Your Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Rec April 2024 Newsletter

Welcome to the team, Carrie and Katie!

Our team at BBBPRD2 is growing! With our programs expanding, we have recently welcomed two new members to our team. Carrie Crump has joined us as an Administrative Assistant. Her wealth of experience and skills will play a crucial role in ensuring our office runs smoothly and efficiently. Carrie's attention to detail and organizational abilities will undoubtedly make her a great asset to our team.

We are also thrilled to have Katie Matzen taking the lead on our kids programming. As we expand our programs to include full day summer camps and more, Katie's experience and passion for working with children will be invaluable. We are excited about the possibilities that this expansion brings, and we look forward to serving our community even better.

Here is a little about them in their own words:

I recently joined Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 and I am thrilled to be providing Administrative and Bookkeeping support for the BBBPRD2 team! I was born and raised in Bellingham and moved to Birch Bay in 2017 with my husband and our three kids. We love the Birch Bay-Blaine area and I am looking forward to continuing to serve and support our community with BBBPRD2. In my spare time, I enjoy Barre® and Pilates, dancing, being outdoors, spending time with my family, friends, and our labradoodle, volunteering, and traveling.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the BBBPRD2 team and I look forward to getting to know everyone!

Hi,

Here is a little bit about me.

My name is Katie Matzen. I am very excited to join the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 team. I am new to Washington, from Colorado, and am very excited to be part of the community. I will be creating and leading youth activities at the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. I am a farm girl at heart and truly enjoy working with others, helping to create an environment for successful futures.

In my free time I enjoy, cycling, hiking, skiing and playing soccer. But my absolute favorite adventure is raising my two littles.

Bay Horizon Park Update

We regret to inform the community that, due to lack of use and wear and tear, the putt-putt course at Bay Horizon Park will be removed. The decision was made after careful consideration and evaluation of the course's condition.

We want to assure residents that this change will not affect other park amenities and activities. Bay Horizon Park offers a variety of recreational options, including a playground, a picnic area, and is located right next to the Birch Bay Activity Center. We encourage everyone to continue to enjoy the park and all it has to offer.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this transition. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can email us at info@bbbprd2.com or call 360-656-6416.

The Daughter's Choice Dance is right around the corner! This year, we're taking you to Candyland for a night of sweet fun and dancing.

This dance is for girls and their special someone(s) - whether it's mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, siblings, or a friend, everyone is welcome!

We will have music and dancing, of course, but also sweet treats such as scones by Rooted by the Bay and cotton candy sponsored by Pacific Building Center, plus kids crafts and a photo booth!

This event is free and brought to you by your Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, and sponsored by Rooted by the Bay and Pacific Building Center.

Everyone planning on attending (babies to grown-ups) is required to register. Call us if you are having trouble navigating our website: 360-656-6416.

Saturday, April 20, 2024, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Birch Bay Activity Center

Free, Registration is required.

Sponsored by Rooted by the Bay and Pacific Building Center in Blaine

Picnic at the Playground

Picnic at the Playground is returning to Blaine Marine Park for another year!

Join your Park and Rec department and local organizations on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a day of outdoor play, games, crafts, and delicious food.

Kona Ice will be on site with their famous shaved ice, and we'll be selling hotdogs, chips, and refreshments.

The Cub Scouts are returning with their activities such as tug-of-war, Birch Bay Bible Community Preschool will be there with games and crafts for the littles ones, and Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club will be offering a free mini rugby clinic from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.! And of course, your Park and Rec will have games and crafts for all ages too!

Plus, our little red bus will be available as a free shuttle to and from the Spring Block Party in downtown Blaine.

Don't miss out on this fun-filled event for the whole family!

Saturday, May 18, 2024

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. p.m.

Blaine Marine Park

Free, no registration necessary

Build a Fairy Garden

Let's make a fairy garden with local artist Kim Morris!

On Saturday, May 18th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., join us at the Birch Bay Activity Center and build a fairy garden with us! All materials are included in the cost. You are welcome to bring anything extra you would like to include in your own fairy garden.

