Nichols Community Center

Nichols Community Center

515 East "D" Street

Belleville, IL 62220

(618) 277-9785

Map (MapQuest.com)

Links:

For the Family

Early Childhood Activities

Youth Activities

Adult Activities

Rentals Available:

Create-A-Party:

For the Family:

Crafts - Luxe Jewelry

Have fun friends while creating a beautiful piece of jewelry. Great gift idea too! Three varieties of classes to choose from offers something for everyone.

Organza Ribbon & Bead Necklace

Create timeless style with gorgeous organza in the colors of season. Learn to make double strand necklaces using soft organza ribbon, and fire-polished beads, finished with a sterling clasp.

Mommy & Me Necklace

Matching with Mom is fun and the creative time spent together is priceless. Glass beads and sterling clasp for Mom, and "easy to open" clasp for your princess.

Earring Techniques

Learn the techniques to make at least four different styles of earrings with sterling silver or gold over sterling silver ear wire, chain and findings. Choose from semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, or fire-polished glass beads to make earrings fit your style.

Bead Stringing Techniques

In the first week we'll learn the basics of stringing while creating a beautiful necklace with a pendant. During the second week you'll learn to create a one-of-a-kind necklace using colors of the season, while learning patterning and design techniques.

Cycling in September

Bring your family and friends and join the Belleville Parks & Recreation Department as we enjoy the Richland Creek Greenway Bike Trail. We will ride from SWIC to Southside Park and back. We will stop at Hough Park to have food and drinks. On the way back we will test your skills as we hit the parks with different obstacles.

Easter Egg Extravaganza

Come join the Belleville Parks and Recreation Department for what will be the best event of the Easter season. We will have an Easter egg hunt at Bellevue Park, followed by hot
dogs, drinks and prizes. The best part is it's all FREE!!!

Ages: 1 - 8 Years
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2007
Time: 11a.m. - 1 p.m.

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Halloween Blast

Wear your costume and come join the city residents as we celebrate Halloween in a safe, fun manner. Win prizes in the costume contest. Fun Spot will provide exciting entertainment of music, games, and prizes. We will provide the candy, hot cocoa, and hot dogs. The best part is it's all FREE!!!

Winter Ball

This special time of the year requires a special event. Come join is at the Nichols Center for Spaghetti dinner, dancing and entertainment for the entire family. Take time to make a memory for your family during this festive season that will last a lifetime.

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Early Childhood Activities

2008 Early Childhood Spring Program Guide (337kb)

Alphabet Academy

The Belleville Parks & Recreation Department sponsors a quality early childhood experience for your child, socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually at the Nichols Community Center. Children are involved in hands-on learning through fine and large motor activities, dramatic play and creative arts, science, math and language experiences, cooking, and more. The program provides a stimulating learning atmosphere in large, well-equipped rooms and focuses on age-appropriate development of social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills.

Ages: 3-5 Years

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Happy Hour

Moms, while you are enjoying your Aerobics or Yoga class, your kids will have fun with the NCC Staff.

Kiddie Camp

This day-camp program especially designed for preschool aged children will keep the boredom away this summer with a different theme each week. Sign up early, space is limited!
Days: Mondays-Thursdays
Dates: June 25, 2007 - August 2, 2007 (No Camp - July 4th)
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (child will need to bring a sack lunch)
Ages: 3-5 Years
For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Kids in Action & Tots in Motion

These age appropriate programs allow children to participate in a variety of activities including sports, games, gymnastics, creative movement, while acquiring better hand-eye coordination, balance agility, sports skills, and self-esteem.

Kids in Action Ages: 3-5 Years

Tots in Motion Ages: 12-36 Months

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Paint, Paste, & Play

This is a hands-on arts and crafts class for the independent active child. Paint, paste, cut, and glue...we do it all. Children will sing and listen to music while they create masterpieces.

Ages: 3-5 Years

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Stay & Play

Join the NCC staff for an afternoon of fun, friends, and crafts. This program immediately follows the Alphabet Academy sessions.

Ages: 3-5 Years

Story Time

Story time begins with a unique journey through a book followed by an interactive craft to correlate with the book.

