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  • Dragon Girls JMS Cross Country TEAM Camp: Gr 6-8- BOTH CAMPS BUNDLED

    Course Description Two Camps at a lower rate. TEAM Camp- Come join the coaches and athletes of the 6 x State Champion JHS Girls Cross Country TEAM in this INTRODUCTION to our TEAM Mission Statement: We are Dedicated to Developing Strong, Confident Women Who Seek to Build Community While Enjoying Competitive Athletics!! TEAM Clinic- This camp will BUILD on the Mission Statement introduced at the JMS TEAM Clinic: We are Dedicated to Developing Strong, Confident Women Who Seek to Build Community While Enjoying Competitive Athletics!! Logistics Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Girls Cross Country Head Coach Patrick Hennes- Coach Hennes has been a Dragon since his first days of student teaching at JHS in the Spring of 2002. He has had a front row seat as the number of graduates has doubled over time and taken great joy in witnessing JCSD grow into a thriving and diverse community serving the needs of a broad, multicultural group of learners. After volunteering with the JHS Track & Field squads as a student teacher in the spring of 2002, Coach Hennes was hired as an assistant coach for both the boys and girls Cross Country and Track & Field squads for the 2002-2003 school year. The following year (2003) he was hired as the Head Girls Cross Country Coach, remaining with the Boys Track & Field program as the distance coach until joining the girls Track & Field TEAM as distance coach in the spring of 2007. In the classroom, Mr. Hennes enjoys teaching mostly JHS seniors in one of their final required courses: American Government or American National Government. In one action-packed semester, students learn about the Foundations of American Government, Citizenship and Civic Participation and the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Coach Hennes has been recognized with the following awards: 2016 Des Moines Register/USA Today Iowa All Sports Coach of the Year following the Dragons undefeated and record-setting State Championship season 13-time recipient of the IATC Cross Country Coach of the Year Award, including most recently the Dragon’s 2023 State Championship season 2016 USTFCCCA Iowa Coach of the Year 2018 IGHSAU Golden Plaque of Distinction Conference Championships (what years) The Dragons have earned a total of eight CIML Conference Championships under Coach Hennes, who took the Dragons from “Worst to First” in the Conference in his first season as Head Coach in 2003. The Dragons celebrated the 21st anniversary of that Championship with another in the 2023 season. They have also won a total of 13 State Qualifying Meet Championships under Coach Hennes and his amazing staff. State Appearances- The Dragons have competed in the IGHSAU State Championship in 20 out of the past 21 seasons and are currently the defending State Champions State Titles- The Dragons have won *six* out of the past 10 IGHSAU Class 4A Cross Country State Championships (2014-2016-2017-2019-2020-2023) and have finished in the Top 4 in 14 out of the last 18 years. In 2016, the Dragons set the State Meet record for the All Time lowest TEAM score (26) and fastest TEAM finish (18:41 for 5K) "As coaches, we take great pride in living and coaching by our TEAM Mission Statement: We are dedicated to developing strong, confident women who are committed to building community while pursuing excellence in competitive athletes. As coaches, we deeply value the trust that parents place in us to help guide the development of their daughters as both athletes and as individuals. As coaches, summer is our opportunity to take the time to really, truly get-to-know our athletes on an even deeper level as individuals. Life is an adventure and we can’t wait to share that adventure with your daughter!!” Why should they attend/benefits? Participants will learn what it takes to live by our TEAM values: Be Healthy Dream Big Dreams Pursue Excellence Take Ownership Be Accountable Have Fun Embrace Your Sister
  • Dragon Girls JMS Cross Country TEAM Clinic: Gr 6-8

