Growing Outdoors at MATES

Fall Trimester Registration – Now Open!

Fall Trimester Registration Closes September 10th

Fall Trimester Exploratory descriptions are listed below

  • Fall Trimester Exploratories will begin on Monday, September 15th.
  • Exploratories will meet 7-9 times, depending on the day of the week and the grade level.
  • Exploratories take place Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday each week.
  • Exploratories are divided into two age groups: TK-Kindergarten and First-Fifth Grades
  • Registration must be completed and submitted online.
  • Any late registrations are at the discretion of the Growing Outdoors Director based on enrollment and staffing.
  • All late registrations will be charged a fee of $25 per child.

*Please note that these are the exploratories being offered for the Fall Trimester (September 15 – November 21).

Click to Register Your Student for:

TK-Kindergarten Exploratories: Fall Trimester
(Select the tabs below to see all options)

Academic Chess!  – 1:40pm – 2:35pm
We are devoted to promoting the merits of chess among children by using stories, dances, and catchy songs to make the game of chess exciting and easy to understand. Children participating in our program: Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills; Have better concentration and mental discipline; Gain confidence and have lots of FUN!!!  All students in the chess club receive an exclusive Academic Chess workbook, prizes for good sportsmanship and participate in the “BIG TOURNAMENT” on the last day where all kids take home a prize! New and returning students are welcome!
Cost: $225 (9 Classes) Class Dates: September 15, 22, 29; October 6, 13, 27; November 3, 10, 17 (No class: October 20)

Adventures in Watercolor! – 1:30pm – 2:30pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to TK-5th Grade students! There will be two exploratory groups: TK-1st Grade & 2nd Grade-5th Grade
Here’s where you learn how to draw and paint! In this class, students learn the basics of painting pictures – from shadows, shapes, and colors to portraits, landscapes, and comics. Kids will end this program with new skills, greater confidence, and visual and creative thinking skills that will last a lifetime. All levels of experience are welcome! The class is taught by local painter Miles Lewis who will guide beginning students through fun fresh projects and happily help more advanced artists to develop the skills for their own picture ideas. All materials are included. Students will have paintings to take home every week.
Cost: $215 (7 Classes) Class Dates: September 16, 30; October 7, 14, 28; November 4, 18 (No Class: September 23; October 21; November 11)

Yoga for Youngsters! – 1:40pm – 2:35pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Such a fun way to spend the afternoon learning all about Yoga through games, songs, instruments, and storytelling. Students will learn Yoga poses, as well as Meditation! Coach Cory comes with her large bag full of fun manipulatives, teaching students how to cope with everyday feelings through breath work as well! Yoga helps with strengthening gross motor skills, Focus and concentration plus helps students regulate their own emotions, all the wild helping students set up for future success in a fun filled supportive environment!
Come join this new and innovative Yoga class!

Cost: $220 (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 18, 25; October 9, 16, 30; November 6, 13, 20 (No Class: October 2, 23)

Young Ninjas: Patient Spider! – 1:40pm – 2:35pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
For eons, people of the world recoiled in fear at the sight of a spider. But the truth is, a spider’s greatest skill is its patience. To earn your YELLOW headband, you must display great PATIENCE, just like a spider.  

Young Ninjas is a high-energy program introducing children to fundamental martial arts elements, like blocks, kicks, strikes, and the all-important KI-YAH! Through skill training, fun games, creative challenges, and Pad work on foam targets, children develop self-confidence and learn to enjoy being physically active in a non-contact setting. KI-YAH!
Cost: $275 (9 Classes) Class Dates: September 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 31; November 7, 14, 21 (No Class: October 24)

1st – 5th Grade Exploratories: Fall Trimester
(Select the tabs below to see all options)

Academic Chess!  – 2:55pm – 3:55pm
We are devoted to promoting the merits of chess among children by using stories, dances, and catchy songs to make the game of chess exciting and easy to understand. Children participating in our program: Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills; Have better concentration and mental discipline; Gain confidence and have lots of FUN!!!  All students in the chess club receive an exclusive Academic Chess workbook, prizes for good sportsmanship and participate in the “BIG TOURNAMENT” on the last day where all kids take home a prize! New and returning students are welcome!
Cost: $225 (9 Classes) Class Dates: September 15, 22, 29; October 6, 13, 27; November 3, 10, 17 (No class: October 20)

Adventures in Watercolor!  – 1:30pm – 2:30pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to TK-5th Grade students! There will be two exploratory groups: TK-1st Grade & 2nd Grade-5th Grade
Here’s where you learn how to draw and paint! In this class, students learn the basics of painting pictures – from shadows, shapes, and colors to portraits, landscapes, and comics. Kids will end this program with new skills, greater confidence, and visual and creative thinking skills that will last a lifetime. All levels of experience are welcome! The class is taught by local painter Miles Lewis who will guide beginning students through fun fresh projects and happily help more advanced artists to develop the skills for their own picture ideas. All materials are included. Students will have paintings to take home every week.
Cost: $215 (7 Classes) Class Dates: September 16, 30; October 7, 14, 28; November 4, 18 (No Class: September 23; October 21; November 11)

