Want to know all about staying in the Overnight Lodge at Blue Jay Point County Park? Complete information will be provided at the Leader Orientation Workshop or LOW, which is conducted by Blue Jay staff once a month for those coming to stay in the Lodge. At least one representative from each group staying in the Lodge MUST attend a LOW at least two months prior to that group's reservation date.
LOWs are also appropriate for individuals interested in knowing if a Lodge stay would be beneficial for their group, even before making a Lodge reservation. You must be present for the entire workshop to be certified to stay in the Lodge. To read more about the Lodge and its Environmental Education mission, check out this info.
Schedule:
Aug 1, 2026
Saturday from 9am to Noon
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 21 yrs +,
WAKE · Blue Jay Point County Park · Wake County Parks
with Kathy Schermer-Gramm, Professional Artist
Dates: Saturdays, August 1, 8, 15 and 22 (4-sessions)
Time: 1:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. ET
Location: Online class via Zoom
Fee: $210 ($189 Members)
An introductory level course of drawing for beginners and those wishing to refresh their skills. Includes using a sketchbook for line drawing exercises on seeing to draw, quick sketching, mapping for accuracy, and other basic principles of drawing.
This is a live Zoom format class divided into a group session for lecture, demonstrations, and group critique with the instructor followed by one-on-one individual appointments for consultation and problem solving.
Core course for the Certificate in Botanical Art & Illustration.
REGISTER HERE
Join author Kelly Starling Lyons on August 1 at 2 p.m. to listen to her illustrated children’s book Ellen's Broom, and learn about the story's background and the author's inspiration. Participants will enjoy a powerful story about preserving strong family ties in the face of injustice, the merging of new and old traditions, and the history of "jumping the broom." For a reminder of these important lessons, each participant will make a mini-broom pencil to take home! Free and open to all ages but recommended for ages 5–10. Registration is required for all participating children, and all kids must have a supervising adult(s).
The program will take place indoors in the park's climate-controlled Main House, followed by a craft activity.
Schedule:
Aug 1, 2026
Saturday from 2pm to 3pm
Duration: 1 hour
Ages: All ages,
WAKE · Historic Oak View County Park · Wake County Parks
Sunday, Aug 2nd 2026 , 10 am - 1 pm Location: Muse Gallery, beside My Muses Card Shop in the old Station. 201 E. Main St. Carrboro NC, 27510 Class size: minimum 4, maximum 10 participants Join us for a delightful journey into the world of watercolor painting with Abhi. In this engaging and hands-on class, you'll learn the fundamentals of watercolor art, from understanding color mixing and brush techniques to creating beautiful compositions. Whether you're a complete novice or have some experience dabbling in art, this class is designed to nurture your skills and ignite your artistic passion. What to expect: Introduction to essential watercolor materials and tools Basic techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, blending, and layering Color theory and mixing to create harmonious palettes Guidance on composition and creating captivating artworks No prior experience is required, and all materials will be provided.
This flag football class is designed for girls ages 8 to 12, offering a fun and inclusive environment where they can learn the fundamentals of the game. Participants will develop essential skills such as passing, receiving, and teamwork, all while building confidence and making new friends. Through engaging drills and friendly scrimmages, girls will get the chance to improve their coordination, sportsmanship, and strategic thinking. Whether they are new to the sport or looking to refine their skills, this class provides a supportive space for all levels of experience.
Ages: Age at least 8 yrs but less than 12 yrs,
Participants will learn the fundamentals of Modern Dance through individual creativity, flowing movements, and interpretive style. Modern Dance is dramatic and touches on the dancer's emotions. No experience is necessary.
Ages: Age at least 5 yrs but less than 15 yrs,
Walk, talk, and explore with fellow seniors on the trails of Holly Springs. Each guided outing lasts 45-60 minutes at an easy pace, allowing time to enjoy conversation and seasonal sights such as birds and blooms. Trekking poles and binoculars are available for added comfort and discovery. With a different path featured each session, this program offers a relaxed way to stay active, socialize, and connect with nature. Meeting locations are emailed prior to each trek. (1 Class Per Session) Res $4 Non-Res $6 Activity Code: 2254203
HOLLY SPRINGS · Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park · Holly Springs Parks & Rec
Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful steps to ensure ones’ wishes are carried out properly. This informative session is designed for those who want to better understand the importance of estate planning and the practical steps involved in creating a clear, legally sound plan. Estate planning is for anyone who wants to make informed decisions about their assets, healthcare, and legacy. This session will break down complex legal concepts into simple, actionable information so participants feel empowered and prepared.
