Growing Outdoors at Oak Hills Elementary

Spring Trimester Exploratories – Happening Now!

Spring Trimester Registration Is Closed!

Spring Trimester Exploratory descriptions are listed below

  • Spring Trimester Exploratories will begin on Monday, February 26th.
  • 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 three age groups: Kindergarten, First-Third Grade, and Fourth-Fifth Grade.
  • 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 exploratory.

*Please note that these are the exploratories being offered for the Spring Trimester (February 26 – May 10).

Click to View Your Students Registration For:

Kindergarten Exploratories: Spring Trimester
(Select the tabs below to see all options)

Professor Egghead: Egghead Inventors! – 1:20pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
This session, students become real-life inventors on Professors Egghead’s team as they experiment with awesome inventions like helicopters, rockets, and catapults and learn the science behind what makes them work! Then they’ll create their very own inventions to take home at the end of each class. At the end of the session, students will receive their degree proving they’re ready to go out and invent something amazing on their own!
Cost: $230 (7 Classes) Class Dates: February 26; March 11, 18; April 1, 8, 15, 29 (No Class: March 4, 25; April 22; May 6)

Sketchbook Adventures! – 1:20pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Students will receive a sketchbook that they’ll use for the entire trimester. Students will customize their sketchbook and mindfully fill it with weekly exercises, stories, characters, and other activities that help students reach for the limits of their imagination. Students will leave this program with these projects in hand, as well as a much stronger confidence in their ability to draw, compose, and express their ideas. 
Cost: $255 (8 Classes) Class Dates: February 27; March 12, 19; April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (No Class: March 5, 26; May 7)

Young Ninjas! – 1:20pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Discover your inner ninja! Young Ninjas is a high-energy program introducing children to fundamental martial arts elements, like blocks, kicks, strikes, situational awareness, basic self-defense, 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-competitive setting. C’mon, how cool!
Cost: $250 (8 Classes) Class Dates: February 29; March 14, 21; April 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2 (No Class: March 7, 28; May 9)

1st – 3rd Grade Exploratories: Spring Trimester
(Select the tabs below to see all options)

Academic Chess! – 2:40pm – 3:40pm
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: $210 (8 Classes) Class Dates: February 26; March 11, 18; April 1, 8, 15, 29; May 6 (No Class: March 4, 25; April 22)


~ or ~

Professor Egghead: Egghead Inventors! – 2:40pm – 3:40pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
This session, students become real-life inventors on Professors Egghead’s team as they experiment with awesome inventions like helicopters, rockets, and catapults and learn the science behind what makes them work! Then they’ll create their very own inventions to take home at the end of each class. At the end of the session, students will receive their degree proving they’re ready to go out and invent something amazing on their own!
 
Cost: $250 (8 Classes) Class Dates: February 26; March 11, 18; April 1, 8, 15, 29; May 6 (No Class: March 4, 25; April 22)

Playground Power! – 2:40pm – 3:40pm
Our class will take your child away from the screens and into the sun. Participants will exercise and have fun while learning fundamental skills of each game, social skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Cost: $225 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 27; March 12, 19; April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7 (No Class: March 5, 26)


~ or ~

Sketchbook Adventures! – 2:40pm – 3:40pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Students will receive a sketchbook that they’ll use for the entire trimester. Students will customize their sketchbook and mindfully fill it with weekly exercises, stories, characters, and other activities that help students reach for the limits of their imagination. Students will leave this program with these projects in hand, as well as a much stronger confidence in their ability to draw, compose, and express their ideas. 
Cost: $280 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 27; March 12, 19; April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7 (No Class: March 5, 26)

Glass Art Fusion!  – 2:40pm – 3:40pm – Click here for a neat video about Fireglass Studio!
NEW PROJECTS!!! Growing Outdoors and Fire Glass Studio are proud to offer a unique art enrichment program! In this class, participants will discover the amazing world of fused-glass and mixed-media. Each student will create beautiful projects such as candle holders, holiday ornaments, small dishes, suncatchers, and much more. Come learn how to cut, shape, and form glass to make amazing artworks out of glass and other media too! 
Cost: $290 + $25 materials fee (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 28; March 13, 20; April 3, 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8 (No Class: March 6, 27)

Young Ninjas! – 2:40pm – 3:40pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Discover your inner ninja! Young Ninjas is a high-energy program introducing children to fundamental martial arts elements, like blocks, kicks, strikes, situational awareness, basic self-defense, 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-competitive setting. C’mon, how cool!
Cost: $270 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 29; March 14, 21; April 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9 (No Class: March 7, 28)

Space Explorers and Young Engineers! – 1:15pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to 1st-5th grade students
Embark on an exciting journey through the cosmos and dive into the fascinating world of engineering with our Space Explorers and Young Engineers exploratory! This enriching program is specially designed for curious minds in 1st to 5th grade, offering a blend of cosmic wonders and hands-on engineering adventures. 
Cost: $200 (9 Classes) Class Dates: March 1, 15, 22; April 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10 (No Class: March 8, 29)


~or~

 

