Basketball League for Ages 8-10

The Haverford Township Recreation offers a Basketball League for children ages 8-10.  The league focuses on teaching children the game in a fun and age appropriate format.  Over the first few weeks of the program the children will meet for practice.  Each child will be taught the positions, and what their role is in each position.  It gives children who are unfamiliar a chance to learn everything they need to know to be successful once games start.  When the games begin the rules are modified to ensure the game allows every child a chance to be successful, while ensuring that the games give children a chance to learn the game of basketball.   Some of the modified rules are as follows:

Basketball League Modified Rules

Rule	Purpose
No stealing the ball while a player is dribbling	Prevents the game from turning into everyone ball hawking.  Allows kids to receive the ball and dribble and make basketball decisions
Defense must be behind three point line	Ensures kids will have a chance to get the ball down the floor and pass to get other teammates involved, as opposed to everyone losing the ball at half court
Offense must complete three passes before they can shoot	Ensures each team has to move the ball before shooting, making sure each child gets to touch the ball and preventing one child from doing everything
Point Guard must bring ball up floor	One of the biggest things that prevents children from learning the game in other leagues is that whoever gets the rebound puts their head down and dribbles full speed at the rim.  This rule ensures that teams can get set in positions and the game doesn’t turn into kids aimlessly running back and forth.

Andrew Brady who ran the league last year had this to say "Of all of the Recreation Department Programs I am involved in the Basketball League is one of my favorite.  The growth the children go through from the beginning of the league towards the end is alot of fun to see.  It's also fun to see the volunteer coaches who put alot of time and effort into the league have fun teaching their players the game on a weekly basis."

 Boys League Registration

 Girls League Registration

Monster Bash and Haunted Trail Walk

The Haverford Township Recreation Department has two different Halloween Offerings on 10/29 from 6-8pm.  Both events will take place at the Haverford Reserve

Monster Bash Participants listen to the
"Scary not so scary story"

Monster Bash

Monster Bash is a family oriented Halloween Event that will cost $30 per family or $8 per person.  Monster Bash will include games on the turf, pumpking painting, and smores by a campfire. Pre-Registration is required.

Haunted Trail Walk

The Haunted Trail Walk will take place on the South Brook Trail at the Haverford Reserve.  Come get scared by the old ghosts that still haunt the Haverford State Hospital grounds.  $8 per person for the trail walk, walks will begin at 6 and leave every 15 minutes until 7:30.  Pre-registration is not required.  Check in at the Dog Park Parking Lot.

The Brochure is Coming!



Picture of the Fall 2011 Brochure Cover



The Brochure is being mailed out to all of the Haverford Township residents as we speak!  The brochure should arrive in the next 5-10 days (depending upon the postal service).  We will also put a copy of the brochure online on 9/23 and registration will begin on 9/23.  The brochure contains information on all of our Fall offerings as well as information on Haverford Township Day.   



Program Spotlight: Fall Field Hockey League

In a few weeks our Fall Field Hockey League for Girls ages 8-11 will begin.  The league is perfect for people new to the sport or for experienced players.  The focus on the league is to teach kids the fundamentals of the game while allowing them to enjoy themselves.  The League games are played as small sided games (7v7) which allow kids more of an opportunity to be involved and work on skills like passing and stick handling.  The league had over 45 registrants last year and got rave reviews from the participants involved. 

If you have any interest in registering for the Fall Field Hockey League or would like more information feel free to follow the link below to get yourself registered.

https://www.haverfordtownship.com/egov/apps/programs/center.egov?path=details&id=362

Haverford Township Recreation Fall Offerings

The Haverford Township Recreation Department is happy to be able to offer several exciting programs this fall.  The programs begin in a few weeks so get yourself registered now! Included are the following:

Fall Soccer- The clinic, located at Community Park at Haverford Reserve, offers a great way for a beginner to learn and have fun with soccer. This clinic is offered for 5 and 6 year olds and lasts 5 Saturdays from September 10^th through October 29^th . The sessions take place from 10-10:50 each week and the fee for the clinic totals 56 dollars.

