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Hearts & Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program

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Farr Park Equestrian Center’s Hearts & Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program 💜🐴 offers a horseback riding experience to children and adults with disabilities. BREC seeks to enrich the lives of participants by providing a unique social and physical opportunity. Their capable instructors direct riders in correct horsemanship, communication, safety, handling, and accomplishing goals.

Who does the Hearts & Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program serve?

Hearts Riders aged 6 and up with physical, mental, and social disabilities participate in a six-week session of riding lessons tailored to their needs. Riders enjoy a one-hour class on horseback learning stretching exercises, basic equitation and games. Horseback riding is known to improve core strength and coordination and provide a unique social opportunity with peers. Maximum class sizes of 8 riders, with 2 instructors and up to 3 volunteer assistants per rider.

Horseback riding is naturally therapeutic. Whether they have physical, cognitive, sensory or emotional disabilities, participants benefit from riding or working with horses.

Farr Park Equestrian Center

Session 1: Monday / Sept. 12-Oct. 17

Session 2: Monday / Nov. 7-Dec. 12

Available class times: 4:30 p.m. + 6 p.m.

Ages: 6+

$120 for East Baton Rouge Parish residents

$144 for out of parish residents

Pre-registration required / Scholarships are available

Register online at webtrac.brec.org / To volunteer visit, volunteer.brec.org

For more information, call 225-769-7805 or email Camille.Chapman@brec.org

Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge this Summer with BREC

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The extremely popular Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge are back this summer at BREC! Kids ages 5 to 12 have the opportunity to learn to swim like fish and take on a skill that will serve them for a lifetime!

BREC, SELA Aquatics, and the American Red Cross are pleased to offer FREE swimming lessons for the 2022 season as part of the Centennial Campaign. SELA Aquatics employees will teach free lessons using the Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program.

Registration is being done on a first-come, first-served basis. All sessions will be capped to ensure the health and safety of program participants + proper instructor-to-student ratios.

Free Swim Lessons

Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge

Session One (June 15-17 & June 22-24 @ City Brooks)

  • Registration opens online on or before June 6 at 5pm.
  • Ages 5-12
    • 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
    • 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Note: All lessons will take place at CB Pool

Session Two (June 29-July 1 & July 6-8 TBA @ Anna T Jordan)

  • Registration opens online on or before June 20 at 5pm
  • Ages 5-12
    • 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
    • 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm

Note: All lessons will take place at Anna T Jordan Pool

Session Three (July 13-15 & July 20 – 22 @ City Brooks Pool)

  • Registrations will only be collected in person at CB during regular hours starting June 29.
  • Ages 5-12
    • 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
    • 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Note: All lessons will take place at CB Pool

Session Four (July 27-29 & Aug 3-5 @ Anna T Jordan Pool)

  • Registrations will only be collected in person at Brooks Pool during regular hours starting July 13
  • Ages 5-12
    • 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
    • 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Note: All lessons will take place at ATJ Pool

To register and for more information on swim lesson sessions and dates visit brec.org/aquatics

Join in – learn to swim. It could save your life!

Here are some startling facts on drowning!

      • Child drowning is a silent death. There’s no splashing to alert anyone that the child is in trouble.
      • 58 percent of parents do not consider drowning a threat to their children. (Resource ISR)
      • Drowning is the leading cause of death for infants and young children between the ages of 1-4 (CDC)
      • Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in children aged 1-14 years (CDC)
      • The majority of children who survive (92% percent) are discovered within two minutes following submersion. (Branche 1999)
      • Rates of fatal drowning for minorities are notably higher among these populations in certain age groups. The fatal drowning rate of African American children is 20% higher than that of Caucasian children in the same age range. (CDC)
      • 19 percent of drowning deaths involving children occur in public pools with certified lifeguards present.
      • Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are males.
      • Drowning can happen quickly and quietly anywhere there is water and even in the presence of lifeguards.

      • Many adults and children report that they can’t swim. Research has shown that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1 to 4 years.

