Youth Programs

Registration for most spring programs begins  Monday, February 3, 2025 at 9:00am for residents and Monday, February 17, 2025 at 9:00am for nonresidents.

Signups will be using our new registration portal, MyRec. Make sure to make your account ahead of time! 

Parent supervised play time. Bring your toddler to run, play and tumble on the mats.
Location: Community Campus.
Saturdays through May 31, 8:30-11:00am (No Class Memorial Day Weekend)
FREE; no registration needed

Please note: 

• No food or shoes in the tumble time room.

Fantastic Forces: Kids explore a variety of introductory topics in engineering, physics and chemistry as they learn how science can be applied in everyday life. They learn about concepts like bridge construction, the forces of flight, how air pressure can be used to move things, and more! At the end of every class, they take home an educational toy that extends the learning experience.

• Grades 3-5: Tuesdays, April 1 - May 27 (No Class April 29). 3:00 - 4:00pm
• Grades K-2: Thursdays, April 3 - May 29 (No Class May 2). 3:00 - 4:00pm

Location: Community Campus. $155 residents | $165 nonresidents

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

FEBRUARY VACATION BREAK

Eureka! The Inventors Camp: Children will overcome a series of challenges using basic materials, simple machines, tips from famous inventors, and most importantly, their minds. With a bit of ingenuity, they create catapults and forts, construct working light sticks, and assemble a set of circuits. Kids become inventors! Location: Community Campus

• Monday - Friday, February 24 - 28, 2025 from 9am-3pm. $420 resident | $425 non resident<>

APRIL VACATION BREAK

Robot Recruit: Children learn about the use of robots in the world and spend time experimenting with super cool robots. They discover the science of circuits and how robots use sensors to explore things around them. They will also build their very own working robot to take home with them! Location: Community Campus

• Monday - Friday, April 28-May 2, 2025 from 9am-3pm. $420 resident | $425 non resident

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Engineers will explore the basics of robotics while building some fascinating prehistoric creatures. They will learn about these ancient animals as they build and code robotic models.

• Grades 1-5: Mondays, March 10 - April 14. 3:00 - 5:00pm

Location: Community Campus. $99

Register Here with Snapology

Afternoon adventures await! Explorers will start at the Community Campus for lunch, free play and then attend a local field trip. Please pack a lunch for your child to eat. 

• Grades K-5: Wednesday, March 12; Wednesday, May 14. 12:00 - 5:00pm

Location: Community Campus. $50 residents | $60 nonresidents

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Children will use color to express their creativity. A variety art materials and techniques will be introduced each week. Having fun making art will be the focus. Student work will be displayed in a special Art Show at the Community Campus.

• Grades K-1: Tuesdays, March 25 - May 20 (no class April 29). 3:00 - 4:30pm

Location: Community Campus. $215 residents | $225 nonresidents

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Things that fly will be used as inspiration for our young artists to think outside of the box and create new and incredible types of art. Both 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional artwork will be produced using typical and unusual materials. Student work will be displayed in a special Art Show at the Community Campus.

• Grades 2-3: Thursdays, March 27 - May 22 (no class May 1). 3:00 - 4:30pm

Location: Community Campus. $215 residents | $225 nonresidents

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Whether you have a Chess Wizard or a beginner, Chess Kidz is a great way to learn this classic game. Students will have hands-on instruction from a chess expert who creates a fun, competitive environment. 

• Grades K-5: Wednesdays, March 26 - May 21 (No Class April 30). 3:00 - 4:30pm

Location: Community Campus. $85 residents | $90 nonresidents

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

The kitchen becomes a classroom in this fun, engaging program! Students will work together to create a delicious dish, learn about healthy eating, and go home with a recipe to try at home. This class can be adapted to accommodate most food allergies.

• Monday Session - Grades K-5: March 31 - June 2 (No Class April 28, May 26). 3:00 - 4:30pm
• Friday Session - Grades K-5: April 4 - May 30 (No Class May 2). 3:00 - 4:30pm

Location: Community Campus. $235 residents | $245 nonresidents 

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

An introductory theater workshop focusing on storytelling, character development and teamwork. 

