Thursday, November 1, 2012

Childhood Activities Help Keep Cottonwood Young


By Jason Little
 
For those who might see Cottonwood as just a nice place to settle down and retire with nice views of the Sedona Red Rocks and a plethora of wineries to enjoy, they are on the right track, but there is much more to the Northern Arizona town. Behind the programming of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department there are numerous opportunities for children and teens to grow and prosper in the small community. These activities are provided a home at the state of the art 52,000 square foot Cottonwood Recreation Center, city parks and numerous other city facilities. 

The renowned Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission drives many of the activities for teenagers in the Verde Valley…….  When reflecting on the 2011-2012 Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission year the only response can be…what a year! Over 800 hours of community service, countless funds disseminated to non-profits and programs that will have a lasting effect were all positive outcomes for the commission this year. When the commission embarked on outlining their yearly goals the commission aspired to improve upon the previous year’s accolades and implementing/dispensing programs and funding that would and having a lasting effect on the community at large.  President Andrew Hickey stated “I truly believe we have improved this year and challenged ourselves.”
 

Each program this year was significant, but one truly stood out C.Y.A.C’s ‘Dream Big” initiative.  The program was first conceived by the commission as a way to make a difference. When the commission received a grant from MatForce the monies were well spent. The group opted to find a speaker to address the entire student body. The commission wanted a speaker to convey their message of “Dream Big” and in a way that teens would digest it. After numerous emails and phone calls Anthony Robles stepped up. Anthony won the 2011 NCAA National Championship and went 36-0. The remarkable part is that he achieved this while dealing with family struggles, and being born with one leg. At the conclusion 1200 students gave Anthony a standing ovation. Today you can see students wearing the commission’s ‘Dream Big” bracelets.
 

2011-2012 Completed Programs

·       Yavapai Food Bank (C.Y.A.C. donates Turkeys)

·       Teen Night (over 300 youth in attendance)

·       Verde Valley Sanctuary (C.Y.A.C provides 13 families with a Christmas)

·       Angel Tree (62 youth provided with presents)

·       Santa Pictures (50 youth get the experience of a life time by meeting Santa)

·       Easter Bunny Pictures (40 families create memories)

·       Spring Fling Dance (over 300 youth attend)

·       Parent’s Night Out (35 families enjoy Valentine’s Day)

·       Verde Valley Manor (C.Y.A.C. members create bonds)

·       Mayor’s March a Mile for Meals

·       Steward’s for Land Clean-Up

·       Fall Carnival 

·       AZ Leagues of Cities & Towns (C.Y.A.C. members meet Senator McCain) 

 
The Cottonwood Aquatics Center plays host to movies in the summer with the “Dive-In Movies” series. Kids and families are given the rare opportunity to spend a night out at the movies and the pool all at once and for a minimal cost.  Contemporary films such as The Smurfs, Dolphin Tail and Soul Surfer drew over 500 youth, adult, and family members this summer.
 

The 17th Annual Free Fall Carnival will be held at the Old Town Activity Park. This event features free bouncy rides, hay rides a costume contest and of course CANDY! Kids are able to enjoy their Halloween with friends in a safe and monitored environment…… 

The City of Cottonwood Youth Basketball League will be entering its 20th season this November. Providing a 3 month long season to over 200 youth ages 7 – 16 the program continues to grow and evolve, even expanding its audience to the local cable airwaves. The program prides itself on teaching the fundamentals of the game and strives to provide a positive outlet for all the children of the community. Volunteer coaches have always been at the heart of the program and allow the City of Cottonwood to keep registration costs to a minimum for maximum participation. 

The Parks and Recreation Department also provides 2 weeks of Fun and Fundamentals summer basketball camps to boys and girls ages 7-14. The camp has been instructed by local high school coaches and serviced nearly 50 kids last year. The goal of the camps is reflected by the name; kids are there to have fun and try to learn some basketball while attending.  

