Fall &Winter

Program

Booklet

Caribou Parks & Recreation Department

55 Bennett Drive

Caribou, ME 04736

Phone: 207 493-4224

Fax: 207 493-4225

Web Address: www.caribourec.org

Facebook : Caribou Parks and Recreation Dept.

PARKS & RECREATION STAFF

Kathleen A. Mazzuchelli, Superintendent Parks & Rec

Gary Marquis, Director of Parks & Maintenance

Matt Bouchard, Director of Recreation

Neal Sleeper, Program Director

Lynn Jack-Merritt, Office Manager

Nate Germain, Maintenance Assistant

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

Sue White, Chairperson Mark Shea

Jane Mavor-Small, vice chair Andy Scott

Troy Barnes FACILITY HOURS

MAIN OFFICE Hours Monday through Friday May 1-Sept. 30 8 a.m.—6 p.m.

Oct 1-April 30 8 a.m.—9 p.m.

GAME ROOM (Oct 1-April 30) Monday through Friday 3 p.m.—8 p.m.

Saturday (Oct. 6-April 27) 12-4 p.m.

All other times 3-6 pm (Closed June 14 until the first day of School)

The Caribou Parks and Recreation Commission and staff are dedicated

to serving the entire community through the development and presenta-

tion of recreational programs and facilities targeting all age levels with

common goal of health improvement and life enrichment. Your coop-

eration with these policies will help us achieve our mission.

POLICY Children under 9 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian

at all times unless they are involved in a directly supervised program.

(Guardian must be 18 years of age or older)

Only children in grades 7 and up are allowed in the facility after 6 p.m.

unless accompanied by an adult/guardian. (Guardian must be 18 years of

age or older.)

Locker rooms are available to only program participants between the

hours of 3-6 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Children under 9 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian

to utilize the elevated walking track.

This brochure contains a summary of programs that are being offered by

the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department for the 2012-2013 winter

season. Pre-registration is required for all programs. This may be done

over the phone or in person at the recreation office. Registrations for those

programs that require a fee must be done in person or by mail. Registra-

tions will be done on a first-come, first-serve basis. PLEASE NOTE: If

your child did not participate in the summer 2012 programs you will need

to come in and fill out a registration form for that child prior to registering

for fall programs. The following policy governs all non-resident registra-

tions.

NON-RESIDENTS

NON-RESIDENT REGISTRATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

OVER THE PHONE. All non-residents will automatically be placed on a

waiting list for all programs. Exceptions: anyone who resides outside of

Caribou but pays property taxes on property in Caribou will be counted as

a resident; anyone who pays a non-resident yearly family fee will be

counted as a resident for a period of one year from the date of paying the

fee. All non-residents must pay in advance when registering. If a child

does not make it into the program, they will receive a full refund. Any pro-

gram sponsored by the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department is sub-

ject to a non-resident fee unless clearly specified otherwise.

NON-RESIDENT FEES

$10 per child per program

$15 per adult per program

$75 annual family fee

ATTENTION: There will be no regularly scheduled programs during

school vacations, holidays nor on early dismissal days. In the event of in-

clement weather cancellations will be announced at the local schools.

Check the local newspaper, local television and local radio stations for spe-

cial event information.

CARIBOU WELLNESS & RECREATION CENTER

The Caribou Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide array of programming

to accommodate the recreational needs of the greater Caribou community. The

Wellness and Recreation Center was designed to afford versatility and a wide range

of both organized and unorganized activities.

The facility offers one large room that can be divided into three small units to ac-

commodate meetings or low impact activities; a game room, a gymnasium with

full size basketball court that can be divided with a curtain into two smaller court

areas, as well as bleacher seating for over 500, and an elevated two lane walking

track. There is also a two lane walking area on the main gym floor.

Programming options include programs for residents of all ages. Regular youth

programming includes, but is not limited to, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis,

running, swimming lessons, and adventure programming designed for teens.

Adult programs include sports programming and wellness based activities offered

both by Parks and Recreation staff and staffing from outside entities.

A full schedule of available programming can be viewed at the department’s web-

site a www.caribourec.org, or join us on facebook. The department also publishes

seasonal program booklets that are available at the main office at 55 Bennett Drive.

The Caribou Parks and Recreation Department is always looking for new program-

ming ideas from area residents and welcomes public input on the subject.

In addition to active and supervised programming, the Parks and Recreation De-

partment offers a number of park facilities for public use including Teague Park,

Collins Pond Park, Lyndon Park, Soucie Memorial Sports Complex, 10-miles of ski

trails groomed and maintained for both classic and skate skiing as well as snow

shoeing, approximately 100 miles of the 2200 miles of snowmobile trail that cover

Aroostook County and approximately 80 miles of multiuse recreational trail and all

terrain vehicle trail. These trails are maintained with the assistance of the Caribou

Snowmobile Club and Caribou ATV Club.

