Plan Your Summer: Q&A with Nate Brooks from Nicolet Rec

Families looking to stay active, learn new skills, and forge community connections will find plenty of inspiration in our conversation with Nate Brooks, Recreation Director for Nicolet Union High School District. Nate walks us through the department’s mission to enhance well‑being for all ages, highlights standout programs—from parent‑child swim lessons and Club SciKidz to the new girls’ flag football partnership—and previews upcoming events like the Autumn Artisan’s Fair. Read on to discover how Nicolet Recreation can help every member of your family make the most of their day.

For families new to your programs, could you give an overview of the Nicolet Recreation Department—your mission and the communities you serve?

For families new to our programs, the Nicolet Recreation Department is dedicated to providing a wide array of recreational and lifelong learning opportunities for residents in the Nicolet Union High School District and surrounding communities.

Our Mission: The Nicolet Recreation Department provides recreational and lifelong learning opportunities for Nicolet area residents and surrounding communities in an effort to enhance physical and intellectual well-being for ALL.

Communities We Serve: The Nicolet Recreation Department proudly serves the communities within the Nicolet Union High School District, which primarily includes Bayside, Fox Point, Glendale and River Hills. While our primary focus is these communities, many of our programs are also open to residents of neighboring areas on a non-resident fee basis. We believe in fostering broad participation and welcome families from outside the immediate district to join us in our activities.

We are committed to providing high-quality programs for toddlers, youth, teens, adults and senior adults. Our goal is to have something for everyone in the family, encouraging active and engaged lifestyles within our communities. We publish three program bulletins a year (Winter/Spring, Summer & Fall) with detailed information on our current offerings and registration procedures, which can be found on the Nicolet High School website under the Recreation Department section. We encourage you to explore our offerings and become a part of the Nicolet Recreation community!

You are partnering with other rec programs in the area this year to offer girls’ flag football in Milwaukee’s North Shore. Can you talk about how that came together and how this sport has risen in popularity? 

It's exciting to be partnering with the Whitefish Bay, Shorewood & Brown Deer rec depts to bring girls' flag football to our community! This collaboration really came about from a shared vision and a recognition of the growing enthusiasm for this sport among girls. Several of us running different programs noticed increasing interest and requests for flag football opportunities specifically for girls. Instead of each trying to build a program independently, we decided that joining forces would allow us to pool resources, share expertise, and ultimately offer a more comprehensive and engaging experience for the participants. This way, we can ensure better field access, more qualified coaches, and a larger pool of players for teams, leading to a more competitive and fun environment.

The rise in popularity of girls' flag football has been quite remarkable. Several factors contribute to this surge. For one, it's a fantastic way to experience the excitement and teamwork of football without the high-impact collisions of the traditional tackle version. This makes it appealing to a broader range of athletes. Secondly, the sport emphasizes agility, speed, and strategy, offering a great cardiovascular workout and developing important athletic skills. We've also seen increased visibility and support for girls' flag football at the high school and even collegiate levels, which inspires younger athletes and creates more pathways for them to pursue the sport. The inclusive nature of flag football, allowing players of different sizes and athletic backgrounds to contribute meaningfully, has also played a significant role in its growing appeal. It's truly becoming recognized as a dynamic and exciting sport in its own right.

What are the current can’t-miss offerings for each age band—toddlers, elementary-age kids, middle-schoolers, and teens?

Toddlers (Approximately 18 months - 3 years): Parent & Child Swim Lessons: Parents accompany their toddlers in the water. These classes focus on water acclimation, basic safety skills, and fun water play. 

Elementary-Age Kids (Ages 6-10): Club SciKidz: Demonstrating how science works in the real world by providing activities in veterinary medicine, robotics, forensics, video game creation, food science, paleontology, engineering, chemistry and biology, astronomy, saving our oceans, emergency medicine, and special effects.

Teens: Running Club: The program is organized to promote cardio training over the summer break in preparation for Fall sports of the achievement of personal running related goals. 

Looking ahead to the fall, are there any brand-new classes, camps, or one-day events that families should circle on their calendars?

The Nicolet Recreation Department will release our 2025 Fall Bulletin of programs in mid-July. Keep an eye on our website or sign up for our weekly newsletters.

The Nicolet Recreation Department & Nicolet Special Education Department invites you to the 19th Annual Autumn Artisan's Fair on Saturday, November 8th from 10 am - 3 pm located at the newly refinished Nicolet Union High School. The event will showcase over 50 vendors from southeastern Wisconsin! Items that vendors will be selling include hand crafted items, baked goods, glass art and much more! The event will feature a silent auction of some of the vendors’ work with proceeds benefiting the Nicolet special education department. Admission price is $3.00, cash only.

