The Charleston Parks and Recreation Department is offering four new classes for residents of Charleston, starting this month.

Kimberly Wargo, the recreation supervisor for the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department, said the four new classes involve a skiing and snowboarding trip, a Harry Potter themed cooking class, an American Girl doll themed party and a Daisy Lane craft class.

Wargo said the skiing and snowboarding trip is open to children as young as seven, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wargo said the skiers and snowboarders will travel to Paoli Peaks, Indiana, the trip is open to college students.

The registration deadline for the trip will be Feb. 6 and the trip will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11. The cost for the trip is $55 when the skiers and snowboarders bring their own equipment, or $72 with equipment rental.

“I’m trying to get more excitement about it,” Wargo said. “I’m mainly doing this to get more teens involved.”

Another new activity offered by the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department is “Harry Potter’s Kitchen,” where each week students will make a treat mentioned in the book and also take part in a Harry Potter-themed craft.

Wargo said that even though the Harry Potter books and movies are over, she still noticed a lot of interest in them, which inspired the new class.

Wargo also said local business in Mattoon, Daisy Lane, will sponsor a new craft class. Wargo said the Daisy Lane craft class is meant for high school and college students, as well as adults due to the advanced nature of the crafts.

The craft class will take place every Monday from Feb. 20 to March 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the basement of City Hall.

Another new class that will be offered is the American Girl Party. Wargo said she noticed a lot of girls in the area showed a lot of interest in their American Girl dolls, which inspired the new class.

Wargo said the American Girl Party is open to anyone between the ages of four and 10 and participants will get to have their own tea party, make a craft and watch an American Girl movie.

The first session will take place from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 in the City Hall basement. The cost for the American Girl Party is $10.

In addition to the four new classes offered, the department will also be offering classes for dog obedience and socialization, tumbling for various ages, Taekwondo, theater, poms, and first aid training for children.

The Charleston Parks and Recreation Department also offers after school and spring break programs for those who need supervision when school is not in session.

“It provides a fun and safe place for them to stay while their parents are still at work,” Wargo said.

Wargo said during the spring break program, participants will be able to visit a different non-for-profit each day and volunteer an hour or so of their time.

Wargo said the spring break program introduces participants to volunteer work.

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.