Are you a 13- to 19-year-old interested in the art of on-screen performance? Sign-up for a 6-session acting course with Bostin Christopher, a professional actor and teacher, by visiting bit.ly/registerCBJparks. Through this unique class, students will rehearse scenes and gain valuable insights into performing for film and video. This course is perfect for aspiring screen actors—come bring your best take to life! 

Classes take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, and 18 at the Zach Gordon Youth Center. The total cost for all sessions is $75 plus tax. Scholarships are available. Spots are limited to 10 students and are first come first served. Registration is open until full. 

For more information about the acting class, contact Max Blust at [email protected] or 907-586-2635 ext. 4158.  For information about scholarships, contact Recreation Coordinator Amanda Lovejoy at [email protected] or 907-586-2635 ext. 4156.  

Early Bird Registration for CBJ Parks & Recreation Youth Volleyball for grades 5 to 6 (Elementary) and 7 to 8 (Middle School) opens Monday, February 16 at 12 p.m. Early Bird Registration runs until March 1 and costs $45 plus tax. Late registration, beginning March 2, will incur a $10 late fee.  

Register online through the Parks & Recreation catalog under the “Youth & Teen” tab. Registration is first-come, first-served. All registrations received after the session is full will be placed on a waitlist. 

Youth volleyball is a great opportunity to learn new skills, practice sportsmanship, and have fun. The season runs for six weeks from April 6 to May 16. Teams are coed and will practice one night a week for one hour. Games will take place on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

Scholarships from the Zach Gordon Youth Center are available; complete the online form to apply. 

Youth Volleyball relies on volunteer coaches and parent volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Amanda Lovejoy at [email protected]. 

For more information, visit the Youth Volleyball website. For questions, contact Amanda Lovejoy at [email protected]. 

Zach Gordon Youth Center (ZGYC) is offering an upcoming in-service camp next month for youth looking for a creative and engaging way to spend their day off from school. The camp will take place on January 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will visit the Makerspace, where they will have the opportunity to felt, bake, and explore printmaking activities. 

The cost to attend is $45, which covers all supplies and secures a participant’s spot in the program. Drop-off and pick-up will take place at the ZGYC. Participants are welcome to stay at ZGYC until 6 p.m. following the camp. 

Registration opens December 29, 2025 at 12 p.m. and closes January 16, 2026 at 12 p.m. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Register at bit.ly/InServiceCamp.  

For more information, email MJ Goedeken at [email protected]. 

Get ready for winter hoops fun! Parks & Recreation is excited to offer two upbeat, skill-building basketball programs for our youngest athletes. Each program is a six-week clinic led by Parks & Recreation staff and designed specifically for beginner players. Through introductory games and drills, participants will build basketball fundamentals, learn the rules of the game, and most importantly—have fun!

Pee Wee Basketball for 5-year-olds runs January 24 to February 28 at Auke Bay School on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and the season ends with controlled scrimmages. The Start Smart program is for ages 3 to 4-year-olds and participants must be at least 3 years old by the first session. Start Smart sessions are held once a week for 6 weeks. Children and the adult in their life participate together to learn skills each week, with the goal of going home and practicing the skills we learn. Adults are active participants in the program. All participants receive a free Start Smart T-shirt. Start Smart will be held on Wednesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. from January 14 to February 18 at the Floyd Dryden Gym.

Registration for both programs opens December 15 at 12 p.m., and each session costs $40 plus tax. Space is limited to 25 participants in each program; registration fills quickly, so be sure to put it in your calendars!

For more information, visit bit.ly/48qEhcL or contact Recreation Coordinator MJ Goedeken at [email protected] or (907) 586-2635.