Special Interest Programs

*Select the underlined start date to register for the class online

NOVICE DOG OBEDIENCE

Eligibility: Dogs 5 ½ months and older
Location: 415 Cambria St. C’burg (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)
Additional Information: Delete unwanted behaviors – basic dog obedience and instruction on how to train your dog. All Dogs must be de-wormed. Class on the first night will meet at 7 p.m. for lecture. No dogs the first week, just the owners.
Minimum: 6      Maximum: 12

INTERMEDIATE DOG OBEDIENCE

Eligibility: Dogs 6 months and older
Location: 415 Cambria St. (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)
Additional Information: Pre-requisite: Dogs must have completed a novice dog obedience class. Improve the manners of your dog. Class will concentrate on walking with a leash, greeting people and other dogs nicely, coming when called and sit/down and stay.
Minimum: 6          Maximum: 12

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN

Eligibility: Puppies 10-17 weeks
Location: 415 Cambria St. (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)
Additional Information: This class is for puppies 10-17 weeks of age. The class is designed to get the puppy off to the right start. The puppy will learn how to interact with people by sitting to greet, how to bite nicely, etc. The puppy will play with other puppies providing socialization with other puppies. The class lessons cover how to teach sit, down, stand, walk osn leash and come. Owners will learn how to teach their puppy in a positive and proactive manner. They will learn how to deal with the typical puppy problems: chewing, barking, mouthing, jumping up, etc. Each week are discussion topics related to raising your puppy. The topics include housebreaking, nutrition grooming, and health care. This is a 6 week course. The puppy comes to all classes. All family or house members are encouraged to come to class.
Minimum: 6         Maximum: 12

ADVANCED RALLY/COMPETITION OBEDIENCE CLASS 

Eligibility: Dogs most have completed a previous Beginning Rally class and must have a concept of heeling.
Location: 415 Cambria St. (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)
Additional Information:This class introduces students to the different maneuvers and exercises of Rally Style Obedience. Rally Obedience is the combination of obedience maneuvers using the flow and interaction of agility. It includes simple items like forward, halt, left and right turns and more complicated things like serpentines around cones, U turns and more.
Minimum: 6          Maximum: 14

CONFORMATION SHOW DOG HANDLING

Eligibility: Dogs 16 weeks old and up
Location: 415 Cambria St. (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)
Additional Information: If you are interested in finding out how the show dogs you see on TV learn to show, this is the class for you. This is a class for a dog and handler that teaches how to train a dog for the conformation ring. The handler will need to have a show lead for their dog. Those who do not have a show lead can borrow a lead from the instructor.
Minimum: 6          Maximum: 14

LUNCH BUNCH

Additional Information: Join us for our monthly lunch outings to various restaurants in the area. Participants are responsible for paying for their own lunch and any additional expenses.
Minimum: 5           Maximum: 8

SAFE KIDS NRV COALITION-CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS

Co-Sponsored By: Carilion, Christiansburg Recreation Dept. and Christiansburg Fire Dept.
Location: Christiansburg Fire Dept. Bay
Additional Information: Come by the Fire Dept. to make sure you have your car seat installed properly. Keep your kids safe!!

HIKES  

Additional Information: Join us for some exercise in the beautiful outdoors! We will stop for lunch after the hike. Participants are responsible for paying for their lunch.    Minimum: 4          Maximum: 8       Eligibility: 18 & over           Difficulty of all hikes: Flat

BOOK SWAP          

Additional Information: Drop off a maximum of 10 books between the hours of 8 – 5 p.m. at least two days before the scheduled Book Swap. At 5:15 p.m. on the day the swap is held, you will be allowed to select different books to take home to enjoy.  Location: Recreation Center- Classroom I

VIN ETCHING           

Additional Information:All vehicles carry a federally-assigned number known as Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Making sure those numbers are marked permanently on a vehicle’s windows steers thieves away. The windows of stolen VIN etched vehicles must be stripped and replaced before a thief can get rid of the car, a costly and time - consuming process.  VIN etching is simple, fast, safe and won’t mar the look of the vehicle.  Numbers are etched into the glass with a chemical solution and those numbers will be there for good.  Location: Christiansburg Fire Department                               Co-Sponsored by: Christiansburg Recreation Center, Christiansburg Police Department, Christiansburg Fire Department and Virginia State Police