Ages: 3-5 Years

Tiny Tots Ballet

This class is designed to get your little ballerina excited about dancing. We will learn basic moves while having fun. Moms and Dads are welcome to come and assist your little one if needed. Register quickly because this class will fill fast!

Ages: 2-4 Years

Tiny Tots & Tumbling

Come learn tumbling basics at the Nichols Community Center. This class will work on your child's coordination and flexibility with stretching and basic tumbling moves.

Ages: 2-4 Years

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Toddler Time

Mom, Dad, or caregivers join us monthly at the Nichols Community Center for interactive activities including: gym time, early art experiences, story time, and snacks.

Ages: 12-36 Months

Twas The Night Before Christmas

We are going to revive an old Christmas tradition, with a twist. Your child will have a chance to hear this classic holiday story, and SANTA is going to be reading for the kids. Children will have a chance to sit on Santa's lap and have their picture taken. This is sure to be a popular event, so register early!

Ages: 3 Years & Up

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Youth Activities

2008 Spring Youth - Adult Program Guide (442kb)

American Girl's Club

Spend Saturday afternoons at the NCC with your favorite doll and friends. We'll host tea parties, conduct fashion shows, and make crafts for your doll.

Ages: 6-11 Years

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

American Red Cross Babysitting Class

Participants will obtain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to care for infants through school age children. Training will cover injury, illness, prevention, basic child-care, decision making, and age appropriate behavior. Participants will receive a handbook and American Red Cross Certificate. (* Please bring sack lunch)

Ages: 11 & Up

For more information: Rich Wilson rwilson@belleville.net

Ballet

Ballet is back at the Nichols Community Center. Margo is ready to teach your child the basic ballet moves. This is an introductory class that will lay the foundation for your child's dance future.

Ages: 5-8 Years

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Basketball Clinic
Dribbling, shooting, and basic scrimmage skills will be the focus of this one week camp. Learn the fundamentals of the game and be ready for try-outs next fall!

Ages: 6-12 Years

Chipping & Putting for Fun

We have partnered with the Yorktown Golf Course staff to offer an introduction to the game of golf. This indoor program focuses on chipping and putting fundamentals. Great for beginners of practice for more experienced youth to brush up their skills before the weather warms up for outdoor games.

Ages: 5-9 Years

Daddy - Daughter Dance

Share a bond with that special little girl in your life. The Belleville Parks & Recreation Department cordially invites you to join us for the 3rd Annual Valentine's Daddy Daughter Dance. Our evening will include a spaghetti dinner, prizes, dancing & D.J. services provided by Phil Elmore's Mobile Music Machine. Make this Valentine's Day one for your little princess to remember forever!

Location:

Central Junior High School

1801 Central School Road

Belleville, IL 62220

(off South Illinois Street, near Westhaven Subdivision)

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Dance & Cheer Camp

DANCE-KICK-JUMP-TWIST: The Nichols Community Center! We are excited to offer a new class for anyone who is interested in Dance or Cheerleading. Great for beginners or those who need to brush up on their skills. Learn the FUNdamentals of dance and cheer, perform routines everyday including pom pon, hip hop, jazz and kick.

Ages: 6-12 Years

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Escape School

The Nichols Community Center offers an important community service program for any child that is able to understand the material presented. Nationally Certified Instructors will teach your children techniques to be "smart, not scared" if ever in an abduction situation. Parents are encouraged to attend.

Fast-Pitch Pitching Lessons with Casey Hunter

Learn the basics and fundamentals of pitching fast-pitch softball. Division 1 pitcher, Casey Hunter, formerly of the Florida State Seminoles and the National Fast-Pitch league, will teach the proper mechanics and form for a variety of pitches and how to be more effective in a game situation. Sessions will be located in the Nichols Center Gym.

Friday Night Kids Jam

Parents enjoy a night out out while our staff entertain you children at the Nichols Community Center. Every month a different party, every month a different fun theme. Always new Fun! Cool prizes and music entertainment provided by Fun Spot Skating and Party Center. Snack bar available.

