Students learn the rules and concepts of chess, tournament procedures and etiquette, and the knowledge to participate in a casual or competitive game with family or friends. This is the perfect class for a new player or novice player looking to increase confidence in his or her game. In the first half of each class, world champion openings, ideas in the middle game, endgame patterns, tactical motifs and elements are examined and discussed. For the remainder of the class, students will be given the opportunity to play against one another in our weekly club tournament.

Join Christa Aylward, owner of Sweets By Christa, in an introductory baking experience! Learn the basics of decorating, designs, and assembly. Christa is an award winning cake artist with over 14 years of cake decorating and baking experience, whom was recently featured on Food Network's Halloween Baking Championship. Please note that we cannot guarantee absence of food allergens such as nuts, gluten, and dairy during this class. If your child has an allergy to certain foods, we would recommend contacting a member of the Preschool, Youth & Teen Program Team prior to registering.

Valentine's Cookie Cakes: Learn the tips and tricks to creating an extra large Valentines-themed cookie cake. Learn how to stack a cookie cake, create small buttercream flowers and designs, and correctly hold and assemble a piping bag to create beautiful buttercream art on the cookie cakes. Each participant creates and takes desserts at the end of each program along with the piping tips so they can re-create buttercream designs at home.

Join Señora Alejandra, from Honduras, for an exciting journey into the Spanish language! Our Spanish Beginners class is tailored for elementary-age students eager to start their adventure. In this engaging program, students focus on actively communicating with native pronunciation while developing their reading and writing skills through interactive student-to-student activities. Each session introduces new content, ensuring a fresh experience—our curriculum does not repeat for three years. Students will build their vocabulary and learn simple everyday sentences through age-appropriate activities, including games, conversation practice, songs, and crafts. Additionally, every two weeks, we highlight a new descriptive theme to further enhance language advancement. Come and explore the world of Spanish in a fun and supportive environment!

Let the pencil magic begin! This program is a celebration of the expressive power of pencils and the boundless world of illustration. With just a pencil, a sketchbook, and some creativity, each participant will bring their imagination to life and leave with a masterpiece of their own. Highlights:

Pencil Power: Learn the versatility and techniques of pencil drawing, including shading, cross-hatching, and other fundamental pencil skills.

Illustration Exploration: Uncover the secrets of illustration and storytelling through pencil sketches. Develop the ability to express emotions, movements, and stories through illustrations.

Creative Prompts and Challenges: Engage in creative prompts designed to ignite your artistic imagination, and experiment with various themes and styles.

Sketchbook Adventures: Receive dedicated sketchbook pages to document your artistic exploration. Fill your pages with doodles, sketches, and evolution of your creative journey.

Join us for our Clay Creations Workshop, an engaging and interactive experience where you can craft your own ceramic masterpiece using hand-building techniques. Designed for both beginners and experienced artists, this workshop features a skilled instructor who will guide you through every step of the process. In the first class, participants will gather to create their ceramic pieces using hand-building techniques. One week later, you’ll return to glaze your creations, allowing for personal expression and creativity in your artwork. Finally, one week after glazing, you can pick up your completed ceramic projects, ensuring your beautiful creations are ready in time to celebrate the holiday.

Project Pickup Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025, starting at 6PM.

Join us for an exciting journey into the world of art, perfect for anyone eager to explore and develop their creative skills! In the Saturday Art Club, young artists build a strong foundation in drawing, watercolor, and acrylic painting through a variety of engaging projects.

Each class introduces new techniques and concepts, allowing participants to continually expand their artistic skills. Our step-by-step instruction ensures that everyone creates a successful piece of artwork while fostering personal growth and improvement. With each session focusing on different topics and projects, there's always something new to learn and discover.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, the Saturday Art Club offers a supportive environment where creativity thrives and every artist can flourish!

Learn fundamental concepts about controlling computer games, such as movement, aiming and strategizing. Additionally, learn how to effectively communicate with teammates, while working together to overcome in-game challenges. Various games, including Fortnite and Rocket League, are explored and played in the Respawn Lounge at the DCRC.

Learn various coding concepts and languages through the game of Minecraft: Education Edition. Explore Block-Style coding through lessons that incorporate learning and playing. Make changes in Minecraft that are not achieved through traditional game play. Walk away with a fundamental grasp of computer coding.

Would your child know what to do if they have forgotten their house key? What if they are home alone and they are choking? Our Kidz Home Alone class will give you and your child peace of mind when home alone. As creators of this class, we thought of every home alone scenario possible, and provide solutions for all of those ‘what-if’s”. This course is designed to teach your child about being home alone safely. An informative parent guide is included in the student manual and provides an avenue for discussion between parent and child. This engaging and interactive class is fun and includes guest speakers from the local Police and Fire Departments (when available).

