Educational and Social Opportunities
Totally Tots Playtime
CARD Activity Center, 10 Gateway Drive in Collinsville
Come on in to the CARD Activity Center with your toddler for FUN! Enjoy all of our equipment including tumbling mats, oversized foam blocks, tunnels and playhouse, balls, hoops and more. The playtime is open to ages 1-4 and will provide a great opportunity for social interaction and motor skill development.
Ages: 1-4
Time: 9:30-11 am
Date: This program has ended for the season. Please scroll down to see information about No Child Left Inside.
Fee: $2 per day per child, sign in that morning at the front desk
Caring for the Caregiver & Adult Care
CARD Activity Center, 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville
Are you caring for a loved one or do you know someone who is a caregiver? 

It can be overwhelming and stressful even in the best of times. This presentation by the Family Hospice of Belleville combines information and support regarding self care with information on available local resources, advanced directives and other adult care planning. Learn and share your ideas about how to continue caring for someone while caring for yourself. Refreshments will be served.
Session       Day(s)            Time      Date(s)      Register by
10CCAC-B    To be determined
Ages: 16 and up
Fee: $5 / $7 CARD Resident/General
Red Cross Babysitting Clinic
CARD Activity Center, 10 Gateway Drive in Collinsville
This class is held on days when Collinsville Unit 10 students do not have school.

Can’t wait until you can get a job babysitting? Learn the skills you need to be the babysitter that parents want! This interactive course is designed to train young people to deal with various situations they may encounter while caring for a child, from simple care to basic first aid. Students will take an exam covering information presented in the clinic. Students are to provide a sack lunch, drink, notepad and sharp pencil.
Session     Day(s)    Time            Date(s)     Register by
11W208-C   Monday    9am-4:15 pm     04 / 25          04 / 18
Ages: 11-14
Fee:
$50 / $55 CARD Resident/General
First Aid for Little People
CARD Activity Center, 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville
It never hurts to take precautions when it comes to safety. In First Aid for Little People, children will be exposed to procedures that will enable them to act correctly in an emergency situation. Subjects covered include: obtaining help, choking, controlling bleeding and poisoning. Children must be age specified by the firs day of class.
Session         Day(s)        Time              Date(s)    Register by
11FALP-B       To be determined
Ages: 5-8
Fee: $15 / $20 CARD Resident/General
Instructor: Stephanie Whittington
Home Alone
CARD Activity Center, 10 Gateway Drive in Collinsville
Staying home alone for the first time can be frightening if children aren’t informed. Being confident can make things a lot easier for both parent and child. This program is designed to teach children simple rules and procedures for responsible self-care. Home Alone covers over 10 topics and includes a film. Child must be the age specified on the first day of class.
Session       Day(s)        Time    Date(s)     Register by
11HACC-B    To be determined
Ages: 6-10
Fee:
$10 / $15 CARD Resident/General
Instructor: Stephanie Whittington
Click Here for Activity Registration Form or call 618-346-7529 to register
Babysitting Connection
Are you looking for a babysitter? We would be happy to pass your name and number along to the participants in our Red Cross Babysitting Class. Registration is free and easy, just contact CARD at (618) 346-7529 and give code 10BBSC-A.
NEW! Adventure Society
Drop off and pick up at CARD Activity Center, 10 Gateway Drive in Collinsville
Get off the couch. Get out of the house. Get on an adventure!! We'll take you to some amazing places throughout the area. Transportation, entrance fees, and lunch are typically included. Child care is available for an additional $24.
For ages 13 + 
Pre-registration is required. Call 618-346-7529 to register.

Scuba Diving at Mermet Springs
Session     Day(s)    Time            Date(s)     Register by
11S701E       Sunday  8 am-5 pm           08/14                  08/05
Mermet Springs in Belknap, IL.
Try scuba diving with the Mermet Springs dive leaders at this spring-fed Southern Illinois rock quarry. One of the most sought after inland dive destinations in the country, Mermet Springs is located between Metropolis and Vienna, Illinois. Fee will include site entry, instructor fee, and rental equipment.
For ages 15 and up.  $48 for CARD resident, $55 for general resident.
© Collinsville Area Recreation District  | 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL. 62234 | Phone: 618.346.7529  | E-mail: frontdesk@CollinsvilleRec.com
Collinsville Area Singers
It's CARD's very own “GLEE”! For boys and girls in grades six through nine who like to sing, dance and perform. During this new youth show choir you'll learn and rehearse a program of songs and choreography each semester and then perform at area sites and festivals. Rehearsals may vary depending on performance schedule; members pay dues each semester.
AUDITIONS:  Call the CARD Activity Center at 618-346-7529 for information about the next session.
Grades: 6-9
Fee:  $60/$65 CARD Resident/General Resident
Location:  CARD Activity Center
Enrollment Min/Max:  8/20

