Free* and Low Cost Programs for All Ages
Late Spring/Summer 2026 Program Schedule
MONDAYS
- Strength Training & Fitness (9-11am)*
- Baby and Me: Music and Movement (10-11am)*
- Bridge (Alternating Mon 1-3pm)*
- Woven Wrap Baby Wearing Group (6-7pm, June 15, July 20, Aug 17)*
- Evening Tai Chi (6:30-7:30)*
TUESDAYS
- Albany Aikido (7:30am)
- Cooking Class (10am-12pm every other week)*
- Baby Cafe (11am-1pm, June 16)
WEDNESDAYS
- Strength Training & Fitness (9-11am)
- Mexican Train Dominoes (10am-12pm)*
- Pickleball Clinic/Practice (11am-12:30pm at Butler Park, starting June 3)*
- Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support & Memory Cafe for People with Symptoms (11am-12:30pm May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug 19, Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16)*
- Mah Jongg Club (1-3pm)*
- Paint & Drip Art Cafe
(6-8pm, May 20, June 17 ) - Girl Scouts Music for ALL Elementary Aged Kids Club (6-7pm, May 27, June 10, June 24)*
THURSDAYS
- Morning Tai Chi (9am)*
- Albany Aikido (7:30am)
- Story Writing (1-3pm)*
- Women’s Night Out (6-8pm, Aug 6)*
- Vegetable Fermentation (6-8pm, May 14)
FRIDAYS
- Tablet & Phone Tech Help By Appointment Email: Maggie@SHACcenter.org*
- Strength Training & Fitness (9-11am)*
- Lactation Support Group (10am-12pm, June 12, July 10, Aug 7)*
- Family Game Nights (5-7pm)*
- Community Ping Pong and Outdoor Games (6:30-8pm) *
SATURDAYS
- Pickleball Tournament (8:30am, June 20)
- Lactation Support Group (10am-12pm, June 27, July 25, Aug 22)*
- Women’s Self Defense (11am-1pm, May 30)
SUNDAYS
- Albany Aikido (10am)
SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS
Tablet & Phone Tech Help
By Appointment Email: Maggie@SHACcenter.org*
Mom Starts Here
Diaper Supply Program
By Appointment: Call/Text Lori 518-461-1439*
Community Events
Mom Starts Here - Baby Supplies for Families in Need
Mom Starts Here is a Capital Region nonprofit organization that walks with families along their parenting journey, providing support for their internal and external needs and enabling parents to show up their best for themselves and their children.
Starting November 1, 2025, the SHAC Center joins the Mom Starts Here network around the Capital Region. Once registered as a member of Mom Starts Here, families in need can arrange a scheduled appointment to pick up baby supplies right here at SHAC.
Pickleball Tournament - June 20
Time/Format:
Round Robin, 2-person teams, 8 teams in each of 2 levels. Intermediate starts at 8:30. Novice starts at 11:00. Fun and friendly, sponsored by the SHAC Community Center.
To Register:
Send email or text with team contact info to coordinator Karl Michael at sherwood216@gmail.com or 518-265-4446.
Teams can be any age (16+) or gender combo. Arrive 20 minutes before start for sign-in. You can also register as an individual, and be matched with another single, if possible.
Cost:
$30/team or $15/person. Pay at tournament
Summer Camps!
Golf 4 SHAC - 2026!
Golf 4 SHAC - 2026!
This year we are excited to offer 2 summer camps - Summer Circus Arts Camp and Summer Tennis Camp with Coach Joe!
The SHAC Summer Circus & Physical Theater Camp runs for four weeks from July 27 through August 28 and is designed to be flexible, engaging, and welcoming for campers ages 7–17.
Each week follows the same daily structure, with campers rotating through a variety of movement and creative studios led by experienced instructors. While the structure stays consistent, every week brings a new creative focus—so each session feels fresh and different. Campers are welcome to attend one week or multiple weeks, with no prior experience required.
SHAC Summer Tennis Camp for Kids
This is a fun two week Summer Tennis Camp for young beginners.
Registration is open for the full two week camp or you may choose just session 1 or just session 2.
The Camp Director is SHAC Tennis Pro “The Tennis Coach” Joe Behson. The Assistant Coaches are area High School tennis players.
Golf 4 SHAC - 2026!
Golf 4 SHAC - 2026!
Golf 4 SHAC - 2026!
Saturday July 11, 2026 - 11am
Golf-4-SHAC 2026
Burden Lake Country Club
We are officially back for the 3rd Annual Golf-4-SHAC Tournament! Join us on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Burden Lake Country Club for a day of competition and community.
