Growing Outdoors at Yerba Buena

Winter Trimester Registration Has CLOSED
Exploratories Begin the Week of 12/2

Winter Trimester Registration Closed November 28th

Winter Trimester Exploratory descriptions are listed below

Winter Trimester Exploratories begin on Monday, December 2nd.
Exploratories will meet 7-9 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 four age groups: Buttercup, 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.
TK/Kindergarten: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday classes now end at 2:10pm, and align with 1st-3rd grade dismissal!

*Please note that these are the exploratories being offered for the Winter Trimester (December 2 – February 13).

Click to View Your Student's Registration For:

Winter Trimester After-School Exploratories

TK – Kindergarten Exploratories: Winter Trimester
(Select the tabs below to see all options)

Space to Create! – 1:40pm – 2:10pm – Click here to view flier!
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: $170 (7 Classes) Class Dates: December 2, 9, 16; January 6, 13; February 3, 10 (No class: December 23, 30; January 20, 27)

Young Ninjas! – 1:40pm – 2:10pm – Click here to view flier!
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: $215 (9 Classes) Class Dates: December 3, 10, 17; January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11 (No class: December 24, 31)

Wellness Wednesdays YOGA! – 12:35pm – 1:35pm – Click here to view flier!
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: $225 (9 Classes) Class Dates: December 4, 11, 18; January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12 (No class: December 25; January 1)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 12:35pm.

GO Art! – 1:40pm – 2:10pm – Click here to view flier!
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: $175 (9 Classes) Class Dates: December 5, 12, 19; January 9, 16, 23, 30; February 6, 13 (No Class: December 26; January 2)

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

Space to Create! – 2:20pm – 3:20pm – Click here to view flier!
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: $225 (7 Classes) Class Dates: December 2, 9, 16; January 6, 13; February 3, 10 (No class: December 23, 30; January 20, 27)

Young Ninjas! – 2:20pm – 3:20pm – Click here to view flier!
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: $280 (9 Classes) Class Dates: December 3, 10, 17; January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11 (No class: December 24, 31)

~ or ~

Woodworking: Tic-Tac-Toe Box! – 2:20pm – 3:20pm – Click here to view flier!
Tic Tac Toe! Three in a row! Join the Winter Woodworking exploratory as you create this amazing wooden tic tac toe box! The lid is removable so you can keep your precious gems safe and hidden! This unique exploratory offers a hands-on experience that practices important life skills like perseverance, focus, and patience. Our trained instructors will guide you to cut, glue, sand, and more to be able to complete the project using the woodworking skills you learn. At the end of the session, you will add your own touches to make your box unique and special!
Cost: $270 + $45 materials fee (9 Classes) Class Dates: December 3, 10, 17; January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11 (No class: December 24, 31)

Glass Art Fusion! – 12:35pm – 1:35pm – 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: $280 + $45 materials fee (9 Classes) Class Dates: December 4, 11, 18; January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12 (No class: December 25; January 1)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 12:35pm.

~ or ~

GO Chess! – 12:40pm – 1:40pm – Click here to view flier!
Our exploratory classes help a child become more creative, discover patterns, calculation, critical thinking and strategy through the game of chess! All skill levels welcome! Come explore the majesty of learning this nearly 1,500 year old game! Go home and show off your skills to your family… you might just be able to beat them soon!
Cost: $270 (9 Classes) Class Dates: December 4, 11, 18; January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12 (No class: December 25; January 1)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 12:40pm.

LEGO Engineering! – 2:20pm – 3:20pm
Mini figures unite! It’s time to join the wonderful world of Mini figures, LEGO® bricks, and engineering. 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: $260 (9 Classes) Class Dates: December 5, 12, 19; January 9, 16, 23, 30; February 6, 13 (No Class: December 26; January 2)

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

Space to Create! – 2:50pm – 3:50pm – Click here to view flier!
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: $225 (7 Classes) Class Dates: December 2, 9, 16; January 6, 13; February 3, 10 (No class: December 23, 30; January 20, 27)

Woodworking: Tic-Tac-Toe Box! – 2:50pm – 3:50pm – Click here to view flier!
Tic Tac Toe! Three in a row! Join the Winter Woodworking exploratory as you create this amazing wooden tic tac toe box! The lid is removable so you can keep your precious gems safe and hidden! This unique exploratory offers a hands-on experience that practices important life skills like perseverance, focus, and patience. Our trained instructors will guide you to cut, glue, sand, and more to be able to complete the project using the woodworking skills you learn. At the end of the session, you will add your own touches to make your box unique and special!
Cost: $270 + $45 materials fee (9 Classes) Class Dates: December 3, 10, 17; January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11 (No class: December 24, 31)

Glass Art Fusion! – 12:35pm – 1:35pm – 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: $280 + $25 materials fee (9 Classes) Class Dates: December 4, 11, 18; January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12 (No class: December 25; January 1)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 12:35pm.

~ or ~

GO Chess! – 12:40pm – 1:40pm – Click here to view flier!
Our exploratory classes help a child become more creative, discover patterns, calculation, critical thinking and strategy through the game of chess! All skill levels welcome! Come explore the majesty of learning this nearly 1,500 year old game! Go home and show off your skills to your family… you might just be able to beat them soon!
Cost: $270 (9 Classes) Class Dates: December 4, 11, 18; January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12 (No class: December 25; January 1)

*For students enrolled in this exploratory, Growing Outdoors provides a supervised lunch period before the exploratory begins at 12:40pm.

LEGO Enineering! – 2:50pm – 3:50pm
Mini figures unite! It’s time to join the wonderful world of Mini figures, LEGO® bricks, and engineering. 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: $260 (9 Classes) Class Dates: December 5, 12, 19; January 9, 16, 23, 30; February 6, 13 (No Class: December 26; January 2)

Click to View Your Student's Registration For:

Winter Trimester After-School Exploratories

Frequently Asked Questions

Why a new After-School Enrichment Program?

We’ve been brought on by Yerba Buena 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!

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.

What are the additional LVUSD fees in my registration?

LVUSD charges Growing Outdoors “rent” to provide our programming to Yerba Buena 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!

Are there options for Buttercup Preschool students?

Currently, we are not offering Buttercup exploratories and we hope to see Buttercup students in future school years!

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