• Grades K-5: Wednesdays, March 19 - April 23. 3:00 - 4:30pm

Location: Community Campus. $155 residents | $165 nonresidents

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Date night? Get some shopping done? Take a nap? Whatever the reason, drop off your kids for a few hours to hang out with the Rec! Kids will have time to play with friends in the gym, eat dinner, and enjoy a movie. 

• Grades K-5: Friday, March 21 (Spring Fling); Friday, May 9 (Mother’s Day Special). 5:00 - 8:00pm

Location: Community Campus. $20 residents | $25 nonresidents

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Spend the day off from school having fun with The Rec! Sports & games, arts & crafts, or outdoor adventures. Field trip location TBA.

• Grades K-5: Friday, March 28. 9:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Community Campus. $70 residents | $80 nonresidents

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Fun filled week of activities and field trips! 

• Grades K-5: Monday - Friday, April 28 - May 2. 8:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Community Campus. $225 residents | $250 nonresidents

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Connect with the outside world through nature poses, mini walks and quiet times. Sometimes the world feels too big, we will learn poses to be calm, clear-eyed and ready to practice kindness. Older students get a more intensive yoga experience. Bring mat and water bottle. 

• Grades K-2: Tuesdays, May 6 - May 27. 5:00 - 6:00pm
• Grades 3-5: Thursdays, May 8 - May 29. 5:00 - 6:00pm

Location: Lafayette Park. $20 residents | $25 nonresidents

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Children will learn the fundamentals of America’s favorite pastime! Volunteer coaches needed.

• Ages 4-5. Thursdays, May 1 - June 5. 4:30 - 5:30pm

Location: Community Campus Field (behind pickleball courts). $40 residents | $60 nonresidents

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Led by a USTA coach, Tennis in the Parks focuses the skills to serve, rally and play - so it’s perfect for beginners and first-time players. Focus on FUN and learning the basics through play. All first-time players receive an age-appropriate racquet and ball. 

• Spring and Summer 2025 dates TBA

Small group lessons taught by teaching professionals at the Pease Golf Course. Students will learn chipping, putting and a proper swing to hit the golf ball. Participants will need to provide their own golf clubs. 

• Ages 12-15: Dates TBA

Location: Pease Golf Course. $155 residents | $165 nonresidents

A new four-day Flag Football Skills and Drills program in collaboration with Portsmouth Youth Football. This camp will focus on skills and drills that will be fun and exciting for everyone from brand-new to seasoned flag football players. This Portsmouth Recreation program will be facilitated by local football coaches and instructors.

• Monday, April 28 - Thursday, May 1
  • PreK: 8:00 - 8:45am
  • Grades K-1: 9:00 - 10:30am
  • Grades 2-3: 10:45am - 12:15pm
  • Grades 4-5: 1:00-2:30pm

Location: Recreation Athletic Fields. PreK $30 residents | $50 nonresidents; K-5 $50 residents | $75 nonresidents 

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Middle school students learn to prepare their own healthy and easy-to-make afterschool snacks with confidence! Led by PMS teacher, Mrs. Monique Berky.   

• Grades 6-8. Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 1 - 24. 3:15 - 4:15pm 

Location: Portsmouth Middle School. $65

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Blended Learning Lifeguard Training
Course length: 19 hours, 30 minutes in-person and 7 hours 30 minutes online. Total - 27 hours
Provides entry-level participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over.

• Session 1: April 14 -18, 2025 from 4:00-9:00pm

• Session 2: Thursday May 15 & Friday May 16 4:00-9:00pm, Saturday May 17 & Sunday May18 9:00-5:00pm

$350 residents | $400 nonresidents. Includes lifeguard manual, resuscitation mask & certification fees.

