Growing Outdoors at Oak Hills Elementary

Fall Exploratories Start Tuesday, September 5th!

Fall Trimester Registration is Now Closed!

Fall Trimester Exploratory descriptions are listed below

  • Fall Trimester Exploratories will begin on Tuesday, September 5th.
  • Exploratories will meet 5-10 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.
  • If you have credit left over from the school closures in March 2020, it will applied automatically when you check out.

*Please note that these are the exploratories being offered for the Fall Trimester (September 5 – November 17).

Click to View Your Registration For:

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

Hip Hop Dance! – 1:20pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Are you ready to ROCK! Learn the basic techniques of dance and how to move to the beat. We promote a healthy lifestyle through fun, physical activity that encourages self-expression through music and movement. This is a performance-based class, designed to help students gain confidence and self-esteem. We teach age-appropriate dance routines to pop music and classics from the past!
Cost: $155 (5 Classes) Class Dates: September 11, 18; October 2, 16; November 13 (No Class: September 4, 25; October 9, 23, 30; November 6)

Adventures in Watercolor! – 1:20pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
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: $240 (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 17, 24; November 14 (No Class: October 10, 31; November 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: $265 (9 Classes) Class Dates: September 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5, 19, 26; November 9, 16 (No Class: October 12; November 2)

Egghead Explorers! – 12:45pm – 1:45pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Strap on your gear, grab your binoculars, and join the Egghead Explorer Squad as we fizz, pop, mix, and experiment our way around the Earth! As Egghead Explorers, students will make a sundial to keep track of the time, a flashlight to see in the dark, fake tar pits, fossils, volcanoes, snow, magnetic cars, and tons more. The best part? They get to take it all home! All Eggheads will also get their Explorer ID card and an Egghead Explorer Degree authorizing them to use real science to explore the globe!
Cost: $240 (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 8, 22, 29; October 6, 13, 20, 27; November 17 (No Class: September 15; November 3, 10)


*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 12:45.

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

Hip Hop Dance! – 2:40pm – 3:40pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Are you ready to ROCK! Learn the basic techniques of dance and how to move to the beat. We promote a healthy lifestyle through fun, physical activity that encourages self-expression through music and movement. This is a performance-based class, designed to help students gain confidence and self-esteem. We teach age-appropriate dance routines to pop music and classics from the past!
Cost: $175 (6 Classes) Class Dates: September 11, 18; October 2, 9, 16; November 13 (No Class: September 4, 25; October 23, 30; November 6)


~ or ~


Academic Chess!
– 2:40pm – 3:40pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
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: $150 (6 Classes) Class Dates: September 11, 18; October 2, 9, 16; November 13 (No Class: September 4, 25; October 23, 30; November 6)

Adventures in Watercolor! – 2:40pm – 3:40pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
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: $265 (9 Classes) Class Dates: September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24; November 14 (No Class: October 31; November 7)
Glass Art Fusion!  – 2:40pm – 3:40pm – Click here for a neat video about Fireglass Studio!
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: $300 + $20 materials fee (10 Classes) Class Dates: September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 8, 15 (No Class: November 1)

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: $290 (10 Classes) Class Dates: September 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26; November 9, 16 (No Class: November 2)


~ or ~

Animal Robotics! – 2:40pm – 3:40pm
Build a robotic zoo featuring models with working motors and sensors! Work in teams under guided instructions to build and program LEGO models. Build a different model for each class!
Cost: $290 (10 Classes) Class Dates: September 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26; November 9, 16 (No Class: November 2)

GO Nature! – 1:15pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to 1st-5th grade students
Explore, Learn, Create with GO Nature! Join us as we explore the wonderful world around us while learning about our plants, animals, ecosystems, conservation, and so much more. Each week will focus on a different activity with students creating a fun craft to take home. Don’t miss your opportunity to be stewards of your environment and unleash the Naturalists inside you!
Cost: $200 (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 8, 22, 29; October 6, 13, 20, 27; November 17 (No Class: September 15; November 3, 10)


~or~

 

Woodworking! – 1:15pm – 2:15pm – Click here for a photo of the project!
*This exploratory is open to students in 1st-5th Grade

All aboard the Growing Outdoors Express!!! This fall, we’re building our own train to transport us to new places around the world. Trains are possibly the greatest mode of travel of all time, allowing us to discover different areas easily, transport supplies, and expand civilization! 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 your train, so it stands out wherever it travels to!
Cost: $245 + $45 materials fee (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 8, 22, 29; October 6, 13, 20, 27; November 17 (No Class: September 15; November 3, 10)

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

Academic Chess!  – 3:05pm – 4:05pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
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: $150 (6 Classes) Class Dates: September 11, 18; October 2, 9, 16; November 13 (No Class: September 4, 25; October 23, 30; November 6)

Adventures in Watercolor!  – 3:05pm – 4:05pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
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: $265 (9 Classes) Class Dates: September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24; November 14 (No Class: October 31; November 7)

Glass Art Fusion! – 3:05pm – 4:05pm – Click here for a neat video about Fireglass Studio!
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: $300 + $20 materials fee (10 Classes) Class Dates: September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 8, 15 (No Class: November 1)

Young Ninjas!  – 3:05pm – 4:05pm – 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: $290 (10 Classes) Class Dates: September 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26; November 9, 16 (No Class: November 2)
GO Nature! – 1:15pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to 1st-5th grade students
Explore, Learn, Create with GO Nature! Join us as we explore the wonderful world around us while learning about our plants, animals, ecosystems, conservation, and so much more. Each week will focus on a different activity with students creating a fun craft to take home. Don’t miss your opportunity to be stewards of your environment and unleash the Naturalists inside you!
Cost: $200 (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 8, 22, 29; October 6, 13, 20, 27; November 17 (No Class: September 15; November 3, 10)

 

 ~or~

Woodworking! – 1:15pm – 2:15pm – Click here for a photo of the project!
*This exploratory is open to students in 1st-5th Grade
All aboard the Growing Outdoors Express!!! This fall, we’re building our own train to transport us to new places around the world. Trains are possibly the greatest mode of travel of all time, allowing us to discover different areas easily, transport supplies, and expand civilization! 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 your train, so it stands out wherever it travels to!
Cost: $245 + $45 (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 8, 22, 29; October 6, 13, 20, 27; November 17 (No Class: September 15; November 3, 10)

Click to View Your 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!

{Oak Hills} I have a question for you!

7 + 14 =

I'd Like to Join Your Email List for Oak Hills Programs!

5 + 15 =