Source: http://usapoolsla.com

30 Things To Do with Kids in Baton Rouge & Beyond

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Summer fun is in full swing, time to relax and enjoy the lazy days of summer…  but tell that to kids who are bouncing off the walls or singing the boredom blues.

As parents, we want each summer to be more memorable than the last, and with that comes the need for a few new ideas, especially if your child is too young to go to a summer camp.

Here are 30 Things To Do with kids in Baton Rouge and beyond that are sure to keep you busy all summer long!

Good to Know Before You Go: Please be sure to call before heading out; times change, parks close, so many variables can affect your outing.

Things To Do in Baton Rouge

30 Things To Do with Kids in Baton Rouge

  1. LSU Lakes – Bike, Picnic, Splash Pad – Between feeding the ducks, the great little bike path, the kids’ playground, and a little splash pad behind the art gallery, this is such a fun little day to have with the kiddos.
  2. Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools Guide – Visit our Baton Rouge Water Fun Guide to find one of many Baton Rouge Splash Pads, water parks, and or pools!
  3. Blueberry Picking – There is an abundance of places to do this around the area. The Sooner, the better before they are all picked over. We love to make Blueberry Scones with a Lemon Glaze.
  4. Pottery Painting – Brushfire Studios – This is a quaint little studio in downtown Denham Springs.
  5. Water Balloon Fight – This is a summer classic. Want to make it more fun? Add a little food coloring to the balloons and put the kids in white shirts. Just get ready to hose them down.
  6. Young Chefs Academy – This is one of my oldest’s favorite places. They have summer programs and fun little classes.
  7. Go Bowling – Kids Bowl FREE this summer – learn more! 
  8. Blackwater Conservation
  9. Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls/Clark Creek – Outdoor Adventures
  10. $1.50 Family Friendly Movies at Perkins Rowe  -Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse is back with 8 weeks of kid-approved movies! Enjoy safe and exciting big-screen entertainment for just $1.50 per ticket for each movie.
  11. Louisiana Peach Festival – Okay, so maybe this isn’t a day trip, but it’s totally worth the drive. Happening on June 5th in Ruston, Louisiana. Peach ice cream and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
  12. Delcambre Shrimp Festival – While we are on the festival beat, this is totally a day trip. You haven’t gone Cajun till you go Acadiana. A bit later in the summer, this happens in August each year. Bring your dancing shoes.
  13. Old State Capitol – While you’re downtown, hit up the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
  14. Global Wildlife – This is one of the most underrated experiences of my childhood. Letting a giraffe eat out of your hand might be the highlight of your kid’s summer, and who am I kidding, your’s as well.
  15. Myrtles Plantation Tour – My oldest is very into mystery and more. On your way home, do yourself a favor and stop at Chloe’s in Zachary for a snowball.
  16. WWII Museum – I don’t really know that this needs much introduction; it’s a must-do with the older kiddos!
  17. Louisiana Children’s Museum – This is one of my fondest childhood memories.
  18. Audubon Zoo / Cool Zoo – I will spare you the song, but they do all “ax for you.” So don’t let those animals down. When you’re there, it’s totally worth the “pop” bracelet that gets you admission into the Cool Zoo and unlimited rides on the train and carousel.
  19. Audubon Aquarium of America’s & Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium – What kid doesn’t want to touch an urchin and eat crickets.
  20. Write and Illustrate a Children’s Book – Because, after all these big adventures, you will need some time at home.
  21. EBR Library – The East Baton Rouge Parish Library has many little classes and fun projects for all ages. Check out their event calendar and enjoy!
  22. Dinosaur Park Henderson – I have heard amazing things, and this summer, we intend to find out for ourselves.
  23. Livingston Parish Library – Just a little hop next door, and there are so many fun programs for littles to enjoy.
  24. Dig a Garden – There is no greater joy than watching my kiddos play in the dirt. If you need some help, Glad Gardens can build one for you!
  25. Make a Nana recipe from scratch – No box mixes here, just some love, wooden spoons, and old family recipes.
  26. Lemonade Stand – The earliest form of entrepreneurship at its south Louisiana finest.
  27. Barnhill Preserve in Ethel – (sloths…Nuff said) hands-on animal encounters and programs!
  28. Baton Rouge Zoo – One of our favorites to spend a day with the animals and play in the park – you can even feed the pelicans now too!
  29. Cajun Pride Swamp Tour – take a unique and educational journey back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations on this authentic Louisiana swamp eco-tour.
  30. Knock Knock Children’s Museum – this is a full day of fun and good eats at Acorn Cafe!

