Chatham County, NC
Home MenuGovernment » Departments & Programs: I-Z » Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources » Programs, Camps & Special Events
Youth & Teen Programs
Youth & Teen Programs
New: **View our Summer 2026 Art Classes Here!**
View our Spring 2026 Art Classes Here!
PRINT LAB: BOTANICAL & BEYOND
Dive into the art of experimental printmaking inspired by nature. In this hands-on lab, students explore sun printing, cyanotypes, chlorophyll and anthotype printing, and creative transfer techniques! Each session invites curiosity, discovery, and personal expression while creating vibrant, one-of-a-kind prints that capture the beauty of process and play. Supplies included. Instructed by Rebecca Bagley. One-class session.
Registration: 3/16/26-4/20/26
Program Date: Saturday, 4/25/26
Time: 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: 10+
Fee: $25
MIXED MEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA!
Explore mixed media art with cool materials including: watercolor, pen and ink, pencil, and collage! Participants will discover transparent washes, BOLD linework, shading, and layered paper interacting to create a unique expressive final illustration. All supplies provided. Instructed by Rebecca Bagley. One-class session.
Registration: 6/1/26-7/6/26
Program Date: Friday, 7/10/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: 10-16
Fee: $20
CLAY SCULPTURE FOR TEENS! THE ART OF SHOKUHIN SAMPURU
Explore the Japanese-inspired art of shokuhin sampuru-the art of creating realistic food sculpture from polymer clay. Participants will explore clay handbuilding techniques, as well as how to use reference images to sculpt clay creations that look almost edible! All supplies provided. Instructed by Frances Savarin. Four-class sessions.
Registration: 6/8/26-7/13/26
Program Dates: Wednesdays, 7/15/26-8/5/26
Time: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: 12-18
Fee: $60
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ROAM
In this playful introduction to clay, we will explore handbuilding through a series of fun, bite-sized challenges, including a “wild thing” creature inspired by "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak. Supplies included. Instructed by Frances Savarin. Four-class sessions.
Registration: 6/8/26-7/13/26
Program Dates: Tuesdays, 7/14/26-8/4/26
Time: 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: 6-8
Fee: $60
PRINTMAKING INSPIRED BY NATURE!
Experimental printmaking inspired by nature! In this hands-on lab, students explore sun printing, cyanotypes, chlorophyll and anthotype printing, and creative transfer techniques! This class invites curiosity, discovery, and personal expression while creating vibrant, one-of-a-kind prints that capture the beauty of process and play. Don't forget to bring along a lunch! Supplies included. Instructed by Rebecca Bagley. One-class session.
Registration: 6/29/26-8/3/26
Program Date: Friday, 7/31/26 **NEW DATE - Apologies for any inconvenience!**
Time: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: 10-16
Fee: $40
TENNIS LESSONS
Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources has partnered with tennisbloc for youth tennis lessons. To register for lessons, and for complete information, please visit the tennisbloc website at: www.tennisbloc.com
YOUTH VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE
Join us for an exciting youth volleyball league where players ages 8-13 can learn, compete, and have fun! This program will emphasize skills development, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a positive environment. Two age groups for girls ages 8-10 & 11-13. (Age cut-off 8/1/2026)
Registration: 7/6/26-8/7/26
Program Dates: 8/17/26-10/24/26
One practice per week, Games on Saturdays
Time: TBA
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 8-13
Fee: $40
Register for 8-10
Register for 11-13
Volunteer coaches are always needed and a great way to give back to your community - Volunteer today!
Volleyball Coach Interest Form
FALL RUNNING CLUB
The Fall Running Club will introduce running as a sport and way of exercising to kids with or without running experience. Runners will get together twice a week to run at Southwest District Park. All levels and experience are welcome, the running coach speaks English & Spanish, and this program is capped at 25 runners.
Registration: 7/6/26-9/14/26
Program Dates:
Monday/Wednesday, 8/17/26-10/28/26
Time: 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Location: Southwest District Park
Ages: 7-14
Fee: $15
Artz Hub, Chatham Studio, Dance Collaborative, Just Kids, Overtime Athletics, Snapology, tennisbloc & Youth Hoops programs are offered through a partnership with Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources. To learn more about these programs, please refer to their respective websites.