    Course Description Come join the coaches and athletes of the 6 x State Champion JHS Girls Cross Country TEAM in the process of living out our TEAM Mission Statement: We are Dedicated to Developing Strong, Confident Women Who Seek to Build Community While Enjoying Competitive Athletics!! Logistics Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Girls Cross Country Head Coach Patrick Hennes- Coach Hennes has been a Dragon since his first days of student teaching at JHS in the Spring of 2002. He has had a front row seat as the number of graduates has doubled over time and taken great joy in witnessing JCSD grow into a thriving and diverse community serving the needs of a broad, multicultural group of learners. After volunteering with the JHS Track & Field squads as a student teacher in the spring of 2002, Coach Hennes was hired as an assistant coach for both the boys and girls Cross Country and Track & Field squads for the 2002-2003 school year. The following year (2003) he was hired as the Head Girls Cross Country Coach, remaining with the Boys Track & Field program as the distance coach until joining the girls Track & Field TEAM as distance coach in the spring of 2007. In the classroom, Mr. Hennes enjoys teaching mostly JHS seniors in one of their final required courses: American Government or American National Government. In one action-packed semester, students learn about the Foundations of American Government, Citizenship and Civic Participation and the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Coach Hennes has been recognized with the following awards: 2016 Des Moines Register/USA Today Iowa All Sports Coach of the Year following the Dragons undefeated and record-setting State Championship season 13-time recipient of the IATC Cross Country Coach of the Year Award, including most recently the Dragon’s 2023 State Championship season 2016 USTFCCCA Iowa Coach of the Year 2018 IGHSAU Golden Plaque of Distinction Conference Championships (what years) The Dragons have earned a total of eight CIML Conference Championships under Coach Hennes, who took the Dragons from “Worst to First” in the Conference in his first season as Head Coach in 2003. The Dragons celebrated the 21st anniversary of that Championship with another in the 2023 season. They have also won a total of 13 State Qualifying Meet Championships under Coach Hennes and his amazing staff. State Appearances- The Dragons have competed in the IGHSAU State Championship in 20 out of the past 21 seasons and are currently the defending State Champions State Titles- The Dragons have won *six* out of the past 10 IGHSAU Class 4A Cross Country State Championships (2014-2016-2017-2019-2020-2023) and have finished in the Top 4 in 14 out of the last 18 years. In 2016, the Dragons set the State Meet record for the All Time lowest TEAM score (26) and fastest TEAM finish (18:41 for 5K) "As coaches, we take great pride in living and coaching by our TEAM Mission Statement: We are dedicated to developing strong, confident women who are committed to building community while pursuing excellence in competitive athletes. As coaches, we deeply value the trust that parents place in us to help guide the development of their daughters as both athletes and as individuals. As coaches, summer is our opportunity to take the time to really, truly get-to-know our athletes on an even deeper level as individuals. Life is an adventure and we can’t wait to share that adventure with your daughter!!” Why should they attend/benefits? Participants will learn what it takes to live by our TEAM values: Be Healthy Dream Big Dreams Pursue Excellence Take Ownership Be Accountable Have Fun Embrace Your Sister
  • Dragon Girls Softball Camp: Gr 3-7

    Course Description The Johnston Dragon Softball Camp is looking for passionate youth softball players who want to enhance their skills. The camp will consist of individual skill work, competitions, games, and the opportunity to learn from the Johnston HS Softball Players and Coaches. Logistics Bring your softball glove and a bat (if you have one) Bring a water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Head Softball Coach Todd Merical
  • Dragon Girls Tennis Camp: Gr 7-12

    CORRECTION- The Connection had only 4 sessions at $97 and the camp is actually 5 sessions (Mon-Fri) and is $106. Course Description Interested in playing high school tennis or just interested in honing the game? Some of the camp takeaways include: being a good sport, serving form, improving forehand and backhand, volleying, setting goals, the mental game, and game strategy. Logistics Campers should bring a racket, water bottle and sunscreen each day Arrive early for check-in Camp Director JHS Head Girls Tennis Coach Mitzi Hetherton
  • Dragon Girls Volleyball Camp: Gr 6-8

    Course Description Camp instruction will focus on the fundamentals of the sport: serving, passing, setting, attacking, blocking & digging. In addition, learning to communicate with teammates and leadership will be emphasized. Individual and small group drills will be used to instruct skill work and to develop team play. Logistics Bring a water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Head Volleyball Coach Rick Brooks has been coaching at Johnston since 1993. His teams have made 11 state appearances, State Title in 2007, 3 runner-up finishes. Coach Brooks was the Coach of the Year in 2007 and has several "District Coach of the Year" honors. He currently teaches Math at JHS. In 2015, he was honored with the Presidential Award in Mathematics & Science Teaching. Coach really enjoys coaching the next generation of Dragons!
  • Dragon Jazz Band Camp: Gr 6-8

    Course Description This camp is for those students who have been and/or are interested in being in their school jazz bands in the fall. We will spend this week rehearsing 4-6 fun jazz band tunes for the Friday performance. Snacks and silly raffle prizes will be offered daily. Each student will receive a camp t-shirt!! A great way to continue playing in the summer!! Logistics T-SHIRT REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS 5/31/2024. Bring your instrument Camp Director JHS Band Director Steve Kellar Click here for more information on the JHS Band Program
  • Dragon Jazz Improvisation Band Camp: Gr 6-12