SHRED-A-THON           

Additional Information: Help prevent identity theft, shred unwanted documents.  Protect your important information and clean out the clutter. For more information contact Tammy Caldwell, 540-382-2349 ext. 2003 or email: tcaldwell@christiansburg.org. This will be a drive-thru event, no walk-ups will be allowed. Please put documents to be shredded in a plastic tote or box, no plastic bags.  Location: Recreation Center Parking Lot

TRADER JOE'S        

Additional Information: We will travel to Trader Joe’s where they have great produce, great prices and a lot of healthy options at exceptional everyday prices. At Trader Joes you won’t find a lot of branded items; instead, you’ll discover unconventional and interesting products.  Lunch will be on your own at a local restaurant. Pre-register.                Minimum: 6 Maximum: 8

INSTANT POT COOKING         

Additional Information: Do you have an Instant Pot or other brand of electronic pressure cooker and are nervous to use it?  Or are you thinking about getting one and want to learn more? This class will cover the basics of how to use the Instant Pot, as well as providing ideas of what it can be used for.  Several recipes will be demonstrated that you can taste test. Feel free to bring your own Instant Pot with you for hands-on instruction.   Minimum: 4    Maximum: 8

PREPARING YOUR HOUSE TO SELL          

Additional Information: Information: Learn things to do before putting your house on the market and how to increase your home selling value.  Must Pre-register. Minimum: 2          Maximum: 15

PAPER CRAFTING           

Additional Information:Everyone loves to go to their mailbox to find that someone has remembered them with a handwritten letter or a greeting card with a personal message inside. Many people treasure these remembrances and tuck them away for later reflection.  This is especially true today when email and texts are short-lived and phone calls disappear when the connection ends.  Join this paper crafting class where we hand make beautiful greeting cards ready to send when you leave class. In addition, in these classes you will make three projects:  small boxes for treats, boxes of gift enclosure cards, small gift bags and the like.  All materials   are provided, no artistic talent is needed.                    Minimum: 3           Maximum: 8

EVENING BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING/INFORMATIONAL TABLE           

Additional Information: Do you know your numbers?  Blood pressure consists of two numbers. Your systolic pressure measures the pressure of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps blood out during a heartbeat, while the diastolic pressure measures the same pressure between heartbeats when the heart fills with blood. Both of these numbers are important and just because one is normal doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Come get checked!    Sponsored By: Carilion New River Valley Medical Center     Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center Lobby

HEALTHY WALKS AND TALKS            

Additional Information: Join us for a health walk on the Huckleberry Trail the 2^nd Wednesday of every month from May-October at the Christiansburg Recreation Center.  We will meet in the lobby and take a two-mile walk along the Huckleberry Trail.  All walks are expected to last less than an hour.  Registration is not required and there is no fee to participate, so bring some friends! Participants must wear appropriate clothing and footwear for walking, sunscreen, hates, sunglasses and bottled water are all recommended.  Fitness level must be appropriate for outdoor walking on easy to moderate trails with some incline as determined by each participant.  It is recommended to consult with your primary care physician prior to engaging in any new activity.  Walks will be moved indoors in the event of rain and/or for a heat index rated as Danger and/or Extreme Danger.  A Caution and/or Extreme Caution heat index is a warning to individuals with health related conditions.  For more information, please contact Ashley Hash at (540) 731-2017.

LUNCH & LEARN: GROW YOUR OWN SALAD BOWL            

Additional Information:Information: Don’t get stuck in the same old salad routine.  Shake it up by tossing in some greens and herbs.  Learn how you can create and grow a salad bowl that can be harvested in about a month.  A light salad lunch provided.  Salad garden demo will be given away as a door prize.   Minimum: 5           Maximum: 8

ADULT CPR/AED CERTIFICATION COURSE             

Additional Information:Information: The American Red Cross CPR/AED programs help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac and breathing emergencies. The courses in this program teach the knowledge and skills needed to give immediate care to an injured or ill ADULT while advanced medical care is on the way. This class will teach Adult CPR/AED skills and offer proficiency on manikins to earn an ARC certification valid for 2 years.                           Minimum: 4           Maximum: 8   Location-Recreation Center-Classroom 1

