Growing Outdoors at Brookside Elementary

Fall Trimester Registration – Now Open!

Fall Trimester Registration – Closes August 28th!

Fall Trimester Exploratory descriptions are listed below

  • Fall Trimester Exploratories will begin on Tuesday, September 3rd.
  • Exploratories will meet 5-10 times, depending on the day of the week and the grade level.
  • Exploratories take place Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 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 Fall Trimester (September 3 – November 14).

Click to Register Your Student for:

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

Mindful Mondays! – 1:20pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_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: $145 (5 Classes) Class Dates: September 9, 16, 23, 30; October 14 (No Class: September 2; October 7, 21, 28; November 4, 11)

Space to Create!  – 1:20pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Create with Ms. Marisa! This fun-filled class offers art projects that are created using a wide variety of materials, both new and recycled. Children are guided by the instructor but are highly encouraged to explore their creativity with the supplies provided. This class encourages creative thinking, sharing ideas and working individually to complete projects. Each class will have a new project, but the kids also have the freedom to create whatever they feel inspired to create! This open-ended concept of creating art is an opportunity for children to discover, explore, feel independent, be curious and feel inspired by the joy of letting their imagination run wild!
Cost: $230 (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 3, 10, 17, 24; October 1, 15, 22; November 12 (No Class: October 29; November 5)

GO Art! – 1:20pm – 2:15pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Join us as we explore the colorful universe of art techniques, mediums, & history! Students will dabble in watercolors, pastels, charcoal and more while engaging with their inner artist and utilizing challenging techniques including perspectives, blending, and proportions. This exploratory will focus on the many disciplines of the practice of art, such as patience with the process, working independently, sharing art experiences, and encouraging art and creation in others.
Cost: $185 (7 Classes) Class Dates: September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 10, 17; November 7, 14 (No Class: October 3, 10, 24, 31)

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

Mindful Mondays!  – 2:40pm – 3:40pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_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: $165 (6 Classes) Class Dates: September 9, 16, 23, 30; October 7, 14 (No Class: September 2; October 21, 28; November 4, 11)


~ or ~

 

GO Chess!  – 2:40pm – 3:40pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Our exploratory classes help a child become more creative, discover patterns, calculation, critical thinking and strategy through the game of chess!
Cost: $175 (6 Classes) Class Dates: September 9, 16, 23, 30; October 7, 14 (No Class: September 2; October 21, 28; November 4, 11)

Space to Create!  – 2:40pm – 3:40pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Create with Ms. Marisa! This fun-filled class offers art projects that are created using a wide variety of materials, both new and recycled. Children are guided by the instructor but are highly encouraged to explore their creativity with the supplies provided. This class encourages creative thinking, sharing ideas and working individually to complete projects. Each class will have a new project, but the kids also have the freedom to create whatever they feel inspired to create! This open-ended concept of creating art is an opportunity for children to discover, explore, feel independent, be curious and feel inspired by the joy of letting their imagination run wild!
Cost: $250 (9 Classes) Class Dates: September 3, 10, 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22; November 12 (No Class: October 29; November 5)


~ or ~

Games & Cards!  – 2:40pm – 3:40pm – 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: September 3, 10, 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22; November 12 (No Class: October 29; November 5)

TGA Volleyball!  – 1:05pm – 2:05pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to students in 1st-3rd Grade

TGA’s action-packed volleyball program is perfect for beginners and more experienced players alike to build their skills and have a blast learning about the game in a safe and supportive environment. We provide all equipment and bring professionally trained coaches to instruct each lesson! So come discover valuable life lessons, learn volleyball rules and etiquette, and explore academic concepts including STEM through volleyball!
Cost: $320 (10 Classes) Class Dates: September 4, 11, 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16, 23; November 6, 13 (No Class: October 30)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 1:05.

~or~

Sew Fun!  – 1:10pm – 2:10pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to students in 1st-5th Grade
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 skill of sewing! Not only can sewing help solve the issue of rips and tears from every day 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: $290 (10 Classes) Class Dates: September 4, 11, 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16, 23; November 6, 13 (No Class: October 30)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 1:10.


