December is here, and Peabody Recreation is wrapping the year in all things festive, active, and fun! From cozy winter classes to spirited community events, the Rec is ready to help you celebrate the season. Grab your mittens, your friends, and your sense of adventure. There’s something cheerful waiting for everyone this month!
Wreath Making (for adults)
Create your own beautiful evergreen wreath this holiday season using fresh evergreen boughs and your choice of ribbons, bows, pine cones, and branches! You will leave with a truly stunning piece that is all your own to adorn your door all winter long! Wreath frames are 14” in diameter, which will create a finished wreath that’s approximately 18” wide.
The activity is best suited for adults and open to children aged 8+ with an adult. The Rec recommends bringing gardening gloves and a pair of old scissors/wire cutters and pruning sheers if you have them!
The event will be Dec. 11 from 5-6 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. at 50 Farm Ave. Register here.
Elf Tryouts
Santa needs help!
Being an elf is hard work! Is your child qualified? All aspiring elves will be put to the test to see if they have what it takes to be Santa’s elf. They will be challenged in all elf disciplines including cookie decorating, present wrapping, toy making, and more!
All children who complete the tryout will receive a call from Santa himself to let them know if they passed his test. If they do, they will be given a special task to help out Santa.
Regardless of the outcome, which will likely be positive, children will have a merry time attempting the elf tryout challenges. Plus, every participant will be leaving with holiday spirit and a toy they built themselves.
This program is geared for children aged 4-10, but Santa is flexible on the ages if you think your child is ready to be an elf!
Come dressed in holiday outfits for bonus points. The event is Dec. 13 at Higgins Middle School with sessions beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. Advanced registration is required, and limited spaces are available. Fill out this form for each child registered.
December Vacation Fundays
Are you looking for a fun-filled, action packed experience for students in grades K-5, designed to mimic the best parts of the Rec’s beloved summer programs? Check out Vacation Week Fundays: Winter Edition!
During school break, children will enjoy a combination of games, crafts, and exciting activities led by some of your favorite summer staff.
Highlights include:
- Games and Physical Activities: Get ready to move, laugh, and compete with friends in a variety of indoor games and potentially outdoor games (weather permitting).
- Creative Crafts: Let your imagination run wild! From coloring and cutting and gluing to DIY projects, your child will enjoy creating unique crafts.
- Pizza Lunch: Every day includes a delicious pizza lunch, making it the perfect break to refuel and socialize with friends.
- Summer Staff: The event is led by the friendly, energetic, and experienced staff, who your child knows and loves from the Rec’s summer programs, who are home on their college breaks.
The event runs on Dec. 26, Dec. 29, and Dec. 30 from 8:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. at Higgins Middle School. Register here.
Babysitter/CPR for Middle Schoolers
Safe Sitter is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises.
Students learn:
- Safety Skills: Students learn how to prevent unsafe situations and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies.
- Child Care Skills: Students learn tips to manage behavior that will help them stay in control of themselves and the children in their care. Students also learn the ages and stages of child development as well as practice diapering.
- First Aid and Rescue Skills: Learning skills such as choking rescue and CPR is often students’ favorite part of the class. Students also learn a system to help them assess and respond to injuries and illnesses. Wicked Safety Training partners with the American Health and Safety Institute to include a First Aid and CPR certificate.
- Life and Business Skills: The ability to screen jobs, discuss fees, and greet employers will set students up for success now and in the future. Students practice these skills through various role plays.
The course is non-refundable. The event is Dec. 29 from 8:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. at Higgins Middle School. Register here.