PEDIATRIC CPR/AED CERTIFICATION COURSE              

Additional Information:The American Red Cross CPR/AED programs help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac and breathing emergencies. The courses in this program teach the knowledge and skills needed to give immediate care to an injured or ill CHILD or INFANT while advanced medical care is on the way. This class will teach Pediatric CPR/AED skills and offer proficiency on manikins to earn an ARC certification valid for 2 years.   Minimum: 4           Maximum: 8        Location-Recreation Center-Classroom 1

FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENING               

Additional Information: May is Melanoma Awareness Month! River Ridge Dermatology is hosting a free skin cancer screening at the recreation center. Regular skin checks play a vital role in early detection and treatment. Don't miss Chad Johnston and Dr. Aleksandra Brown from 1:30 - 4 p.m. for your screening. This is a walk-in, first come-first serve event. The last patient must be checked in no later than 3:50 p.m. Location: Recreation Center-Multipurpose Room 2. All ages welcome (if under 18, a parent must be present).

FIRST AID CERTIFICATION COURSE               

Additional Information: First Aid training can help save lives before advanced medical care can arrive by employing simple techniques to comfort and reduce conditions that could become life threatening. No CPR will be taught in this course, but demonstration of skills will result in an American Red Cross certification valid for 2 years                                    Minimum: 4           Maximum: 8        Location-Recreation Center-Classroom 1

COOKING DEMO: MEATLESS MONDAY RECIPES                

Additional Information: Move over tofu and faux-meat, come out and try super-satisfying meatless dishes starring fresh and nutritious vegetables and whole grains. Skipping meat one day a week is good for your health, easier on the wallet, and better for the planet. You will take home a copy of the recipes and the opportunity to eat great food.                     Minimum: 4           Maximum: 8      Location-Recreation Center-Kitchen

INTRO TO STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING             

Additional Information: Join us on Claytor Lake for our Intro to Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) class. This one hour class will provide instruction on the basics of paddle stroke, balancing and positioning on the board, turning and board movement. This class will consist of both dry land and on water instruction.  Once you have mastered the basic skills, your instructor will take the group on a short paddle board tour on Claytor Lake.  This class is the perfect way to get started paddling the right way and experience the fastest growing watersport.  The class will be fun and informative while you improve your balance skills and workout your core muscles.  The class fee includes instruction and all rental equipment needed for the class.  The class is taught by Mountain 2 Island Paddle Board Company.  Participants will need to pay an additional fee of $4 a vehicle for park admission when they get to the park.  Mountain 2 Island Paddle Boarding Company is located in the lower level of the marina building.    Minimum: 4           Maximum: 12  Ages 12 and up    Location: Claytor Lake State Park Marina

BEGINNING KAYAKING              

Additional Information: This class provides the basic skills and safety techniques needed to paddle a kayak on flat water.  The class will cover launching techniques, paddling terminology, basic paddle strokes, kayaking safety and trip planning.  This is a fun and informative kayaking class followed by a short kayaking tour along the shores of Claytor Lake.  All equipment is provided:  single person kayak, paddle and personal floatation device.   The class is taught by Mountain 2 Island Paddle Board Company.  Participants will need to pay an additional fee of $4 a vehicle for park admission when they get to the park.  Mountain 2 Island Paddle Boarding Company is located in the lower level of the marina building.      Minimum: 2           Maximum: 8  Ages 12 and up    Location: Claytor Lake State Park Marina

STEP BY STEP CANVAS PAINTING               

Additional Information:Have you always wanted to try painting on canvas, but aren’t very artistic?  Then this is the class for you.  Learn to paint using simple step by step instructions and patterns.  Pre-register  Minimum: 8       Maximum: 15  

INSTANT POT COOKING         

Additional Information: Do you have an Instant Pot or other brand of electronic pressure cooker and are nervous to use it?  Or are you thinking about getting one and want to learn more? This class will cover the basics of how to use the Instant Pot, as well as providing ideas of what it can be used for.  Several recipes will be demonstrated that you can taste test. Feel free to bring your own Instant Pot with you for hands-on instruction.   Minimum: 4    Maximum: 8

WELLNESS WORKSHOPS                

Additional Information: Join us for a one hour wellness workshop!  Attendees will learn the skills needed for a healthy lifestyle! A healthy snack will be provide at each workshop. Participants must sign up for each workshop individually   Minimum: 6             Maximum: 20

COOKING DEMO: SALADS-WANT TO EAT HEALTHIER?                  