Ages: 7-12 Years

Friends Club

Friendship is an important part of life, so come to the Nichols Community Center with your old friends and leave with even more! This new six week program will center on topics with fashion tips, etiquette, careers, and proper hygiene. Fun and educational for all who attend. Be sure to take advantage of the "friend" discount.

Ages: 10-13 Years

"Good Grief" by the Heartland Hospice

FREE for youngsters who have experienced a death. This camp will provide two days of games, crafts, and various other activities.

Gymnastics

Come join Maryl West, a former cheerleader at Southwestern Illinois College, to learn the basics of gymnastics, and the proper way to do these techniques the safe way. We will have lots of fun learning to tumble, including cartwheels, round-offs, hand-stands, summersaults, and much more.

Ages: 4-6 Years

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Karate

Train for the five selves: Self-Discipline, Self-Respect, Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem, & Self-Defense. Our skilled instructor from the Okinawan Karate Academy will develop your child's strength, agility, poise, and coordination.

Ages: 4 & Up

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Class

Get ready for the best summer job EVER! This class will get you ready to work at your local Pool. Successful completion will result in American Red Cross Certification in Lifeguarding and CPR for the Professional Rescuer.

Messy Kids

If you've ever wanted to play in the mud or sand but your mom wouldn't let you, here's your chance to show your messy side! Come prepared in old clothes to do messy crafts.

Ages: 6-10 Years

Mom & Son Mother's Day Dance

Ladies, come spend a memorable evening with that special young man in your life. The evening will include dinner, dancing and games. Entertainment provided by Phil Elmore's Mobil Music Machine.

Moonlight Madness Teen Ski Trip

Who knew President's day could be so much fun? Our annual trip to Hidden Valley Ski Resort is sure to be a favorite for your teen. This is a great trip for beginners or advanced skiers.

Ages: 6th Grade - 9th Grade

Princess for a Day

Once upon a time in the land of Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Cinderella, there lived a princess who spent the day dressing up in beautiful gowns, fixing her hair, drinking tea with royalty, all while nibbling on dainty cakes. Little princesses your Kingdom awaits.

Ages: 3-6 Years

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Santa's Fun Shop

Family hard to shop for? Nothing says "I Love You" more than a gift made by your child. At the Nichols Community Center we will be having a couple of nights for your child to come in and make special gifts that will melt anyone's heart. We will do two different crafts each night so be sure to sign up for both classes.

Ages: 5-9 Years

Sizzlin' Soccer Skills Camp

Take the opportunity to get warmed up before the Belle Clair season starts. This course is a great introduction to the game of soccer or refresher for the returning players. Beginners will learn rules, skills and techniques. You'll have the edge this fall soccer season. Pre-registration required.

PARENT MEETING: June, 24, 2007, 8:30 a.m.

Ages: 3-10

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Tap Dance Lessons

The Nichols Community Center is expanding our dance curriculum to include the excitement of Tap. Your child will learn basic tap moves and have a lot of fun in the process. (Tap shoes needed)

Ages: 6-9 Years

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Teen Canoe Trip

Join your friends and have fun in the country as we canoe down the 6-mile stretch of the Courtois River. Participants need to bring a sack lunch, coolers will be provided with beverages and to pack sack lunches for our river cruise. Bus transportation to and from the Nichols Community Center included.

Ages: 13 & Up

Volleyball

This sport is increasing in popularity and and this is just the class you need to brush-up on the skills for passing, setting, spiking and serving. This six-week class will help you get ready for the school team in the fall.

Ages: 6-12

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Adult Activities

2008 Spring Youth - Adult Program Guide (442kb)

Adult Aerobics

The Nichols Community Center is proud to announce that they are bringing back a fitness favorite...AEROBICS! This class will give you the cardio workout is just what the doctor ordered after the holidays.

Ages: 16 & Up

For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Sweating the the Not-So-Oldies

Come join Maryl West, our resident instructor, for a low impact work out. Maryl will work your muscles at just the right pace, not too slow but not too fast. If you've got the energy, then we've got the class for you!

Ages: 55+

Co-Rec Wiffleball League

Don't let the cold weather get your baseball skills rusty! Sign up for our 3 on 3 whiffleball league. Games will be played at the Nichols Community Center. Teams will play for six weeks, and games will be 5 inning in length.

