Recreation and Programs

Program Registration Guidelines:

Duck to Sunfish 

Level 1 to 10

August 3 to August 30

Private lessons are available for families from the same house hold. Time slots are Monday to mornings for a minimum of 8 lessons or twice a week Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. Private lessons can have up to 3 participants maximum. 

September 13 to November 6

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 3 participants maximum. 

Lessons are 30 minutes long and $29 per lesson  

Call for available times.  519-482-3544

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

Holiday Closures

New Years Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Sunday and Monday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Select Hours

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

Lifesaving Society

YMCA 

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 pm 

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 pm

Step 1:  Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard - prerequisites: completed Red Cross level 10 and must be 13 years of age

Stay Safe! 

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

Babysitting Course 

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

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 2021 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 am - 5:00 pm. 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: $123

Fees listed above are per child

July 5-9  WE ARE FRIENDS

July 12-16 ACTION REACTION SCIENCE

July 19-23 SPY KIDS

July 26-30 CHALLENGE WEEK

August 3-6 CHEFS IN THE MAKING

August 9-13 WILDERNESS EXPLORERS

August 16-20 MOVING & GROOVIN

August 23-27 LAST HOORAH!!

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 is now available!! 

If you qualify to receive subsidy for your Summer Day Camp fees please contact the Vanastra Recreation Centre directly to register your child(ren) at vrc@huroneast.com. 

To register your child(ren) for Summer Day Camp Online please click here.

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.  

$11.50 per class, $98 + HST 10 Pass, $193 + HST 3-month membership, $450+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 provided.

$11.50 per class, $98 + HST 10 Pass, $193 + HST 3-month membership, $450+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, $193 + HST 3-month membership, $450+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, $193 + HST 3-month membership, $450+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, $193 + HST 3-month membership, $450+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.

$82 + HST 

Holiday Closures

New Years Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Sunday and Monday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Select Hours

New Years Eve, Family Day and Christmas Eve.