Growing Outdoors at Sumac Elementary

Spring Trimester Registration – Now Open!
(Winter Trimester continues through 2/13)

Spring Trimester Registration Closes February 18th!

Spring Trimester Exploratory descriptions are listed below

  • Spring Trimester Exploratories begin on Monday, February 23rd.
  • Exploratories will meet 8-9 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 four age groups: TK, Kindergarten, First-Third Grade, and Fourth-Fifth Grade.
  • There is an additional $25 “Facility Use Fee” per exploratory. This helps Growing Outdoors pay for the “rent” that LVUSD charges to run our program on campus.
  • 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 23 – May 8).

Click to Register Your Student For:

Spring Trimester After-School Exploratories

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

Viridian Art – Treasure Island! – 1:35pm – 2:30pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Join our talented viridian art instructors on campus, after school! We will create several amazing pieces of finished art, including drawing, watercolors, acrylics, mini sculptures, and more. 
Cost: $295 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23; April 13, 20, 27; May 4 (No class: March 30; April 6)

Thoughtful Tuesdays Yoga! – 1:35pm – 2:30pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Yoga encourages movement, creativity, and playfulness. Through music, books and age-appropriate games yoga poses will be taught to help develop focus, concentration, self-regulation, and confidence. Yoga improves children’s physical and mental well-being. 

“Just like a flower needs sunlight to bloom, our minds need mindfulness to shine brightly” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Cost: $260 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 24; March 3, 17, 24; April 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5 (No class: March 10, 31)

Playground Plus! – 1:35pm – 2:30pm
Playground Plus is the ultimate playground experience for kindergarten students. Each week, our games will focus on a different skill like strategy, creativity, teamwork, or sportsmanship, just to name a few. So come join us after school to play some games, make new friends, and have lots of fun! 
Cost: $210 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 26; March 5, 19, 26; April 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7 (No class: March 12; April 2)

Young Ninjas! – 1:35pm – 2:30pm – 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: $300 (8 Classes) Class Dates: February 27; March 6, 20, 27; April 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8 (No class: March 13; April 3)

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

Sports ‘n More! – 1:15pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32 
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: $245 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 25; March 4, 18, 25; April 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6 (No class: March 11; April 1)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 1:15.

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

Viridian Art – Treasure Island! – 2:55pm – 3:55pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Join our talented viridian art instructors on campus, after school! We will create several amazing pieces of finished art, including drawing, watercolors, acrylics, mini sculptures, and more. 
Cost: $295 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23; April 13, 20, 27; May 4 (No class: March 30; April 6)

~ or ~

Woodworking – Bus Project! – 2:55pm – 3:55pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
BEEP BEEP! Hop aboard and get ready to build a bus! In this hands-on exploratory, students will learn basic woodworking skills while safely measuring, sanding, assembling, and decorating their very own wooden bus. Along the way, students will explore simple tools, practice following step-by-step instructions, and use their imagination to add fun details. The class encourages creativity, confidence, and problem-solving in a supportive, positive environment. By the end of the session, each child will proudly bring home a one-of-a-kind wooden bus they built themselves!
Cost: $305 + $30 materials fee (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23; April 13, 20, 27; May 4 (No class: March 30; April 6)

Sew Fun! – 2:55pm – 3:55pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Ripped a hole in your favorite backpack? A button popped off your coat? Not to worry! Growing Outdoors is here to guide students in developing the incredibly helpful life skills of sewing! Not only can sewing help solve the issue of rips and tears from everyday life,it can also inspire creativity, boost problem-solving and fine-motor skill coordination, and – our favorite part – IT’S FUN! Together we will explore hand-sewing, sewing machines (provided), and everything in between. We hope to sew together soon! 
Cost: $305 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 24; March 3, 17, 24; April 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5 (No class: March 10, 31)

Sports ‘n More! – 1:15pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32 
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: $245 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 25; March 4, 18, 25; April 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6 (No class: March 11; April 1)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 1:15.

~or~

Academic Chess! – 1:15pm – 2:15pm – 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: $270 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 25; March 4, 18, 25; April 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6 (No class: March 11; April 1)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 1:15.