FAMILY DAY CAMP
Join us for the second annual Family Day Camp! We will open our camp facility at Northwest District Park for families to participate in our traditional summer camp activities like archery, boating, fishing, crafts, games, and more for the day! Every family member that attends must register, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration: 3/2/26-4/27/26
Program Date: Saturday, 5/2/26
Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: Northwest District Park
Ages: All ages
Fee: $7/person
T(W)EEN CAMP 1 & 2
In this camp, participants will take on fun visual arts projects, delicious culinary projects, and participate in team/confidence building activities in addition to traditional camp games and crafts.
Registration: 3/28/26-7/20/26
Program Dates:
Camp 1: Monday-Thursday, 6/15/26-6/18/26
Camp 2: Monday-Friday, 8/3/26-8/7/26
Time: 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
(Early-bird drop-off begins at 8:00 a.m.)
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 11-14
Camp 1 Fee: $40*
Camp 2 Fee: $50
JUST KIDS MULTI-SPORT CAMP
Join Just Kids Skills Camps for an exciting youth sports experience! Our camp focuses on sports skills, agility, nutrition, and character-building, helping kids excel both on and off the field. Campers will enjoy soccer, basketball, non-contact football, and more, all while having fun and making lasting memories! For more information or to register, please visit: www.jordankentcamps.com
Registration: See website
Program Dates: Monday-Thursday, 6/15/26-6/18/26
Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 6-12
Fee: $170
ART CAMP: IMAGINATION STATION
This camp is all about making! We’re diving headfirst into a hands-on experience with drawing, painting, 3D construction, and more, exploring materials and practicing art techniques. Campers will be inspired through a series of fun, mini art challenges designed to stretch their artistic muscles. Supplies included. Instructed by Frances Savarin. Four-class sessions.
Registration: 5/4/26-6/8/26
Program Dates: Monday-Thursday, 6/15/26-6/18/26
Time: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: 6-8
Fee: $60
CREATIVITY CAMP FOR TEENS!
This is a Creativity Camp for teens and is all about making! We are diving headfirst into a hands-on experience with drawing, printmaking, multimedia and more, exploring materials and practicing cool techniques. You will be inspired through a series of fun art challenges designed to stretch your artistic muscles. Supplies provided. Instructed by Frances Savarin. Five-class sessions.
Registration: 5/11/26-6/15/26
Program Dates: Monday-Friday, 6/22/26-6/26/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: 12-18
Fee: $70
YOUTH HOOPS BASKETBALL CAMPS
We have teamed up with Youth Hoops to present summer basketball camps. These camps provide a fun-filled environment where participants receive comprehensive instruction in individual offensive and defensive basketball skills. Emphasis is on fundamental development through skill-specific stations, 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 games, and guidance on effective practice techniques. For more information or to register, please visit: www.youthhoops.com
Registration: See website
Program Dates:
Camp 1: Monday-Friday, 6/22/26-6/26/26
Camp 2: Monday-Friday, 7/6/26-7/10/26
Camp 3: Monday-Friday, 7/27/26-7/31/26
Time: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 6-14
Fee: $240
ART CAMP: COLOR ME RAINBOW ARTS & CRAFTS
Yarn printing, paper collage critters & beaded plants! This camp is a playful, hands-on experience where participants explore color, texture, pattern, and mixed media through three unique projects. Each day introduces a new process and material that encourages experimentation and creativity while resulting in finished artwork to take home! Supplies included. Instructed by Jessica Rigsbee. Three-class sessions.