Woodworking – Helicopter Project! – 1:15pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to students in 1st-5th Grade
Whop whop whop! Do you hear the helicopter? How about making your very own in Woodworking?! Join the Spring Woodworking exploratory as you create this amazing wooden helicopter! This unique exploratory offers a hands-on experience that teaches important skills! Our trained instructors will teach you how to cut, glue, sand, and more to be able to complete the project using the skills you learn. At the end of the session, you will add your own touches to make your helicopter unique! 
Cost: $275 + $45 materials fee (9 Classes) Class Dates: March 1, 15, 22; April 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10 (No Class: March 8, 29)

4th – 5th Grade Exploratories: Spring Trimester
(Select the tabs below to see all options)

Academic Chess!  – 3:05pm – 4:05pm
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: $210 (8 Classes) Class Dates: February 26; March 11, 18; April 1, 8, 15, 29; May 6 (No Class: March 4, 25; April 22

Playground Power!  – 3:05pm – 4:05pm
Our class will take your child away from the screens and into the sun. Participants will exercise and have fun while learning fundamental skills of each game, social skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. 
Cost: $225 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 27; March 12, 19; April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7 (No Class: March 5, 26)

Glass Art Fusion! – 3:05pm – 4:05pm – Click here for a neat video about Fireglass Studio!
NEW PROJECTS!!! Growing Outdoors and Fire Glass Studio are proud to offer a unique art enrichment program! In this class, participants will discover the amazing world of fused-glass and mixed-media. Each student will create beautiful projects such as candle holders, holiday ornaments, small dishes, suncatchers, and much more. Come learn how to cut, shape, and form glass to make amazing artworks out of glass and other media too! 
Cost: $290 + $25 materials fee (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 28; March 13, 20; April 3, 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8 (No Class: March 6, 27

Games & Cards!  – 3:05pm – 4:05pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Put your game-playing skills to the test in our Games and Cards Exploratory! Students will have opportunities to play new and familiar games, from classics like Clue and Monopoly to exciting new games to stretch our imaginations. Games are a terrific way for students to develop skills in communication, strategy, teamwork, and much more! We hope you’ll join us for the fun!
Cost: $235 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 29; March 14, 21; April 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9 (No Class: March 7, 28)

Woodworking – Helicopter Project! – 1:15pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to students in 1st-5th Grade
Whop whop whop! Do you hear the helicopter? How about making your very own in Woodworking?! Join the Spring Woodworking exploratory as you create this amazing wooden helicopter! This unique exploratory offers a hands-on experience that teaches important skills! Our trained instructors will teach you how to cut, glue, sand, and more to be able to complete the project using the skills you learn. At the end of the session, you will add your own touches to make your helicopter unique! 
Cost: $275 + $45 Materials fee (9 Classes) Class Dates: March 1, 15, 22; April 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10 (No Class: March 8, 29)


~ or ~

Space Explorers and Young Engineers! – 1:15pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to 1st-5th grade students
Embark on an exciting journey through the cosmos and dive into the fascinating world of engineering with our Space Explorers and Young Engineers exploratory! This enriching program is specially designed for curious minds in 1st to 5th grade, offering a blend of cosmic wonders and hands-on engineering adventures. 
Cost: $200 (9 Classes) Class Dates: March 1, 15, 22; April 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10 (No Class: March 8, 29)

Click to View Your Students Registration For:

Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the credit I received when schools closed in March 2020?
All credits have been applied to their corresponding accounts on our online registration site. When you register your student, you will see the credit applied on the payment page. If you think this information is incorrect, or if you have any questions about credit, please contact Sam at 818-889-8383 ext, 701 or sam@growingoutdoors.com.
Why aren’t Transitional Kindergarten (TK) exploratories offered?
Great Question. Because TK class release times are earlier than Kindergarten and are not consistent with the rest of our programming times, we have limited space and staff on campus to supervise and support a TK program at this time. We hope to meet your child next year as they enter Kindergarten!
What happens on Fridays after school gets out before the exploratories begin?
Great question! After school gets out on Fridays and before our exploratories begin, there is a 25 minute window of time where Growing Outdoors provides lunch supervision on the quad. At 1:10 (or 12:40 for Kindergarten students) our staff gathers all of the students enrolled in our programs and gets the afternoon fun started!
What happens if my child participates in Club Oak Park?
At the end of each exploratory, Growing Outdoors staff will walk those children enrolled in Club Oak Park from their exploratory to the appropriate location and transfer their care to the Club Oak Park staff.
What do I do if my child has to miss an exploratory day?
Please call us as early as possible (before 11 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. If a child that is expected does not show up for their exploratory, we will first check with the school to confirm that they were in attendance that day, and then we will call the parents to confirm their child’s safety.
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 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!
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! 
Is it possible for an exploratory to be cancelled?
Occasionally, Growing Outdoors has to cancel an exploratory because low enrollment numbers make it logistically and financially nonviable. Should this happen to any exploratory for which you have signed up your child, we will contact you to discuss all alternative options (including the option of a full refund for the cancelled exploratory).
Could an individual class meeting be cancelled?
On very rare occasions, an exploratory does not happen quite as we planned! If there is ever an exploratory meeting that needs to be rescheduled, we will notify you in advance, and will still offer optional care for your child during their normal exploratory hour in the form of fun games and activities led by Growing Outdoors staff. Should an instructor be late or unable to make it to an exploratory meeting due to unforeseen circumstances, we will work with the school and vendor to reschedule the “missed” class. Never fear! Growing Outdoors staff will always be there to collect and care for your child and to make sure that they have a great time!

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