For persons wishing to strengthen recreational opportunities in Caribou through

philanthropy there are two options. The Caribou Parks and Recreation Department

can accept tax deductable donations for programming or facilities or donors can

receive information on the Caribou Parks and Recreation Foundation, a private non

profit 501(c)3 organization. For information on either option please contact the

Parks and Recreation office at 493-4224.

PROGRAMMING This winter the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department is once again happy to offer the

full compliment of programs that Caribou residents have been accustomed to for over three

decades. Please note that pre-registration is required for most programs and can be done

over the phone if we already have a parental information form on file. If not you will be

asked to come to the Parks and Recreation office to register.

Remember there are no regularly scheduled programs during school vacation, holidays, nor

on early release days. In the event of inclement weather, cancellations will be announced at

the local schools. Check the local newspaper for updates and special event information.

A WORD ABOUT PROGRAMMING The Caribou Parks and Recreation Commission and staff understand that the quality of our

staff and volunteers will be playing a vital role in each child’s participation in our programs,

whether organized or unorganized. The time of staff and volunteers represents what the

Search Institute defines as an external development asset. These assets are the positive ex-

periences young people receive from the world around them.

To be effective youth coaches and mentors as well as moms and dads that are spectators,

what is needed is an understanding of what actions and behaviors breed success, willingness

and ideas to apply that knowledge, and most importantly, a desire to see young people grow

up happy, healthy and confident. The Caribou Parks and Recreation Department works dili-

gently to insure that all staff and volunteers never lose site of this concept. To insure suc-

cess, Park and Recreation officials support the most recent studies and trends program de-

veloped at the University of Maine at Orono.

For many parents and volunteers, competition and winning are the ultimate goals. Unfortu-

nately, studies have shown that kids have a different philosophy. According to youngsters

—– winning is not the primary focus in youth sports. Park and Recreation officials be-

lieve that attempting to win and achieving to the highest possible level are what sports are

all about but also uphold the philosophy that it is how we go about competing that is the

important factor. Kids have defined having fun, participating and improving skills as the

most important parts of youth sports . . not winning.

As outlined in Sports Done Right, defining success only as winning is inappropriate for

youth sports. Success in team and individual sports is more a matter of striving for continu-

ous improvements on the way to becoming the best one can be as an individual athlete, a

team member and a person. Building a definition of success on strengthened character and

moral development, on valuing everyone’s contribution to the team, on developing a work

ethic that will serve for a lifetime—these are the more important elements of a successful

sports experience. Winning and losing are part of the competitions in which we engage, but

they are by no means the most important outcomes when sports are done right.

We hope that as volunteers and spectators, you will support this philosophy and help us

insure that kids grow and have fun . . We are after all raising adults and the future leaders

of our community. If you would like to find out more about youth sports or development

assets log on to www.sportsdonerightmaine.org or www.searchinstitute.org.

This winter marks the 44th year of pee wee basketball at the Caribou Parks

and Recreation Department. The programs are designed to introduce funda-

mentals of the game to boys and girls in grades 1-6. There are no tryouts and

no fees for registration. The programs meet conveniently after school at the

Caribou Wellness & Recreation Center. Most students can be transported to

the program via the Caribou School bus program after school providing they

bring a note to their respective schools indicating they will be participating

in a specific parks and recreation program.

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BASKETBALL Grade 1-2 SESSION 1: October 15-November 14, 2012

SESSION 2: November 26 —December 19, 2012

Monday & Wednesday 3-4:30 p.m.

A taste of basketball with FUN-damentals and modified games. Please note

there are two sessions being offered. A child can only register for one ses-

sion and must be placed on a waiting list for the second session. Pre-

registration is required.

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BASKETBALL Grades 3-4

November 8 —December 21, 2012

Tues., Thurs. & Fridays 3-4:30 p.m.

This program is open to boys and girls in grades 3 & 4 and combines skill

development and games. Games will run from 3-4 pm and 4-5 pm. Pre-

registration is required.

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TRAVELING TEAM Travel teams are developed for boys and girls in grades 5 & 6 over the

course of the season and will have games with other communities. Game

days and times are contingent upon scheduling with other communities.

BOYS BASKETBALL Grades 5-6

January 3—March 14, 2013

Tuesday, Thursday & some Fridays 3-5 p.m.