To register for this program follow this link:  https://www.haverfordtownship.com/egov/apps/programs/center.egov?path=details&id=364

Small Fry Soccer- Held at Community Park at The Haverford Reserve, Small Fry Soccer is a special opportunity for parents and their little players to learn the game together. This program, which is for children aged 3-4 and their Parents, runs on Saturdays from September 10^th to October 29th. There are two time slots available with the first running from 12-12:45, and the second from 1-1:30. The cost of five weeks of Small Fry Soccer is 56 dollars.

To register for the program follow this link:  https://www.haverfordtownship.com/egov/apps/programs/center.egov?path=details&id=366

Fall Field Hockey- Combines skills and intramural league play for both beginners and experienced field hockey players. The clinic is for girls aged 8-11 and runs for seven weeks starting on September 7^th and ending October 22^nd. The Clinic will be held on Wednesdays from 6-7:15pm and on Sundays from 2:30-4pm. The clinic will be held at Community Park at the Haverford Reserve and has a cost of 85 dollars.

To register for Field Hockey follow this link: https://www.haverfordtownship.com/egov/apps/programs/center.egov?path=details&id=362

Swimming & Gymnastics at the YMCA-The Recreation Department will be offering both swimming and gymnastics lessons at the YMCA in Ardmore this fall. Registering for these classes for the YMCA through the township saves you the membership cost.

If you have any questions about the programs feel free to give us a call at the office 610-446-9397.

Program Spotlight: Small Fry Soccer

One of the most in demand programs for the Haverford Township Recreation Department is Small Fry Soccer.  Small Fry Soccer is a great program for Parents that are looking for organized activities to engage in with their child.  Parents and Children get a chance to partcipate in different games and activities related to soccer.  The goal of the program is not to make children a soccer star, but instead introduce them to a sport and allow them to have fun while doing different activities with a soccer.  Parent participation is crucial to the program, because it allows children at that age to overcome any shyness or anxiety they may have and just enjoy playing the different games with their mom or dad (or grandparent).

John Turner is currently running the Summer Session of Small Fry.  John is a Kindergarten teacher in a local school district and has been involved in the Recreation Departments Soccer Programs for the past few years.  John has also worked numerous other programs for the Recreation Department and is a Site Leader for our Playground Program at Paddock Park.  When asked about why he enjoys coordinating Small Fry John responded with "Watching the parents play and have as much fun as the kids makes the program extremely rewarding."

If you are interested in registering for the Fall Session of Small Fry follow the link below to register.

https://www.haverfordtownship.com/egov/apps/programs/center.egov?path=details&id=366

Come join us for A Night at the Reserve... Recreation is ______________

For the past few years the Haverford Township Recreation Department has hosted an Open House at the Haverford Reserve.  The response from residents has been great over the past few years, and we generally get anywhere from 150-300 people.  This year the Recreation Department will host the event again and we are looking forward to seeing all of you come out!  The night will begin with a quick explanation of our "Recreation is ________________" campaign.  After that families can enjoy games on the turf, have their face painted in the pavilion, walk the trails, and enjoy smores by a camp fire.  There will also be Recreation staff available to answer questions about the Community Recreation Building which is currently under construction and slated to be completed in May.

Hope Taylor-Scott Recreation Supervisor had this to say about the Open House "We've been really impressed with the turn out over the past few years and we look forward to having a great turn out again this year."

A Night at the Reserve will take place on Thursday July 21st and will last from 7-9pm.  See everyone there!

Below are some pictures from last years event

Playground Spotlight: Second Week Special Days

Last week in the Playground Program many of the Special Days revolved around the arts and crafts theme that was Around the World.  Many of the camps had The Olympics as their special day.  Listed below are some pictures from the parks we had a chance to get out and get pictures of. 