Saturday, May 18, 2024

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Birch Bay Activity Center

8y +, $45/person

Stargazing 101

Are you curious about what lies beyond our atmosphere? Join the Whatcom Association of Celestial Observers for a captivating evening of learning and discovery! Our class will guide you through the wonders of the local sky, with a presentation if the weather is not ideal. And if the weather is clear, the class may run beyond 10 p.m. for those who are truly passionate about the sky. Best of all, this event is completely free! But please register in advance so we can prepare for your arrival. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the mysteries of the night sky with fellow enthusiasts!

Friday, May 17, 2024

8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (or later if the sky is clear)

Birch Bay Activity Center

Free. Registration necessary.

Beach Activities resuming!

As spring and summer make their return, so do our beloved beach activities! We are excited to announce the kickoff of the season with Clamdigging 101 on April 27th at Birch Bay State Park. Our knowledgeable naturalists will be leading the event, where participants can learn about clamming regulations, explore the different types of clams found in the area, and discover the art of harvesting clams. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of clamdigging while enjoying the beauty of the beach.

Please come with shellfish license, water shoes/boots, shovel/trowel and bucket.

Remember that you will need a day permit or Discover Pass to park at the State Park. The day fee is $10, or the annual Discover Pass is $30, both of which you can purchase at the park.

This program is geared to families and kids, although everyone is invited to explore our local intertidal zone at Birch Bay State Park with Beach Naturalists. Brought to you by Friends of Birch Bay State Park and BBBPRD2!

Learn to:

Identify organisms using ID guides.
Identify adaptations and body parts that help organisms to survive the constantly changing environment they live in.
Relate organisms to the food web.
Have fun finding cool creatures on the beach and having someone around that can help identify them!

Meet outside the BP Heron Center at Birch Bay State Park at the time listed on each activity. Remember that you will need a day permit or Discover Pass to park at the State Park. The day fee is $10, or the annual Discover Pass is $30, both of which you can purchase at the park.

And save the date and register for Clamming and Cooking at Birch Bay State Park:

Learn More and Register for Beach Activities

Learn from Coach Mark!

As you may have heard, Coach Mark will be leaving Washington State to be closer to his family at the end of Summer. While we will miss him very much around here, we are grateful for the legacy he is leaving here at the Birch Bay Activity Center, and that we get him for one more season!

His first lessons are scheduled to start back in April, and sessions are starting to fill already. Don't miss the chance to learn from the best before he leaves us - register now for his Intro to Pickleball or Workouts with Coach Mark. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn how to play or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, Coach Mark has something to offer for everyone. Hurry and secure your spot before it's too late!

NEW drop-in basketball time!

Come play basketball every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Birch Bay Activity Center.

$3 drop-in, no registration required, and it is open to all 16+.

New Running Group and 5K

Introducing our brand new Running Program!

We are excited to announce the launch of our brand new Running Program! Our program will kick off with a running group led by experienced ultra marathoner Coach Kyle Long. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone who wants to start running or improve their running skills. The group will prepare for a 5k and meet every Monday at 6 p.m. Please note that the location will vary but will remain within Blaine and Birch Bay.

This program is built in cooperation with the free Beach Cat Running Group, that trains every Thursday in Birch Bay. Members of the Monday Running Group with Kyle are welcome to join the Beach Cat Running Group on Thursdays for additional training. For more info, contact the Beach Cat in Birch Bay or join www.facebook.com/beachcatrunningclub.

The running group will run for nine weeks, starting from Monday, April 8th to Monday, June, 3rd. The cost for all nine weeks is $40 and will give you FREE REGISTRATION for the May 31st Birch Bay Park and Rec 5K! Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to take your running to the next level with Coach Kyle Long and our Running Program!

Registration is required.

Mondays at 6 p.m., from April 8th to June 3rd. Location will vary.

$40 for all nine weeks.

Birch Bay Park and Rec 5K: Fun Run to Beach Cat!