Be sure to check out our Summer Fun in Baton Rouge Guide for more!

Summer Fun in Baton Rouge

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Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls/Clark Creek – Outdoor Adventures

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Do you know the difference between Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls/Clark Creek? Clark Creek is sometimes called Tunica Falls; hence, Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls are often confused. However, if you’re in the mood for chasing waterfalls, trails, and adventure, both parks are worth a visit.

Tunica Hills

As the mom of a young, very active boy, I wake up most weekends brainstorming what sort of adventures we can get into together. We both love the smell of the great outdoors, so when I brought up the idea of a hike, his attention was instantly piqued.

A little over an hour from Baton Rouge

Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area is a little over an hour’s drive from Baton Rouge through the beautiful historic town of St. Francisville. A bit of a hidden treasure, it’s a perfect day in nature for energetic explorers with miles of hiking trails through an upland hardwood forest that blankets the Tunica Hills.

Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls/Clark Creek

As you make the turn onto Old Tunica Road and start the ascent, you can feel an instant drop in temperature as the altitude increases. If available, I highly recommend an SUV or truck since access to the trails is a bit bumpy once you enter the park area. Parking is a bit tricky at some of the trailheads and having 4-wheel drive is a plus. On the main road, there are several trails to choose from.

Take Tunica Hills Trail C for the kiddos

I decided on the trail with the least foot traffic, which happened to be Trail C; I later found out it was an excellent trail to start with, especially if you have kiddos in tow. If you don’t have hiking boots, wear a pair of tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting a little muddy. The terrain has some downed trees and a few steep inclines and declines, so having proper footwear is a must!

We hiked for about 2 miles before we turned back as it was pretty muddy from recent rainfall. It was exciting to climb over some smaller trees that had fallen across the path and test our balancing abilities! If you take a quick water break, mid-trail, you will notice several spots where you will see some very big drop-offs.

Things to Know Before You Go from Louisianatravel.com

  • You’ll find a nature trail with designated hiking trails accessible from Old Tunica Road on the South Tract, but don’t expect overdeveloped trails. Check out this Tunica Hills map for boundaries, designated camping area, check station locations, and trail locations. You can only camp at the designated camping area on Parker Road, and only tent-only camping is permitted.
  • All visitors must use self-clearing permits for all activities on Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). Get your free permit at check station kiosks on the WMA. Additionally, all WMA visitors ages 16 to 59 must possess either a valid Louisiana hunting/fishing license, or Wild Louisiana Stamp. Licenses can be purchased from any hunting and fishing license vendor in the state, as well as over the phone (1-888-765-2602) or online.

Clark Creek / Tunica Falls

The majestic Clark Creek Natural Area in southwestern Mississippi is one of the Magnolia State’s most beautiful outdoor treasures. Comprising more than 700 acres, it is highlighted by some 50 waterfalls, from 10 to 30 feet in height.  Clark Creek Natural Area is just over the Louisiana state line in Mississippi, at 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669.

Clark Creek Admission

A day use entry fee of $2.00 per person is charged for use of the park – Cash only on the honor system. Five years of age and under are free.

Bathrooms

Amenities available on site include a restroom and water fountain at entrance of the park.

Waterfalls? In Mississippi?