Playground Spotlight: First Week Special Days

Each week the Playground Program has different special days.  Those special days could range from Pizza Day, to a Water day.  The parents are informed of the special days when they drop off and pick up, as well as being notified through a weekly newsletter that each individual playground location works on.  Children and Counselors look forward to the special days each week..  Below are pictures from this weeks special day.

Program Spotlight: Playground Program is under way!

The Playground Program for the Haverford Township Recreation Department has begun today.  Over 800 children are registered this week for the numerous different Playground Locations. Last week the staff for all of the locations and the Playground Supervisors met for a fun filled day of team building activities, first aid training, arts and crafts training, and learning new games.  The Department is very excited about our new and returning staff this Summer, and we're looking forward to an excellent Summer. 

Many of the locations still have spaces available. 

Click below for Playground Pictures

Program Spotlight: Haverford Township Sports Camp

This Summer Haverford Township Recreation is offering many of our Sports Camps at the Haverford Reserve.  The camps are affordable and offer great instruction for the beginner or the advanced.  The instructors are all highly qualified and have years of experience working with children.  In this post we will highlight the Camps and give you all of the important information.

Field Hockey Camp

Dates:  6/21-6/24

Christa Taylor will instruct the Field Hockey Camp.  Christa has run our camp for the past few years and has received great responses from parents and children.  The camp runs from 8:30-11:30am

World Class Soccer School

Dates: 6/27-7/1

Jorge Severini will direct our Soccer Camp.  Jorge has been involved in soccer on the local level for over 20 years.  The camp runs different times based upon ages and ability. 

  

Girls Lacrosse Camp

Date: 7/18-7/22

Kathleen Geiger will instruct our girls Lacrosse camp and is a three time World Champion.  Kathleen is also a member of the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame.  Players need stick, goggles, and mouth guard. Runs from 8:30-11:30am. The fee for the camp is $110.

Boys Lacrosse Camp

Dates: 7/25-7/29

This camp is instructed by Dan Greenspun who has been the Head Lacrosse Coach at Haverford High School for the past 6 years.  Players will need their own equipment. The camp runs from 8:30-12pm.  The fee for the camp is $110.

Ultimate Frisbee

Dates: 7/18-7/22

Ultimate Frisbee is a new offering for Summer of 2011.  Rick Atkins will instruct the camp and Rick coaches Ultimate at Lower Merion and has also be involved in ultimate for many years on the local level.  The cost of the camp is $95 and runs from 9-12pm.

Gareth Jones our Rugby Camp instructor

Rugby

Dates: 7/25-7/28

Semi-Professional Rugby player Gareth Jones will lead our Rugby camp this Summer.  Gareth is a Temple Grad where he played collegiately.  Gareth has had an opportunity to play in both England and Ireland.  The camp runs from 6-8:30.  The cost is $80.

The Recreation Department also has other Sports Camps offered outside of the Reserve such as Volleyball, Tennis Camp, Boys and Girls Basketball Camp, and Runners Clinic.  Follow the link below to register.

Click here to Register for Sports Camps

Program Spotlight: Basketball Clinic

The Basketball Clinic began yesterday at Chatham Elementary School.  The Basketball Clinic is a program designed to introduce your child to the game of basketball with a focus on fun.    The nets are lowered to 7 feet which gives every child a chance to reach the rim and experience success.  Children will learn how to dribble with both hands, pass, shoot with correct mechanics, and pivot with both feet.  Our own Brian Barrett had this to say about the program "The clinic is a great program for parents who are looking to get their child interested in the game of basketball.  The activities are age appropriate and the biggest focus is on ensuring your child enjoys being there every week." 

Joe showing the kids proper jumpshot technique


The clinic is being led by Joe Dougherty who has worked for the Township for the past 7 years.  Joe has led the program last year and has been involved with our basketball league for the past few years.  Joe also works as a Playground site leader in the Summer.  Joe has numerous staff working with him who have all had involvement in the past with our basketball programs. 