Registration: 5/18/26-6/22/26
Program Dates: Monday-Wednesday, 6/29/26-7/1/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: 7-12
Fee: $60
VOLLEYBALL CAMP
Volleyball Camp is a fun and active way for kids to learn the fundamentals of volleyball in a positive and supportive environment. Campers will practice skills like serving, passing, setting, and teamwork through drills, games, and friendly competition. Open to players of all skill levels, this camp focuses on building confidence while having fun on the court. For more information or to register, please visit:
Overtime Athletics Camp Registration
Registration: See website
Program Dates: Monday-Thursday, 6/29/26-7/2/26*
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 8-13
Fee: $225/week
*No Camp 7/3
SNAPOLOGY: ATTACKBOT ROBOTICS
In this exciting class, students will build a variety of military inspired robotic models. Children will learn about sensors, gears, pulleys, and programming as they create robotic catapults, crossbows, battleships and much more! For more information or to register, please visit: www.snapology.com
Registration: See website
Program Dates: Monday-Thursday, 6/29/26-7/2/26*
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 7-12
Fees: $160**
*No Class 7/3
**Save $40 when Combined with Combat Robot Class
SNAPOLOGY: COMBAT ROBOT
Do you think you can build the strongest and most agile robot? Can your robot win a head-to-head combat mission? Come learn engineering strategies for building sturdy structures using LEGO® bricks and then apply that knowledge to build a robot for friendly competition. You'll have a blast as you play robot football and complete the hoop challenge in this fun robotics program. For more information or to register, please visit: www.snapology.com
Registration: See website
Program Dates: Monday-Thursday, 6/29/26-7/2/26*
Time: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 7-12
Fees: $160**
*No Class 7/3
**Save $40 when Combined with Attackbot Robotics
CHATHAM SUMMER STAGE
Join us for an exciting week of musical theatre hosted by Chatham Studio for Music & Performing Arts! Campers will work on group numbers, solos, duets, and dance routines while building skills in singing, acting, and stage presence. The week will end with a fun showcase performance for family and friends, where students can share everything they’ve learned on stage.
Registration: 3/28/26-6/26/26
Program Dates: Monday-Friday, 7/6/26-7/10/26
Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 11-17
Fee: $375
DANCE CAMP - TROLLS WORLD TOUR
Come join our Trolls World Tour as we dance through all of the music genres from Trolls1&2! Campers will earn their music string by exploring Pop, Funk, Jazz, Classical Ballet, and Techno Hip- Hop. Enjoy Trolls themed crafts, learn stretching & techniques, dance games, and dance combinations each day. Campers will perform routines on Friday. For more information or to register, please visit: www.dancecollab.org
Registration: See website
Program Dates: Monday-Friday, 7/13/26-7/17/26
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 5-8
Fee: $160
SNAPOLOGY: AMUSEMENT PARK ENGINEERING
Design your own amusement park in this super fun program! Learn how to use LEGO® bricks and other building materials to make coasters and other awesome rides. For more information or to register, please visit: www.snapology.com
Registration:See website
Program Dates: Monday-Friday, 7/13/26-7/17/26
Time: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 7-12
Fees: $200*
*Save $50 when Combined with Mining & Building
SNAPOLOGY: MINING & BUILDING
Travel to the Nether with Snapology, but watch out for those creepers! Come join us as we bring Minecraft® to life using LEGO® bricks. Create your own world, including animals, creepers and your very own Minecraft® character.
For more information and to register, please visit: www.snapology.com
Registration: See website
Program Dates: Monday-Friday, 7/13/26-7/17/26
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 7-12
Fees: $200*
*Save $50 when Combined with Amusement Park Engineering
TEEN ART CAMP: CRAFT & CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Our Teen Art Camp is a relaxed, studio-style experience where emerging adults explore hands-on art processes. Over three days, participants will experiment with metalwork, fiber art, textile design, and embellishment while building practical skills, creative confidence, and personal style! Supplies included. Instructed by Jessica Rigsbee. Three-class sessions.