Looking outdoor for summer, what are some of your favorite nearby parks, trails, and outdoor spaces to get families moving together?
Richard E. Maslowski Glendale Community Park (2200 W. Bender Road, Glendale): This is a real gem in Glendale! It offers:

• The area's largest accessibility playground: This all-inclusive playground ensures that children of all abilities can play together.

• Large green spaces: Perfect for picnics, running around, and throwing a frisbee.

• Amphitheater: While it hosts events, the open space around it is great for kids to explore.

• Sprecher Brewing Outdoor Oasis: Parents can relax with a local brew or soda while keeping an eye on the kids playing (open seasonally) and listen to Live @ The Oasis summer outdoor music.

• Connection to the Oak Leaf Trail: Easy access for biking or walking.

Kletzsch Park (6560 N. Milwaukee River Parkway, Glendale): Another beautiful park along the Milwaukee River, Kletzsch Park features:

• Play areas: Multiple spots for kids to climb and play.

• Scenic riverside views: Great for leisurely strolls and enjoying nature.

• Kletzsch Park Falls (Dam): A picturesque spot and a popular rest stop along the Oak Leaf Trail.

• Archery area and a practice disc golf course: Offers unique outdoor activities for older kids and teens (and adventurous adults!).

• Sand volleyball courts, soccer fields, and softball diamonds: Plenty of space for active play.

• Access to the Oak Leaf Trail: Perfect for longer family bike rides or walks.

Swim lessons and open-swim time are huge draws—what’s new on the aquatics front this year?
We offer over 100 swim lessons sessions, including an adult/tee swimming class & a special needs class. Every week there is 20 hours of open swim time for families to enjoy at either the Nicolet Pool or Glen Hills Pool. 

• Multiple Levels for Children: From introductory classes for toddlers and preschoolers just getting comfortable in the water, progressing through fundamental stroke development, and advancing to more refined techniques for older children and teens. This ensures that each child can learn at their own pace and build a strong foundation in swimming.

• Adult/Teen Swimming Class: This dedicated class acknowledges that it's never too late to learn or improve swimming skills. It could cater to absolute beginners, those looking to enhance their technique for fitness, or individuals seeking to overcome water-related anxieties. The inclusion of teens in this class suggests a welcoming environment for a broader age group beyond just adults.

• Special Needs Class: This is a particularly important offering, demonstrating an inclusive approach to aquatics. This class would likely be adapted to the unique needs and abilities of individuals with disabilities, providing a safe and supportive environment to learn water safety skills, build confidence, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of swimming. The curriculum and teaching methods would be tailored to maximize each participant's potential.

Open Swim Time:

This open swim time allows families to:

• Enjoy Leisurely Swimming: A chance to relax, play, and enjoy the water at their own pace.

• Practice Skills Learned in Lessons: Provides an informal setting for students to reinforce what they've learned during their structured swim lessons.

• Engage in Family Fun: Creates a positive and healthy activity for families to participate in together, fostering bonding and creating enjoyable memories.

• Utilize the Pool Facilities: Access to the pool and potentially other amenities like diving boards or specific play areas during these hours.

While the kids are in class, what parallel programs exist for parents—anything from yoga to woodworking workshops?

The Nicolet Rec Dept offers programs that cater to both kids and parents simultaneously. Offering Chess for the 2nd-8th graders and Ballroom Dance for adults on Tuesday evenings creates a convenient and engaging experience for the whole family. The proximity of the b-wing classroom and the cafeteria makes drop-off and participation easy.

If parents want to coach, teach, or volunteer, what pathways are available, and what kind of support or training do you provide?
Pathways for Parental Involvement:

• Volunteer Coaching/Assistant Coaching: Many youth sports leagues (including swim teams or other sports programs) rely on volunteer coaches. Parents with some background in the sport or a willingness to learn are often welcomed.

• Swim Lesson Aides/Assistants: Some swim schools or community centers might have opportunities for parent volunteers to assist instructors during lessons, especially for younger children or those with special needs.

• Team Parent/Volunteer Coordinator: This role often involves administrative tasks, organizing team events, and communicating with other parents. It's a vital support role for the coaches and the team.

• Lifeguard/Water Safety Aide (with certification): If a parent has or is willing to obtain lifeguard and CPR/First Aid certifications, they might be able to volunteer as a lifeguard during open swim times or assist with water safety during programs.

• The Nicolet Recreation Department offers the following American Red Cross programs for certification: babysitting, lifeguarding, pediatric cpr, adult cpr and much more.

How can families register for programs or learn more?
Families can learn more about the Nicolet Recreation Department by:

Website: https://www.nicolet.us/o/recreation
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicoletRecDept/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoletrecdept/
Phone: (414) 351-7566
Email: nate.brooks@nicolet.us