Register Here (Using our new registration portal MyRec)

Train to Hire: Summer Staff – Blended Learning Lifeguard Training
Entry level summer lifeguarding job at the indoor and/or outdoor pool. Must be available to work a minimum of 20-hours per week between June 23 - August 22, 2025 and be available for training dates and orientation. As part of employment, the candidate will be trained as a Red Cross Certified lifeguard. Ages: 15+. Location of training: Portsmouth Indoor Pool

Apply through the City’s Human Resources website: www.cityofportsmouth.com/hr/work Please apply and pass the pre-test by Monday, May 12, 2025.

• In-Person Training: Friday, May 31 from 4:00-9:00pm, Saturday, June 1 from 9:00am-5:00pm & Sunday, June 2 from 9:00am-5:00pm 
• Summer Staff Orientation: Saturday, June 15, 10:00am-1:00pm 

Prerequisites:

• Minimum age: 15 years;
• Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
  • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface and then swim 150 years using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
  • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
  • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
     
• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed)
  • Submerge to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps

To successfully complete the Lifeguarding Blended Learning course, the participant must:

• Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions.
• Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during scenarios.
• Demonstrate competency in all required skills.
• Pass the final skills scenarios.
• Complete all eLearning content, including the eLearning written exam (CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers ;and First Aid).
• Successfully pass final written exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent.

Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.
Location: Indoor Pool
Ages: 15 and over

This course trains instructor candidates to teach classes in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program. Ages: 15+ welcome.

• Spring 2025 sessions TBA

$400 Portsmouth residents | $450 nonresidents.

PREREQUISITES FOR THE WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR (WSI) CLASS:

To take part of the Water Safety Instructor course, the student must be a minimum age of 16 and demonstrate swimming skills consistent with the Stroke Performance Charts, Level 4, by swimming the following strokes:

• Front Crawl – 25 yards
• Back Crawl – 25 yards
• Breaststroke – 25 yards
• Elementary backstroke – 25 yards
• Sidestroke – 25 yards
• Butterfly – 15 yards
• Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling)
• Tread water for 1 minute

The Blended Learning content consists of 23hrs of in-class work and 7 hours of at home online study. 
Upon successful completion of the Water Safety Instructor (WSI) course, candidates will receive an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification valid for 2 years.

Early childhood music & movement helps little ones develop their innate musicality. Ages: Birth - Age 4. Located at the Community Campus. Visit the Music Together website for day, times prices and registration. 

Register Here

Basketball is full for the 2024-2025 season.

PRE-K and K (co-ed) Skills & Drills - FULL

Saturdays; December 7 - January 25 (No basketball during school’s winter break)

• Pre-K: 8:00-8:45am
• K: 8:45-9:30am

Location: Connie Bean Center. Residents $45 | Nonresidents $65

Youth Girls & Boys Divisions - FULL

December 7 - February 8 (No basketball during school’s winter break)

• Boys Grades 1 & 2: Practices Mondays, Games Saturdays
  • Game Schedule
• Girls Grades 1 & 2: Practices Tuesdays, Games Saturdays
  • Game Schedule
• Boys Grades 3 & 4: Practices Wednesdays, Games Saturdays
  • Game Schedule
• Girls Grades 3 & 4: Practices Tuesdays or Thursdays, Games Saturdays
  • Game Schedule

Location: Practices at Community Campus, Games at Connie Bean. Residents $50 | Nonresidents $70

Teen Girls & Boys Divisions - FULL

December 10 - February 13, with playoffs to follow. (No basketball during school’s winter break). Team placement “try out” dates announced after registration ends. Volunteer coaches needed.

• Boys Grades 7 & 8: Practice Saturday, Game Wednesday
  • Game Schedule
• Girls Grades 7 & 8: Practice Saturday, Game Wednesday Cancelled
• Boys Grades 9 -12: Game Thursday - starting in January.
• Girls Grades 9 - 12: Game Tuesday

Location: Practices at Community Campus, games at Connie Bean. Residents $55 | Nonresidents $75