Community Recreation

Let your imagination run wild with tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Build engineer-designed projects and use special pieces to create your own unique designs! Projects are rotated seasonally to ensure that both new and returning students can explore the endless creative possibilities of the LEGO® building system.

Ages: 5-7

Fees: RDF: $165; Fee: $175

Sessions

Bring your favorite Minecraft adventures to life with our enthusiastic Play-Well instructors. In a Minecraft world powered by LEGO® resources, we will build shelters to keep out Creepers, craft mystical items that only true masters can wield, and perfect our crossbow skills to stop the Wither from taking over! If you can imagine it, we can build it.

Ages: 8-12

Fees: RDF: $165; Fee: $175

Sessions

Classes Offered:

• Mini Mighty Maestros: Students will sing, dance and perform instrumental accompaniments to traditional and modern children songs ranging from the music of popular modern hits, to multicultural world music in a variety of languages. Critical listening skills will be taught through exposure to classical and modern orchestral pieces, where students will identify song form, instruments, dynamics and articulation used by composers to create artistic and emotionally impactful pieces. Beginner level music theory, including note and rhythm reading, will be taught through a series of fun games and group activities. The students will also have an opportunity to explore music through technology and will start to explore the use of garage band and recording devices. *For the Parent & Me Class, a parent or guardian must remain with the child during the class.
• Group Piano: Using a combination of traditional methodologies and modern techniques, students will learn to read, compose and perform modern music pieces. Students will learn to read treble and bass clef, play triads in major and minor keys, play a variety of scales and learn how to improvise and compose. Our curriculum is modified to fit the ability of individual students and classes. 
• Group Ukulele: Ukulele is the new educational standard used by young students as a gateway into guitar and other stringed instruments. Using a variety of pop and folk songs, students will learn chords, finger picking and rhythm techniques that they may use to perform pieces or accompany themselves singing. Students may transition to guitar instruction after the initial session or continue studying more advanced techniques on Ukulele. 
• Group Guitar: Our team-developed guitar curriculum focuses on the individual needs of each student. The techniques learned in this course will enable the students to perform with rock bands, school bands, guitar ensembles and to compose original music. This course can accommodate all levels of guitar students as each student receives an individual education plan at the beginning of the session.
• Let's Put On A Show! This class is designed to give students an introduction into musical theater. Students will explore all aspects of artistry and craftsmanship of Theater and learn what it takes to put a show together. Teachers will give them a theme in which the students will create the story line and dialogue. Teachers will bring in music and choreography to complement that story line. In addition to the story, students will help in the development of props and set design. Students are not only the actors and singers, but also collaborators in creating live theatre.

Each class will conclude with either a little show or video that will be emailed to parents.

Ages: Range from 18 months - 14 depending on class.

Fees: Range from $160 - $200 depending on class and session.

Sessions

La Ronda Class: Spanish classes for children that are 4-12 years old. In this fun class, children will have the opportunity to explore the world of Spanish language and culture. This hour class is designed to ignite their curiosity and love for language through music, movement, instruments, games and more! Children will get to sing and learn traditional Spanish songs, while dancing and following the rhythm with hands-on instrument play. They will be invited to engage in interactive games that make learning easier and fun. This Spanish class will be conducted in an engaging Circle Time format, where everyone will have the opportunity to interact with each other and learn from each other. To close, each child will be invited to create a small craft and we will say good-bye by enjoying a delicious Mexican snack while singing good-bye. This is an outdoor class, weather permitting. Otherwise, class will be provided indoors. La Ronda class is an enjoyable environment where kids can absorb Spanish naturally, all while having fun. This class is open for Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers. All are welcome!

Nido Class: Spanish classes for children that are 3 years and under, accompanied by their caregiver. This Spanish Nido class is a Montessori based experience that offers a Spanish immersion environment to non-native Spanish speakers and to native Spanish speakers alike. It is well known that children that are immersed in a second language at a such young age retain it easier and faster. In this class, the child and caregiver will have the opportunity to sing along, play instruments, listen to books, rhymes, music, and some dancing and movement will come along too… all in Spanish! Besides this, parents and caregivers get the unique opportunity to engage with their children as they exercise their independence by exploring this specially prepared environment. Furniture and materials in the room are carefully chosen and designed to aid in the development of movement and coordination, independence, language, self-discipline, and cognitive skills. Depending on weather, we will have the opportunity to enjoy this class outdoors. The class will end with a delicious Mexican snack to enjoy as a group.

Fees:

• RDF: $45; Fee: $50

Sessions

How to Sew with a Sewing Machine: If you've ever wanted to learn how to use a sewing machine, but don't know where to start, this is the class for you! In this class, you will learn how to:

• choose and cut fabrics
• properly thread and use your machine
• sewing terms and safety

Sewing machines available, or bring your own. Taught by former teacher Julie Napear, owner of customkidsclothes.biz and Julie Napear Photography. Note: as the instructor is immunocompromised, she will have medical-grade masks on hand and requests they be worn during class for the safety and kindness of all involved. Please do not come to class if you are sick! Make-ups can be scheduled.

Ages: 8-12, 13+

Fee: $160

Sessions

Calling all budding artists! Children ages 7 - 12 will be introduced to a variety of art mediums and techniques, with projects inspired by children’s literature, book illustrators, and art history! Fees include materials for each project. Classes are taught by illustrator Erica Zambanini.

Ages: 7 - 12

Fees: $160

Session

Learn how to make a Chunky Yarn Blanket or Chunky Yarn Basket with just your bare hands!! These classes are beginner friendly and are meant for those interested in learning a new skill while doing a project in the art of yarn work.

Ages: 10+

Chunky Yarn Blanket Classes: $80

Chunky Yarn Basket Classes: $50

Sessions

Cookie Decorating Take-Home Kits: Take home kits include 1 dozen cookies, icing, instruction card with link to a demo video!

Note: Recipes are nut-free; however, items are not prepared in a nut-free kitchen.

Ages: All

Fees:

• RDF: $30; Fee: $35

Seasonal Themed Kits

For Spring Nature walks join us at Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve at 8:30 am on the following Saturdays:

• March 30
• April 13
• April 27
• May 11

Meet at the trailhead of the Preserve at the intersection of Jubal Early Drive, Handley Ave., and Meadow Branch Ave. for a 2 hour walk focusing on bird migration and wild flowers. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water, binoculars and camera if you have them. This free activity is cosponsored by Winchester Parks and Recreation Department and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Audubon Society. Call 540-303-3983 if you need additional information.