    Course Description This camp is for those students who are interested in learning how to improvise on their instrument. Open to beginners, intermediate, and advanced students. We will learn a few jazz standards then spend most of our time developing solos as well as listening to a lot of jazz. The week will culminate with a Friday Jam Session! Snacks and silly raffle prizes will be offered daily. Each student will receive a camp t-shirt!! A great way to continue playing in the summer!! Logistics T-SHIRT REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS 6/14/2024. Bring your instrument Camp Director JHS Band Director Steve Kellar Click here for more information on the JHS Band Program
  • Dragon Power Camp: Gr 3-7

    Course Description Junior Dragon Power is a conditioning program that emphasizes proper body weight exercises, weight lifting technique, core strength, flexibility, agility, speed, power and endurance. This program is designed to improve overall athletic ability that will enhance performance for all sports. Younger athletes will use little or no weight. PVC sticks will be used to perfect lifting technique. Logistics Enter through Door #15 on north side of JMS Building, program will be in the weight room Wear athletic shoes/shorts/shirt Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Coach Eric Shafer
  • Dragon Show Choir Camp: Grades 6-9

    DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MAY 5. Course Description Plan on a super fun week of learning the basics of show choir with friends Students will develop: ~ Vocal technique ~ Basic choreography ~ Facial expression ~ Personality projection *Professional choreographers and vocal instructors have been hired to create an exciting and valuable experience! Each participant will receive a t-shirt. Logistics Enter through Door #23 on north side of JHS Final performance is Thursday starting at 11:00am. Seating and space is limited. Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Directors JHS Vocal Music Teacher- Laura Grimm, Director of Innovation (Grades 10-12) JHS Vocal Music Teacher- Hannah Ryan, Director of Synergy (Grades 10-12)
  • Dragon Soccer Camp: Gr 4-7

    Course Description Camp provides boys and girls with technical and tactical coaching with age appropriate activities. Camp focus is ensuring campers have a fun, memorable experience while engaging in a competitive environment. Logistics Bring a soccer ball if you have on Bring a water bottle with your name on it Please wear appropriate clothing per the weather Drop off and pick up outside the JHS Stadium by the main entrance on the south side Cleats for the turf (if you have some), however if it is raining we could go inside so having tennis shoes would be a good idea. Shin guards would be preferable, but kids can play without them if they don't have them on hand. Camp Director JHS Head Girls Soccer Coach Eric Shafer
  • Dragon Wrestling Camp- Boys/Girls

    Course Description Learn the fundamental wrestling techniques, drilling, and have live wrestling opportunities. Logistics Wear t-shirt/shorts and wear clean dry tennis shoes or wrestling shoes. Singlets/headgear are optional. Also bring water bottle (w/name on it) Camp Directors JHS Boys Head Wrestling Coach Aaron Tecklenburg- Coach Tecklenburg has been coaching at JHS since 2008. As a head coach, he has amassed 200+ dual wins. He has coached over 100 State Qualifiers and over 50 state place winners, including 5 state champions. He teaches 7th Grade Social Studies at Summit MS and is also a member of the JHS Football Coaching Staff. JHS Girls Head Wrestling Coach Tim Franklin- Coach Franklin is the first ever girls wrestling coach at JHS and JMS since girls wrestling started in 2022. In the short amount of time the program has been around the JHS girls have had three wrestlers ranked in the top 2 in the CIML Conference and have had two girls place top 5 at the IGHSAU Regional Tournament. Coach Franklin is also a Special Education Associate at JMS.
  • Drone Racing

    Course Description Students will learn how to fly like the pros in the Drone Racing League by training on a flight simulator! Drone Racing incorporates a digital drone racing simulator with tutorials and challenges on the computer to prepare students to fly and compete with real drones. After learning the basics of drone flying, safety and maintenance, students will assemble a drone and take to the skies to compete in exciting races and challenges. Led by experienced instructors, students will leave camp with the skills and knowledge to pilot their drones and keep them running. The drones used in camps have cameras and are perfect for entry level pilots. Students have the option to purchase a drone to take home at the end of camp for $50 (approximately a $100 value). Registration deadline to purchase drone with camp registration: June 23. Logistics If registering for the CAMP ONLY - select the $105 rate If purchasing a DRONE IN ADDITION to camp registration - select the $155 rate (Deadline: June 23) Instructor: COR Robotics
  • FLL Challenge: Solo Mission

