Campers will learn the basics of archery, go creeking, learn about local wildlife, play archery tag and complete a work of art — archery style!

Registration deadline: Monday, July 29

Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays, August 6 – September 10

Join us for a gentler, more adaptable yoga program. This class will feature additional guidance, modifications and props to assist in supporting postures and a slower pace. Taught by certified yoga instructor Kathleen Crosby. Please bring a yoga mat and water.

Registration deadline: Friday, August 2

Ages 10 – 15

For teens who enjoy drawing and don’t mind getting their hands messy, this class led by Kristin Bailey from Purple Paintbrush LLC is a great fit! Class will be split between learning to draw with charcoal and learning to draw with soft pastels. We will also play some drawing games!

Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 30

Ages 0 – 5 years with adult companion

Hit the trail with us! These exploratory hikes foster curiosity and confidence in young children. Your leader will point out seasonal changes and other natural points of interest in the parks. Hike is on a paved path. Backpacks and front carriers are appropriate if your child is not walking.

Registration deadline: Sunday, August 4

Ages 9 – 14

Let’s take it to the BIG field and get some energy out before heading back to school! This evening will include all your favorite versions of dodgeball, Nerf challenges and capture the flag. We will cool down with water games and frozen treats! Please be sure to note any allergies.

Registration deadline: Thursday, August 1

Ages 18 and up

Exploring various yoga styles is as easy as walking down to your neighborhood park. Gentle yoga, vinyasa flow and breathwork + meditation classes will be offered in a soothing neighborhood park setting, led by Method Yoga Studio’s Megan Lees. Each class is suitable for all levels. Please bring a mat and water bottle. Classes are weather dependent.

Registration deadline: Tuesday, August 6

Ages 10 – 18

Kettering PRCA and Centerville-Washington Park District are collaborating to bring the joy of birdwatching to our youth. Light snacks are provided. Participants must become members of the Ohio Young Birders Club. The Summer Session of the Southwest Chapter is hosted by the Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. You must register through them to attend.

Program Code: 03-30240-C (registration through Kettering)

Recommended for ages 8 and up

Help contribute to research by joining the naturalist on butterfly surveys. Identify and count butterflies while observing other seasonal wildlife as we stroll. No experience is necessary. Trail is approximately one mile in length on uneven terrain. This is a Tools to Trek program.

Registration deadline: Thursday, August 8

Ages 6 and up with an adult companion (Adults can register as well to create their own terrarium)

This adult and child sand art workshop is a perfect opportunity to have a fun bonding experience with your favorite little one! Kids and adults alike will enjoy being creative with sand art — with the bonus of adding live air plants.

Registration deadline: Sunday, July 28

All ages

A fun run with bubbles everywhere! Learn about where you can spot bubbles in nature as you stop by stations with … you guessed it … bubbles! This will be a three-quarter-mile course with a 100-meter dash option for ages 10 and under. Hometown Swirls Ice Cream Truck will be in attendance. This event is sponsored by Dayton Children’s Hospital.

Ages 18 and up

The ride will be led by trained and experienced bike leaders and will help you learn routes to shopping, parks and more! This ride will take our Bike Centerville Community Rides up a level and be approximately 22 miles starting at Wagon Trail Park, exploring Springboro before ending back where you started.

Registration deadline: Thursday, August 8

Ages 18 and up

Join us on a stroll through your park! A naturalist will point out seasonal changes and discuss the wildlife we observe. Hike is on a natural path.

*Please note that the location of this month’s Hike with a Naturalist differs from what was printed in the newsletter.*

Registration deadline: Tuesday, August 13