As many of you know, the SHAC (Sky High Adventure Center) has become a vital hub in the Averill Park area - hosting everything from senior citizen services, our own Turkey Trot, yoga, and archery to camps, the Girl Scouts and Hudson Taconic Lands. Your participation helps us continue essential facility upgrades so we can expand into daycare, counseling, and more.
Low Cost Programs & Classes at SHAC
Paint & Drip Art Café
Local artist Ryan Smithson will host a Paint & Drip session every other Wednesday from 6-8pm.
Unlike a Paint & Sip that features alcohol, Paint & Drip is family friendly - offering drip coffee, teas, and pastries while you paint. All art supplies will be provided and coffee, teas, and pastries will be available for purchase.
Cost: $35
Register for the May 20 Class Here
Register for the June 17 Class Here
Rensselaer County Redtails Mountain Bike Team
The Rensselaer County Redtails is a composite youth mountain bike team in the New York Chapter of National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).
The Redtails are a SHAC Center program led by volunteer parents and coaches.
The team is open to all 5-12th grade students within Rensselaer County, NY and surrounding areas.
Women's Self Defense Class - May Class
Women's Self Defense Class - May Class
Join self defense instructor, Dan Prendergast, for an in person self defense workshop for women ages 16+. This class will help you learn and practice de-escalation techniques, situational awareness, as well as repeatable methods to protect yourself from common attacks. This one day session will be on Saturday, May 30 from 10am-12pm.
Cost: $20
Wilderness First Aid
Youth Strength and Conditioning with Dan Joyce
Women's Self Defense Class - May Class
Certified First Aid Instructor John Slyer will teach participants the basics of First Aid that can be used in situations where you are isolated in the wilderness. To register, contact John Slyer by email or text: 518-281-6480
SHAC Summer Tennis Camp for Children
Youth Strength and Conditioning with Dan Joyce
Youth Strength and Conditioning with Dan Joyce
Courtesy of Camp Director and SHAC Tennis Pro “The Tennis Coach” Joe Behson, young beginners (ages 7-12) are invited to join SHAC's two-week tennis camp between July 6th and July 16th.
Session 1: July 6-9 Monday through Thursday 9AM to 12:PM
Session 2: July 13-16 Monday through Thursday 9AM to 12:PM
Location: Averill Park High School Tennis Courts (an inclement weather make-up date will be available)
Cost: $300 for Both Sessions or $175 each session
Youth Strength and Conditioning with Dan Joyce
Youth Strength and Conditioning with Dan Joyce
Youth Strength and Conditioning with Dan Joyce
NOW EXTENDED THROUGH END OF MAY!
Improve athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and promote long-term physical development through safe, structured, and age-appropriate training.
The program will focus on developing strength, speed, power, agility, mobility, and conditioning while teaching proper lifting technique and movement fundamentals.
Tuesday and Thursday, 3:30-5pm
16 sessions, March 3 - April 23
$160 or $15 a session
NEW! NOTICE - NEW TIME!
Tuesday and Thursday, 2:40-4:30pm
8 sessions, May 5 - May 28
$110 or $15 a session
For ages 10-17/Bus transportation will be provided by school district from middle and high school
Introduction to Vegetable Fermentation
Instructor Erin Walsh, a certified Master Food Preserver Cornell Cooperative Extension will teach a hands-on fermentation class on Thursday, May 14 from 6 - 8pm. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of vegetable fermentation by making sauerkraut and a seasonal fermented pickle using two different methods. At the end of the class, attendees with leave with a jar of their own creation to enjoy.
Circus Arts Camp
The SHAC Summer Circus & Physical Theater Camp runs for four weeks from July 27 through August 28 and is designed to be flexible, engaging, and welcoming for campers ages 7–17.
Each week follows the same daily structure, with campers rotating through a variety of movement and creative studios led by experienced instructors. While the structure stays consistent, every week brings a new creative focus—so each session feels fresh and different. Campers are welcome to attend one week or multiple weeks, with no prior experience required.
FREE Programs & Classes at SHAC
Strength Training & Fitness
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
Strength Training & Fitness
Join instructor John Slyer in gym sessions that allow participants to use equipment at SHAC to exercise. These sessions are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am-11am at SHAC and open to all 18+. A donation of $5 is suggested for each class attended.
Story Writing
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
Strength Training & Fitness
Join Karl Michael as he leads a story writing workshop for creative individuals 18 years and older. This workshop is held on Thursdays from 1pm-3pm.
A suggested Donation of$5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
Volunteers Maggie and Marcia lead a tech help class for seniors on Fridays by appointment only. Instructors will help set up email accounts, provide tips for texting, and more. You may bring in any smartphones or tablets that you would like assistance with.