    Course Description FIRST LEGO League Challenge: Solo Mission is for participants with at least one season of FLL Challenge experience who are interested in embarking on a solo mission! Participants will utilize practice sessions to create and develop a FLL robot of their own to test against missions from the most recent FLL Challenge season: 'Masterpiece'. At the end of the session, participants will see how many points their robot can earn by completing missions from the 'Masterpiece' season. Space is extremely limited. Registration opens April 15 at 12:00pm. Participants can register as an individual or as a pair (see details below). Logistics All materials will be supplied by Johnston Community Education (JCE). FLL robotics kits and Legos will remain at the program site. Participants will not take kits or Legos home with them. All practice sessions will be supervised by JCE staff. If registering a pair: Register one participant and indicate who the second participant of the pair is by completing the registration questions. Name, date of birth, phone and email will be information needed about the second participant at the time of registration. Pairs will share 1 FLL kit and collaborate on 1 robot. JCE will send registration instructions to the second student of the pair after registration. This is so JCE can collect emergency contact information for both participants. If you have any questions, contact Scott Kruthoff at scott.kruthoff@johnston.k12.ia.us. Instructor: Johnston Community Education
  • Family Pickleball: Evening Classes

    Course Description Get comfortable on the court and the rules while practicing the fundamentals of the game! Shots that will be featured in the lessons include dinks, volleys, serve and return. This is a fun learning experience for the entire family! Logistics Balls and paddles are provided Wear weather appropriate clothing (t-shirt/long sleeve or shorts/pants) Bring water bottle with your name on it Instructor Iowa Tennis 4U
  • Fencing Club

    UPDATE #1: The price for Fencing Club listed with online registration in Eleyo ($249) is CORRECT. The price listed in 'The Connection' ($159) is NOT CORRECT. The pricing for this class changed after 'The Connection' was published. UPDATE #2: The dates for Fencing Club listed with online registration in Eleyo are CORRECT (Saturdays, Jan 27 - April 27, no class March 2, 9, 16, or 30) The dates listed in 'The Connection' are NOT CORRECT. The availability of the instructor changed after 'The Connection' was published. This does mean that the only day Fencing Club participants will meet in March is Saturday, March 23. Interested in joining Fencing Club after the start date (Jan 27, 2024)? Register for the Waitlist Contact Johnston Community Education at commed@johnston.k12.ia.us or 515-278-0552 to let us know that you have added your name to the waitlist. JCE will calculate your prorated registration fee and provide you with instructions on how to process payment. As soon as payment is successfully processed - you can start attending Fencing Club! {YEL!} For fencers who have received introductory fencing instruction, LOVED IT, and are looking for continued development - possibly even participating in fencing competitions. Participants can increase skills, could participate in local area competitions, experience being part of a team, and receive personalized instruction from a local top coach! The {YEL!} Fencing Club is designed for fencers who: Have participated in past classes or camps with the {YEL!} program Want to rapidly increase their skill in fencing. Want to compete in local, regional, and national fencing tournaments. Want the camaraderie that a club has with the opportunity to get to know other competitive fencers on a personal level and to encourage each other at tournaments. Want more personalized instruction. Want to study with a top coach without traveling too far. Fencing gear is provided, but we recommend that fencers consider purchasing their own gear soon. Instructor: Youth Enrichment League
  • Fencing Summer Camp

    Course Description New and returning students invited. Favorite instructors return with more knowledge, refined coaching skills and, of course, the favorite fencing games and arm bands. All equipment provided (safety swords, protective masks, chest plates and jackets). Sign up today to join this sport deemed the “sport of the intellectual athlete! Logistics All equipment provided. Instructor: Youth Enrichment League Youth Enrichment League – {YEL!} – was founded in 2004 by Chet and Lisa Gunhus. It was founded to bring the highest quality enrichment to schools throughout Minnesota. Through the combined blessings of amazing teachers and happy clients, {YEL!} has grown to 745 schools and 150 teachers in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
  • Golf: Youth Lessons

    Course Description Small group lessons taught by one of the best in the area! Lessons are taught at the Des Moines Driving Range, 2944 NW 66th Ave. Please indicate upon registration if golf clubs are needed. Logistics For weather announcements, please call the range at 515-289-1703. Make-up date for any weather issues is TBD. Instructor Mark Egly- Mark was named a top 50 instructor in America and named the Best Instructor in Iowa for a decade by Golf Digest and also named 6 Time Iowa PGA Teacher of the Year, including the 2016 Award as well.
  • Grand View Soccer Skills Camp

