See the T-Recs!

Budgeting Tip: Start Paying for Summer Camp Now… Here’s How!

We know you just got used to the idea of wearing a hat and gloves, but the fact is, June and summer camp season will be here before you know it! Start planning and budgeting now for your child’s summer camp by pre-loading payments into your account.

1. Visit RecWeb on the Montgomery County Recreation website

2. Click “My Account” in the navigation bar at the top

3. Click “Make a Payment” on the left column

4. Check off “Pay a specific amount” and complete your credit card information

5. Start browsing the Summer Camp Guide because registration starts January 22, 2013.

Sliding into Fun at the Indoor Swim Centers

Image via TeachMama.com

Montgomery County Recreation offers a lot more than swimming and diving at our Aquatic Centers. One of the most popular features of the indoor swim centers in Montgomery County are slides! Kids and adults love the twists, turns and final burst into the water of the extra long slides at the Germantown and Kennedy-Shriver indoor swim centers. For these long slides you have to be 48” in height or taller. In addition, kids of all ages and heights can enjoy several shorter slides at Germantown, Kennedy-Shriver, and Olney swim centers including tot slides, tubes, and steep dips that all end in a big splash!

What better way to cure the chilly winter blues?

Grab you suits and towels and head over to the pool during a designated recreational swim. You might want to check the facility schedule on the Montgomery County Recreation website and call ahead to make sure the slides are open. Then, enjoy!

Here’s how one family celebrated a birthday by sliding into the Germantown Indoor pool: 

 

Why Kids Love to ‘Excel Beyond the Bell’ After School

Image via MCPS

October 20, 2012 was named Lights on After School Day by Montgomery County School Superintendent Joshua Starr to highlight the County’s dedication to quality after-school programming. You can read more about Excel Beyond the Bell in the November RECord.

In its second year, the free program serves more than 800 students in five middle schools: Argyle, Roberto Clemente, Forest Oak, A. Mario Loiederman, and Neelsville. Students receive homework support, participate in activities, receive a free hot meal and transportation home.

We had the opportunity to ask some students what they enjoy doing and what they have learned in the time they spend after school.  Here’s what they said:

New Year, New Cooking Skills

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook--try new recipes, learn from
your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!” 

- Julia Child, My Life in France 

Image via theswedish on sxc

 

Aspiring chefs, young and old, can find a course that fits their skills and interests this winter. Cooking classes make great gifts as well! Here are a few highlights from ‘what’s cooking’ in our kitchens.

Basic Cooking Skills – a great gift for teens and college kids

#344587 at Ross Boddy Community Recreation Center

January 12, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

This course covers the basics and participants will learn by doing and enjoy a lovely lunch at the end to celebrate their success. Learn the difference between sauté, stew, roast and braise and practice knife skills including sharpening. Bring an appetite and leave with new kitchen confidence and recipes!  A $15 food fee is due to the instructor at the start of class.

The Great Dinner Party – become a hostess with the mostest

#344589 at Ross Boddy Community Recreation Center

January 26 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

The holidays are over and so are the family obligations. Now it’s time to celebrate with friends. This class will inspire you to host a dinner party for a friend’s birthday, a job promotion, or just because. Participants will learn how to plan, prepare, and serve a three-course meal including risotto with squid, chicken breast supreme, and coconut cream pie. We’ll even cover wine selection! We eat what we prepare so come hungry and bring $15 for a food fee due to the instructor.

Valentine’s Day is for Chocolate Lovers – but chocolate isn’t just for Valentine’s Day

#344545 at White Oak Community Recreation Center

February 7, 6:30 – 9:00 pm

Homemade chocolate treats make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. They are easier to prepare than one might think, they taste richer than your typical store-bought chocolate, and they are made with love. Participants will learn to make a chocolate mousse, truffles, and a rich chocolate cookie bar that will please the most demanding of chocolate lovers. Bring a container to take home your treats and $15 for a food fee due to the instructor.