This program is open to boys in grades 5 & 6. The first sessions all partici-

pants will be combined however teams will be established and most teams

will play twice per week during the same time frame. Pre-registration is re-

quired.

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Grades 4-6

January 2—March 15, 2013

Mondays & Wednesdays & some Fridays 3-5 p.m.

This program is open to girls in grades 4-6. The program will start with skill

development sessions then move on to schedule games during the same time

period. Pre-registration is required.

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CHEERLEADING Grades 5-6

December 4, 2012— March 14, 2013

Tuesdays & Thursdays 3-5 p.m.

This program is designed to introduce participants to the basic skills of cheer-

leading including jumps, tumbling, stunts, and a long list of cheers. Pre-

registration is required.

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PITCH, HIT & RUN COMPETITION May 11, 2013

Ages 7-14 (Age as of July 17, 2013)

Come participate in the Pitch, Hit and Run Competition hosted by the Cari-

bou Recreation Center and the Caribou Little League Organization. This com-

petition will give you a chance to see how well you can pitch, how far you

can hit and how fast you can run. Pre-registration is required.

LEARN TO SKATE Grades 1-4

Session 1 Grades 1-2 January 7-23

Session 2 Grades 3-4 January 28-February 13

Mondays and Wednesdays 3-4:30 p.m.

At TEAGUE PARK ICE RINK

This program is designed to introduce youngsters to the fundamentals of ice-

skating. The program will be held at the outdoor rink located in Teague Park.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment. Limited skates are

available for use. Most students can be transported to the program via the

Caribou School Bus program after school providing they bring a note to their

respective schools indicating they will be participating in a specific Parks and

Recreation program. Pre-registration is required.

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SKI DADDLE Grades 3-6

January 8-March 7, 2013

Tuesdays & Thursdays 3-4:30 p.m.

At TEAGUE PARK

The Ski Daddle program is designed for all ability levels. Lessons will be held

at Teague Park and will include an introduction to equipment and techniques

including turning, diagonal stride, skating, uphill and downhill techniques and

lots of outdoor fun. There will be equipment available however students are

welcome to bring their own equipment. Pre-registration is required.

SPRING TRAINING

BASEBALL Boys & Girls Ages 9-12

March 18-April 11, 2013

9-10 year olds Mon. & Wed. 3-4:30 p.m. 11-12 year olds Tues. & Thurs. 3-4:30 p.m.

This fundamental instruction clinic is offered to boys and girls ages 9-12.

Each session will deal with the mechanics and the breakdown of individual

positions on a baseball team. Topics to be covered will include proper warm-

ups, stretching, pitching, hitting, infield/outfield play and situational instruc-

tion. Pre-registration is required.

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HERSHEY TRACK & FIELD PROGRAM Ages 9-14

(Age determined as of December 31, 2013)

April 22-June TBA, 2013

Ages 9-10 Mon. & Wed. 3-5 p.m.

Ages 11-14 Tues & Thurs 3-5 p.m.

This program introduces youths to the basic fundamentals of running, throw-

ing and jumping. Boys and girls participating in the program may be eligible

to move onto the Hershey Track & Field regional finals. Winners and runner-

ups in the regional finals move on to the state competition in July and a

chance to be chosen to travel to Hershey, Pennsylvania in August for the Na-

tional finals of the program. Age determined as of December 31, 2013. Pre-

registration is required.

KIDS PLAYGROUP Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m.

The Caribou Parks and Recreation Department will provide gym space for

parents and toddlers. This is a self guided program. Participants can bring

toys. Please no black rubber wheeled toys.

NOTICE: Check posted schedules for activities that

may result in the cancellation of this open time.

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MRPA HOTSHOTS COMPETITION Friday, January 25, 2013

Warm-ups at 3 p.m. / Competition at 4 p.m.

At Caribou Wellness & Recreation Center Gym

Opens to boys and girls ages 9-18 who are not College Varsity basketball

players. (Age as of March 31, 2013)

MRPA Hotshots program is a basketball skills development program that

tests participant’s skill of ball handling and shooting in a one minute time

period from five ‘hotspots’ marked on one half of the basketball court. Pre-

registration is required.

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YOUTH SKI RENTAL PROGRAM* Thursday, November 8

6:30-8:30 p.m.

@ Caribou Wellness & Recreation Center

The Northern Skiers Club and the Caribou Parks and Recreation Depart-

ment have partnered to bring the Youth Ski Rental Program back to Caribou

for all Caribou youth.

This year seasonal rentals will be available for all Caribou youth and in-

clude skis, boots, poles and a carrier for a fee of $60 plus a $20 refundable

deposit upon the return of the equipment in the spring.