The clinic is currently full but will be offered in the Winter.  Be on the lookout for the Winter Clinic in the next few months!  Check out the picture slideshow below!

Location Spotlight: Haverford Reserve Cafe

The Haverford Reserve Cafe will open Monday June 6th.  The menu is filled with healthy options for you and your child to enjoy while at the reserve.  Feel free to leave us comments about the offerings and anything you would like to see added.  Check the menu out below!

Drinks

Coffee $1.50
20 oz. Soda $1.50
Bottled Water $1.00
Fruit Juice $1.75
Juice Boxes $1.00
Powerade $1.50

Food

Pizza $2.00
PB & Jelly Uncrustables $1.50
Soft Pretzels $0.75
Yogurt $0.75
String Cheese $1.00
Candy & Crackers $1.00
Water Ice $1.00

Fresh Fruit $0.50

Event Spotlight: Girls Lacrosse Playday

On May 21^st the Haverford Township Recreation Department hosted the 2011 Girls Lacrosse Play Day at the Haverford Reserve.  Over 500 Haverford Residents and Girls from neighboring communities participated in the event.  In between games the Girls and their family had an opportunity to listen to music, grab some food, or browse apparel and equipment being sold by the vendors.

The Play Day marks the end of the Haverford Township Girls Lacrosse League.  The league has three different age brackets: 3^rd-4^th grade, 5^th-6^th grade, and 7^th-8^th grade. The 3^rd-4^th program is entirely intramurals and the 5^th-6^th and 7^th-8^th league.  The goal of the Township Lacrosse program was to introduce the basics to young players with a focus on them enjoying the game.

The Play Day raised over 2000 dollars for Alex’s Lemonade Stand.  Thank you to all of the coaches and volunteers who made the 2011 Girls Lacrosse Play Day and League a great success.

Please share your thoughts on the League and the Girls Lacrosse Play Day in the comment section below.

Program Spotlight: Little Explorers Preschool

The Little Explorers program allows children the freedom to play, explore and discover while providing structure and support for individual growth. We provide developmentally appropriate activities and opportunities for each child based on their abilities and interests.

Our daily routines allow for distinct learning. Below is a brief look at our typical day.

- Inside play
- Group clean up
- Circle

- Snack

- Outside play
- Lunch

- Good Bye/Go home

The Little Explorers program maintains an excellent child to teacher ratio, currently we average 4:1. We have a mixed aged classroom (ages 3 to 5), and each child is supported by caring adults. We have blocks, dress-ups, and our play kitchen set to nurture preschoolers imaginations. We use playdough, painting, and drawing on our chalk board to develop fine motor skills. Your child can build their muscles while playing in our sandbox, hiking the trails around Merry Place, or playing ball games on the playground. Our program strives to support all stages of development and to cherish each child’s ability to make meaningful connections with the world around them.

The Little Explorers program approaches academic readiness by fostering a child’s love for learning. Our instructional methods inspire children to engage with the world around them through the process of play (which comes naturally to a preschooler). The classroom encourages children to value the process of exploring and experimenting with raw materials, not just the product. We embrace creativity and we encourage imagination. The children learn to: ask questions, take a guess, predict outcomes, and look for patterns (to name just a few). The skills acquired during this program provide the strong foundation for future academic success.

Little Explorers recently had its end of the year party and the photos listed below are from that day.  There is still availability for Little Explorers for next year.  Call the Recreation Department at 610-446-9397 for more info or to speak to the teacher.

Location Spotlight: Dog Park

Haverford Township Dog Park opened last fall and has been a huge hit among township residents. The Dog Park is a social place for both dogs and owners and is bustling from dawn to dusk.  At almost any time of the day you will find residents chatting while their dogs play.   Above is a video with Eileen Mottola explaining some important information about the Dog Park.

