Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community, Johnson County Park and Recreation District offers year-round program, activities, and special events for all ages!

For more information or to register online for the programs listed here, visit JCPRD.com/Register and complete a search for any of the activity numbers listed below. To register by phone, call 913-831-3359.

A reminder that while JCPRD’s 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the 50 Plus Department at 913-826-2975 for space availability.

I’ve attached photos that go with: Theatre in the Park, Basketball Camps, and JoCo Soccer Pre-season camp

Here’s a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of July 23-29:

July 10-21 - Theatre: Theatre Academy - Newsies Jr. (Ages 10-16)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 10 sessions, $405 per person, $440 nonresidents

Just a few spots left! - Seize the day! Protagonist Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what's right. Theatre Academy participants can learn all things theatre in a hands-on way. Campers will learn skills they can take back to their school's theatre program, all while guided by professional theatre educators. There will be a pre-show performance at Theatre in the Park on July 20, followed by a sharing for family and friends on July 21. Activity number 25110.

July 24 - Registration begins for JCPRD’s September through December Program Season (All Ages)

See JCPRD.com/Activities or call 913-831-3559

Plan now for a fun-filled fall and winter with more than 500 programs for toddlers through senior adults. You’ll also find a fun assortment of special events. To keep up on the latest happenings at JCPRD, consider liking our Facebook page, and / or subscribing to our free newsletters.

July 24-27 - TRAC Climbing & Rappelling Camp (Ages 12-14)

TimberRidge Adventure Center, 12300 S. Homestead Lane, Olathe, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 5 sessions, $179 per person, $197 nonresidents

Just a few spots left! - Do you love being outdoors and challenging yourself to reach new heights? Come and experience Hawk’s Nest, our climbing and rappelling tower! No previous climbing experience needed. This camp will focus on teaching campers the basics of rock climbing. Learn how to be safe, tie knots, belay a climber, and get a chance to put it all together by rappelling down our 40-foot tower. Campers will enjoy a variety of our high ropes elements and get a chance to try some our other camp activities too. Activity number 25739.

July 24-27 - Soccer: JOCO Soccer Pre-season Camp (Grades 1-4)

New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, Monday through Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m., 4 sessions, $120 per person

The JOCO Soccer Pre-Season camp is perfect for players wanting to get ready for the start of the fall season. Kansas City Surf Soccer Club (formerly Puma FC) coaches will be running the camp. Players will focus on improving all areas of soccer including ball mastery, passing, dribbling, and shooting. Players will be shown and challenged to learn new skills to showcase in their fall games. The goal is to help players reach their full potential on the filed while growing to love the game of soccer. All participants are given an 'Independent Development Plan' which will highlight feedback and areas of improvement. This is a great camp to get players ready for the upcoming soccer season. Players should bring their own soccer ball, wear shin guards and long socks, as well as soccer cleats or tennis shoes, and bring a water bottle. Each child will receive a camp T-shirt. Activity number 26230. For questions, call 913-826-2850.

July 24-28 - Biking: Buddy Pegs Mountain Bike Camp (Ages 5-10)

Shawnee Mission Park Shelter #2, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee & Lenexa, Monday through Friday. 9 a.m. to noon, 5 sessions, $225 per person, $248 nonresidents

Perfect for beginner, intermediate, and advanced trail riders. Bike coaching includes: brake, modulation using front and back brakes, steering in control, looking ahead, bike body separation, ready position, riding in a group, front wheel lifts, climbing and descending safely, and yielding to others trail users. Off-the-bike activities include bike cleaning and maintenance, bike safety checks, and bike themed games and crafts. Operated by certified Buddy Pegs coaches who are known for their patient, compassionate, and fun teaching style. Children are grouped by ability level based on the Buddy Pegs Paw Rating System. Participants may bring their own bike or rent a bike. Activity number 25089.

July 24-28 - Biking: Buddy Pegs Bike Adventure Camps (Ages 5-10)

Shawnee Mission Park Shelter #2, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa, or Meadowbrook Park, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to Noon, 5 sessions, $225 per person, $248 nonresidents

Perfect for kids who are ready to crank out bike adventures and improve safe riding skills on wide multi-use trails and low traffic neighborhood streets. Riding adventures away from base camp will highlight with distances varying by ability level each day (children grouped by ability level)! Bike skills taught include: brake modulation, emergency braking, steering in control, riding in a group, riding up and down hills, traffic safety, and yielding to other trail users. Super fun on-the-bike and off-the-bike games and craft activities round out the week. This camp is all about safety and fun on two wheels! No training wheels allowed. Participants may bring their own bike or rent a bike. Activity number 25077. Meadowbrook Park offering with same dates, costs and times, activity number 25822.

