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Youth & Teen
Aquatics programs are back! Sholem Aquatic Center opens Saturday, May 28 and Aquatics programs begin the first week of June. From Water Exploration and Tiny Tots Splash Time to Sholem Sharks and Advanced lessons, there’s an aquatics program for every age and swim level. Find program and facility information on Sholem’s Aquatics page.
Opening Day is May 28
Friday Funsters is a preschool program held on Fridays for eight weeks for ages 3-5 (must be 3 yrs by April 1, 2022). Themes include “Out on the Farm,” “Water Day,” and “A Hiking We Will Go!” The program includes indoor & outdoor activities, storytelling, arts and crafts, music and movement, and snacks. The program begins Friday, June 10 and drive-up drop off will be provided.
Register by June 3
The Teen Acting Intensive is designed to introduce the basics to advances techniques of acting within two weeks! We’ll learn character development, improv, physical acting, script reading/notation, and conclude our work with monologues and partner scene performances! This program is an excellent opportunity for those wanting a deeper understanding of performing and a wonderful space to grow as an artist. The program begins June 6 for 6th-12th Graders (2021/2022 school year).
Register by June 1
Come and learn the basic fundamentals of cheerleading at our Introduction to Cheerleading! Various cheers, motions, jumps, stunts, and kicks will be explored each class. Improve self-confidence, physical conditioning, and teamwork skills in a fun social setting. The class is for ages 4-9 and begins June 14.
Register by June 7
The primary purpose of the Junior Lifeguard Academy is to increase participants’ self-confidence, physical conditioning, and safety awareness by providing a thorough introduction to water safety, first aid, and aquatic rescue techniques. The goal of this program is to provide participants with the skills necessary to apply for lifeguarding positions with the Champaign Park District after they turn 15. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards comfortably in a reasonable amount of time and should also have an interest in learning about aquatic rescue techniques. Academy class beings July 11.
Successful completion will qualify participant for an expedited hiring process after turning 15.
Register by July 3
Sports & Fitness
Get some fresh air while getting in shape! Water Aerobics will help to increase your energy, flexibility, strength, and circulation. All water aerobics classes at Sholem Pool are arthritis, back pain, and Fibromyalgia-friendly. Swimming skills are not required. Participants must attend only the class/section for which they registered.
Sections Open All Summer
We are pumped to bring Strength Training back to the Leonhard Recreation Center. Tone and sculpt your whole body. Participants learn the building blocks you need to help you transform your body. This class is designed for all fitness levels and begins June 14.
Register by June 7
The Champaign Park District is excited to bring Women’s Basketball Leagues back to the community. Come join the fun, meet new people, and stay in shape over friendly competition. Experience the great atmosphere of the Leonhard Recreation Center’s Gymnasium this summer. All COVID safety protocols will be followed to ensure the safety of participants & staff. Registration is due by May 31 but teams that wish to register after the deadline may do so, provided:
- The league maximum has not been exceeded
- Schedules have not been made
- A late fee of $25 is paid with the league fee
Register by May 31
Are you less than comfortable in the water? Then check out our Adult Swim Lessons. Basic swimming and self-rescue skills are taught in an environment that is within your comfort zone. The class size is designed ton be small so that every swimmer gets the attention needed to achieve swimming goals.
Sessions All Summer
Whether you’re looking to get fit, improve your mood, or enjoy one of the simple pleasures of summer – Lap Swimming is just what the doctor ordered. Lap swimmers do not share the lanes with swim team or any other groups – so feel free to stretch out and Carpe Piscinam: Seize the Pool! For those who can’t attend Lap Swim, lap lanes are protected during most open swim hours with some exceptions on weekends and holidays. Feel free to call ahead to check on lane availability.
Lap Swim | Date | Day | Time
- 6/6-8/12 | M-F | 6:30-7:30a and 6:15-8p
- 6/4-8/14 | Sa & Su | 8-10:45a and 7:15-8p
River Run is a fun way to work towards better health and fitness with low impact water running/walking in Sholem’s Lazy River. We will have the river current turned on and flowing. All walking/running will be against the current for added resistance. This is a self-guided/self-paced program. Feel free to bring your water weights for a more intense workout. All we ask is that all participating be respectful of those around them (no swimming, playing with toys, splashing, etc.). Enjoy this WET (in the water) opportunity to walk/run your way to better health and fitness.
Water shoes are highly recommended for better traction in the river, but not required.