The Dog Park is a 1.5 acre lot divided into a big dog area and a small dog area.  The park is fenced in and bags are available to clean up after your dog. The hours of the park are dawn to dusk.  If you are interested in volunteering or becoming part of "Friend of the Dog" please email us at emottola@haverfordtownship.org.

Click on the image below for a slideshow

Program Spotlight: Playground Program

Children in costumes for
"Wacky Wednesday"

The Summer Playground Program is the most popular program the Recreation Department offers.  The Playground Program gives Haverford Township children an opportunity to enjoy their summer being active outside with their friends.  Game favorites include Dodgeball, Knock-out, Stick Ball and more.  Checkers, Connect Four, Spit and MASH are just a few of the table games we get a kick out of.  Each week has an Arts and Crafts theme, anything from Sports to Carnival, with a different craft related to the theme each day.  On Wednesdays we have a special day at each park.  July 4th Bike Parade, Water Day and a Luau are a few.  "Fabulous Fridays"  gives campers two options.  Go on one of our pre-registered weekly trips, or come to the Haverford Reserve and enjoy games, arts and crafts, and even a water slide on the Turf Field.  Life be in it day is our final celebration of camp.  Activities could be anything from a slip and slide, to a hula-hoop contest to a checkers tournament.  Every child leaves Life be in it day with a prize.

Kids and Counselors stop to
pose for a picture



The Playground Program is at seven different locations throughout the Township.   The locations are listed below.  The program runs from 9-2:30 Monday-Thursday.  The counselor to kid ratio is 10:1. 

Summer Playground Program Locations

Hilltop	Coopertown
Grange	Westgate
Veterans	Merwood
Paddock

To register for the Playground Program for this Summer click the link listed below and find the location you are interested in.  Feel free to comment below with any questions or thoughts.

https://www.haverfordtownship.com/egov/apps/programs/center.egov?fromLink=&path=browse

Click Play to view pictures from the Playground Program 2010

Program Spotlight: T.G.I.F.

  

Thank Goodness Its Friday!  This Winter the Recreation Department offered a new take on friday night programming.  Beginning in the fall, kids ages 8-12 joined some of the Recreation Summer Staff for their playground favorites- dodgeball, kickball, floor hockey, arts and crafts and a featured movie.  TGIF was held on Friday evenings from  6-8:30pm at Coopertown Elementary School.  It was a great way to get keep kids active and engaged during the cold winter months.  It also gave parents a supervised and safe option so they could enjoy some time out.  All for the bargain price of $7 at the door.  We look forward to offering more programs like TGIF at our Community Recreation Environmental Center opening May 2012.  Look for TGIF in our Fall HavaGood Times due out the end of Sept.





Program Spotlight: Artastic

A child works on their craft during
the "itsy bitsy spider" theme

This Winter the Recreation Department started a new program called Artastic.  Artastic is a program that is focused on making fun themed arts and crafts for children ages 4-5.  Each week included a theme, a story, sometimes a song, and a craft.  Themes included "Itsy Bitsy Spider", "If you give a mouse a cookie", and the classic "One fish two fish red fish blue fish" by Dr. Seuss and many others.





Michelle reads a story to the class
before doing the craft

 Hope Taylor-Scott Recreation Supervisor at the Recreation Department came up with the idea for the program.  "We wanted to offer a program that allowed kids to experiment and create crafts based on popular childrens stories.  We were pleased with how excited both the kids and parents were about having a chance to bring home their creations."



 This summer the Recreation Department is offering Artastic.  Click the link below for specific registration information.

https://www.haverfordtownship.com/egov/apps/programs/center.egov?path=details&id=359

Click on the pictures below to view a slideshow of the class

Blogging starts....Now!



Welcome to our brand new blog!  Our goal for the blog is that it will allow us to share information about all of our offerings, but allow us to do it in a much more interactive and enjoyable way.  Stay tuned this week for a new post.