Recreation and Programs

Duck to Sunfish 

Level 1 to 10

Private lessons are available for families from the same house hold.  Time slots are once a week for 8 weeks, Monday to Friday.  Private lessons can have up to 2 participants maximum. 

Lessons are 30 minutes long and $30 per lesson.  

Please call 519-482-3544 for available times.

How do I register for swimming lessons?

Group Lessons

When you have determined what level, day and time you would like to register, please call 519-482-3544 or email vrc@huroneast.com 

Please include the following format:

Child's name: 

Day:

Level:

Contact phone number:

Private Lessons

Private lessons are available for various times throughout the schedule, please call 519-482-3544 to book a time slot.

How do I pay my registration fee's?

Your fee's are due at the time of registration.  For your convenience, we accept e-transfers, cheque or cash.  Please send e-transfers to payments@huroneast.com. The password is "recreation". Please add who the registration is for, the program, and the start date in the payment notes. 

What if my child has to miss a lesson?

We understand that lives are busy and things may come up unexpectedly.  We will allow for 1 make-up lesson per session. 

For Private Lessons, we will be happy to reschedule your make-up lesson on a Sunday during the session that you are signed up for.  Please call to schedule your Sunday Private make-up lesson.

For Group Lessons, make-up classes will be available on the Sunday two weeks prior to the last scheduled lesson.  

Please keep in mind that make-up lessons are limited to 1 make up lesson per session and are available only on Sundays.  We hope this gives you peace of mind knowing you can miss a class without drastic consequences or lose on registration fees.  

Class cancellations and building closures due to inclement weather will be announced on Blackburn News.

Holiday Closures

• New Years Day and January 2 2022
• Good Friday
• Easter Sunday and Monday
• Victoria Day
• Canada Day
• Civic Holiday
• Labour Day
• Thanksgiving Sunday and Monday
• Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Selective Hours

New Years Eve, Family Day and Christmas Eve close at 4:00 p.m.. Please refer to our Events Calendar for details.

Lifesaving Society

YMCA 

Admissions can be paid for on site with cash or cheque.  No debit or credit card machine onsite.

Memberships can be paid for on site with cash, cheque or e-transfer.  No debit or credit card machine on site. 

PA Days:

An open swim will be scheduled on PA Days based on the Avon Maitland District School Board calendar. Regular admission standards and rates will apply unless stated on our Events Calendar as a sponsored swim. 

Open swim will be from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. 

Snow Days:

We will do our best to provide an open swim as long as staff can safely get to the facility to be open. Regular admission standards and rates will apply. 

Open swim will be from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Step 1:  Lifesaving Swim Instructor – Prerequisites: complete Bronze Cross or Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard and must be at least 16 years of age by the end of the course

Stay Safe! 

Participants must be a minimum of 9 years of age or have completed Grade 3.

Next Course Date: March 14, 2022 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $60.00

Location – Starting location is at the Vanastra Community Christian Reformed Church 9:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., then participants will walk to the Vanastra Recreation Centre for swimming from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m..

What to bring: Mask, lunch, snacks and water to drink. Weather appropriate clothing for walk to Vanastra Recreation Centre. Swimsuit and towel.  

If participant does not want to swim, they can be picked up at the Vanastra Community Christian Reformed Church at 1:30 p.m..

Babysitting Course 

Participants must be a minimum of 11 years of age or have completed Grade 5.

Next Course Date: December 20, 2021 or June 10, 2022 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $70

Location – Vanastra Recreation Centre

What to bring: Mask, lunch, snacks and water bottle. Pen or pencil. 

Come try kayaking in a controlled environment. Whether you are a first time paddler or a beginner, what better place to practice your skills in preparation for the season ahead.

No experience required.  

Not available for the 2022 season.

Our Day Camp program is meant for kids to have fun. Programs are designed for children ages 4-12 years of age. Day Camp hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.. Early drop off or late pick up is not available. 

Our inclusive program will keep your child busy through games, crafts, playground time and swimming. Swimming takes place in our indoor pool; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Special events are every other Thursday and are an additional cost over and above the day camp fee. 

Registration fees must be paid upon registration via credit card. Alternate payment can be arranged. Please contact us at vrc@huroneast.com   

Full Week: $130 (per child)

Dates:

• July 4 - 8, 2022 Aloha Campers!

