Branson Parks & Recreation

Camps, Clinics & Special Events

Dog Obedience Classes
The Branson Parks & Recreation Department understands that pets, in general, are more than just animals, they are members of the family. For that reason, we offer training sessions for your canine companions. Several eight-week courses are scheduled throughout the year and are limited to 10 enrollees. The course is designed to help you learn to communicate with your dog in a way that he will understand. Dogs must be at least five months old. Proof of immunizations is required the first night of class (dogs do not attend the first class). Each dog must have a handler. The course covers the basic commands such as sit, stay, come, wait, heel and leave it. For more information call the park’s office at 417-335-2368.

Location: Branson Community Center
When: Thursday, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Dates: April 1 -May 20 & Sept 9-Oct 28
Fee: $60 per dog

Girls Softball Clinic
(Girls Ages 7-18)
This popular softball clinic is held every spring to officially kick off the start of the youth softball season. The
clinic is designed to instruct girls ages 7 to 18 on hitting, fielding, throwing mechanics, base running, pitching and catching. The clinic is conducted by long time pitching coach Eddie Dake. Coaches are invited and encouraged to attend. All participants receive a free one-day pass to the aquatic center.

When: Saturday, April 5, 2008
Times: 10:00am to 1:00pm
Location: Branson RecPlex
Fee: $20
What to Bring: Bat and glove

Pepsi Pitch, Hit, & Run
This free program is a nationally sponsored event by Pepsi and Major League Baseball, and hosted locally by the Branson Parks & Recreation Department in April. It is a skills challenge for boys and girls to see how well they can pitch to a target, hit for distance and accuracy, and run for time. NO CLEATS ALLOWED. The winners are eligible to advance to a sectional competition and then the state finals at a Major League stadium and the national finals at the All Star Game. Birth certificate is required for age verification.

When: Saturday, April 19th
Time: 12:00 pm @ Branson RecPlex

3 on 3 Street Ball Showdown ***NEW THIS YEAR***
Join us for this 1st annual Hoops Tournament. Divisions offered for male and female in youth, high school, and adult. Double Elimination format. Pick up a registration form at the RecPlex. For more information call the park’s office at 417-335-2368.

Location: RecPlex
When: Saturday, April 26th
Fee: $40.00 per team before April 16th
         $60.00 per team after April 16th

Recreational Kayaking Classes ***NEW THIS YEAR***
Each class limited to 5 participants
Try a new way to experience the area's fantastic waters- Kayaking!! Larry Thompson, an ACA accredited paddle sport instructor is teaching people of all ages to kayak like a pro! These three-hour courses go through the basics of kayaking, from safety to paddling techniques. You will have the opportunity to test the waters of Lake Taneycomo just off North Beach Park.

Kayaks, Life Jackets and Paddles are provided! Just bring your sunscreen and bottled water. Call the RecPlex to register. Youth need to be accompanied by an adult!

Adults/Senior 50 & Over Class
When: Tuesday April 22 or Monday May 12, 2008

Open/Family Class
When: Sat April 26 or Sat May 10, 2008

Where: North Beach Park
Time: 1:00-5:00pm
Cost: $70.00 (includes $10 insurance fee)

Guided Kayak Tour Limited to 10 participants The Ozarks is home to some of Mother Natures best! Come and experience the pristine wonders in the area with a kayaking trip down Bull Creek! Kayaks and life jackets will be provided. Tour will be leaving from Branson RecPlex. Call the RecPlex to register.

When: Saturday, June 21 Where: Bull Creek (leaving from the RecPlex) Time: 8am-12pm Cost: $35.00

Junior Golf Clinics
Want to find out if you like golf? Every summer junior golf clinics are held that serve to introduce kids to the game of golf. This free, two-day clinic offers expert instruction from area professionals. Youth participants are taught the proper fundaments of grip, stance, and correct swing techniques. The Branson Driving Range at the Ledgestone Golf Course is the setting of the first day’s clinic. The second day the kids move to the Don Gardner Par 3 Course, where they put the skills that were taught the day before into action. Limited space is available for this popular clinic typically held in June.

1st Session: June 4 & 5, 2008 from 8:00am-10:00am
2nd Session: June 4 & 5, 2008 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: Ledgestone Golf Course Driving Range and the Don Gardner Par 3 golf course Fee:FREE

Springfield Cardinal Baseball Camp
This free camp will be conducted by current coaches and players form the Springfield Cardinals AA Baseball Club. Instruction on fundamentals such as hitting, pitching and fielding will be offered. Cardinal mascot Louie will even make an appearance, so bring your camera and don't miss out!