July 24-28 - TIP Mainstage: Advanced Technical Theatre  (Ages 16-18)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 43:30p.m., 5 sessions, $225 per person, $250 nonresidents

This camp will be held at the Theatre in the Park’s outdoor scene shop where the TIP scenic crew will be busy working on FOOTLOOSE, so this camp will include working outdoors when weather permits. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with the TIP scenic crews as well as available technical designers and to workshop with our lighting, sound, and hair and makeup designers. In addition to an assortment of hands-on experiences over a variety of tech elements, participants will design and decorate a photobooth and produce props themed to FOOTLOOSE that will be used by patrons attending the performances. After spending the week behind the scenes, participants will choose a performance night and shadow the crew in the tech booth to get a feel for how all the tech elements come together to transport audiences to another place and time. Participants will experience the sound, lights, and stage management in action during a performance. In addition, all participants will receive four comp tickets to see FOOTLOOSE that can be used by family and friends during their observation night or on a separate night. Activity number 26696.

July 24-Aug. 4 - Theatre: TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) Play Lab  (Ages 10-16)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 10 sessions, $405 per person, $440 nonresidents

Middle school and high schoolers have the unique opportunity to be mentored by local, professional playwrights. Middle schoolers serve as the actors and high schoolers get to help assistant direct and mentor middle school actors. Camp will culminate in a TYA Play Showcase for family and friends. Activity number 25112.

July 25 - Special Interest: Cooking Basics for 1 (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 2 to 3 p.m., FREE

Cooking great tasting and healthy food does not have to be intimidating and complicated. Learn the basics of how to plan, prepare, read a recipe, and make modifications when cooking for just one. Program presented by K-State Extension. Activity number 26884.

July 25 - Cards: Bridge Workshops – Rule of 7 & 11 (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, 4 to 6 p.m., $12 per person, $13 nonresidents

Become an in-demand partner with these bridge workshops. Fun and easy classes help you master a new subject each week. Workshops include handouts to take home. Activity number 26714. See other upcoming Bridge Workshops.

July 25-27 - Volleyball: Okun July Summer Break Camp (Grades 3-8)

Okun Fieldhouse at Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, Tuesday - Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to Noon, 3 sessions, $65 per person, $72 nonresidents

Get some experience with Coach Gwenn Pike! Practice serving, passing, setting, and hitting in small group drills and scrimmage-like play. Participants will be divided into groups based on age and ability. Each participant will receive a camp T-shirt. Activity number 30108.

July 25-27 - Basketball: Okun July Summer Break Camps - (Grades K-3, Grades 4-8)

Okun Fieldhouse at Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, Tuesday through Thursday, times vary, $60 per person, $66 nonresidents

Get in the game with JCPRD basketball camps at Okun Fieldhouse! Players will participate in drills, group activities, and scrimmages offering group and one-on-one instruction. Players will practice shooting, passing, ball handling, offense and defense. Grades K-3 meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Activity Number 30189. Session for Grades 4-8, same days from 3 to 4:30 p.m., activity number 30205. For more information, contact Okun Fieldhouse at 913-826-2900.

July 25-28 - Sports: Cheerleading Camp (Ages 5-12)

Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee, Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m., 4 sessions, $145 per person, $160 nonresidents

This class teaches young athletes the essential skills to lead the crowd and support the home team! Each participant will learn cheers, proper hand/body movements and jumping techniques. There is no stunting, just a big focus on fun while each cheerleader learns important life skills such as teamwork and leadership. The program concludes with a final cheer performance. Activity number 27564. For information, please call 913-826-2950.

July 26 - Games: Virtual Scattergories® (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 10 to 11 a.m., FREE

Think fast and write quicker in this fun and fast-paced game of alliterative words and categories!  Zoom link will be emailed the day prior to the program. Zoom information is also on the receipt notes. Activity number 26610.

July 26 - Day Trip: It’s a Blast (Ages 50 & Older)

Departs from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., $155 per person

Boom! Take a trip to Hutchinson, Kan. for a tour of Strataca Underground Salt Mine. Hear how explosives were used to blast the mine, walk through interactive exhibits underground, and take a tram ride through the dark part of the tour. Enjoy lunch as a group before exploring the Cosmosphere Space Museum. The exhibits are full of artifacts, replicas, and interactive elements, sure to excite! Activity number 26690.

July 28 - Preschool: Ice Cream Social (Ages 2-5 with Adult)

Meadowbrook Park, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., $8 per person, $9 nonresidents

Loads of sweetness and fun! Enjoy picking out different toppings at the ice cream sundae bar, be creative with ice cream crafts, and playing games. Activity number 26888.

July 28-30 & Aug. 2-5 “Footloose” at Theatre in the Park (Rated PG)

7710 Renner Road, Shawnee, 8:30 p.m., Tickets are $10 (plus tax) for general admission, $6 (plus tax) for youth (Ages 4-10), Children 3 & under are FREE (but require a ticket.)

Final Outdoor Production of 2023 -

the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. Bring the family and a blanket or chair and enjoy live musical theater performances under the stars in beautiful Shawnee Mission Park! Visit theatreinthepark.org for more details. The box office opens at 7 p.m., gates open at 7:30 p.m., show begins at 8:30 p.m. Buy tickets onsite or online.