🍂 Fall Registration Is Now Open!

Kids have a natural curiosity, creativity, and desire to explore. At FIRST®, we believe STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) provides the perfect opportunity to inspire innovation, build confidence, and develop lifelong problem-solving skills. Through hands-on, project-based learning, FIRST® LEGO® League introduces students to engineering, coding, and teamwork in a fun, inclusive, and creative environment. Participants work together to solve an annual themed robotics challenge while developing critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. FIRST® LEGO® League Explore (Grades K–3) Explore introduces younger students to the fundamentals of engineering and robotics. Teams investigate real-world problems, learn basic design and coding concepts, and create unique solutions using LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential. Teams include up to 6 participants Each team is led by two adult volunteer coaches FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge (Grades 4–6) Challenge builds on those foundational skills through research, engineering, programming, and friendly competition. Teams design, build, and program a LEGO robot to complete missions on the annual FIRST® LEGO® League competition field while presenting an innovative solution to a real-world problem. Teams include up to 8 participants Each team is led by two adult volunteer coaches Pre-Season Information Meeting Tuesday, August 18 Registration for the Pre-Season Information Meeting is required for all families interested in participating in FIRST® LEGO® League this season. During the meeting, we'll: Explain the team formation process Review the season schedule and expectations Discuss volunteer coaching opportunities Answer questions about both the Explore and Challenge programs Team Formation Because FIRST® LEGO® League relies on volunteer parent coaches, the number of teams we can offer each season depends on the number of adults willing to coach. Following the information meeting, teams will be formed based on several factors, including: Previous participation Grade level Coach availability Parent willingness to volunteer Children of volunteer coaches and mentors receive priority placement because each additional volunteer helps us expand opportunities for students to participate. Once teams have been finalized, selected families will receive an invitation to enroll for the season. Volunteer Coaching No robotics, engineering, or programming experience is required! Coaches organize and facilitate weekly team meetings, keep students engaged, and help guide the team through the season. Teams typically meet one evening each week, with meeting days and times determined by each coaching team. Parents will have the opportunity to volunteer as coaches during registration for the information meeting. Please note: We will make every effort to group participants by grade level and keep returning teammates together whenever possible. However, final team assignments are based on coach availability, enrollment, and the overall makeup of registered participants.

Discover how things move with science! Each day we'll learn about a different realm of the scientific world. We'll become a zoologist and study the exciting world of birds, including examining owl pellets to see what an owl cannot digest. Join a team of camper engineers and build bridges, domes, cubes, and pyramids. We'll even put on a lab coat and become chemists for the day and make crystal gardens. Jr. Scientists will love constructing birdhouses, completing challenging puzzles, concoct chemistry based creations and explore the many fun sides of science!

Brixology Camp sets the foundation for our next generation of makers! Children learn about different types of engineering and then team up to construct a different engineering-themed project using LEGO® bricks. We’ll learn about aerospace engineering while assembling a space station. We’ll explore mechanical engineering as we build boats and vehicles. That's not all! From carnival rides to drawing machines, mechanical animals to truss bridges, your future engineer will build upon their creativity to solve real-world design challenges, while developing their problem-solving and team-building skills. Let the tinkering begin! Campers receive daily custom Mad Science take homes.

FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) gives middle school students the opportunity to design, build, and program a competition robot while developing engineering, coding, and teamwork skills in a collaborative, real-world environment. Each season, teams are presented with a new challenge that requires students to apply the engineering design process, learn programming concepts, and work together to develop creative solutions. Throughout the season, participants build technical skills while strengthening communication, leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Teams typically include 12 participants and are led by adult volunteer coaches and mentors. Pre-Season Information Meeting TBA Registration for the Pre-Season Information Meeting is required for all families interested in participating in FIRST® Tech Challenge this season. During the meeting, we'll: Explain the team formation process Review the season schedule and expectations Discuss volunteer coaching and mentoring opportunities Answer questions about the program and competition season Team Formation Because FIRST® Tech Challenge relies on volunteer coaches and mentors, the number of teams we can offer each season depends on the number of adults willing to volunteer. Following the information meeting, teams will be formed based on several factors, including: Previous participation Robotics experience Parent willingness to volunteer Children of volunteer coaches and mentors receive priority placement because each additional volunteer helps us expand opportunities for students to participate. Once teams have been finalized, selected families will receive an invitation to enroll for the season. Volunteer Coaching & Mentoring No robotics, engineering, or programming experience is required! Coaches and mentors help organize weekly team meetings, support students as they design, build, and program their robot, and encourage teamwork throughout the season. Teams typically meet days each week.