BREAKING NEWS! The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 is excited to partner with Beach Cat Brewing Company to organize our first ever Birch Bay Park and Rec 5K! On Friday, May 31st, depart from the Birch Bay Activity Center at 6 p.m. and run to the Beach Cat. (You will make a loop along Birch Bay Drive so it is indeed a 5K)

Here is what you need to know:

- The cost is $35/adult.

- The first 50 adults registered will receive a beer token to be redeemed at Beach Cat Brewing Company after the race.

- Register before May 16 and receive a FREE T-shirt!

- Kids and pets run free (and you can even buy your pet a race bandana for $5!).

- Members of Kyle's running group will get FREE REGISTRATION! (Kyle leads a running group every Monday at 6 p.m. from April 1st to May 18, coaching members to run a 5K, 9 weeks for $40.)

- We will have a free shuttle to take you back from Beach Cat to the Birch Bay Activity Center until 8 p.m.

Spring Bootcamps and Sessions

Our next round of bootcamps start on April 8 and will run for six weeks. These sessions require dedication... and registration! Whether you are an early-riser or prefer to work out in the evening, or maybe a mid-day class is more your thing, we have something for everyone!

And look! Kyle is back at the Blaine Pavilion with his Strength Fundamentals session MWF at 12 p.m.!

Melissa is back on Thursdays!

We know you have all been patiently waiting for Melissa to come back from her hiatus, and here she is now! She will be back teaching her Pilates class every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at the Blaine Pavilion. Many thanks to Mika who has covered for the past few months while Melissa was focusing on school work, and welcome back, Melissa!

Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.

At the Blaine Pavilion

$3 drop in, no registration necessary.

Mika remains teaching the Tuesday Pilates at 9:30 a.m. and Gentle Yoga at 10:30 a.m.

At the Blaine Pavilion

$3 drop in, no registration necessary.

NEW CLASS ALERT!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of AB-solute Cardio, a dynamic new class led by our expert instructor Angela. Join us every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. starting Wednesday, April 10, for an invigorating workout session that combines 25 minutes of high-energy cardio with 20 minutes focused on core and abdominal exercises. The class offers a perfect balance of intensity and core strengthening, with options to modify the cardio intervals for low-impact or adjust the intensity level to suit your fitness goals. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your workout routine and achieve AB-solute fitness!

Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m.

At the Birch Bay Activity Center

$5 drop in, no registration necessary.

NEW Adaptive Fitness Class

BRAND NEW CLASS! We have had a lot of requests for a fitness class that can accommodate participants with mobility limitations. We are excited to announce that, starting April 10, we will offer an Adaptive Fitness Class every Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

This class has been carefully crafted by our coach Kyle Long to cater to the needs of those who may face physical challenges or disabilities, providing a safe and supportive environment for them to engage in physical activity.

Kyle is very knowledgeable and experienced, studied kinesiology and biomechanics, has a Functional Movement Science Certification, and is also a Certified Personal Trainer with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).

The classes will be scalable to participants' needs, with handrails, chairs, and floor mats to ensure that everyone can participate. They will also use, bands and yoga blocks to do gentle range of motion improvement, functional movements (how to get off the ground, out of a chair, etc.) and basic strength work (bodyweight mostly).

Participants will be guided through a range of exercises and movements that have been adapted to suit their individual needs, ensuring that everyone is able to participate and experience the benefits of exercise. We believe that fitness should be accessible to all, and we are excited to offer this new program as part of our commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Join us for our upcoming sessions and discover the joy of adaptive fitness!

Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.

At the Birch Bay Activity Center

$5 drop in, no registration necessary.

Welcome, Carolyn and Amanda, our two new substitute instructors!

We are excited to announce that Carolyn Saletto and Amanda Hamilton have joined our team of instructors at BBBPRD2.

Many of you may recognize Carolyn as the owner of Gym Star Sports Center in Ferndale with 30 years of experience teaching gymnastics. However, Carolyn also brings a wealth of knowledge in teaching Barre classes and has recently obtained certification to teach Pilates, so you will see her subbing these classes when the need arises.