NEW! Junior Naturalists
For ages 6-11 years old
Join other "nature nuts" in this program. Investigate and discover the natural world while spending time with our nature experts. Note the location of each program - some or all of each program will be spent outdoors. Please dress appropriately.
Spring Session
Classes meet from 4-5:15 pm on the dates listed. Register for all six classes in the Spring Series, and receive a discounted rate! Cost for all six classes: $38 / $44 CARD Resident/General Resident. Call 618-346-7529 at least one week prior to class to register.
Photography Fundamentals: Basic Digital Photography
Having a difficult time mastering all the bells and whistles on that new digital camera? This course teaches techniques to help you master your digital camera and use camera equipment advantageously. Participants learn how to efficiently store images on a computer, print digital images, send photos via e-mail and much more.
Prerequisite: Read your camera manual and list your questions prior to class. Participants must bring digital camera and manual to classes and have access to a computer with image storing capability.
Session     Day(s)    Time            Date(s)    
11S503        Th (4 wks)  7- 9 pm           07/07-07/28
Ages: 16 and up
Fee:  $30 / $34 CARD Resident/General
Location:  CARD Activity Center
Enrollment Min/Max:  5 / 15
Ste. Genevieve’s “Route du Vin” Wine Tour
Join us on Ste. Genevieve’s Route du Vin wine trail for a unique day of great Missouri wines, music, and fun. Stops include the Ste. Genevieve Winery, Cave Winery, Chaumette Winery, Twin Oaks Vinyard, and Missouri’s premier vineyard, Crown Valley Winery. Experience award-winning wines, gracious service, quality entertainment, and lush vineyards with panoramic views of rolling hills and wildlife. Van transportation, entry fees, wine samplings, and guide included. Food is available to purchase or pack your own picnic lunch.
Session     Day(s)       Time            Date(s)____Register By
11S607      Saturday      9 am- 7 pm          4/30                    4/25
Ages: 21 and up
Fee:  $35/$39 Resident/All General Residents
Location:  Pick up and drop off at CARD Activity Center
Enrollment Min/Max:  8/28
Tubular Trees
Play a game as you learn all about these tree-mendous beings. Once you’ve learned the importance trees hold to people and animals, create a keepsake to take home with you.
Date: April 5
Location: Willoughby Heritage Farm
Fee: $7 / $9 CARD Resident/General Resident
Session #:11S725A
Creepy Crawlers
Learn about the fascinating lives of all sorts of little creatures. Explore the differences between insects and spiders, and see what makes each one of them special. Afterwards, make a souvenir to keep.
Date: April 19
Location: Pleasant Ridge Park
Fee: $7 / $9 CARD Resident/General Resident
Session #: 11S725B
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Now that Spring has come around, the Master Gardeners are getting back to planting and tending. Learn some neat facts about keeping a garden, and make a snack from locally-grown produce before you leave!
Date: May 3
Location: Willoughby Heritage Farm
Fee: $8 / $10 CARD Resident/General Resident
Session #:11S725C
Fur-get Me Not
What is one thing that all mammals have in common? That’s right! We will be learning all about animal furs. Play some games to learn why coats vary from animal to animal, and see if you can tell which one belongs to which animal.
Date: May 17
Location: Willoughby Heritage Farm
Fee: $8 / $10 CARD Resident/General Resident
Session #: 11S725D
Rockin’ Robin … and more!
You see them all the time, but let’s take a closer look at those elegant creatures that fill our skies. Make your own ‘bird’, and see if you can get him to fly!
Date: May 31
Location: Woodland Park
Fee: $8 / $10 CARD Resident/General Resident
Session #: 11S725E
Wet and Wild
What do you call a place that is flooded with very shallow water? Wetlands, you say? You’re right! Venture out to our very own Arlington Wetlands to examine some specimens taken from the water. I bet you won’t believe what tiny creatures we can find!
Date: June 14
Location: Arlington Wetlands
Fee: $7 / $9 CARD Resident/General Resident
Session #: 11S725F
NEW! No Child Left Inside Days
On the third Saturday of every month, beginning in April, Willoughby Farm will host No Child Left Inside Days. You and your child will partake in a range of nature activities at your leisure. We will have scavenger hunts, trail hikes, Geocaching, kite flying, and more.
Session    Day(s)         Time          Date(s)
11S720A     Sat                1pm-3pm           April 16
11S720B     Sat                1pm-3pm            May 21
11S720C    Sat                 1pm-3pm          June 18
11S720D    Sat                 1pm-3pm           July 16
11S720E    Sat                 1pm-3pm        August 20
Ages: Children of all ages and their guardians
Fee: FREE
NEW! Camp Out at Willoughby
Bring your tent and sleeping bags to the farm for this family camping experience. Once you get situated, enjoy a guided night hike along the trails. Bring hot dogs and 'mallows, and we'll get the bonfire started for roasting.
Session     Day(s)    Time            Date(s)  
11S830A       Sat        4pm-10am         May 14-15
11S830B       Sat        4pm-10am        June 11-12
11S830C      Sat         4pm-10am        July 16-17
11S830D      Sat         4pm-10am        August 13-14
Ages: All Ages welcome. Those under 18 yrs old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Fee: Cost per site: $15 for the first tent, $7 for an additional tent. Two-tent maximum.
Min/Max: 10/12
Basic Outdoor Skills
4-8 p.m. on Sunday, May 22 or August 21 at Willoughby Heritage Farm
This fun and educational class will introduce basic outdoor skills to individuals and families of all ages. Participants will be instructed on the basics of building a fire, first aid and outdoor wilderness skills. The evening will conclude with a meal crafted by the participants and cooked over the campfire.
For ages 5 and up; adults and families are welcome! The fee for this fun class is just $7 per person; $25 maximum per family.
NEW! Junior Gardener Training
9-10:30 am, Monday and Wednesday, June 1-29
University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will be offering a program of classes for Junior Gardeners during June at Willoughby Farm.  The classes will include activities both in the classroom and in the garden. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the program.
Ages: 8-12 yrs. old
Fee: $35 per child
Register by: May 23
NEW! Bonfire Fridays (Teens Only!)
6 pm on June 10, July 8 and 22, August 5 and 19 at Willoughby Heritage Farm
Spend Friday evenings this summer by the bonfire, listening to local talent. Various snacks and drinks, including hot dogs and s'mores, will be sold on-site.
This concert is for teens only. Admission is $4 at the door with a high school ID. The snack bar is cash-only; no outside food or drinks allowed.
Click here to "like" this page on Facebook!
In a band, or know of one who wants to play? Contact Kelsey Rundle at 346-7529 about being added to the lineup.
Lifeguard Training Course 2011
CARD Activity Center, 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville
Learn water rescue techniques, team life guarding, first aid and CPR with oxygen and defibrillator certifications in this 20 hour course. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a Starfish Aquatics Institute Lifeguard license and the opportunity to become a team member of Splash City for the summer 2011 season. You will want to be one of the finest aquatic staff in Southern Illinois! Includes your books and guard license. You must speak with the Aquatic Supervisor to register for one of our courses today and become a responsible, professional and respectful lifeguard.
Sessions are held during the weekends below. Class is on Friday from 6-10pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm.
Session      Day(s)     Date(s)      Register by
11LGTC-A       F-Sun     02/18-20      02/11
11LGTC-B       F-Sun     03/11-13      03/04

