Blue Valley Recreation

School starts soon, and we want to ask a FAVOR. Please sit with your child and explain that there's never a reason to make fun of someone for their height, weight, skin tone, home life, or things they enjoy.

Explain there's nothing wrong with wearing the same shoes every day.

Explain to the them that a used backpack carries the same dreams as a new one.

Teach them not to exclude anyone for being different.

Explain that teasing hurts and that school is for learning, not to compete or spread negativity.

Teach them that it's not OK to take videos of someone having a hard time and post them online.

Remind them that some kids don't go home to loving families so it's important to be kind.

It all starts with us!

Time to get ready for fall baseball and softball with these savings from Scheels. Hurry - valid until Aug. 11.

A very special thanks to Aiden for building us a Lending Library for the Activity Center. It was his Eagle Scout project for Troop 0086 and we think it’s the best project ever! AND- someone has already donated some books for it!

WOW- we had so many entries for the Back to School Basket for Teachers that we decided to give 2 of them away! Gratz to our winners - we messaged you with details. Stick around, we've got more fun giveaways lined up!

There’s truth in the words below.

Listen up parents...it's ok if you aren't up for, interested in, or ready for the next level. One day you have this great little team of girls, and then a few parents with fat wallets and big dreams begin jumping on the bandwagon, worried that their daughter is not getting good enough, or doesn't have the right opportunities, or that your current team isn't serious enough and they start hunting and listening to every single person who agrees with them. They lose sight of what is for what could be, and they want to take as many people with them as possible.

You're left feeling guilty or worried even that you're daughter too, is getting left behind and suddenly what was so great, isn't anymore.

Then you see Joe at the field one day and he starts going on and on, showing off really, dangling the matching bat bags and tournament across the US, and the college camp invites he's gotten that he doesn't even realize are sent to everyone in front of your eyes. You see your daughter just as good, maybe better than Joe's daughter, and that parental guilt hits you... you worry she is gonna get left behind or worse--forgotten im the sea of talent. Joe tells you about all the new coaches who have made his daughter so much better, but doesn't mention that he's taken a second mortgage out on his house to keep up. Meanwhile you just watched Joe's kid make two errors and strike out looking.

But still. You lay in bed with nagging guilt and a little bit of jealousy and wonder about whether you are holding your daughter back..

Two weeks later, you see Joe- and Sara another parent you used to play with, and (get this) it's a different team- even better than the last. Now Joe and Sara are in your ear.

More guilt. more worry: more pressure.

Guess what. It's ok. We promise. Do you. At the end of the journey, your daughter will end up exactly where she is supposed to be. We promise..

And guess what else. There is time. She's 11. Joe's daughter may find a boyfriend and quit ball at 16. Or your might decide she likes volleyball better. It's life. They are kids and our best advice is this...

Do what is right for you and your daughter and your life! Do this and you will never regret. Avoid people that try and pressure you to do otherwise.

All will be well.

Do you have a favorite elementary school teacher? Comment with the school located in the Blue Valley School District boundaries where that teacher works and you could give them this Back to School Basket for Teachers.
>>Deadline to comment is noon on Thursday, Aug. 1

We have our winners of the Adidas Go Bags! Congratulations.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. We've got the perfect giveaway as summer starts winding down. Let us know in the comments your favorite summer activity and we'll put you in to win an Adidas Go Bag. It's just the thing for those last minute weekend trips before school starts. We'll draw 2 winners, just submit your post by 5 p.m. on July 28.
Just a reminder - we will never ask you to give out personal information on here to collect your prize. Winners will be notified via Messenger from us.

Our new registration software is up and running. Even if you had an account before, you will need to make a new account before registering for programs and activities.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to help you through the process. (Current Rec Center members should follow instructions in the email sent on Monday.)

Create Your Amilia Account Create Your Amilia Account

Volleyball season is approaching and we've got a deal for you to get ready. Save 20% off your volleyball needs at Scheels with our coupon below. Hurry, it ends July 28.

The Fall Digital Guide is now available. Don't forget that registration opens at 7:00A on July 25!

Fall Digital Guide Now Available Fall Digital Guide Now Available

We had a little unexpected activity at the Activity Center tonight. A smoke alarm went off and as a precautionary measure, OP Fire Department did a thorough check and gave us the all OK status.

What’s so special about July 19? It’s Parks & Recreation Professionals Day! We think, or rather KNOW, we have some of the best ones around. We regret we weren’t able to round everyone up for a photo, but appreciate them all.

How it started vs. how it’s going. Our Kindness Rocks Snake keeps GROWING!

To serve you better, we're changing our registration and membership software. If you are in our database and have not unsubscribed to our emails, then you should have received an email (or will later today).

A few notes:
If you are a Rec Center @ Hilltop member, then your new account will be created by us and you will need to confirm it next week.

If you are not a member of the Rec Center @ Hilltop, but do other activities and sport leagues with us, then you will be able to set up your new account next week.

Be on the lookout for the emails that contain more instructions. And as always, staff is here to help.

We've got some sweet prizes lined up for our Family Trivia Night on July 24. We'll have questions from pop culture, sports, history, and science that will challenge your brain! Get signed up today.
https://webserver.bluevalleyrec.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/iteminfo.html?module=AR&fmid=91526024&InterfaceParameter=WebTrac_1

It may have been hot outside, but the fish were still biting. Another picture-perfect Fishing Derby completed.

What a way to start the morning! Thanks to all who joined us for Family Foam Fun Run.

🦈Da na. Da na. Da na da na da na. 🐋 Don't forget - Swim with the Sharks is today. Come anytime between 12:30-6:30 for a fintastic time. First 100 kids get a Shark Swag Bag and can adopt a plushie shark.

We've partnered with RePurposed Coaching to implement Enjoy the Game as part of our sportsmanship initiative. Read more about it here -

Blue Valley Rec and Enjoy the Game Partner for Sportsmanship Blue Valley Rec and Enjoy the Game Partner for Sportsmanship

Shark Week has been a blast so far. Have you stopped by the AC to join in the fun? Don’t forget about Swim with the Sharks on Friday.

It's SHARK WEEK! Stop by the Activity Center (151st Street) for free make-and-take crafts (while supplies last) each day along with shark trivia and other cool fun. Finish out the week on Friday, July 12 at our special Open Swim - Swim with the Sharks. (No registration required.)

A friendly PSA for this weekend.

A reminder of our special hours on July 4.

July is Park & Rec Month and we love to celebrate with activities all month long. Check out some of the fun we have planned.

Blue Valley Recreation updated their business hours.