The Clark Creek Natural Area protects more than 700 acres of pine and hardwood forest amid a landscape of steep-sided bluffs, rolling hummocks, and trickling waterfalls. There are about 4.5 miles of primitive and improved trails that visit some of the park’s waterfalls and heritage trees. Visitors discover a variety of colorful migrating and resident birds; invertebrates; poisonous snakes; a rare land snail; the Federally endangered Carolina magnolia vine; and the State endangered fish, the Southern redbelly face.

 

 

What to pack in your backpack:

  • Small first aide kit
  • Bathroom kit (there are no bathrooms on the trails)
  • Snacks
  • Water
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • A change of clothes
  • A bag for muddy or wet clothes
  • Binoculars
  • Large bamboo stick to ward off any unwelcome reptilian visitors.

Most of the trail was well shaded, but if you stopped for too long, the horseflies were ready and waiting to take nibbles when they could. All in all, the scenery and the drive up to the trail were a much-needed break from our everyday activities! No cell phone service – so a great way to unplug.

Clark CreekMy name is Evangeline Pugliese but all my favorite people call me Lene (Lee-knee). I am an as-needed nurse with Ochsner’s BR OB/GYN department. I’m also an independent advocate with an organic farm-to-table CBD company out of Wilmington, NC. I am a single mom and am passionate about helping others and their family on their journey to better wellness. https://lenepug.greencompassglobal.com

Baton Rouge Bike Festival – BREC Park

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Are you bananas for bicycles? Join BREC for the first inaugural Baton Rouge Bike Festival. Come enjoy velodrome demonstrations, free rides on BREC’s BMX track, BMX skate park competition, and guided bicycle rides along the Pennington Trail.Baton Rouge Bike Festival

This event will feature many bike-related organizations throughout East Baton Rouge Parish, and aims to support two-wheeled locomotion and a love for all things bicycling. It’ll be wheely fun! 😉

Event: BR Bike Fest
Date: April 9
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Perkins Road Community Park
7122 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Baton Rouge Tennis Lessons & Developmental Benefits

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While tennis might not be as popular as sports like baseball or football, it remains a great option for young athletes. As a parent trying to decide which sports will benefit your children the most, be sure to consider tennis as an option. Enrolling your child in Baton Rouge tennis lessons with BREC will not only expose them to a great sport now but could also lead to a lifelong passion for this popular game. BREC Tennis lessons are the perfect way to introduce your child to the sport that many call the sport of a lifetime! Following are ten benefits of choosing tennis as one of your child’s sports.

Top 10 Developmental Benefits of BREC Tennis For Kids

  • Bone Strength. Playing tennis regularly strengthens the bones of young players and has been proven to help prevent osteoporosis later on in life. Thus the reason why Tennis is often called the sport of a lifetime.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination.
  • Aerobic and Cardiovascular Exercise.
  • Speed.
  • Flexibility.
  • Gross Motor Coordination.
  • Fine Motor Coordination.
  • Agility.

There are numerous options to get your kids involved in Tennis at BREC, including Spring Break Camp and Summer Camp! 

Baton Rouge Tennis Lessons with BREC

BREC Tennis offers a variety of youth programs for all ages and skill levels throughout the parish! Programs are designed to help your child develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination, overall athleticism, and fundamental tennis strokes. Fun is guaranteed, so don’t drop the ball! Get registered with BREC Tennis today!

Junior Tennis Academy: Highland

This is a continuous year-round program. Skill levels include beginner, advanced beginner, and intermediate. Same day walk-ins will not be accepted.  Must register 24 hours prior to attending class.  Academy Director:  Natalie Johnson. A 20% surcharge will be applied on out-of-parish registrations.

