5 Fun Medford Summer Recreation Department Programs

MEDFORD, MA — As the Medford Recreation Department grows in its second year as a full-time program, the offerings have grown as well. There is plenty to do in the water at Tufts Outdoor Pool or Wright's Pond, sports that range from traditional athletics like basketball and street hockey to archery and water polo, as well as camps that focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"We're still a baby department but we've started to see some of our STEM programs take off over the past year,” Medford Recreation assistant director Daniel Fowkes said. “Now it's already gotten to the point where some of them are starting to fill up before even the sports programs. We've tried to make an effort this summer to offer something for everyone. If it's something we don’t offer, and everyone wants it, then we will try to make it happen.”

Here are five programs happening this summer that could be a fun way to challenge your skills, your mind or your competitive spirit:

ADVENTURES IN SPACE

The STEM + Jedi with LEGO Camp is a full-day camp that runs July 29 to Aug. 2 for ages 5 through 8. Campers will engage in projects inspired by trains, helicopters, treehouses and beam bridges to build X-wings, energy catapults and defense turrets using LEGOs in the Star Wars theme.

The STEM + Minecraft with LEGO Camp is a full-day camp that runs Aug. 12 to 16 for ages 5-8. Campers will use Minecraft gaming skills and LEGOs to build a unique Minecraft game experience using trains, helicopters, treehouses and beam bridges.

The Hands on Electronics program is a full-day camp that runs Aug. 19-23 for ages 9 through 12. Campers will tinker with electronics and learn the basics of computer programming. Participants will be able to design their own interactive devices using Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Each day
includes a hands-on project under the guidance of skilled instructors.

WATER POLO

Recreation Director Kevin Bailey is running an Introduction to Water Polo camp for ages 8-12 on Tuesdays from 8 to noon at the Tufts Outdoor Pool from July 9 to Aug. 13.

Children will learn how to swim with a water polo ball, pass, shoot and play defense while being taught the basic rules of the sport. Participants must be able to tread water for three minutes and swim with head above water for two lengths of the pool to be eligible for the camp.

FAMILY SPORTS NIGHTS

Family Sports Nights will run July 10 to Aug. 14 where Recreation staffers will be on hand at the city’s fields and parks to organize games of Wiffle Ball and Kickball. All nights are free of charge.

Wiffle Ball will be July 10 at Condon Shell, July 31 at Dugger Park and Aug. 14 at Hickey Park. All games run from 6 to 7 p.m.

Kickball will be July 24 at Carr Park and Aug. 7 at Barry Park. All games run from 6 to 7 p.m.

SUPERHERO SUNDAE

On July 14, children (and adults Avengers too) are invited to dress as their favorite comic book hero for a day of fun and ice cream at Tufts Outdoor Pool. The event begins at 1 p.m. and will include games and prizes for best costume. Colleen’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop will provide the ice cream and the toppings.

TREASURE HIKES

Preschoolers ages 3 to 6 are invited for an hour of learning and exploration during three Treasure Hikes. The hikes will run from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Wright's Pond on July 13, Aug. 10 and Sept. 7.

Hikers will look for keys along their path to open the treasure chest. There will be a beach walk that concludes with a nut-free snack and water each day.

Go here for more information on all Medford Recreation Programs.