Monthly Newsletter

Greetings,


Can you believe that Summer Camps begin this month? It seems like only yesterday we were starting the school year. Our award-winning camps had over 25,000 registrants last year and we hope to welcome them (and their friends) back!


Enjoy active, indoor and outdoor weeks; build a robot; create some slime; score a goal and more through our educational, interactive, and fun-packed opportunities. Your child will be having so much fun they won’t want to stop.


Many of you have already filled your calendar for the entire summer , so you're set! For those who haven't, some camps have already filled, but we still have plenty for your kids to get up, get out, and get active all summer long! Please review the available camps HERE to find the right one for you!


We know many of you will plan a trip with the family, but don't worry, we'll be waiting for you when you get back.


I would also like to thank everyone who participated in this year's Wine in the Woods. To the patrons, vendors, sponsors, and staff, thank you for making this year's festival another huge success! Here are photos from the event. Now, please review some of our upcoming programs for all ages to enjoy.


Sincerely,


Nicola Morgal

Acting Director of Recreation & Parks

Summer Camps

Making Memories

Summer Camp season starts this month! The Recreation & Parks team remains at the ready for you to sign up your little ones for camps to keep your children's minds and bodies active during the summer months. We offer so many different camps that you’ll be filling your calendar before you know it. Just don’t wait too long, many camps are already filling! We have already seen record enrollment numbers, but there are still plenty of opportunities to keep your child moving, learning, and making new friends all summer long. Check out our offerings HERE

Featured Special Events

Summer Solstice Maker’s Mart

Join us June 11 from 11:30am-3:30pm and meet local artisans and shop their handmade and sustainable wares both outside and inside Robinson Nature Center. Our own gift shop will offer 15% off purchases for members and 10% off purchases for non-members made during the special event time. For all ages. Admission to the Robinson Nature Center admission and event are free.

For more information about becoming a vendor, or to see participating artisans, click HERE.

Roger Carter Community Center 10th Anniversary Celebration

Join us on June 17 from Noon-2pm as we celebrate Roger Carter Community Center’s 10th anniversary with a FREE open swim, indoor laser tag sponsored by Next Level Gaming, climbing wall, refreshments, and giveaways. No registration is required for this event. Space available on a first-come, first-served basis. All those 16 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Info: 410-313-2764.

SAVE THE DATE: Howard County's July 4th Fireworks 

Join us at the Columbia Lakefront for the 4th of July annual fireworks celebration. The FREE event features live entertainment starting after 5pm. Bring a picnic or purchase food from on-site vendors. Parking is free. (Rain date is July 5, fireworks only.) Fireworks are at dark -- weather permitting. Additional details HERE.

SAVE THE DATE: July is Recreation & Parks Month

Did you know that July is NRPA’s Park and Recreation Month? Join Howard County Recreation & Parks as we celebrate with FREE movie/game nights, food trucks, concerts and more. There is something for everyone! More info coming soon HERE.

SAVE THE DATE: Solar Fest

Back by popular demand! Howard County Recreation & Parks is teaming up with the Howard Astronomical League for a fun evening of science, engineering, arts, crafts, games, astronomy and more. Join us on July 8 from 6:30-9pm at Alpha Ridge Park, and enjoy vendors providing interactive and dynamic STEAM activities. Bring the whole family and enjoy fun for all ages. Preregistration is required, space is limited. Cost: $5. Register HERE.

School's Out Programs

What To Do When School's Out

With the school year coming to a close, we want to remind parents/guardians that we have school’s out program options for your child, even on early dismissal days for school (June 7, 12-14), along with full-day programs for June 15-16. Programs include art, chess, circus, drama, LEGO®, medical/veterinarian, and music. Be sure to sign up early before it is too late! 


Early dismissals: June 7 | June 12 | June 13 | June 14 (last day of school)

Full day offerings: June 15 | June 16



*** The Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks can provide limited financial assistance to Howard County residents who qualify. Find the form online HERE or en Español HERE

Adults, Let's Cook!

Greek Dishes Alba’s Way

Greece is known for its splendid ancient culture, sunny islands, and healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Experience off-the-beaten-path Greek recipes and enjoy the richness and splendor of Greek food. Join us June 16 from 6-8pm as we make chickpea cucumber feta and tomato salad, chicken souvlaki wrapped in prosciutto, lemon scented rice, and for dessert, Greek yogurt and strawberry cheesecake. This class is live, virtual, and interactive – Prep and cook along if you wish. Students receive an email prior to the start of class with Zoom link and recipes. Cost: $35. Register HERE.