Registration: 6/1/26-7/6/26
Program Dates: Monday-Wednesday, 7/13/26-7/15/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: 13-17
Fee: $60
ART CAMP: HORSES, HORSES, HORSES
This week-long half-day afternoon camp will provide horse lovers with 5 step-by-step drawing lessons and 5 cool craft lessons that celebrate all things equine. Ms. Kim’s campers will bring home works of art they are truly proud of to display and enjoy around the house for years to come. For more information or to register, please visit: www.ArtzHub.com
Registration: See website
Program Dates: Monday-Friday, 7/20/26-7/24/26
Time: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 5-11
Fee: $250*
*Discounts available -see ArtzHub.com for details
PAINTING CAMP: INSPIRATIONAL HORSES
This week-long half-day morning camp is a delightful deep dive for all experience levels into painting in acrylic on canvas. Ms. Evy’s campers will enjoy learning to paint with the guided expertise of a teacher that has decades of experience teaching children how to paint and draw. For more information or to register, please visit: www.ArtzHub.com
Registration: See website
Program Dates: Monday-Friday, 7/20/26-7/24/26
Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 5-11
Fee: $250*
*Discounts available -see ArtzHub.com for details
SNAPOLOGY: POKEMANIA
Come join Snapology for Pokemania. Students will build and explore the world of Pokemon as they create their own gyms, battles, and even their very own generation of Pokemon. Children will also learn about real world science as they learn about the habitats of the Pokemon. Your child will have a blast becoming the best Pokemon trainer ever. For more information or to register, please visit: www.snapology.com
Registration:See website
Program Dates: Monday-Friday, 7/27/26-7/31/26
Time: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 7-12
Fees: $200*
*Save $50 when Combined with Stop Animation
SNAPOLOGY: STOP ANIMATION
Create amazing movies with stop motion animation using LEGO® bricks. Children will work in teams to produce their very own movie complete with dialogue and sound effects. Movies are uploaded to a secure site for family and friends to see how cool they are! For more information or to register, please visit: www.snapology.com
Registration: See website
Program Date: Monday-Friday, 7/27/26-7/31/26
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 7-12
Fees: $200*
*Save $50 when Combined with Pokemania
SNAPOLOGY: SPACE WARS ROBOTICS
In this Star Wars-inspired program, we will explore the basics of robotics while digging into their favorite part of the movies - the machines! Your student will be taught how to effectively utilize sensors, how mechanical components work, and how programming is a rewarding skill that they can master with just a little practice. We will support them in their coding and building skills and inspire them with creative challenges based on the movies they love. For more information or to register, please visit: www.snapology.com
Registration: See website
Program Dates: Monday-Friday, 8/3/26-8/7/26
Time: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 7-12
Fees: $200*
*Save $50 when Combined with Jedi Master
SNAPOLOGY: JEDI MASTER
Motivated to become Jedi like the heroes in the movies, students will learn to concentrate on mastering the Force, appreciating the use of teamwork to build battle drones and AT-Walkers, and if their skills are up to par, make their very own lightsaber and use it in battle! May the force be with your young Padawan as they rise through the Jedi ranks! For more information and to register, please visit: www.snapology.com
Registration:See website
Program Date: Monday-Friday, 8/3/26-8/7/26
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 7-12
Fees: $200*
*Save $50 when Combined with Space Wars
FLAG FOOTBALL CAMP
Our Flag Football Summer Camp is a fun and active way for kids to learn the fundamentals of football in a positive and supportive environment. Campers will practice skills like passing, catching, teamwork, and sportsmanship through drills, games, and friendly competition. Open to players of all skill levels, this camp focuses on building confidence while having fun on the field. For more information or to register, please visit:
Overtime Athletics Camp Registration
Registration: See website
Program Dates: Monday-Friday 8/3/26 - 8/7/26
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: The Park at Briar Chapel/Chatham Grove Community Center Gym
Ages: 8-13
Fee: $275/week
TEEN TAKEOVER!!!
Registration: 4/13/26-6/5/26
Program Date: Friday, 6/12/26
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 pm
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 12-17
Fee: $5
SUMMER READ & PLAY
Join Chatham County Libraries and Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Resources for these Summer Reading programs! Your invited to the Wren, Goldston, and Chatham Community Libraries for games, books, activities, and lots of fun! No registration required, just drop by.
Chatham Community Library
Summer Reading Kick Off:
Saturday, 6/6/26 at 10:30 a.m.
Movie in the Park:
Thursday, 7/23/26 at 8:30 p.m.