Contact Maggie at maggie@shaccenter.org to make an appointment.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Albany Aikido Class
Albany Aikido Class
Tablet/Smartphone Help for Seniors
Aikido is a non-competitive martial art from Japan that focuses on using an opponent’s energy and flowing, graceful movements to redirect the opponent into a throw or a pin to defuse a hostile situation.
Aikido is suitable for all ages, body types, and fitness levels.
Tue 7:30am, Thur 7:30am, Sun 10:00am
More information about registration can be found at albanyaikido.com or by calling Nan at
518-629-5925
Cooking Class
Albany Aikido Class
Mah Jongg Club
Learn simple recipes and cooking basics with instructor, Candylee Budesheim. Cooking class will take place every other Tuesday from 10am-12pm at SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Mah Jongg Club
Albany Aikido Class
Mah Jongg Club
Join Debi Michael at SHAC to participate in our Mah Jongg Club! This club will meet every Wednesday from 1pm-3pm.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Our caregiver support group and memory café offers a supportive, welcoming environment for caregivers and their loved ones who are experiencing memory loss due to Alzheimer’s or dementia.
This group will meet at SHAC from
11am-12:30pm on the following days of each month: May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug 19, Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16.
No reservation required. All are welcome to attend!
Community Ping Pong and Outdoor Games
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Join Karl Michael for free community games! This is a casual time for players of all experience levels to play in a relaxed environment. Ping Pong and Outdoor Ganes will take place on Fridays from 6:30-8pm at SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Mexican Train Dominoes
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and Memory Café for People with Symptoms
Mexican Train Dominoes
Join instructor Maryann Francis who will be hosting a dominoes playing group (Mexican Train style) on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm at SHAC.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Bridge Club
Intro to Tai Chi (mornings and evenings)
Intro to Tai Chi (mornings and evenings)
Come together to play Bridge hosted by Pat Mulligan. This club will meet every other Monday from 1-3pm starting June 8, 2026.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Intro to Tai Chi (mornings and evenings)
Intro to Tai Chi (mornings and evenings)
Intro to Tai Chi (mornings and evenings)
We are so excited to have a Tai Chi offering!
Thomas has more than ten years of experience as a ski instructor, and in recent years has gotten into tai chi as a way to help his golf game. He is happy to share his passion with us at SHAC! The group will meet on Thursdays starting March 12 from 9-10am and Monday evenings in May and June from 6:30-7:30.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Romantasy Book Club
Intro to Tai Chi (mornings and evenings)
SHAC is hosting a brand new monthly Romantasy Book Club!
We'll be meeting in the SHAC library room on comfy couches surrounded by books! Feel free to bring a thermos of tea or coffee and make yourself at home. We'll be having an organic chat about our favorite parts, plot holes, sequel theories, and whatever else people are interested in. If you have any book suggestions within the Romantasy genre please bring them (including a title and short description). At the end of the meeting we'll vote on what we should read next!
Due to suggestive themes, this club is for anyone and everyone age 18+.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Lactation Peer Support Group Fridays and Saturdays
SHAC is hosting a bimonthly Lactation Peer Support Group in our Lobby.
Please join if you are pregnant, nursing a newborn, nursing a toddler, or have completed your nursing journey. Support people are also encouraged to join!
Dates are May 15th, May 30th, June 12th, June 27th, July 10th, July 25th, Aug 7th and Aug 22nd. All events take place from 10am-12pm.
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Baby and Me Music and Movement
Bring your children (ages 0-5) to share the joy of music and movement. This group will meet every Monday from 10-11am starting Mar 3, 2026. No reservation required. Just show up!
A suggested Donation of $5/$10 is appreciated and not required
Summer 2026 Programs and NEW SHAC Center Programs & Classes
Sign up for SHAC Center Programs with the SportsEngine registration platform!
When you register for classes at SHAC, you will be asked to create an account with our new class registration service, SportsEngine. With this service, you can view class schedules, contact the instructors of a class, and access program/class information directly from the SportsEngine Motion mobile app!
SportsEngine Motion App for Android Devices: HERE
SportsEngine Motion App for Apple Devices: HERE
NOTE: A valid phone number and email address will be required to set up an account, contact instructors, and receive order confirmations.
Mom Starts Here - Baby Support Program for Families in Need
About Mom Starts Here
Mom Starts Here is a Capital Region nonprofit organization that walks with families along their parenting journey, providing support for their internal and external needs and enabling parents to show up their best for themselves and their children.
Starting November 1, 2025, the SHAC Center joins the Mom Starts Here network around the Capital Region. Once registered as a member of Mom Starts Here, families in need can arrange a scheduled appointment to pick up baby supplies right here at SHAC.