River Run | Date | Day | Time
- 6/4-8/14 | Daily | 8-10:45a and 6:15-8p
50 Plus!
We’re opening Sholem early for 50 Plus! Enjoy this chance to relax at the pool and enjoy the summer sun without any disruptions. Senior Swim Days are June 18 and July 23. Concessions will be open with a limited menu.
For Questions, Call Brittany Fairfield at 217-819-3985
Whether you would like to learn about email or even troubleshoot some sort of tech, Tech Talk is perfect for you. In Tech Talk, you will have the chance to learn about computer basics, how to use your mobile device, apps, the internet, and much more. June’s class takes place at the Douglass Annex on Thursday, June 9.
For Questions, Call Robert at 217-398-2572
Learn to Fish on Monday, June 21. Join us at Kaufman Lake for fishing, with help on technique from an instructor. Equipment provided.
For Questions, Call Robert at 217-398-2572
Enjoy a delectable, leisurely lunch with friends at Lunch Bunch. Pass around pictures of grandkids or share a funny story. There’s nothing like bonding over a meal! Meet us at the Springfield Avenue El Toro on Wednesday, June 15.
For Questions, Call DeBorah at 217-239-1152
Who doesn’t love a good movie? At Movie Mondays we cover it all, from your favorite classics to recent releases. Movies are better with snacks, so feel free to bring your own to the Douglass Annex on Monday, June 6.
For Questions, Call Robert at 217-398-2572
Bring in your lunch and join us for a roundtable group discussion on current events or from a guest speaker at Bag Lunch Discussion. Don’t miss out on the good dessert (provided by the Annex) and great conversation. Join us on Thursday, June 2 at the Douglass Annex.
For Questions, Call Robert at 217-398-2572
How do you stay cool on a hot summer day? Come join us for Sweet Treats as we keep it frosty with yummy ice cream (toppings included) and flavorful icy cups. Bring a lunch and catch up with friends on Monday, June 13 at the Hays Recreation Center.
For Questions, Call DeBorah at 217-239-1152
Senior Strength and Balance is for active seniors 55+ and will focus on exercise to improve your balance and confidence with a total body workout on Tuesday and Thursday mornings beginning June 14. Learn how to move your body in a healthy way with chair exercises, standing weight bearing exercises, stretching, and more! Modifications can be made for each movement.
Register by June 7
Events & More
Expand your film horizons with the Arthouse Experience series at the Virginia Theatre. Arthouse movies are “limited” release, high quality films that have stolen the hearts and captured the imaginations of moviegoers everywhere. Guest curator Sanford Hess selected these films as a mix of award-winners, Ebertfest favorites, and recent classics. June’s film is Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017).
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Wednesday, June 1 at 7p
Friday Night Flix is a great way to enjoy a movie under the stars. We’ll have food trucks on-site to satisfy any cravings you may have. Movies are shown at Hessel Park and begin at dusk.
- June 3 | Lego Batman Movie
- June 24 | Shang-Chi Legend of the 10 Rings
Grab a picnic blanket, pack your foldable chairs, and join us at Hessel Park for a free concert! On Saturday, June 4 you can hear the psychedelic groove of The Merry Travelers.
Saturday, June 4 from 1-3p
The Kids Fishing Derby is co-sponsored by the Optimist Club of Champaign-Urbana for children who love to fish! Prizes will be awarded and a free hot dog lunch will be served. Bring your own fishing tackle – bait will be provided. A parent/guardian should accompany their child(ren) and fill out a permission form for each participant, available on-site at the event.
Saturday, June 4 from 9a-12p
Keep it classy with our Jazz in the Park series. These free concerts take place in parks all over Champaign and feature excellent jazz musicians. June’s show at Porter Park will feature Jenelle Orcherton.
Thursday, June 16 from 6-8p
Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States, is one event you don’t want to miss. Enjoy music and visit different vendors while learning about this important holiday at Douglass Park. Children can make arts and crafts, play on the bounce house and obstacle course, or get soaked in the Splash Pad.
Saturday, June 18 from 12-3p
If you’re looking for a family-friendly performance, come see Champaign Ladies Amateur Wrestling (CLAW) at June’s Day in the Park. This unique group, accompanied by band Aquila, will perform their brand of physical comedy at Spalding Park. Graffiti artists will also be repainting portions of Spalding’s Skatepark.
Saturday, June 25 from 1-3p