Participate in the Fall Nature Education Series, conducted by Barbara Ray, our very own Nature Education Coordinator. This season, immerse yourself and your family in the wonders of nature with a variety of engaging and educational programs designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. From exploring the banks of the Scioto River to getting hands-on with soil samples and meeting woodland creatures, there is something for everyone to enjoy and learn from this spring. Parent participation required.

Water Wonders Hike: Join us for a fascinating exploration along the Scioto River at Amberleigh Park during our Water Wonders Hike. Participants will engage in activities at the river's edge, learning about its ecosystem, wildlife, and the importance of water conservation in our community.

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that incorporates self-defense moves, hand techniques, and a variety of kicks. Ji Do Kwon is one of the oldest forms of Tae Kwon Do, dating back 2000 years. Traditional, Ji Do Kwon training focuses on discipline through formal practice in a non-contact format. Ji Do Kwon Tae Kwon Do includes kicking, punching, striking, blocking, and formal patterns called forms. Training is continuous from white belt through black belt rank. Martial artists learn discipline and respect while they are exercising, having fun, and making new friends. Students progress to increasing belt levels at their own pace. When ready, they have the opportunity to participate in promotional tests (for an additional fee) to increase their rank and qualify to learn advanced techniques. Uniforms can be purchased from the instructor for an additional fee.

Have a great time learning the sport of volleyball with Bally Sports Group staff! Build skills in the sport through development of passing, setting, blocking, and serving. Each week includes modified games that help players learn spacing on the court, communication with teammates, and moving to the ball. Open to both new and skilled players. Knee Pads are recommended, but not required. Program fee includes a soft fit team shirt.

Learn the fundamentals of basketball with Bally Sports Group. Each week incorporates instruction on the fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding, defense, and the concept of game play. Build an understanding of the skills by utilizing fun terminology and engaging activities. Open to both new and skilled players. Program fee includes a soft fit team shirt. Due to the age of participants, parents/guardians must remain on site for bathroom breaks, behavioral interventions or additional assistance.

Join Bally Sports Group and discover the fastest-growing sport in the area! Each week is divided into two segments: instruction and gameplay. Participants will learn essential skills such as forehands, backhands, dinks, overheads, and serves. Participants also gain a solid understanding of the game’s rules and basic strategies. Our program is designed to leave kids excited about what they have learned while encouraging ongoing participation in the sport. Plus, it provides a great opportunity for quality physical activity! Program fee includes a soft fit team shirt.

Join Coach Kyle for a fast-paced basketball training program designed for players of all skill levels who want to enhance their game. This session combines dynamic warm-ups, conditioning workouts, targeted drills, and small-group gameplay to maintain high energy and engagement. Players will focus on key areas including:

Ball-handling: Sharpening control and creativity with the basketball.

Shooting: Improving accuracy and consistency from various spots on the court.

Footwork: Enhancing agility and movement to create scoring opportunities.

Offensive Techniques: Mastering advanced strategies to navigate around defenders

Overall Sportsmanship: Promoting a competitive yet respectful approach to the game.

This small-group format is ideal for both new players and those looking to build confidence and elevate their performance to the next level!

Students learn the rules and concepts of chess, tournament procedures and etiquette, and the knowledge to participate in a casual or competitive game with family or friends. This is the perfect class for a new player or novice player looking to increase confidence in their game. In the first half of each class, world champion openings, ideas in the middle game, endgame patterns, tactical motifs and elements are examined and discussed. For the remainder of the class, students will be given the opportunity to play against one another in our weekly club tournament.

Enroll your child in our dynamic Saturday program and ignite their passion for STEM through the thrilling world of coding and robotics! Specifically crafted for young minds, this enriching class introduces the fascinating Codey Rocky robot, designed to captivate with challenges like BattleBot showdowns, andlaser tag competitions, all while reinforcing the core principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This session provides a step towards mastering problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, facilitated by our seasoned instructors through interactive, hands-on projects. This course promises not just to lay a robust foundation in coding and robotics but also to equip your child with essential future skills.

Join us for our Clay Creations Workshop, an engaging and interactive experience where you can craft your own ceramic masterpiece using hand-building techniques. Designed for both beginners and experienced artists, this workshop features a skilled instructor who will guide you through every step of the process. In the first class, participants will gather to create their ceramic pieces using hand-building techniques. One week later, you’ll return to glaze your creations, allowing for personal expression and creativity in your artwork. Finally, one week after glazing, you can pick up your completed ceramic projects, ensuring your beautiful creations are ready in time to celebrate the holiday.

Project Pickup Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025, starting at 6PM.

Join us for an exciting journey into the world of art, perfect for anyone eager to explore and develop their creative skills! In the Saturday Art Club, young artists build a strong foundation in drawing, watercolor, and acrylic painting through a variety of engaging projects.