Wren Library
Summer Reading Kick Off:
Thursday, 6/18/26 at 10:30 a.m.
Goldston Library (at Southwest District Park)
Summer Reading Kick Off:
Friday, 6/12/26 at 10:30 a.m.
End of Summer Bash:
Friday, 8/14/25 at 10:30 a.m.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: FREE!
Chatham County offers Open Gym at the Chatham Grove Community Center:
TEEN OPEN BASKETBALL
Come shoot some hoops and run the floor with friends at these open gym sessions just for teens. All participants must sign in.
Program Dates:
Saturdays, 5/2/26-8/1/26*
Time:12:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Mondays, 6/15/26-8/3/26*
Time: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, 5/6/26-8/5/26*
Time: 6:00 p.m.-8:45 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 13-18
Fees: FREE!
*No Open Gym: 6/10, 6/29, 7/4, 7/13, 7/20, 8/3
TEEN OPEN VOLLEYBALL
Bump. Set. Spike! Bring your friends or make some new ones at our teen open volleyball sessions. All participants must sign in.
Program Dates:
Wednesdays, 6/17/26-8/5/26*
Time: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 13-18
Fees: FREE!
*No Open Gym: 7/1, 7/15, 7/22, 8/5
SUNSET PADDLE TRIP: BEGINNER (APRIL)
Come learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking on a trip around Jordan Lake just before the sun sets. No experience needed. All supplies provided.
Registration: 3/2/26-4/20/26
Program Dates: Thursday, 4/23/26
Time: 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Location: Farrington Point Boat Ramp
Age: 10+
Fee: $15
SUNSET PADDLE TRIP: BEGINNER (May & June)
Come learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking on a trip around Jordan Lake just before the sun sets. No experience needed. All supplies provided. One-class session.
May Session
Registration: 3/30/26-5/4/26
Program Date: Thursday, 5/7/26
Time: 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
June Session
Registration: 3/30/26-6/22/26
Program Date: Thursday, 6/25/26
Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: Farrington Point Boat Ramp
Age: 10+
Fee: $15
WATER CONFIDENCE CLASS
Build confidence and learn essential water safety skills in this two-part class designed to help participants feel more comfortable in and around the water. Participants will practice foundational techniques such as floating, water orientation, and basic survival skills while discussing common barriers and real-life water safety scenarios. Led by experienced instructor and former Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival David Cantong, this class focuses on practical skills that can help prevent water-related emergencies. Two-Class Session.
Registration:3/30/26-5/25/26
Program Dates: Wednesdays, 5/27/26 & 6/3/26
Rain Dates: Thursdays, 5/28/26 & 6/4/26
Time: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Location: Jordan Lake’s Ebenezer Swim Beach
Ages: 12+
Fee: FREE!
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING TRIP: BEGINNER
School's out! Join us for an exciting Stand-Up Paddle Boarding trip around Jordan Lake. Perfect for all skill levels, this trip offers a scenic and peaceful experience on the water. All supplies are provided.
Registration: 3/30/26-6/8/26
Program Date: Thursday, 6/11/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Farrington Point Boat Ramp
Ages: 10+
Fee: $15
Arts
THE GRAND CANVAS EXPERIENCE
Think big and paint bigger in this welcoming, inclusive art class designed for those with disabilities. In this one-session class, participants will create their own artwork on a large-scale canvas using a variety of tools, including brushes of different sizes, textured materials, stamps, stencils and oil pastels. All supplies included. One-class session. Instructed by Leigh Babcock.
Registration: 4/13/26-5/18/26
Program Date: Friday, 5/22/26
Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Location: Arts Center
Ages: All ages & abilities
Fee: $10
Athletics & Fitness
JOURNEY LEAGUE
Journey League uses basketball to enhance the physical and social well-being of teens and adults with disabilities and special needs while building community for athletes and their families.
Registration: 4/17/26-7/23/26
Program Dates: Fridays, 7/17/26-8/21/26
Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Location: Chatham Grove Community Center
Ages: 13+
Fee: $15