• July 11 - 15, 2022 Mighty Jungle Week

• July 18 - 22, 2022 Rock n' Rolling Fantasy Week

• July 25 - 29, 2022 It's All About Science Week

• August 2 - 5, 2022 Under the Sea Week

• August 8 - 12, 2022 Trivia Champs Week

• August 15 - 19, 2022 Race Through Space Week

• August 22 - 26, 2022 Clowning Around Week

• August 29 - 31, 2022 Farewell Friends!

There is limited space available. Please register early to avoid disappointment.

All Day Camp offerings are subject to change due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Online Registration open now.

The Day Camp program is operated in conjunction with Huron County and is required to have a minimum camper to leader ratio 10:1. In order to guarantee the ratio, staff are scheduled accordingly to the registration that has been received in advance. 

Registration refunds must be made in writing and submitted to the Day Camp Supervisor. Refunds are subject to a $5 administration fee and will be based on the table below:

• Three weeks or more prior to program registration date: 75% refund.
• Two weeks or more prior to program registration date: 50% refund.
• Request received 2 weeks or less: no refund will be given.  

If your child is not able to attend due to illness or other reasons, please call 519-482-3544 to notify the staff. Please leave a message if no one is able to take your call. 

Shallow - This is a 45 minute class taught in the shallow water.  This low impact program blends exercise science and properties of water to create a safe, balanced and total body aqua fit program. No swimming or exercise experience is required.  This program is suitable for a beginner level entering into the fitness lifestyle. 

Bathing suit is the only equipment required, however water shoes are recommended to improve movement and stability in the pool.  

$12.00 per class

$100 +HST 10 Pass

$200 +HST 3-month membership

$460 +HST 1 year membership 

Deep Water - This is a 45 minute class taught in the deep water with the use of a personal floatation belt.  This no impact program blends exercise science and properties of water to create a safe, balanced and  total body aqua fit program.   No swimming or exercise experience is required however participant must be comfortable going into deep water wearing a floatation belt. This program is suitable for an advance level participant. 

Bathing suit is required. Floatation belts are available to borrow to try and then you are encouraged to buy your own belt.

$12.00 per class

$100 +HST 10 Pass

$200 +HST 3-month membership

$460 +HST 1 year membership 

Gentle Fit - This is a 30 minute class taught in the shallow water. This is a low impact, low intensity program designed to give relief to those who experience joint pain or stiffness.  An exercise combination of stretching, flexing and basic movement through the water is used to help strengthen muscles and improve mobility and balance. No swimming or exercise experience is required. 

Bathing suit is the only equipment required, however water shoes are recommended to improve movement and stability in the pool.  

$7 per class

$58 +HST 10 Pass

$200 +HST 3-month membership

$460 +HST 1 year membership 

Beginner Adult Learn to Swim - This is a 30 minute instructed lesson with an additional 30 minutes provided to practice.  The beginner lessons will be designed to meet the individual needs to gain confidence with basic skills that include-water submersion, front and back floats and movement through water on front and back.  

$7 per class

$58 +HST 10 Pass

$200 +HST 3-month membership

$460 +HST 1 year membership 

Advance Adult Learn to Swim - This is a 30 minute instructed lesson with and additional 30 minutes provided to practice.  Participants must be comfortable and able to do basic swim skills that include water submersion, front and back floats, movement through water using basic kicking and arm movement.  The advance lessons will be designed to meet the needs of the individual, such as stroke development or improving fitness and endurance.  

$7 per class

$58 +HST 10 Pass

$200 +HST 3-month membership

$460 +HST 1 year membership  

Aquatic Rehab - This is a 45 minute instructed class taught in the shallow water. This is a no impact, low intensity program for someone who is post knee, hip or shoulder surgery. The program is designed to help regain range of motion, stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles.

This is a 4 week program with 2 sessions per week.

Bathing suit is the only equipment required, however water shoes are strongly recommended to improve movement and stability in the pool.

$85 +HST 

Class cancellations and building closures due to inclement weather will be announced on Blackburn News.

Holiday Closures

• New Years Day and January 2 2022
• Good Friday
• Easter Sunday and Monday
• Victoria Day
• Canada Day
• Civic Holiday
• Labour Day
• Thanksgiving Sunday and Monday
• Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Selective Hours

New Years Eve, Family Day and Christmas Eve. Please refer to our Events Calendar for details.