By Heather Wood

Winter may stick around for only a few more weeks, so Kernersville Parks and Recreation is “springing ahead!” According to the groundhog, spring is just around the corner and we can already see the signs of the season starting to blossom.

The arrival of spring brings the celebration of Arbor Day. Arbor Day is observed annually to celebrate the role of trees in our lives and to promote tree planting and care. The Town of Kernersville is involved in the Tree City USA program that has been greening up cities and towns across America since 1976. It is a nationwide program that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public tree system. The Town of Kernersville has achieved Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management, which include: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and finally, by celebrating Arbor Day! To find out how the Town of Kernersville will celebrate Arbor Day this month, visit our website at www.toknc.com.
Want to be the best babysitter, caregiver, or camp counselor in your neighborhood? With Spring Break and summer break coming up, it is time to start thinking about brushing up on your CPR/First Aid skills. Join one or both of the classes listed below and be prepared if an emergency does arise!

• Heartsaver CPR/AED for Adult/Child/Infant (Ages 16 & up) – Individuals with limited or no medical experience will learn the skills required to save lives! Students will be capable of responding to emergencies including cardiac arrest and choking, for adults, children, and infants after the completion of the class. Classes will be held on Friday, March 18 and April 22 from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Kernersville Community Recreation Center.

• Heartsaver First Aid (Ages 16 & up) – This program teaches the critical skills and knowledge needed to respond to, and manage, an emergency during the first few minutes until EMS arrives. Class content will include how to help with bleeding, sprains, broken bones, shock, and other emergencies.

As we all know, preparing for summer is a hectic and challenging time for many families. Many families will choose to send their child/children to a summer camp to enjoy happy, healthy connections with their peers. As you research the numerous possibilities for your child, be sure to enroll them in a camp that will meet their interests with programs/activities they will enjoy while spending their day away from home.

Kernersville Parks and Recreation offers a recreational camp that features creative group activities and opportunities for individual growth. Our goals are simple: to provide positive experiences for the development of leisure interests, good sportsmanship, promote self-esteem, respect for others, teamwork, self-discipline, and most importantly–FUN! Each week, campers will enjoy visiting our local parks, swimming, service projects, and a field trip!

This camp is specifically designed for youth ages 6-12. All Summer Camp counselors are employed by the Town of Kernersville. Each counselor has been drug-tested, passed a thorough background check, and completed camp safety training, including behavior management and CPR/First Aid Certifications. Our counselor-to-camper ratio is 1:10. On field trip days, we will have additional staff and volunteers to keep campers safe and happy!

This year camp will run for eight weeks. Camp will meet from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday thru Friday, June 13 – August 12. There will be extended care from 7:30 am to 9:00 am. The program will meet at Kernersville Parks and Recreation, located at 125 E. Bodenhamer Street.

Registration will begin March 14–enroll your child before March 31 and the $50 registration fee is waived! For more details and a list of field trips, visit our website at www.toknc.com/pr.
Looking to lose a few pounds before spring arrives? Attend one of our fitness classes and be bikini season ready in no time!

Fitness instructor, Anna Carter brings 17 years of fitness and weight loss experience to her boot camps. All ages and abilities are welcome, and will be accommodated while participating in these creative workouts. Join us in exercise and ministry outreach, and be motivated to be a better you! Classes take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:15 pm. For more information, contact Anna at 336-847-6921 or annacarterfitness@gmail.com.

Do you enjoy dancing? Then the Dance Fit Divas Zumba class is just your style! Dance Fit Divas is a mobile fitness company that inspires women to journey through life with faith, fitness, and fun. Classes currently feature Devoted Fitness, Zumba, and Zumba Toning! We host fitness classes and events, but more importantly, we create an environment for women to encourage each other. Join Katina Rice, Experienced Instructor on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 pm and every other Saturday from 9:30-11:00 am at the Kernersville Recreation Center. To register email info@dancefitdivas.com or call 336-655-6538. Join our meetup group at www.meetup.com/kernersville-zumba.
Whew! Spring cannot get here soon enough—we are ready!