Each class introduces new techniques and concepts, allowing participants to continually expand their artistic skills. Our step-by-step instruction ensures that everyone creates a successful piece of artwork while fostering personal growth and improvement. With each session focusing on different topics and projects, there's always something new to learn and discover.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, the Saturday Art Club offers a supportive environment where creativity thrives and every artist can flourish!

Step into the Arena! Ready to level up your skills? Join us for an action-packed intro to the world of competitive fighting games! Discover the history and excitement of the Fighting Game Community (FGC) while battling it out in games like Street Fighter, Multiversus, and Brawlhalla. Along the way, participants build valuable skills like pattern recognition, abstract problem-solving, thinking on your feet, and mastering cool hand-eye moves. It’s all about fun, focus, and friendly competition! Are you up for the challenge?

Take a deep dive into the education of coding languages through the game of Minecraft: Education Edition. Utilize real-world coding language 'Python' to alter the game of Minecraft. Walk away with a firm understanding of Python coding concepts like AI programming, conditionals, variables and functions. A basic level of coding understanding is helpful but not required.

Explore the fundamentals of video creation in this program. Learn how to create and edit video based footage collected through a camera or screen recordings. Learn new techniques, how to import video and stills, chroma keying, create subtitles, layer in additional media (images, music, multiple videos) and basic audio management. Even learn some techniques the pros use on YouTube! Walk away with a fundamental understanding of how to create and edit your own video.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our Ancient Ohio Survival program, nestled in the heart of an archaeological site, Ferris Wright Park. This immersive program transports participants back in time to explore the fascinating survival skills of the ancient Hopewell Culture while connecting with nature in a unique setting. Highlights:

Throwing Spears with Atlatl: Delve into the ancient art of spear throwing and atlatl use. Learn techniques for accuracy, distance, and the historical significance of these tools.

Flint Knapping: Try your hand at the skill of shaping stone tools using traditional methods passed down through generations.

Hopewell Culture History: Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Hopewell Culture that once thrived in Ohio. Explore ancient artifacts, hear captivating stories, and gain insights into their ingenious survival techniques.

Join us at Ferris-Wright Park for a day of hands-on learning, adventure, and discovery!

Participate in the Fall Nature Education Series, conducted by Barbara Ray, our very own Nature Education Coordinator. This season, immerse yourself and your family in the wonders of nature with a variety of engaging and educational programs designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. From exploring the banks of the Scioto River to getting hands-on with soil samples and meeting woodland creatures, there is something for everyone to enjoy and learn from this spring. Parent participation required.

Make it & Take it: Kids will love our "Make it and Take it" session, where they can choose their own table-top sized pots and select 3-4 plants to plant in them. After decorating their pots and adding garden decorations, they'll create their very own mini-garden to nurture and enjoy at home.

Join the Upcycle Academy Fashion Workshops and dive into the dynamic world of sustainable fashion! Whether you are a seasoned fashionista or just starting to explore your creative side, these workshops are designed to inspire and educate through hands-on activities that blend creativity with eco-consciousness.

Led by industry experts from fashion capitals like New York and Los Angeles, alongside current students from Kent State University. Learn fashion design principles through engaging, educational activities that promise both learning and fun. All necessary apparel and upcycling materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own for a truly personalized touch.

Bestie Sweats Collection: Get ready to revamp your wardrobe with personalized touches. Splice and style your sweats for a coordinated look, then decorate them with trims, heat transfers, patches, and embroideries to create a truly personalized creation. All materials are provided, ensuring a seamless crafting experience from start to finish. Sign up with your bestie and create a matching pair of sweats together!

Whether you are looking to learn the latest fashion trends, experiment with sustainable practices, or simply have a blast creating with friends, the Upcycle Academy Fashion Workshops are your gateway to innovative design and sustainable fashion exploration.

Bally Sports Group Minor League Baseball is a great introduction to coach-pitch baseball for beginning baseball players! Skills taught include batting, fielding, throwing and catching. The program also includes both practice and a modified, non-competitive game each week. Bally Sports’ staff leads each team’s instruction, although parent participation is strongly encouraged. Bally Sports strives to emphasize the importance of great sportsmanship by creating an encouraging atmosphere that helps players build self-esteem and encourage future participation. Participants bring their own baseball glove; all other equipment provided by Bally Sports Group. Program fee includes a team hat and soft fit team shirt. Due to the age of participants, parents/guardians must remain on site for bathroom breaks, behavioral interventions or additional assistance.