Readers’/Writers’ Workspace – 2:05pm – 3:00pm
Also known as “Homework Club”, Readers’/Writers’ Workspace provides a structured and quiet area for students to go to after their exploratory and tackle their schoolwork before heading home. With a small staff to student ratio, we’re there to help keep students on task and focused so they can use their time wisely! If students need assistance in any particular area of study, be it writing, math, spelling, social studies, or general organizational skills, we can assist and coach! Parents are encouraged to communicate any specific areas of focus to our site coordinator so that we can help each student be most successful. *Students should come prepared with a book to read each week.
(On Wednesdays, add Readers’/Writers’ Workspace after Wellness Wednesdays or Glass Art Fusion!)
Cost: $110 (55 minutes – 10 classes) Class Dates: September 4, 11, 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16, 23; November 6, 13 (No Class: October 30)

Woodworking – Treasure Chest Project! – 2:40pm – 3:40pm
Ahoy, young buccaneers! Set sail on a woodworking adventure and create your very own pirate treasure chest! This exciting, pirate-themed project 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. By the end of the program, each young pirate will have a treasure chest ready to hold their most valuable loot. So don’t walk the plank! Make a treasure chest out of it instead! Join us for a swashbuckling adventure where every student becomes a master pirate carpenter leaving with a treasure chest full of newfound skills and memories! Arrr!
Cost: $235 + $45 materials fee (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 10, 17; November 7, 14 (No Class: October 3, 24, 31)


~ or ~

 

GO Art! – 2:40pm – 3:40pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Join us as we explore the colorful universe of art techniques, mediums, & history! Students will dabble in watercolors, pastels, charcoal and more while engaging with their inner artist and utilizing challenging techniques including perspectives, blending, and proportions. This exploratory will focus on the many disciplines of the practice of art, such as patience with the process, working independently, sharing art experiences, and encouraging art and creation in others.
Cost: $200 (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 10, 17; November 7, 14 (No Class: October 3, 24, 31)

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

GO Chess! – 3:00 pm – 4:00pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
Our exploratory classes help a child become more creative, discover patterns, calculation, critical thinking and strategy through the game of chess!
Cost: $175 (6 Classes) Class Dates: September 9, 16, 23, 30; October 7, 14 (No Class: September 2; October 21, 28; November 4, 11)

Games & Cards! – 3:00pm – 4:00pm – 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: September 3, 10, 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22; November 12 (No Class: October 29; November 5)

TGA Volleyball!  – 1:05pm – 2:05pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to students in 1st-5th Grade
TGA’s action-packed volleyball program is perfect for beginners and more experienced players alike to build their skills and have a blast learning about the game in a safe and supportive environment. We provide all equipment and bring professionally trained coaches to instruct each lesson! So come discover valuable life lessons, learn volleyball rules and etiquette, and explore academic concepts including STEM through volleyball!
Cost: $320 (10 Classes) Class Dates: September 4, 11, 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16, 23; November 6, 13 (No Class: October 30)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 1:05.


~ or ~

 

Sew Fun!  – 1:10pm – 2:10pm – Click here to view flierAdobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32
*This exploratory is open to students in 1st-5th Grade
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 skill of sewing! Not only can sewing help solve the issue of rips and tears from every day 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: $290 (10 Classes) Class Dates: September 4, 11, 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16, 23; November 6, 13 (No Class: October 30)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 1:10.


Readers’/Writers’ Workspace – 2:05pm – 3:00pm
Also known as “Homework Club”, Readers’/Writers’ Workspace provides a structured and quiet area for students to go to after their exploratory and tackle their schoolwork before heading home. With a small staff to student ratio, we’re there to help keep students on task and focused so they can use their time wisely! If students need assistance in any particular area of study, be it writing, math, spelling, social studies, or general organizational skills, we can assist and coach! Parents are encouraged to communicate any specific areas of focus to our site coordinator so that we can help each student be most successful. *Students should come prepared with a book to read each week.
(On Wednesdays, add Readers’/Writers’ Workspace after Glass Art Fusion!)
Cost: $110 (55 minutes – 10 classes) Class Dates: September 4, 11, 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16, 23; November 6, 13 (No Class: October 30)

Woodworking – Treasure Chest Project!  – 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ahoy, young buccaneers! Set sail on a woodworking adventure and create your very own pirate treasure chest! This exciting, pirate-themed project 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. By the end of the program, each young pirate will have a treasure chest ready to hold their most valuable loot. So don’t walk the plank! Make a treasure chest out of it instead! Join us for a swashbuckling adventure where every student becomes a master pirate carpenter leaving with a treasure chest full of newfound skills and memories! Arrr!
Cost: $235 + $45 materials fee (8 Classes) Class Dates: September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 10, 17; November 7, 14 (No Class: October 3, 24, 31)

Click to Register Your Student 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 Wednesdays after school gets out before the exploratories begin?
Great question! After school gets out on Wednesdays and before our exploratories begin, there is a 25 minute window of time where Growing Outdoors provides lunch supervision on the quad. At 1:05 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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