Kinflow! – 2:55pm – 3:55pm – Click here to watch a KinFlow video!
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: $260 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 26; March 5, 19, 26; April 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7 (No class: March 12; April 2)

Glass Art: Mixed Media! – 2:55pm – 3:55pm
This hands-on kids enrichment program introduces young artists to the exciting world of mixed media art through creative projects using wood, Modelite modeling, fused glass, fiber paper carving, painting, and more. Students will explore a variety of materials and techniques while learning the fundamentals of design and craftsmanship. Each class encourages imagination, creativity, and hands-on learning in a fun and supportive environment.
Cost: $325 + $30 materials fee (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 27; March 6, 20, 27; April 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8 (No class: March 13; April 3)

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

Woodworking – Bus Project! – 3:20pm – 4:20pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
BEEP BEEP! Hop aboard and get ready to build a bus! In this hands-on exploratory, students will learn basic woodworking skills while safely measuring, sanding, assembling, and decorating their very own wooden bus. Along the way, students will explore simple tools, practice following step-by-step instructions, and use their imagination to add fun details. The class encourages creativity, confidence, and problem-solving in a supportive, positive environment. By the end of the session, each child will proudly bring home a one-of-a-kind wooden bus they built themselves!
Cost: $305 + $30 materials fee (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23; April 13, 20, 27; May 4 (No class: March 30; April 6)

Sew Fun! – 3:20pm – 4:20pm – Click here to view flier!Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Ripped a hole in your favorite backpack? A button popped off your coat? Not to worry! Growing Outdoors is here to guide students in developing the incredibly helpful life skills of sewing! Not only can sewing help solve the issue of rips and tears from everyday life,it can also inspire creativity, boost problem-solving and fine-motor skill coordination, and – our favorite part – IT’S FUN! Together we will explore hand-sewing, sewing machines (provided), and everything in between. We hope to sew together soon! 
Cost: $305 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 24; March 3, 17, 24; April 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5 (No class: March 10, 31)

Academic Chess! – 1:15pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to 1st-5th grade students
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: $270 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 25; March 4, 18, 25; April 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6 (No class: March 11; April 1)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 1:15.

Kinflow! – 3:20pm – 4:20pm – Click here to watch a KinFlow video!
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: $260 (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 26; March 5, 19, 26; April 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7 (No class: March 12; April 2)

Glass Art: Mixed Media! – 3:20pm – 4:20pm
This hands-on kids enrichment program introduces young artists to the exciting world of mixed media art through creative projects using wood, Modelite modeling, fused glass, fiber paper carving, painting, and more. Students will explore a variety of materials and techniques while learning the fundamentals of design and craftsmanship. Each class encourages imagination, creativity, and hands-on learning in a fun and supportive environment.
Cost: $325 + $30 materials fee (9 Classes) Class Dates: February 27; March 6, 20, 27; April 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8 (No class: March 13; April 3)

Click to Register Your Student For:

Spring Trimester After-School Exploratories
Frequently Asked Questions
Why a new After-School Enrichment Program?
We’ve been brought on by Sumac to bring a cohesiveness and centrality to the after-school exploratories. We hope to provide great service, purposeful programming, and a safe environment where your child can thrive.

A few features of the Growing Outdoors program:

  • We have a Site Coordinator on campus from before the first program begins until the last child is picked up! The Site Coordinator will be reachable by phone while program is running, have a health form for each child, a first aid kit, student lists, and release/emergency information.
  • 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. Our staff person can help with any individual or emotional problems that may arise, so the instructor can focus on the activity as a whole. They will also handle attendance and dismissal (don’t forget to bring your picture ID!) so you can be sure that your child is well cared for.
  • The Site Coordinator and each Exploratory Leader will have a walkie talkie so additional assistance is only a walkie talkie call away!
  • Registration and payment for all after-school exploratories happens online, making it easier for you!
Will there be students from Mariposa in the classes as well?
Yes! Since Mariposa and Sumac share a campus, there will be students from both schools in our program. 
What happens if my child participates in the Cool Club or YMCA extended care programs?

At the end of each exploratory, Growing Outdoors staff will walk those children enrolled in Cool Club or YMCA extended care programs from their exploratory to the appropriate location.

What are the additional LVUSD fees in my registration?

LVUSD charges Growing Outdoors “rent” to provide our programming to Sumac families. These fees are set by the district.

Growing Outdoors has separated this expense from our tuition to help you better understand what your payment is going towards!

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! 
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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Growing Outdoors is an independent company and not affiliated with LVUSD