~or~

Coding & Game Design!  – 1:30pm – 2:50pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to 1st-5th Grade students!
*This is an 80 minute exploratory!*
Instead of burning out on repetitive coding puzzles, Lando coding students design multiple mini-games each class—blending creativity and fun while mastering sequencing, variables, conditionals, and events. From maze racers to platformers, every class has challenges that adapt to each child’s pace and skill level. After class, parents get links to creations so kids can show off or keep building at home.
Cost: $230 (7 Classes) Class Dates: September 16, 30; October 7, 14, 28; November 4, 18 (No Class: September 23; October 21; November 11)

Sports! – 2:55pm – 3:55pm
Join us for an awesome sports class this fall! More information coming soon!!!
Cost: $215 (9 Classes) Class Dates: September 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 29; November 5, 12, 19 (No Class: October 22)

Kinflow! – 2:55pm – 3:55pm
KinFlow is a new and engaging mindful team sport that fuses fitness and mindfulness into an immersive sporting experience for all ages, genders, and skill levels alike. As both a sport and learning tool, it is inclusive in nature, promoting healthy competition, mental/physical fitness, and teamwork! For more info on the field disc sport, please visit www.kinflow.com
Cost: $200 (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 18, 25; October 9, 16, 30; November 6, 13, 20 (No Class: October 2, 23)

~ or ~

Yoga for Youngsters! 2:55pm – 3:55pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Such a fun way to spend the afternoon learning all about Yoga through games, songs, instruments, and storytelling. Students will learn Yoga poses, as well as Meditation! Coach Cory comes with her large bag full of fun manipulatives, teaching students how to cope with everyday feelings through breath work as well! Yoga helps with strengthening gross motor skills, Focus and concentration plus helps students regulate their own emotions, all the wild helping students set up for future success in a fun filled supportive environment! 
Come join this new and innovative Yoga class!

Cost: $220 (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 18, 25; October 9, 16, 30; November 6, 13, 20 (No Class: October 2, 23)

Young Ninjas! – 2:55pm – 3:55pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
For eons, people of the world recoiled in fear at the sight of a spider. But the truth is, a spider’s greatest skill is its patience. To earn your YELLOW headband, you must display great PATIENCE, just like a spider.  

Young Ninjas is a high-energy program introducing children to fundamental martial arts elements, like blocks, kicks, strikes, and the all-important KI-YAH! Through skill training, fun games, creative challenges, and Pad work on foam targets, children develop self-confidence and learn to enjoy being physically active in a non-contact setting. KI-YAH!
Cost: $275 (9 Classes) Class Dates: September 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 31; November 7, 14, 21 (No Class: October 24)

~ or ~

GO LEGO Sports! – 2:55pm – 3:55pm –Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Mini figures unite! It’s time to join the wonderful world of Mini figures, LEGO® bricks in our sports themed class! Our LEGO® STEM class is the perfect place for young minds to explore, create, and discover the endless possibilities of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Cost: $245 (9 Classes) Class Dates: September 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 31; November 7, 14, 21 (No Class: October 24)

Click to Register Your Student for:

Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my child participates in the YMCA after-care program?
At the end of each exploratory, Growing Outdoors staff will walk those children enrolled in YMCA program from their exploratory to the appropriate location.
Why are the exploratories divided into trimesters?
We feel that students will get the most out of each exploratory when they have consistent time to be with the same students and the same instructors to build a rapport. By making each trimester eight to ten weeks in length, students will have three opportunities during the school year to try different exploratories. Each trimester will offer different class options for the various age groups!
What do I do if my child has to miss an exploratory day?
Please call us as early as possible (before 10:00am is preferable!) at (818) 889-8383. The Growing Outdoors adminstrative staff will be creating daily attendance sheets for each exploratory, so it would be helpful to have that information as early as possible. 
Why does registration close before the first day of each exploratory?
Growing Outdoors wants to provide the best possible after school enrichment program. Therefore, we need time to train and prepare our staff, in addition to reviewing each child’s health form, prior to the first day of each exploratory.
Why are the exploratories priced differently?
The price of all of our exploratories is based on number of class meetings, supply costs, staffing needs, and specialized instructor costs. By basing it on these factors, you can rest assured that you are getting what you pay for!
What does my exploratory tuition pay for?
There are many factors that affect Growing Outdoors exploratory prices! These might include:

  • We have a Site Coordinator on campus from before the first program begins until the last child is picked up! 
  • There is a Growing Outdoors Exploratory Leader in each class! Our trained staff person is there to focus on the students’ well-being, while the Vendor or Program Specialist will handle the instruction of the activity. 
  • We are dedicated to offering the highest quality after-school programs to our families! Each exploratory has a Vendor or Program Specialist who provides specialized and exciting instruction. To make this possible, each has a fee of their own which makes up the bulk of our exploratory pricing. 
  • Each school district requires use rental fees for all indoor and outdoor exploratory locations. These fees go directly back to your school district! 

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