Amanda will be serving as a substitute for yoga classes, helping us ensure that we can continue to provide uninterrupted classes even when our regular instructors are unavailable.

These two additions are part of our ongoing efforts to expand our substitute list and improve our class availability for all our valued participants. Thank you, Carolyn and Amanda, for choosing to be a part of the BBBPRD2 team!

Carolyn

Amanda

After School Enrichment for April

Registration is open for our After School Enrichment Classes in April. These sessions take place in the covered area of the Blaine Elementary School until 4:30 p.m. and cost only $5/child/day/. Best of all, kids get to play, create, and learn in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. 2:50 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Blaine Elementary Covered Area. $5/child/day

Pre-registration is necessary.

Scholarships are available. For scholarships, please inquire at info@bbbprd2.com.

Next Teen Strength Training Session Starts on April 8

The Teen Strength Training Camp with Coach Kyle Long is back for a new session for six weeks this Spring, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. from April 8 to May 17.

This 6-week course is designed to introduce youths to the primary concepts of strength programming, with an emphasis on teaching proper gym etiquette, movement technique and methods of progressing a strength training program over time. We believe strongly that educating participants at a young age on both the benefits and the proper implementation of strength training will encourage a lifetime of healthy movement as well as athletic development for sport.

This is a great opportunity for anyone who participated in the fall program to continue building strength and movement as we transition toward spring!

Coach Kyle brings 17 years of coaching experience to the course as well as 15 years of experience as both a professional soccer player and ultra-runner. He specializes in building strength training programs for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Birch Bay Activity Center.

$60 for all three weeks, three times a week.

Registration is necessary.

Scholarships are available. For scholarships, please inquire at info@bbbprd2.com.

WE ARE NOT SOLD OUT (YET!). Don't forget to sign up your kiddos for our Summer Camps! We are fully staffed and can't wait to share all the fun activities we have planned!

Summer camps will take place Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Birch Bay State Park (Heron Center) and the Birch Bay Activity Center.

Each week is $150/child. Scholarships are available. Inquire at info@bbbprd2.com for scholarships.

Here's the program:

June 24 - 27: Space Camp - Birch Bay State Park - Heron Center.

Are you ready to embark on an exciting space adventure? Join our Space Camp where you'll have a blast with themed treats, games, and experiments! Our camp is perfect for aspiring astronauts who want to learn more about space. During the camp, you'll get to participate in hands-on activities and experiments that will teach you about the planets, stars, and galaxies.

July 1 - 3: Color Wars - Birch Bay State Park - Heron Center.

Are you ready to show off your true colors? Join us for the ultimate battle of colors! Get ready to participate in exciting challenges and games. Sign up now and let the battle begin!

July 8 - 11: Harry Potter - Birch Bay Activity Center - Outdoors.

Step into the enchanting world of wizardry and wonder by joining our Harry Potter themed camp! Immerse yourself in a realm of magic and adventure as you engage in exciting crafts and games inspired by the beloved series. From creating your own wands to playing Quidditch. Enroll now and let the magic begin!

July 15 - 18: Construction - Birch Bay Activity Center - Outdoors

With our Construction Camp, kids will become master builders! Our camp activities include themed games, challenges and a few projects that are both exciting and educational.

July 22 - 25: Spy Training - Birch Bay State Park - Heron Center and Covered Area.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity for your child to embark on a thrilling spy adventure! Join us for an action-packed week filled with secret missions, mysterious clues, and thrilling challenges.

July 29 - Aug. 1: Outdoor Survival - Birch Bay State Park - Heron Center.

This camp is designed to teach children important survival skills while also providing an engaging outdoor experience. Activities will include learning how to build a shelter and navigate using a map and compass among other exciting games and challenges!

June 24 to August 1, 2024

Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kids ages 5 to 12.

$150/Week (scholarships available)

Please note: Adaptive Fitness, AB-solute Cardio and Pilates with Melissa all start the week of April 8.

Find all these programs and more on our website: www.bbbparkandrec.org

Questions? Call/Text us: 360-656-6416

Click here to find all our programs and register on our website.