Skyhawks Beginning Golf is powered by Payne Stewart Golf Experiences, the recommended entry-level golf program for PGA Junior Golf Camps. The unique, games-based play program and modified learning equipment make it easier for kids to hit the ball and experience early success. Putting, chipping, pitching and full swing, are all taught through games, simple repetitive motions and learning rhymes that make it easy for young kids to remember and repeat. Specially designed, age-appropriate golf equipment is provided by Skyhawks Sports Academy—this includes customized versions of golf clubs and balls. Due to the age of participants, parents/guardians must remain on site for bathroom breaks, behavioral interventions or additional assistance.

Join Coach Kyle for a fast-paced basketball training program designed for players of all skill levels who want to enhance their game. This session combines dynamic warm-ups, conditioning workouts, targeted drills, and small-group gameplay to maintain high energy and engagement. Players will focus on key areas including:

Ball-handling: Sharpening control and creativity with the basketball.

Shooting: Improving accuracy and consistency from various spots on the court.

Footwork: Enhancing agility and movement to create scoring opportunities.

Offensive Techniques: Mastering advanced strategies to navigate around defenders

Overall Sportsmanship: Promoting a competitive yet respectful approach to the game.

This small-group format is ideal for both new players and those looking to build confidence and elevate their performance to the next level!

Get the kids up and moving on a Saturday morning! This introduction to tennis includes lead-up games to develop coordination and strength, followed by ball control drills using forehand and backhand. Serve and volley are introduced. Participants need to bring their own tennis racquet; tennis balls are provided. Due to the age of participants, parents/guardians must remain on site for bathroom breaks, behavioral interventions or additional assistance.

Grab your racquet and meet Coach Rick at the tennis courts! Lessons include an introduction to basic tennis skills, including racquet handling, forehand and backhand ground strokes, rallying, sportsmanship and rules knowledge. An introduction to more volleying and serving completes this 5-lesson package. Participants need to bring their own tennis racquet and water bottle; tennis balls are provided. Due to the age of participants, parents/guardians must remain on site for bathroom breaks, behavioral interventions or additional assistance.

Students learn the rules and concepts of chess, tournament procedures and etiquette, and the knowledge to participate in a casual or competitive game with family or friends. This is the perfect class for a new player or novice player looking to increase confidence in his or her game. In the first half of each class, world champion openings, ideas in the middle game, endgame patterns, tactical motifs and elements are examined and discussed. For the remainder of the class, students will be given the opportunity to play against one another in our weekly club tournament.

Join us for an exciting journey into the world of art, perfect for anyone eager to explore and develop their creative skills! In the Saturday Art Club, young artists build a strong foundation in drawing, watercolor, and acrylic painting through a variety of engaging projects.

Each class introduces new techniques and concepts, allowing participants to continually expand their artistic skills. Our step-by-step instruction ensures that everyone creates a successful piece of artwork while fostering personal growth and improvement. With each session focusing on different topics and projects, there's always something new to learn and discover.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, the Saturday Art Club offers a supportive environment where creativity thrives and every artist can flourish!

Are you ready to take your esports abilities to the next level? Go beyond the basics to learn in depth strategies and advanced techniques. Work together with your team to create multi-step game plans to lead you to the finish line. Enhance your communication skills, teamwork fundamentals and problem solving skills. This program takes place in the Respawn Lounge at the DCRC.

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that incorporates self-defense moves, hand techniques, and a variety of kicks. Ji Do Kwon is one of the oldest forms of Tae Kwon Do, dating back 2000 years. Traditional, Ji Do Kwon training focuses on discipline through formal practice in a non-contact format. Ji Do Kwon Tae Kwon Do includes kicking, punching, striking, blocking, and formal patterns called forms. Training is continuous from white belt through black belt rank. Martial artists learn discipline and respect while they are exercising, having fun, and making new friends. Students progress to increasing belt levels at their own pace. When ready, they have the opportunity to participate in promotional tests (for an additional fee) to increase their rank and qualify to learn advanced techniques. Uniforms can be purchased from the instructor for an additional fee.

Learn dance basics, counting, choreography, coordination, and more - all set to Kpop music! Kpop is fun, happy, and wholesome music that is perfect for kids. This class consists of a warm-up, dance routine, and freestyle dance party at the end of each class. Learn a line dance and dance with pom poms, while fully immersed in Kpop for the entire 45 minutes. Parents receive a playlist, so kids can practice at home and listen to songs that quickly become their Kpop favorites. Due to the age of participants, parents/guardians must remain on site for bathroom breaks, behavioral interventions or additional assistance.

Open to all skill levels, Coach Kyle will take basketball players through a series of dynamic warm ups and conditioning workouts, skills and drills training, and small-group game play. Throughout the session, players will develop in the following categories: ball-handling, shooting, footwork, offensive techniques, and overall sportsmanship. This small group format is perfect for new players or for those looking to increase confidence in their game.