Age: Boys and girls, 7-15
When: Friday, June 13
Times: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Branson RecPlex
Fee: FREE

Children's Theatre Workshop
The Children's Theatre Workshop, in its 26th year, provides a week long experience in learning about the theatre. This annual summer drama camp has been recognized as one of the best in the nation by the National Thespians Association. Approximately 100 children will perform a live play before an audience by the time the program is over. This summer drama camp is for students 1^st thru 5^th grade and junior high students who have completed the 6^th, 7^th, or 8^th grade. Sponsored by the Branson Arts Council and the Branson Parks & Recreation Department.

Youth Session Dates (you may only sign-up for one session)
(Grades 1-5): July 14-18 or July 21-25
Times: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Junior High Session Date (you may only sign-up for one session)
(Grades 6-8): July 14-18 or July 21-25
Times: 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Each session will conclude with a performance on that Friday night. The drama workshop is held at the Branson High School. All students in the program receive a t-shirt, which serves as the basis of the costuming for the play. Contact Branson Arts Council at 336-4255 to register.

Back to School Bash
Join us for our 2nd annual Back to School Bash on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at the RecPlex. This free community event supplies backpacks filled with school supplies for local children &youth. It's a ton of family fun complete with giant inflatables, games, and free swimming. This event is hosted by the First Baptist Church of Branson with many community sponsors. If you would like to be a sponsor, or would like more information on this event, please contact the First Baptist Church office at 334-7437.

Girls Volleyball Camp (Girls, Grades 3 – 8)
This three-day camp, designed for various ages and ability levels, provides instruction in all volleyball skill development areas. All participants will receive a free one- day pass to the Branson AquaPlex. Fee is $25.

Grades	Days	Dates	Time
3 – 5	Mon-Wed	August 4 - August 6, 2008	9:00am-10:00am
6 – 8	Mon-Wed	August 4 - August 6, 2008	10:00am-11:30am

Youth Soccer Camp
This two-day camp offers a different format this year. The first evening will be devoted to soccer fundamentals such as dribbling, passing and footwork. The last day will feature a scrimmage and small-sided games. All camp attendees will receive a free one day pass to the Aquatic Center.

Ages: Boys & Girls ages 5 - 12
Fee: $25
Dates: September 5-6 Fri 6-8pm/Sat 9am-12pm
Location: Branson RecPlex - Cody Watkins Memorial Soccer Complex
What to Bring: All participants should wear athletic shorts, shoes and shin guards

Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick
This free program is a nationally sponsored event by Pepsi and the NFL, and hosted locally by the Branson Parks & Recreation in August. It is a skills challenge for boys and girls to see how well they can punt, pass, and kick for distance and accuracy. The winners are eligible to advance to a sectional competition and then a Team Championship at an NFL game. Four team champions from across the nation will advance to the National Finals at an NFL Playoff game. Birth certificate is required for age verification.

When: Sept. 9th, 6-8pm
Fee: FREE

Cheer Camp
Ever thought about becoming a cheerleader? This camp will provide all of the skills needed to get started and help to rid those jitters about beginning. The camp session will be offered this year. The session will be in September, please check with the Park's Dept for exact dates and times.

Following the camp, you are invited to cheer at a Branson Varsity Football game in September. The $20 fee includes a t-shirt that you will wear during your performance.

Level 1 (Grades K-3)	Basic motion technique, hand positions, beginning jumps, simple sidelines, and beginning 8 counts
Level 1 (Grades 4-6)	Combining hand position and basic motions into advanced motions, intermediate jumps and tumbling cheers, 8-count routine, and some basic stunting
Level 1 (Grades 7-8)	All of the above will be covered with a higher level of performance

The instructors are Branson High School Cheerleading Coach and the Branson High School cheer squad.

Rotary Youth Fishing Tournament
Have a great time fishing and learning the concept of catch and release. An annual kids fishing tournament is hosted by the Branson Daybreakers Rotary Club. The tournament is held at the ponds on the Don Gardner Par 3 golf course, adjacent to the Branson Community Center. All fish will be weighed and prizes will be awarded in each age group. Advance registration is required. Limit of 100 kids.

Ages: 3-14
Date: Sunday, Oct. 12
Fee: $1.00