This course is designed to offer a rich and immersive learning experience in the Spanish language and culture. Beginning with the basics for younger students, the course introduces foundational elements such as vocabulary, common phrases, and basic grammar, using engaging and interactive methods Songs Games Storytelling As students progress, the curriculum evolves to cover more complex linguistic structures, including: Advanced grammar Vocabulary expansion Conversational fluency Cultural insights into the diverse Spanish-speaking world The course is crafted to be dynamic and comprehensive, employing a variety of educational tools to ensure a diverse and engaging learning experience. The ultimate goal is to build fluency in Spanish, foster cultural appreciation, and equip students with the linguistic skills necessary for academic success and personal enrichment.

In this program, children make gooey slime, experiment with different reactions and learn to use the tools that chemists use. Fascinating concepts young scientists explore in this thrilling trip through the chemistry lab will include: Polymers Catalysts At the end of every class, they take home an educational toy that extends the learning experience!

Join us for Brixology, brought to you by Mad Science! Using LEGO® bricks, build a different engineering-themed project in each class. Explore engineering fields including: Mechanical Structural Aerospace Nautical Bioengineering Use critical thinking, cooperation, and creative problem-solving to test and improve creations. Experience extended learning with a take home toy to reinforce each concept!

This course is an introduction to comic book creation, designed to provide students with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to create their own comics. Through a combination of hands-on activities, discussions, and analysis of existing comic books, students will explore the key elements of storytelling, character development, panel layout, dialogue, and visual aesthetics.

Get ready for a messy, creative adventure! In this exciting camp, kids will dive into hands-on science and unleash their creativity by making a variety of slimes and concoctions. From stretchy, colorful slimes to fun, unique creations, this camp is the perfect mix of science, play, and imagination. It's a fun way for kids to experiment with textures, colors, and shapes while learning the magic behind their gooey masterpieces.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of graphic design, blending creativity with technical skills to create visually compelling projects. Students will learn about layout, typography, color theory, and branding while using industry-standard design software to produce digital and print-ready materials. Through hands-on projects, students will develop their ability to communicate ideas effectively and apply design elements to real-world challenges, such as advertisements, logos, and social media graphics. The course emphasizes problem-solving, originality, and attention to detail, and fun! Required to bring: A laptop/computer from home

In this hands-on course, students will discover the art of working with air-dry clay, exploring the basics of clay tools, textures, and techniques. They’ll create their own unique pieces each session, learning sculpting methods and experimenting with different textures and finishes. Projects include fun and functional items like sculptures, personalized mugs, and more. This class is perfect for young artists looking to express themselves through clay while developing new artistic skills.

Sing, move, and make music together! The Dexter Children's Chorus, led by DEEC Music teacher, Molly Hampsey and Wylie Music teacher, Andrea Lindback, introduces young singers to healthy vocal technique, musicianship, and performance skills in a fun and supportive environment. Students will build confidence, develop teamwork, and explore a variety of musical styles while preparing for an exciting performance in December. If you love the Spring Music concerts, this ensemble is for you!

Theater After School: Part 2 is the middle school continuation of Miss Jenn's beloved "Theater After School" class, but this section is taught by Miss Mattie! End your school week with acting, games, and creativity that will culminate in a final performance for family and friends. Whether you've never set foot onstage, or have been in the spotlight all your life, this class is for you! Work together to learn about character development, theatrical movement techniques, and confidence building through acting, movement, and teamwork! Please bring a 3-ring binder and a pencil to class. Dress to move!

This class is the American Red Cross' babysitter's training The class will prepare you to become one of the most capable, trusted and in-demand sitters in your neighborhood. Babysitter training manual and certificate of completion included in class fee. Class topics include Leadership Safety Basic care First aid Professionalism Students must be at least 11 years old by class start date and must attend all hours to receive the certification. Students may bring a water bottle to class.

Surprise! More Science brought to you by Mad Science Kids will unbox the surprising world of science as they explore a new STEM topic in each class! From forensics and geology to meteorology, entomology, and mechanical engineering, students will discover a variety of exciting scientific fields through hands-on activities and experiments. Along the way, they’ll build foundational science knowledge to support future learning and inspire curiosity about the world around them.