Additional Information: Tired of eating plain lettuce with dressing, but want to incorporate more salads and vegetables into your diet? In this class, several salad recipes will be demonstrated (not your typical side salad) for you to try and incorporate into your meal rotation. The salads will be hearty enough to be a meal or just a side dish in smaller portions. Think quinoa, beans, and roasted vegetables. You will take home a copy of the recipes and the opportunity to eat great food.     Minimum: 4           Maximum: 8

MAKE AND TAKE: ESSENTIAL OILS                 

Additional Information: There are so many people who have the seasonal "bug" and this workshop will allow you to experience Essential Oils and their ability to support you and your family through this Cold, Cough and Flu season. We will make blends that support the Immune System, Respiratory, Muscle Ache and Pains and Digestive. Each roller ball is $5-we will have 5 recipe stations set up. If you have your own oils, bring them and learn how to blend them for Wellness.   Minimum: 4             Maximum: 8

COOKING DEMO: SHEET PAN DINNERS                  

Additional Information: Are you in search of easy dinner recipes with minimal clean-up time? Then this is the class for you!  Skip the drive-thru and make these easy meals instead. You will be learn how to prep meals ahead of time for busy evenings. The instructor will demonstrate several recipes cooked on a sheet pan, a full dinner on one pan! You will take home a copy of the recipes and the opportunity to eat great food.  Minimum: 4           Maximum: 8

STEP BY STEP HOME BUYERS CLASS                   

Additional Information: Join Rachel as she gives you helpful tips to be aware of when purchasing a home. Must Pre-Register.   Minimum: 2          Maximum: 15   Location: Recreation Center-Classroom 1

BOOK SWAP                     

Additional Information: Drop off a maximum of 10 books between the hours of 8 – 5 p.m. at least two days before the scheduled Book Swap. At 5:15 p.m. on the day the swap is held, you will be allowed to select different books to take home to enjoy.    Location: Recreation Center – Classroom 1

MYSTERY YARD SALES         

Additional Information: Join us we search for treasures and deals. Lunch will be on your own at a local restaurant. Pre-register.    Minimum: 5          Maximum: 8

VIRGINIA FIREARMS SAFETY TRAINING (CONCEAL CARRY PERMIT COURSE)

Eligibility: Ages 18 and over
Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center- Classroom 2
Additional Information: This class offered by Southwest Virginia Firearms Instruction is a classroom-based Firearms Safety Course designed to meet the requirements set forth in SP-248 Application for a Concealed Carry Permit. Upon completing the course, the attendee will receive a certificate of completion and can then go apply for a permit at the courthouse. This class has been approved by the Honorable Robert M. D. Turk, Presiding Judge, Chief Judge for the training requirement portion of the application. The instructor is both Virginia Division of Criminal Justice Certified General Instructor, as well as a Certified Firearms Instructor. The instructor is a current law enforcement officer. Must show valid EMS Identification upon registration to receive EMS discount.
Minimum: 10        Maximum: 30

INSTANT POT COOKING         

Additional Information: Do you have an Instant Pot or other brand of electronic pressure cooker and are nervous to use it?  Or are you thinking about getting one and want to learn more? This class will cover the basics of how to use the Instant Pot, as well as providing ideas of what it can be used for.  Several recipes will be demonstrated that you can taste test. Feel free to bring your own Instant Pot with you for hands-on instruction.   Minimum: 4    Maximum: 8

MARDI GRAS CASINO       

Additional Information: Join us as we travel to the Mardi Gras Casino in Cross Lanes, WV.  Enjoy playing the slot machines or table games.  Lunch will be on your own at the casino.  We will arrive approximately at 11 a.m. and will depart at 3 p.m. to head home. Pre-register.    Minimum: 6   Maximum: 16

CHILD FINGERPRINTING             

Additional Information:Come by the Recreation Department and have your child fingerprinted for your files in case of an emergency.  Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center Lobby

ROUTE 58 EXCURSION        

Additional Information: Join us as we travel scenic Route 58.  Several stops along the way.  Lunch will be on your own at a local restaurant. Pre-register.   Minimum: 6   Maximum: 8