Ages: 50 yrs +,
DURHAM · Holton Career and Resource Center · Durham Parks & Rec
Join us at W.D. Hill for a colorful, hands-on crafting adventure designed just for toddlers! In Craft for Tots, little artists (ages 3–5) will explore textures, colors, and shapes while creating adorable keepsakes and seasonal crafts. With easy-to-follow projects and plenty of giggles along the way, this class is the perfect way to spark creativity and build those fine motor skills — one glue stick at a time!
Every craft is a masterpiece when it's made with love (and a little glitter).
Ages: Age at least 3 yrs but less than 6 yrs,
The martial art of Tae Kwon Do teaches self-defense, physical fitness, self- control, clarity of thought, focus and confidence. The class offers a fun approach for intermediate level participants to engage in an activity that promotes their growth and development. Additional fees will apply for uniforms, testing, and belts.
Ages: Age at least 5 yrs but less than 13 yrs,
DOG 101: BASIC NEEDS AND HEALTHCARE Join our training session to learn about canine healthcare and basic needs. This event will benefit both new dog owners and those looking to deepen their bond with their canine friends. Please do not bring your own dogs to this session. We're helping people build skills that they can take home to help their canine companions. SIGN UP HERE: https://www.orangecountync.gov/3646/Pet-Training
In this hand embroidery workshop, we’ll build community while practicing hand embroidery. We’ll review key vocabulary terms, do a practice row with cardboard and yarn, and then get started embroidering a project. Coaching and feedback will guide this work. Class participation will guide the stitches we learn and practice. Ages 6 and older are welcome, although I recommend that 10 and under attend with an adult. This workshop is appropriate for beginners or people who have a little experience. No prior sewing experience is required and all materials will be provided. In the spirit of creative reuse, this workshop gives participants an opportunity to bring their own items to embroider. Not sure what to bring? Button down shirts, denim, sweatshirts, children’s clothes, tote bags, pillow cases, or other flat woven cloth items make a good project. I don’t recommend stitching on a baby onesie, a sweater, or loosely woven fabric for the first time.
Want to learn about common invasive species in the state of North Carolina? Join a park naturalist and study what makes these species "invasive," how they arrived in our area, and how to identify and treat a variety of different invasives. Please bring a water bottle and closed-toed shoes, as this program will involve some walking outdoors. For ages 10 & up. Registration is required. Meet at the Cardinal Shelter, the first shelter on your right near the upper parking lot. FREE.
Schedule:
Aug 5, 2026
Wednesday from 9:30am to 10:30am
Duration: 1 hour
Ages: 9 yrs +,
WAKE · Crowder County Park, Cardinal Shelter · Wake County Parks
Refresh your mind and body with Tai Chi and Qigong! Led by Tish of Earth Monkey Energies, this welcoming class focuses on gentle, flowing movements, breathwork, and relaxation to reduce stress, improve balance, and ease arthritis. Perfect for all mobility levels—wear comfy clothes, bring water, and enjoy a midweek reset for calm, flexibility, and overall wellness. Activity Code: 2454305
HOLLY SPRINGS · W.E. Hunt Recreation Center · Holly Springs Parks & Rec
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Class Description: Join us for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and conversation. Each month, participants will explore a new mixed media technique—such as gelli printing, masterboards, mini canvas art, mixed media greeting cards and more—that can be incorporated into art journals, handmade books, greeting cards, and original artwork. This isn't just a class—it's a creative gathering. A welcoming space to experiment, create, share ideas, and connect with fellow makers. Whether you're new to mixed media or an experienced artist, you'll leave with fresh inspiration, new techniques, and a completed project of your own. Supplies: All supplies and materials are included. Participants are welcome to bring personal photos, magazine images, quotes, papers, or small flat ephemera they would like to incorporate into their pieces.