In addition to being an all-purpose place for charitable donations, the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area helps people in our community prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies that may be local, state-level, national, or international in nature. In locations around the DC metro area, the Red Cross offers courses in disaster preparedness - for people and their pets, first aid, CPR, lifeguard training, and more.

The City of Takoma Park Recreation Department offers a wide variety of classes and programs for children of all ages, including dance, arts, fitness, yoga, martial arts, language, computers, and music. Before and afterschool care, school vacation day field trips, spring and summer break camps, and various youth/teen clubs round out the offerings.

Most programs are held at the department's headquarters in the Takoma Park Community Center. A link to the current season's program guide can be found on the homepage of its website.

The Ida Lee Park Recreation Center is a 71,000 square foot recreation, fitness, and aquatic facility with such amenities as a 25 meter x 25 yard pool, a warm water pool with zero depth entrance, a spa, a full size gymnasium, two racquetball courts, meeting rooms, locker rooms, a fitness facility, and seven outdoor tennis courts.

A very wide range of classes are offered year-round, including group swimming lessons (six months and up), and private lessons (three and up); safety - lifeguard, first aid, babysitting, and CPR; fitness; group and private tennis lessons (four and up); baseball; fencing; basketball; lacrosse; karate; ballet and jazz; arts; cooking; and numerous summer camps. The Center also hosts birthday parties; call 703.737.2371 for more information.

The McLean Community Center (MCC) offers a continuing program of activities for adults and children, including a wide range of classes, playgroups, lectures, study tours, camps, art exhibits, theatre performances, and specialty shows. The Center also sponsors major community activities such as McLean Day at Lewinsville Park in May and the 4th of July Fireworks at Langley High School.

Center facilities include the 424-seat Alden Theatre, the Emerson Gallery, meeting and conference rooms, the Susan B. DuVal Art Studio, and a rehearsal studio. Local open clubs and organizations use the Center for their monthly meetings without charge. Center facilities may be rented for private functions such as business conferences, receptions, parties, and recitals. District residents and businesses pay reduced fees. Registrations for MYI and Little League activities are regularly held at the Center and information on their activities is always available in the lobby.

The Center also operates the Old Firehouse Teen Center. Membership is open to seventh- and eighth-grade students living in Fairfax County, and are good for a year from the date of purchase. The benefits of an OFTC membership include the ability to "drop in" to use the Center's resources, after school or community service programs, renting the Firehouse for a party and free admission to events on select Friday nights.

The Reston Community Center offers a wide range of fun and educational classes and activities for people of all ages. Youth Programs include classes in art, theater, music, dance, first aid, swimming, fitness, and fencing; summer camps; and Kids Night Out. Teen activities include after school programs, courses in defensive driving, public speaking, job skills, and fun programs like The Battle of the Bands and The Teen Talent Showcase.

The Reston Community Center has two facilities. The main location, RCC Hunters Woods, houses CenterStage, which offers plays, concerts, and dance; an Aquatics Center with a 25-meter pool and a 16-seat hot tub, which offers swimming classes for ages six months and up; and a Photo Lab, Computer Lab, Woodshop, and meeting rooms. The second location, RCC Lake Anne, houses the Jo Ann Rose Gallery, a Ceramics Lab, and general meeting rooms.

The Reston Community Center offers a wide range of fun and educational classes and activities for people of all ages. Youth Programs include classes in art, theater, music, dance, first aid, swimming, fitness, and fencing; summer camps; and Kids Night Out. Teen activities include after school programs, courses in defensive driving, public speaking, job skills, and fun programs like The Battle of the Bands and The Teen Talent Showcase.

The Reston Community Center has two facilities. The main location, RCC Hunters Woods, houses CenterStage, which offers plays, concerts, and dance; an Aquatics Center with a 25-meter pool and a 16-seat hot tub, which offers swimming classes for ages six months and up; and a Photo Lab, Computer Lab, Woodshop, and meeting rooms. The second location, RCC Lake Anne, houses the Jo Ann Rose Gallery, a Ceramics Lab, and general meeting rooms.