Billerica recreation happenings

The Billerica Recreation Department is accepting registrations for both spring and summer programs. Information about all current and new programs, trips and special events can be found on the Department’s web pages on the town of Billerica website: TOWN.BILLERICA.MA.US. 

Registration for programs are accepted at the Recreation Department office located at 248 Boston Road, Billerica 01862 by mail or drop off with payment by cash or check. Registrations can also be made with credit card payment and $5 convenience fee at: recreation.town.billerica.ma.us.

SUMMER ENRICHMENT HIGHLIGHTS

LEGO JEDI (MASTER) ENGINEERING: 8-11 a.m., ages 5-6; and 11:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m., ages 7-11, Aug. 15-19. Participants will explore engineering principles by designing and building projects such as LEGO® X-Wings, R2 Units, Energy Catapults, Defense Turrets and Settlements from a “galaxy far, far away.” They will create motorized and architectural projects with imagination and engineering to defeat the Empire. Fee: $140.

BASEBALL 101: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 22-26, ages 4-8. Beyond the basic of T-ball, this program will run through fielding positions, advanced hitting and efficient base-running. The program will include scrimmages, so participants should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. Bring a water bottle. Fee: $63.

CREATIVE COMPUTING: 1-4 p.m. Aug. 22-26, ages 11-14. Participants will get connected as they explore not just how to use computers, but how to make computers work for them. They will use the latest tools: Arduino (for building interactive devices) and Raspberry Pi (for learning about computers and coding) to design hands-on projects ranging from LED light shows to touchless musical instruments to wearable computers, all in the name of taking ideas and making them real. Students have access to a comprehensive library of parts and equipment and experienced instructors who can help them create the devices. Fee: $145.

HANDS ON ELECTRONICS: 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 22-26, ages 8-12. Participants will “tinker” with electronics while learning the basics of computer programming. The program will begin by experimenting with the fundamentals of electronics and circuitry, and step up to projects where students design their own interactive and programmable devices. Students will use the latest tools including Arduino (for building interactive devices) and Raspberry Pi (for learning about computers and coding) to experiment with LEDs, resistors, motors and programming. Fee:$145.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND OFFERINGS

SCAVENGER HUNT: Residents can learn more about Billerica with this year’s scavenger hunt. Interested residents should stop by the office to register their team and receive the questions. High scores will win a prize. Fee: $10 per team.

FISHING FRENZY: Dog days fishing day, Saturday, Aug. 13, 9 a.m. to noon. Micozzi Beach. The Recreation Department along with volunteers from the Massachusetts Wildlife Angler Education Program will offer these family-friendly events. These are free, non-competitive learn to fish events. Bring equipment or borrow some at the event (limited). No license is required.

LOWELL SPINNERS: 5 p.m. Aug. 20. Spinners vs. Batavia Muckdogs. Star Wars Bobble Head night. Fee: $16 per ticket.

BUGS LIFE MOVIE NIGHT: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 25, Lampson Football Field. Residents can join Billerica Health and Wellness fair and the Friends of Billerica Recreation for a free movie, “A Bugs Life.” Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended. In case of rain, event will be held inside the Boys and Girls Club.

RED SOX: 7:10 p.m. Aug. 26. Red Sox vs. Kansas City Royals. Transportation included in the price of the tickets. Fee: $44 per person.

THEATER TICKETS: Upcoming shows: North Shore Music Theater, “West Side Story,” Nov. 6, cost is $52. Boston Opera House, “Something Rotten,” Jan. 23, 2017, cost is $42; “Curious Incident,” March 19, 2017, cost is $42; “The King and I,” April 16, 2017, cost is $42.

DISCOUNT TICKETS: Residents can stop by the office for a discounted ticket that can be used any time during the 2016 season. Six Flags New England costs $37; Canobie Lake costs $32; and Watercountry costs $32. Showcase Cinema tickets are now $9.75 due to the increase in price. Payment is by cash or checks made out to Friends of Billerica Recreation.

Billerica Recreation Department ADDRESS: 248 Boston Road PHONE: 978-671-0921 WEB: recreation.town.billerica.ma.us