Rental forms will be distributed in October with the official sign up and

fitting night slated for Thursday, November 8th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at

the Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center.

Don’t miss this opportunity to have fun in the snow this winter...great birth-

day or Christmas presents (shhhh...we won’t tell!!)

*NOTE DAILY & SEASONAL NORDIC RENTALS AVAILABLE

FOR ADULTS TOO! 493-4224

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FRIDAY SKI FUNDAMENTALS

FOR ADULTS Fridays 6-7 p.m.

@ Caribou High School ski trails

Don’t let the kids have all the fun, the Northern Skiers Club will be offering

Nordic Ski lessons for all Caribou area residents free of charge on Friday

evenings from 6-7 p.m. at the ski trails at the Caribou High School. Imagine

skiing on a lit ski area learning the basic techniques of classical or skate

skiing or improving your current skill set. The program is open to all skill

levels with an emphasis on folks new to the sport . . . Its fun and it helps

make winter go by way too fast !!!

Daily rentals are available at the Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center

for adults who may not have their own equipment. Let’s get moving!!!

ADULT ACTIVITIES

WALKING Area adults are welcome to walk at the Caribou Wellness &

Recreation Center. Walking hours are as follows: May 1-Sept. 30 Monday

through Friday, 6 a.m.–6 p.m.; Oct. 1-April 30 Monday through Friday 6

a.m.—9 p.m. and Saturday 12-4 p.m. Participants are required to bring a

change of shoes, as street shoes will not be allowed on the gym floor.

HIGH IMPACT AEROBICS Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays

from 6-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8-9 a.m. at the Caribou Wellness &

Recreation Center. FEES: $5 per class; 10 classes/$30; 20 classes/$50.

POWER OF PREVENTION EXERCISE CLASS meets Mondays,

Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Caribou Wellness & Rec-

reation Center. NO FEE.

CARY FITNESS CLASS meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from

9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Caribou Wellness & Recreation Center. Come and

join Cary Fitness Class for a rich variety of exercises that range from car-

diovascular exercise, muscular strength, balance and coordination. This

class is designed for middle aged and senior adults looking to improve or

maintain their fitness level while being part of a friendly and social group

of people. FEE: $1 per class.

ZUMBA CLASS Zumba exercise classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays

from 9-10 a.m. FEES: $5 per classes

MEN’S 30 & OVER HOOP meets Tuesdays, from 7-9 p.m. and Sun-

days, from 10 a.m.—12 noon from October 9, 2012 through April 30,

2013. This program is designed for gentlemen 30 years of age and over

and meets at the Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center gym.

FEE: $3 per player on Sundays.

MEN’S BASKETBALL meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m.

from October 10, 2012 through April 29,

2013. Men's basketball is designed for men

ages 18 & over, and meets at the Caribou

Wellness & Recreation Center gym. There

will be an organization meeting on October

10 at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in having a

team in the league this year must have a repre-

sentative at this meeting.

COUNTRY CLUB SKI TRAILS / SNOWSHOE TRAILS *

The Caribou Parks & Recreation Department maintains 10-miles of groomed

Nordic ski trails with both set track and a skating lane, at the Caribou Ski

Trails located off Rt 161 approx. 3 miles north of Caribou at the Caribou

Country Club. Note that snowshoes are welcome. Please respect set track on

ski trails and avoid whenever possible. Donations accepted for trail mainte-

nance.

CARIBOU HIGH SCHOOL SKI / SNOWSHOE TRAIL FACILITY*

Lighted 5km trail with snow making right in town. Lodge is available for

warming up and waxing. Incredibly accessible that favors a quick lunchtime

ski...No fee. Donations to Northern Skiers Ski Club encouraged.

TEAGUE PARK SKI / SNOWSHOE TRAILS *

Maintained ski/snowshoe area with manmade hill and various terrain features

including a ski-ter totter, as well as a tunnel to play on and through. Trails in-

clude beginners loop on the infield baseball area. And a larger ski loop in the

gazebo field area. There is no fee for this area, pets are welcome. Excellent

location to teach youths and adults the fundamentals of Nordic skiing/

snowshoeing.

*SNOWSHOE RENTALS AVAILABLE AT THE CARIBOU WELL-

NESS & RECREATION CENTER. PHONE 493-4224.

ICE SKATING RINK

The ice rink is an outdoor rink located at Teague Park. Supervised skating

hours are: (Weather permitting)

Saturdays & Sundays 1-5 p.m.

*Please note: The hours listed are the skating rink supervised hours only. Per-

sons wishing to skate may do so at their own risk during other hours unless the

facility is scheduled. Skate rentals are available during supervised hours.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS

In the winter Aroostook Valley Trail and the Bangor and Aroostook trail be-

come part of Maine’s 10,000-mile network of groomed snowmobile trails.

