Youth Programming


Margaret Wade-Lewis Speaks: Public Speaking Skills – Thursdays
Margaret Wade-Lewis Speaks: Public Speaking Skills – Thursdays

From Esi Lewis:

An empowering space for youth of all ages, where creativity, expression, and confidence take center stage. Led by MWLC Executive Director Esi Lewis, this program provides young people the chance to develop public speaking skills, explore new ideas, and make their voices heard in a supportive environment.

$179/semester or $20 drop in. Scholarships available. Transportation from Lenape may be available.

Register here.

Thursdays (Oct. 8th – Dec. 17th) from 4:00 to 5:00. (Community Center)

Capoeira with Hans – Tuesdays in November and December
Capoeira with Hans – Tuesdays in November and December

Capoeira is a game of movement, music, and imagination! Born from the ingenuity and resilience of enslaved Africans and their descendants in Brazil, this vibrant Afro-Brazilian tradition brings together martial arts, dance, music, and playful improvisation.

Hans Barklis is a capoeira Professor, musician, and Orff Schulwerk-certified educator with over 25 years of teaching experience. From school classrooms to capoeira residencies across Oregon, New York, and Maine, he has spent decades helping young people discover the joy of learning through music, movement, and creative play.

In class, students explore the roda—capoeira's communal circle—where songs, instruments, and spirited physical dialogue come together. Through movement games, partner activities, improvisation, Portuguese-language songs, and traditional instruments like the berimbau and pandeiro, children build coordination, strength, confidence, and creativity while discovering a rich cultural tradition rooted in connection and community. Watch an example of Capoeira here and here.

Hans is a bilingual teacher of Spanish and English.

Please register below, but pay the teacher directly. Scholarships available. Contact Joanna at recreation@townofnewpaltzny.gov or call 845-255-2512. 

Tuesdays from November 10th through December 22nd, from 4:00 to 5:00pm. (Community Center)

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¡La capoeira es un juego de movimiento, música e imaginación! Nacida del ingenio y la resiliencia de los africanos esclavizados y sus descendientes en Brasil, esta vibrante tradición afrobrasileña combina artes marciales, danza, música e improvisación lúdica.

Hans Barklis es profesor de capoeira, músico y educador certificado en el método Orff Schulwerk, con más de 25 años de experiencia docente. Desde aulas escolares hasta residencias de capoeira en Oregón, Nueva York y Maine, ha dedicado décadas a ayudar a los jóvenes a descubrir la alegría de aprender a través de la música, el movimiento y el juego creativo.

En clase, los estudiantes exploran la *roda*—el círculo comunitario de la capoeira—donde convergen canciones, instrumentos y un dinámico diálogo físico. A través de juegos de movimiento, actividades en pareja, improvisación, canciones en portugués e instrumentos tradicionales como el berimbau y el pandeiro, los niños desarrollan coordinación, fuerza, confianza y creatividad, al tiempo que descubren una rica tradición cultural arraigada en la conexión y la comunidad. Mira un ejemplo de capoeira aquí y aquí.

Hans es un maestro bilingüe de español e inglés.

Por favor, regístrate a continuación, pero paga directamente al profesor. Hay becas disponibles. Contacta a Joanna en recreation@townofnewpaltzny.gov o llama 845-255-2512.
 
Los martes, del 10 de noviembre al 22 de diciembre, de 16:00 a 17:00 h. (Centro comunitario)

 

Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Series of 7 classes / serie de 7 clases (11/10-12/22) – $100 11/10/2026–12/22/2026
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New Paltz Community Center 4th–5th 1/12
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#1 Drop-in class / clase de asistencia libre (11/10) – $20 11/10/2026
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New Paltz Community Center 4th–5th 0/12
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#2 Drop-in class / clase de asistencia libre (11/17) – $20 11/17/2026
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New Paltz Community Center 4th–5th 0/12
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#3 Drop-in class / clase de asistencia libre (11/24) – $20 11/24/2026
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New Paltz Community Center 4th–5th 0/12
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#4 Drop-in class / clase de asistencia libre (12/1) – $20 12/01/2026
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New Paltz Community Center 4th–5th 0/12
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#5 Drop-in class / clase de asistencia libre (12/8) – $20 12/08/2026
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New Paltz Community Center 4th–5th 0/12
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#6 Drop-in class / clase de asistencia libre (12/15) – $20 12/15/2026
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New Paltz Community Center 4th–5th 0/12
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#7 Drop-in class / clase de asistencia libre (11/22) – $20 12/22/2026
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New Paltz Community Center 4th–5th 0/12
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A Taste of (Buon) Natale
A Taste of (Buon) Natale
Join Italian Tots & Tales for a magical holiday adventure series exploring Italian-American Christmas traditions through stories, music, movement, and festive desserts. From panettone to struffoli, discover the sweet flavors and joyful traditions of Natale!
 
One ticket includes participation in three structured sessions, along with hands-on crafts, dessert tastings, parent take-home resources, and a certificate of completion. $100 per child.
 
Register here.
 
Saturdays 11/28, 12/5, and 12/19 from 11:30 to 12:30pm. (Community Center)
Playspace
Playspace

Playspace is a free play session for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers. We have lots of space and a closet full of toys to explore!

Please email Joanna at recreation@townofnewpaltzny.gov with questions or suggestions.

Mondays from 9:00am to 10:30am and Fridays from 9:00am to 11:00am. (Community Center) FREE