The Cottonwood Recreation Center’s After School Program is a drop-in after-school recreation program for school-age children 1st – 8th grade.  The program services Cottonwood’s Mountain View Prep, Cottonwood Elementary School, Cottonwood Middle School, and Dr. Daniel Bright. Under the supervision of a professional recreation staff, youth are provided with a variety of age appropriate developmental group activities that are fun, stimulating and enriching. The C.R.C. staff is looking forward to getting to know the participants and their parents. We strive to provide a fun recreation experience. Each day participants will have structured, scheduled, age-appropriate activities, as well as supervised free play.

Program Components:

  • Sports and Games
  • Educational Enrichment
  • Arts and Cultural Activities
  • Health and Fitness
  • Swimming
  • Rock Climbing

Participation Requirements:

 
In order to participate in the CRC After-School program, participants must be:

  • Enrolled in 1st - 8th grade
  • Able to follow C.R.C. facility rules and program rules and expectations that ensure the safety, health and fun of everyone
  • Able to follow instructions
  • Able to participate in group settings

Able to manage personal hygiene without direct assistance from C.R.C. Staff

 
After School Program Special Programs:

The Afterschool staff realizes the demand on parents due to the struggle between work and family. To help ease the question of what do we do with little Jane or John Doe we have created special all day programs when children are off from school. These all day programs are much like the regular Afterschool program, but incorporate culture programs depending on the Holiday, more crafts, all the Rec. Center amenities, and tours of our local Police/Fire Department and Clemenceau Museum.

Fit Kids/Mayor’s Summer Luau

Last Saturday, August 11, 2012 we wrapped up this seasons Special Events with the annual Luau put on by the Mayor/City Council and Fit Kids. With big expectations for this event, our staff was eager to provide the type of atmosphere that has been historically associated with this event. With all 200 available tickets being handed out within the first 45 minutes of the event we were forced to start a waiting list to ensure we did not over exceed the facilities occupancy. The food was provided by Verde Valley Medical Center and enjoyed by individuals of all ages.

 Summer Day Camp

Campers will create life long memories, and relationships while at the Cottonwood Summer Camp.  Enjoy warm summer days at the Cottonwood Aquatic Center, interactive games at the Cottonwood Recreation Center, Horseback Riding and Canoeing at beautiful Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Ages for the camp are 7 -12 years. The camp includes:

·       Horseback riding and equine instruction provided by Trail Horse Adventures at Dead Horse Ranch State Park

·       Canoeing and Fishing at Dead Horse State Park lagoons

·       Campers will experience world cultures as well as local traditions through cultural programs. By visiting Clemenceau Museum, and tracking Waldo on his worldly adventures.  

·       Campers will also have the opportunity to relax watch a movie or read a book at the Cottonwood Public Library

·       Campers will also be able to experience the Cottonwood Recreation Center’s Rock Wall, Interactive Game Room and the Indoor Aquatic Center

Daddy Daughter Date Night

      Friday, June 15, 2012

 
 Express your love and appreciation for Dad by taking him out for a special evening of fine food and dancing to celebrate Father’s Day. The City of Cottonwood Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with Manzanita Restaurant proudly presents the 12th annual Daddy Daughter Date Night. This evening is planned specifically for girls (ages 5 to 17) to acknowledge their fabulous dads for Father’s Day.

 
This grand event is held the Friday before Father’s day at the Cottonwood Recreation Center. Dress for the evening will be semi-formal (coat and tie). Seating is limited to the first 50 father/ child groups who purchase tickets. Food will be served by the Manzanita Restaurant. This restaurant is renowned for German food, superb seafood and charbroiled steaks. The Manzanita Restaurant was featured in Arizona Highways, Triple Diamond rated, and included in “Dining in Arizona’s 101 Great Places to Eat.” Additionally, each daughter will receive a corsage, and picture with dad!
 
Many thanks to City Manager Doug Bartosh and Jason Little for compiling this information.

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