Snowmobile trail maps are available at local chambers of commerce, the Cari-

bou Wellness and Recreation Center as well as businesses around The County.

FALL FUN FESTIVAL

October 31, 2012 - 6-8 p.m. Fun and games for youths Pre K through grade

6. This event will be held at the Caribou Wellness & Recreation Center.

There will be a costume judging, games and prizes. Sponsored by VFW and

VFW Auxiliary.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING

Friday, December 7, 2012 - 6-8 p.m. Youths come and decorate your own

Gingerbread House. Sponsored by Sleepers Grocery. Pre-registration is re-

quired. Limited to 200.

SANTA’S WORKSHOP

Friday, December 7, 2012—6-8 p.m. Come visit with Santa and enjoy a

fun filled evening of holiday crafts and goodies. No pre-registration re-

quired. Sponsored by the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce.

FATHER-DAUGHTER SWEETHEART DANCE

Friday, February 8, 2013 - 7-9 p.m. An annual favorite this year’s event

will be held at the Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center. Admission is $5

per couple. Photos by Duane will also be available for a fee.

WINTER CARNIVAL

February 16-26, 2013 Fun in the snow for the whole family. Events and

locations TBA.

5th ANNUAL DOWNTOWN CARIBOU SKI SPRINTS

Friday, February 15, 2013 at 4 p.m. @ Teague Park Ski Trails. Come

cheer on the competitors or try the 1km race course. Skiing, snowshoeing

and ice skating will be on into the night under the lights.

2nd. ANNUAL FEBRUARY FROLIC

Sunday, February 24, 2013. New Year’s Skate Race and the 38th. Annual-

Henry Anderson Classical Race partner for an exciting day of skiing. Regis-

tration at 10am Caribou High School Ski building.

MOTHER-SON DANCE

Friday, May 10, 2013 - 7-9 p.m. at Caribou Wellness & Recreation Center

Gym. Admission is $5 per couple. Photos by Duane are available for a fee.

THERE ARE 40 . . . DO YOUR KIDS HAVE THEM?

What if I told you the secret to raising happy, healthy and responsible kids isn’t really a secret

after all. It is, simply stated, all about building relationships, connecting with young people,

getting to know them, listening to them, and understanding them.

Have you ever asked yourself why some kids beat the odds while others get trapped? Our typi-

cal answers are focused on problems such as lack of family support, poverty, or negative peer

influence. What if we decided to look for other answers – answers that would tell us how kids

prevail, not fail. The Search Institute in Minneapolis did just that when developing what are

now called the 40 Developmental Assets. Their approach to answering the questions became

optimistic, and hopeful. Search Institute changed the lens and highlighted what was right with

youth. What they found was the more Developmental Assets in a young person’s life, the fewer

risky behaviors they participated in (such as alcohol and drug use) and the more likely they

were to make wise decisions, and choose positive paths. Simply said, the more assets a young

person has, the less likely they are to struggle and the more likely they are to succeed in life.

Simple! The 40 Developmental Assets are grouped into two main types: External and Internal.

External Assets are the gifts others give to us and include:

Support: Young people need to be surrounded by people who love, care for, appreciate

and accept them.

Empowerment: Young people need to feel valued and valuable. This happens when youth

feel safe and respected.

Boundaries and Expectations: Young people need clear rules, consistent consequences

for breaking rules, and encouragement to do their best.

Constructive Use of Time: Young people need opportunities – outside of school - to learn

and develop new skills and interests with other youth and adults.

Internal Assets are the gifts we give to ourselves and include:

Commitment to Learning: Young people need a sense of the lasting importance of learn-

ing and a belief in their own abilities.

Positive Values: Young people need to develop strong guiding values to help them make

healthy life choices.

Social Competencies: Young people need the skills to interact effectively with others, to

make difficult decisions and to cope with new situations.

Positive Identity: Young people need to believe in their own self-worth and to feel they

have control over the things that happen to them.

Creating a strong foundation in young person’s life is simple! Spend time with them, listen to

their stories and learn what matters to them. Show them you love them; clearly communicate

your values, boundaries and expectations. Provide constructive, enriching opportunities for

growth through creative activities and youth programs.

Developmental Assets are simple yet have the power to create lasting change. Should the peo-

ple and places of our community make the commitment to join together to embrace, invest in

and engage with young people as resources and gifts we can change the future one asset at a

time.

For more information on the 40 Development Assets contact Bethany Zell, Developmental

Asset Educator for ASAP at 551-4284 or visit www.asapcoalition.com.