Day Trips

A Day in Eagle Country - The limestone bluffs and woodlands that line the Mississippi River Valley offer the American Bald Eagle an ideal roosting site. Each year approximately 150 to 450 eagles winter in this area. We invite you to come and observe these majestic birds. The day-long tour includes: Transportation; A day-long adventure of eagle & wildlife spotting; Lunch at Barefoot Inn (Lunch fee not included in fee)

Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2007
For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

4th of July Fireworks Cruise - Avoid the crowds, enjoy live music and a prime rib dinner in air-conditioned comfort. You will have a front row seat for the famous St. Louis Riverfront fireworks. This is one trip you won't want to miss! We have only 45 seats so sign up early. Bring your walking shoes!
Ages: 16+

Date: Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: June, 15, 2007
For more information: Deitt Kania dkania@belleville.net

Dodgeball League

Think your quick? This program is so much fun, you don't even know you are exercising!
For more information: Rich Wilson rwilson@belleville.net

Fundamentals of Yoga

This introductory course will ease you into the practice of yoga using Kripalu Yoga methodology. We will build awareness of the body and teach proper alignment techniques. This is a gentle, compassionate, and non-competitive approach that is safe for beginners of all ages and for those new to yoga who would like to focus on the basics. You will leave the class feeling uplifted and centered.

Benefits of Yoga affect us on many levels:

Physically increase muscle tone, strength, flexibility, and vitality
Experience an increased sense of contentment
Experience greater focus, clarity, and stillness
Develop awareness and witness consciousness
Deepening sense of self and presence

Instructor Mike Eliff RYT is graduate of Kripalu Yoga Center in Lenox, MA, and a member of the Yoga Alliance.

Scrapbooking

A monthly gatherings of scrapbooking enthusiasts. Share your ideas, projects, and trends in the wonderful world of preserving memories. Your fee also includes childcare, so feel free to bring the little ones. We will watch them so your imagination can run wild!

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Rentals Available

Meeting / Classrooms (2 Rooms Available)

Our two meeting rooms are a perfect opportunity for your next meeting. These rooms could be used for classrooms, lecture halls, conferences, church meetings, neighborhood watch associations, boy/girl scout meetings, or whatever your need. Tables, chairs, podiums, televisions, VCRs, and overhead projectors are all provided with your rental.

Cost: $15/Hour
For more information: Rich Wilson rwilson@belleville.net

Gymnasium (1 Full Court)

Rent out the entire gym to fit your need. Our gymnasium includes a full basketball court, volleyball net, and all the essentials of any indoor activity. Whether you are an instructor or just want to have some recreational fun, we invite you to take full advantage of this great opportunity!

Cost: $30/Hour
For more information: Rich Wilson rwilson@belleville.net

Instructional Room

Instructors...here is the space you have been looking for to teach your classes. Whether it be adult aerobics or toddler exercise, this room is perfect for you.

Cost: $30/Hour

For more information: Rich Wilson rwilson@belleville.net

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Create-A-Party

Let us host your next Birthday Party. You provide the food, we'll provide the fun...and best of all we clean up!

Tiny Tyke Gym Party

Geared for ages 3-5. We set the gym for an hour's worth of fun that will spend all the energy of your party participants. Then off we go upstairs to one of our party rooms for cake, presents, and whatever else you decide to do. This package includes gym use for one hour, party room use while kids are in the gym plus one hour afterwards. Also included is one of our party planners to lead the children while they play in the gym. The cost for this package is $80.00

Sports Theme Party

Too many sports and not enough time to play them all. This is one of our most popular packages. You get to choose what sports the kids play. Choices are: Basketball, dodgeball, soccer or volleyball. The participants get one hour in the gym and one hour after for cake, and presents. One of our party planners will lead kids in their games. The cost of this package is $80.00

Creative Craft

You choose the craft and we'll make it happen!!! Choose from craft ideas such as jewel boxes, picture frames, or t-shirts. You get one hour for craft making and one hour for cake and presents in one of our party rooms. One of our party planners will lead the kids in making their craft. The cost of this package is $50 plus $3 per child for the craft supplies.

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