Spring semester is through May 19 / Monday-Thursday

Semester rates:
$270 for one day per week; $490 for two days per week; $580 for three or more days per week
Jan.-April monthly rates:
$58 for one day per week; $105 for two days per week; $140 for three or more days per week
May monthly rate:
$44 for one day per week; $79 for two days per week; $105 for three or more days per week

Ages:5-17

Junior Beginner Instruction: Highland

This four-week program introduces and reinforces fundamental tennis techniques. Walk-ins accepted. A 20% surcharge will be applied on out-of-parish registrations.

Tuesdays / 5-6 p.m.
March 8-29
April 5-26
May 3-24
$40 per person per month
Instructor:  Eugene St. Martin

Ages:8-17

Cost: $40 per person

Learn more about each program and register here!

Baton Rouge Zoo Family Zoo Run Run

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Whether you are a turtle or a hare there is fun for all to be had at the Baton Rouge Zoo’s 16th annual Family Zoo Run Run on Saturday, November 13th, 2021. Run like a cheetah to the 16th annual Zoo Run Run 2-Mile Race and ½ Mile Kids’ Fun Run presented by Ochsner! At the run, enjoy the scenery as you scamper, trot or gallop your way through BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. All proceeds from the race support your Baton Rouge Zoo and international cheetah conservation efforts. Again this year, all participants earn a medal! After the race, participants are invited to join the Zoo for food, refreshments, and an award ceremony.

REGISTER HERE! 

Baton Rouge Zoo Family Zoo Run Run 

Where else do you get to run alongside cheetahs, elephants, monkeys, and more? 

Race Day

Race day registration will be located at the front entrance of the Zoo. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Baton Rouge, take Exit 8A off of I-110 North and turn right onto Highway 19. Continue to the second stop light and turn right onto Thomas Road. The Zoo entrance is one mile on the left.

On-Site Registration Begins 6:30am

Kids 1/2 Mile Fun Run Begins 7:30am

2 Mile Race Begins 8:15am

Chip Timing

Only 2-Mile runners will be timed. Your RFID timing chip will be attached to your race bib.

Race T-Shirts

Only participants who are pre-registered by October 22nd are guaranteed a Zoo Run Run t-shirt in thier size on Race Day.

Entry Fees*

Adult/Teen Registration
  • Pre-registration (by Nov 13): $30
  • Race Day Registration: $35
Child Registration (ages 12 and under)
  • Pre-registration: $17
  • Race Day Registration: $22

REGISTER HERE! 

For more Family Zoo Run Run information check out:  BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Website

For questions or to volunteer, please call (225) 775-3877 or email info@brzoo.org.

Flock on down and join the herd for a great event for competitive and casual runners, walkers, and families alike, all for a great cause. We hope to see you there!

 

Baton Rouge Youth Basketball – BREC’s House League

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Be a part of a Baton Rouge Youth Basketball league focused on building dreams and shaping futures. BREC’s House League youth basketball at the Lester Robert’s Sports Academy registration is now open! Not sure if you want to register or want to get in some practice before leagues begin? Take part in fundamental days August 21 and 28, before the last day to register, September 4. Open to boys and girls ages 6 to 14! Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/BRECBasketball

Baton Rouge Youth Basketball

Baton Rouge Youth Basketball @ BREC

LESTER ROBERTS SPORTS ACADEMY – COED HOUSE LEAGUE BASKETBALL

Youth Basketball at BREC cannot be beaten for good times and a competitive atmosphere.
SPORTS ACADEMY + TEAM AUTOMOTIVE GROUP SPORTSPLEX
Fundamental Day #1: Aug. 21 / 9 a.m.-noon
Fundamental Day #2: Aug. 28 / 9 a.m.-noon
Fundamental Day #3: Sept. 4 / 9 a.m.-noon
League Play: Sept. 11
Ages: 6-14
$75 per participant
Registration: Aug. 14-Sept. 4

Register Online

10 Health Benefits of Baton Rouge Youth Basketball

  1. Strengthens muscular endurance
  2. Builds healthy bones
  3. Improves balance and coordination
  4. Develops fundamental movement skills
  5. Improves body composition
  6. Boosts heart health
  7. Develops self-confidence
  8. Can help Lowers stress
  9. Encourages team spirit
  10. Develops communication skills

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world and one of the most widely viewed.  It’s an excellent way to help kids get in shape and stay active by helping them gain strength, flexibility, and endurance. They’ll learn to move their body in different ways as they jump, pivot, and twist. Plus, they’ll have the opportunity to connect with fitness-minded individuals and work on being a good teammate.