Adventure & Outdoors

New this summer: Friends & Family Afternoon Mini Adventures

Create your own family and/or friends adventure experience in our afternoon mini adventures. Choose from a variety of Adventure & Outdoor activities led by our highly trained staff. Pick your dates and activities HERE. Choose three of the following activities to create your adventure: target archery, rock climbing, and fishing (all 6 yrs +) and canoeing/kayaking (8 yrs +). The $399 cost covers up to three people in three Friends & Family Adventure activities (all activities are two hours). Add an additional family member or friend for $59 each (up to a max of five people). At least one participant must be 18 years or older. All equipment supplied; no experience necessary. Info: Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769 or [email protected]. Mini-Adventure dates start in early July.


Can’t wait or don’t want to commit to three afternoons? Contact us to schedule one Friends & Family Adventure on a schedule that works for you and our instructors. Call Matt for more details or visit HERE.

Trips & Tours

Discover Maine

It’s never too early to book your next vacation. Immerse yourself in the beautiful New England fall colors during this 5-day/4-night (Sept. 25-29) exciting escape to Maine. Visit the Portland Head Light and Victoria Mansion. View the boyhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the restored Old Port Exchange, and have a breathtaking view of Casco Bay as you relax and take a narrated cruise through Calendar Islands.

Enjoy shopping, exploration, unique gifts, antiques, art galleries, and amazing food! The trip stops at L.L. Bean and Factory Outlets in Freeport and the Nubble Lighthouse, before you enjoy a delicious lobster bake dinner. Finally, the group has the opportunity to tour Kennebunkport, which includes Walker’s Point – the Bush family compound. Kennebunkport is filled with art galleries, craft shops, restored mansions, and historic boutiques. Trip includes round-trip deluxe charter coach, four nights lodging, four breakfasts, three dinners, a lobster bake dinner, and tours of several amazing locations! Single occupancy: $1,459. Double occupancy: $1,079. Register HERE before it sells out.

Nature & Environment

Summer Solstice Celebration

On June 18, celebrate the longest day of the year at Robinson Nature Center. From 2-4pm, we’ll create solar prints, enjoy safe, solar viewing with the Howard Astronomical League, delight in a popsicle break and take a stroll down to our river to enjoy a few water-based activities that will help your family ring in the summer! Cost: $10 per person. Register HERE.

Sports

Temperature Spikes League (Spikeball)

As the temperature spikes, join us for some friendly competition! This coed recreational activity is not competitive (self-officiated). So come have fun and be social. Fee includes a four-week schedule starting in July (two games per night; three matches per game). All skill levels welcome for those 14-17 years and 18 years +. To make registration easy, just list the friends you'd like to play with, and have your friends do the same when they sign up. Rosters will be built according to friend requests, with a max of four people per team. If you don’t have a partner, no problem. We will match you up with another individual. Cost: $30. Click HERE to register by June 25. League starts July 6.

55 + Programs

Dancing for Fun Mixer

Throughout the month of June, enjoy moving to the music while trying a variety of dance styles. From line dancing to ballroom, swing to Latin, we try them all. Come get active and have some fun. No partner necessary. Class is those 55 years +. Multiple one-day classes held in June. Find the ones that best fit your schedule. Cost: $12. Register HERE.

Historic & Heritage

The Railroad Becomes a Battlefield

Commemorate the 159th anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy with a special Civil War history tour of the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum. Join us July 9 from 2:30-3:30pm to learn about the vital role that the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad played during the Civil War and how the war came to Ellicott’s Mills. Cost: $15. This event is for all ages. Register HERE.

Therapeutic Recreation 

Enjoy the Adventure

All-in Adventure is a collaborative program between our Adventure & Outdoor and Therapeutic Recreation groups to give adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate in some of the great outdoor and adventure activities that Recreation and Parks offers. We went fishing at Centennial Lake, shot archery at the Alpha Ridge Range, went rock climbing at Roger Carter Community Center, and had an educational and relaxing campfire program at the Robinson Nature Center. This was all done in an accepting, inclusive and adaptive environment where all participants had the opportunity to achieve their highest level of success. All-in Adventure will resume once again in the fall of 2023. Photos from the rock climbing can be found HERE

Now Hiring

Get paid while you play


Howard County Recreation and Parks is now hiring:

• Competitive pay

• Flexible hours

• Internship opportunities

• Leadership experience

 

To learn more, go to our jobs page HERE.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Howard County Recreation & Parks has a wide variety of memorial and sponsorship opportunities that will help you get involved with the community.

  • Indoor/Outdoor Banners
  • Special Events Packages
  • T-shirts & Promotional Materials

Info: Sponsorships.

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410-313-7275 | www.howardcountymd.gov/rap | 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21046
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