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

NOVICE DOG OBEDIENCE MINI

Eligibility: Dogs 4 ½ months and older                                                                                                                        Location: 415 Cambria St. C’burg (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)                                                               Additional Information: The class is designed to teach you how to teach your dog.  Does your dog bolt through open doors, pulls on leash, acts silly at the vet’s office, or jumps on people?  This class will concentrate on loose leash walking, sitting to greet and come when called.            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

INTRODUCTION TO NOSE WORK 

Eligibility: Dogs any age that can use their nose to find something.                                                                           Location: 415 Cambria St. (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)                                                                        Additional Information: Nose Work or Scent Work is a fun sport for the dog and handler.  This class helps to build the bond between the dog and the handler.  This class is for any age of dog that can use their nose to find something.  We will teach the dogs first to search for food or toy.  Requirements:  Dogs will work individually.  Dog must be quiet while a dog works.

INTRODUCTION TO NOSE WORK MINI

Eligibility: Dogs any age that can use their nose to find something.                                                                           Location: 415 Cambria St. (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)                                                                        Additional Information: Nose Work or Scent Work is a fun sport for the dog and handler.  This class helps to build the bond between the dog and the handler.  This class is for any age of dog that can use their nose to find something.  We will teach the dogs first to search for food or toy.  Requirements:  Dogs will work individually.  Dog must be quiet while a dog works.

NOVICE/LEVEL 1 NOSE WORK OR SCENT WORK  

Eligibility: Dogs any age that have had an introduction to odor for Nose Work or Scent Work class                                       Location: 415 Cambria St. (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)                                                                        Additional Information: This class builds the skills of the dog and handler team for searching for the essential oils. We build the complexity of searches slowly. This class is designed for the handler to understand how their dog searches and we also build the skills for the dog. Requirement: Dogs will work individually. Dog must be quiet while a dog works.

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

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN MINI 

Eligibility: Puppies 10-17 weeks                                                                                                                                   Location: 415 Cambria St. C’burg (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)                                                                       Additional Information: This 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 sit, down 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.)          Minimum: 6          Maximum: 12

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

HELPING HANDS  

Additional Information: Helping Hands is a group of crafters coming together every week to make items for various needs in our community. Please feel free to join us for a fun afternoon of knitting, sewing or crocheting and connect with some new friends and make a difference in our community. For more information please contact Tammy Caldwell; tcaldwell@christiansburg.org or Tina Snyder; knitpic@aol.com.   

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

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.

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  

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: 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

ONLY PLACE TO KNOW          

Additional Information: Changes are taking place daily, from new buildings to expanding trails. This program will help inform participants whether a new resident to Christiansburg or a lifelong resident by providing them with information they need to know from the town's citizen alert program to senior lock boxes and everything in between. We will meet at the recreation department before departing for a driving tour of Christiansburg.  Pre-register.    Minimum: 5       Maximum: 16

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

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

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

SUPPER CLUB          

Additional Information: Join us for an evening outing for supper to various restaurants in the area. Pre-Register    Minimum: 6    Maximum: 16

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY              

Additional Information: Stop by our Breast Cancer Awareness table and pick up information on the importance of early detection and self exams. Register for the door prize.  Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center Lobby

ADULT CPR/AED CERTIFICATION COURSE 

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center- Classroom 1
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 ADULT while advanced medial 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

ROSIE'S GAMING EMPORIUM          

Additional Information: Join us as we visit the new non-stop gaming facility in Vinton. Lunch will be on your own while we are at Rosie's.           Pre-register.    Minimum: 6          Maximum: 16

GERM PREVENTION-STAY HEALTHY AND WASH YOUR HANDS           

Additional Information: Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses, but many people don't practice proper hand washing technique. Come participate in a quick, interactive activity that will show you the places you miss while washing your hands and learn the steps you can take to stay healthy this cold and flu season. All ages welcome! 

PEDIATRIC CPR/AED CERTIFICATION COURSE 

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center- Classroom 1
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 while advanced medial 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

RED SUN FARM TOUR           

Additional Information: Join us for a tour of Red Sun Farm and learn about their seed to plate approach. NOTE: There will be walking on this tour. Lunch on your own at Fatz Restaurant following tour.    Pre-register.    Minimum: 5          Maximum: 8

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

SHRED -A -THON      

Additional Information: Help prevent identity theft and 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 is a drive thru event, no walk-ups will be allowed.  Papers to be shredded are preferred to be in plastic storage bin or box, no bigger than 22.5x18x11.5 limit 3 per car.  .  Please make sure you only have documents to be shredded.  Items that can’t be shredded include: Metal, including 3 ring binders, composition notebooks, hanging file folders, paint brushes, padlocks, hardback books, keys, eyeglasses, bungee cords, etc.                 Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center Parking Lot

FIRST AID CERTIFICATION COURSE  

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center- Classroom 1
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

BREAKFAST TRIP MABRY MILL            

Additional Information:Join us as we travel for breakfast to Mabry Mill and take in the fall foliage along the way.   Minimum: 6           Maximum: 16    Pre-register.    

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        Pre-register.    Location: Recreation Center Kitchen

DRAPER BLOOMS AFTERNOON TEA             

Additional Information: Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea composed of scones, finger sandwiches and an array of sweet treats.  Also, enjoy hot tea or their signature iced tea.     Minimum: 8           Maximum: 16    Pre-register.    

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 4 p.m. on the day the swap is held, you will be allowed to select different books to take home to enjoy.        Pre-register.    Location: Recreation Center Classroom 1

CHOLESTEROL SCREENING              

Additional Information: Call Carilion to register at (800) 422-8482.  A 12 hour fast is recommended, not required!  A lipid profile is a quick screening and includes total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose.  The results from this test can help determine your risk of coronary heart disease.  MUST PRE-REGISTER.  Participants can pay at the screening, check or correct change please.

SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS SHOW               

Additional Information: Oh What Fun It Is! Join us for a day of Christmas shopping at the many booths to find just that right Christmas present or something special for yourself.   Price includes transportation, and admission to the show.  Lunch will be on your own at the show.  We will arrive approximately at 10 a.m. and will depart at 3 p.m. to return home.    Minimum: 6 Maximum: 8      Location: Charlotte, NC

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

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     Location: Charlottesville, VA

WOHLFAHRT HAUS CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK       

Additional Information: Enjoy a delicious Holiday feast before you are completely immersed in the Christmas season. Sit back, relax and reminisce with some of your favorite Christmas carols, holiday music, dazzling dance numbers, and beautiful costumes! To complete the evening, be inspired by the greatest gift of all, the beautiful story of the nativity! From our Haus to yours, "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" Pre-register.     Minimum: 6 Maximum: 18

COOKING DEMO: HEALTHY SIDE DISHES             

Additional Information: Have a great time learning how to make and sampling healthy side dishes.   You will take home a copy of the recipes and the opportunity to eat great food.  Minimum: 4           Maximum: 8             Pre-register.    Location: Recreation Center Kitchen

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING                 

Additional Information: Still looking for just one more gift or wanting to treat yourself to a little something?  Join us as we travel to Winston Salem to the mall. Participants will eat lunch on their own in the food court.                                Minimum: 6           Maximum: 8

HOLIDAY HIGH TEA            

Additional Information: Get in the festive spirit at the Palisades Restaurants annual “Holiday High Tea”. Enjoy tasty pastries, scones, cookies and finger sandwiches while sipping on delicious tea. Price includes: transportation, food, tea, taxes and gratuity.            Minimum: 8           Maximum: 16     Location: Palisades Restaurants-Eggleston, VA

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

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