    Course Description The camp teaches and improves a player’s technical and tactical abilities, using individual and small group training. T-shirts will be provided by Grand View. 1:12 ratio with players/coaches on hand. Groups will be split by age/ability. Logistics Enter through south gates of the JHS Stadium (Dragon Stadium) Please bring a soccer ball (if you have one) and water bottle. Instructor Grand View Men's Soccer Coaches and Players
  • JCE Girls Flag Football Camp

    Course Description Girls Flag Football is a sport that offers numerous benefits to young girls. It promotes physical fitness, builds self-confidence, fosters teamwork, develops leadership skills, offers college opportunities, and challenges gender stereotypes. This clinic demonstrates hand-offs, passing, receiving, blocking, and how to pull a flag properly. Fun games end each day. T shirts, shorts, and shoes are needed. Mouth guards/football cleats are optional. Logistics Enter through gates on SW side of stadium Instructor Johnston Community Education
  • Lacrosse Boys Camp

    Course Description Learn the oldest sport in North America: Lacrosse! This camp offers the opportunity to explore the joy of this unique sport! With focus on skill development, sportsmanship, and developing a love for the game, coaches will guide participants through basic skills while teaching general gameplay and understanding of Lacrosse. Learn fundamental skills Practice skills through developmental drills/games Intra-squad scrimmages Logistics Wear cleats and active clothing. Bring water bottle with your name on it All equipment provided Instructor Club Coach Chad Gano
  • Magicamp

    Course Description Magicamp is for anyone who likes to have fun! New and returning magicians will enjoy learning and refining their skills. Participants learn how to entertain and amaze friends, family, and classmates with magic that can be done anywhere, at any time. Join professional magician Lee Cole for two days of magic! Logistics All magic materials provided. Each student will recieve a deck of cards included in the registration fee. Lee will provide a treat on the first day. Participants should bring a water bottle and a snack if needed. Juggling balls will be available for purchase, $10 cash (optional). Instructor Professional magician: Lee Cole. When Lee isn’t running Magicamps, he’s performing on cruise ships, at casinos, for Fortune 500 companies, and in comedy clubs as far away as Australia. Lee’s playfulness & spontaneity give his magic show the feel of a stand-up comic’s. When asked about Lee Cole’s Magicomedy, Beyoncé & Jay-Z said, "Who?" https://www.leecole.com/
  • Ninja Warrior Camp

    Course Description This is a great introduction into the competitive world of obstacle course racing! Participants spend time warming up in gymnastics gym with games and races (including time on trampolines and in foam pits). Participants move to the ninja gym and then work through an obstacle course! Logistics Complete this waiver before your Ninja can participate - Emerge Academy Participant Waiver Students should socks and shoes. Staff will inform on when to take off Instructor Emerge Academy, 2100 SE Gateway Dr. in Grimes
  • PE Olympics

    Course Description PE Olympics is a summer program that places individuals on a variety of teams while playing a wide array of games/activities. This will be for individuals entering 4th-7th grade. We will emphasize good sportsmanship, fun competition, and teamwork. Games/activities will help students with core strength, flexibility, agility, speed, power and endurance while improving athletic ability. Games included but not limited to: Tchoukball, Kickball, Soccer, and Capture the Ball. Please wear athletic shoes/shorts/shirt. Logistics Enter through Door #15 on north side of JMS Building, program will be in the weight room Wear athletic shoes/shorts/shirt Bring water bottle with your name on it Instructor JHS Coach and PE Teacher Eric Shafer
  • Pickleball Camp: Beginners & Intermediates

    Course Description Learn pickleball quick! The shots focused on will be dinks, volleys, serves, and returns. By the end of the week participants will be able to play a match, understand scoring, and where to stand on the court. Beginner- The players learn the basic strokes. The strokes include serve, return, forehand, backhand, dink, and volley. The players learn where to stand on the court and how to score. Intermediate - The players learn strategy, grips, and spins. The players practice implementing the new strokes and placement in live play. Logistics Balls and paddles are provided Wear weather appropriate clothing (t-shirt/long sleeve or shorts/pants) Bring water bottle with your name on it Instructor Iowa Tennis 4U