BREC Trick and Treat Howl-o-ween Costume Pawty

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UPDATE: This event has been moved to the recreation center Kathy Drive Park due to expected weather conditions. 

Bring the dog and the entire family to this dog-friendly BREC Trick or Treat event. Local pet organizations will be in attendance distributing valuable information, candy for the kiddos and treats for the dogs. Dress up your dog for the Best Costume Contest as well! The contest will promptly begin at 7 p.m.! 

BREC Trick or Treat

BREC Trick-or-Treat Dog Pawty

WHERE: Recreation center Kathy Drive Park due to expected weather conditions. 1801 Kathy Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70816

WHEN: Friday, October 25th 6pm – 9pm The contest will promptly begin at 7 p.m.

BREC Fall Tennis – Kids, Juniors & Homeschool Programs

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While tennis might not be as popular as sports like baseball or football, it remains a great option for young athletes. As a parent trying to decide which sports will benefit your children the most, be sure to consider tennis as an option. Enrolling your child in tennis will not only expose them to a great sport now but could also lead to a lifelong passion for this popular game. BREC Fall Tennis lessons are the perfect way to introduce your child to the sport that many call the sport of a lifetime! Be sure to check out our Top 10 Developmental Benefits of BREC Tennis For Kids! 

BREC Fall Tennis

BREC Fall Tennis

BREC’s Tennis Department manages five major tennis centers, each housing its own pro shop that offers tennis resale merchandise, equipment rentals, refreshments and a full staff that manages court reservations and fees. The five major tennis centers provide a number of programs to the community, including tennis instruction, school athletic programs, youth, and adult league play and tournaments. Facilities are available for rental to organizations for tournaments, workshops, and high school league practice. There are also 85 neighborhood tennis courts located at recreation centers throughout East Baton Rouge Parish where patrons can play tennis at no charge.

BREC Fall Tenis

BREC Fall Tennis

After School Jr. Tennis Program

(Ages 8-16) A four-week program for beginners to introduce and reinforce fundamental tennis techniques. Every Monday and Wednesday, Oct. 16-Nov. 11, from 4-5 p.m. $40 per person for one day per week; $65 per person for two days per week. Registration Deadline: Friday, Oct. 11. Instructor: Jeremiah Casson.

Pee Wee Tennis Program

(Ages 3-6) A six-week program that introduces the game of tennis to younger children. Help your child develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination, overall athleticism, and fundamental tennis strokes. Fun is guaranteed! Thursdays, Oct. 24-Dec. 5 (no class Nov. 28), from 1:30-2:15 p.m. $50 per person. Registration Deadline: Friday, Oct. 18. Instructor: Jeremiah Casson.

Home-School Tennis Program

(Ages 6-17) A six-week program designed especially for home-schooled children. Participants will learn about the game of tennis in a fun learning environment. Program includes drills, games, and tennis knowledge. Thursdays, Oct. 24-Dec. 5 (no class Nov. 28), from 1:30-3 p.m. $60 per person. Registration Deadline: Friday, Oct. 18. Instructor: Ray Anders.

Junior Programming

All levels is provided by tennis pro, Chase LeBlanc, during October. For more information, contact Chase LeBlanc at 225-337-2575 or chaseman1984@gmail.com.

FREE ONE YEAR JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP FOR KIDS 10 AND UNDER
Kids 10 and under, new to the USTA, can receive a free one-year junior membership – a $20 value!
Must use source code FYFE for this offer.  Offer expires December 31, 2019.
Click here for registration form.

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.