11LGTC-C       F-Sun     03/25-27      03/18
11LGTC-D       F-Sun     04/08-10      04/01
11LGTC-E       F-Sun     04/29-05/01 04/22

11LGTC-F       F-Sun     05/06-08       04/29
Ages: 16 and up
Fee: $85 for new lifeguards $50 for returning lifeguards
Instructor: Stephanie Whittington
School’s Out Club
Drop off/Pick up from the CARD Activity Center, 10 Gateway Drive in Collinsville
On Vacation from school and not sure what to do? Be a part of our School’s Out Club. Bring your friends and spend your day off from school on a fun field trip. This is not your ordinary field trip -- We will pack as much fun into one day as we can, and even stop somewhere fun for lunch. Trips are supervised by CARD staff and include all entry fees, lunch and transportation. Your child is invited to bring additional spending money.

Session            Day(s)             Time              Date(s)          Register by
To be determined
Ages: First through sixth graders
Fee: $32 / $37 CARD Resident/General
These events are listed in chronological order by date so the most current event may not be at the top of the page. Please scroll down.
NEW! Summer Series for Seniors for ages 50+, fees and transportation included
Gentle Hike
9:30 am - 12:30 pm, Saturday, June 11 - Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
If you love the outdoors and time or mobility is an issue, we’ve got the “hike” for you. This summer on each second Saturday of June, July, and August a Columbia Bottom Naturalist will offer a short and gentle walk so you can visit a different part of Columbia Bottom each time. In June, we’ll explore the prairie demonstration area in front of the Visitor Center. The route is flat and paved. Please bring a lunch.
Fee:  $12 CARD resident; $15 general resident
Register by: June 6
Preserving the Harvest
5-9:30 pm, Thursday, July 7 - Missouri Botanical Gardens
Deliver the healthful wealth of your garden to your family's table all year long! Leasburt, Missouri Master Gardener, teacher, and veteran preserver Laura Friz will demonstrate basics and share expert tips covering canning, drying, and freezing all types of fresh produce - and she'll whip up a batch of microwave pickles! We’ll have dinner near the Gardens beforehand; cost not included.
Fee: $42 CARD resident;  $47 general resident
Register by: June 23
Get to Know Your Favorite Food: Chocolate
5-9 pm, Tuesday, August 16 -
Missouri Botanical Gardens
Does all chocolate taste the same? Doesn't it all just taste like chocolate? You'll discover flavors of chocolate you never knew existed, learn why some chocolate is better for the environment, and see why some chocolate shouldn't be bought at all. A variety of samples will indulge every sweet tooth, and St. Louis chocolatier Brian Pelletier of Kakao, will aid in our discussion of chocolate sustainability, including history, production, fair trade and more chocolate, of course! We’ll have dinner near the Gardens beforehand; cost not included.
Fee:  $38 CARD resident;  $42 general resident
Register by:  August 2