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Beginning Guitar

Course Description: {YEL!} BEGINNING GUITAR Join this dynamic course to learn a dynamite instrument! Players will learn the basics of music including reading music, rhythm, melody and meter. Classes are fun and make the instrument easily accessible for all students. Sign up today to let the music play! Participants must provide their own guitar. NOTE TO PARENTS: Visit https://youthenrichmentleague.com/what-kind-of-guitar-should-i-buy-for-my-child/ to learn what kind of guitar to buy for your child. Logistics: Participants should bring a water bottle with their name on it. 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.

Mon-Fri, Aug 4 - Aug 8

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Horizon Elementary

Dragon & Unicorn Academy: Lit + STEM

Course Description Embark on an epic adventure where the magic of literature meets the wonders of STEM! At Dragon & Unicorn Academy, kids will explore thrilling stories, from dragon-filled legends to mystical unicorn realms, while diving into hands-on STEM challenges. Build dragon wings, code enchanted creatures, and discover the science behind the fantasy. It’s a journey where imagination and innovation soar together! Registration Deadline: July 28 Logistics Participants should bring a water bottle with their name on it. Instructor TigerLily STEM. TigerLily STEM has led fun and interactive camps and classes for thousands of students in the Des Moines area since 2017. They emphasize instruction through activities and have a ton of fun while learning about science, math, and technology. All TigerLily STEM instructors are professional teachers or college students pursuing careers in STEM related fields https://tigerlilystem.com/

Mon-Fri, Aug 4 - Aug 8

Lawson Elementary

Extreme Engineers Club

Course Description: {YEL!} Extreme Engineers Club LEGO® bricks are used to challenge every aspect of your child’s creativity and intellect while learning the basics of engineering and physics. Each class students are given a different project to build, test and modify. Then they use these projects to investigate basic engineering concepts. Emphasis is placed on hands-on experiential activities and kid friendly lesson plans. Join this dynamic exploration of machines and mechanisms today! See YouthEnrichmentLeague.com for more details. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site or program. Logistics: Participants should bring a water bottle with their name on it. 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.

Mon-Fri, Jul 28 - Aug 1

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Wallace Elementary

FIRST LEGO League Challenge - Fall 2025 Season: Unearthed

COURSE DESCRIPTION: In FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge, friendly competition is at the heart of the program. Teams of students engage in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering while building and programming a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a robot game. Teams of 6-8 students, led by PARENT-VOLUNTEER coaches, will meet up to 2 days each week for approximately 1 hour. During these team "practices", teams will work together to design, build, and code their robot. Teams will also practice the FLL core values while developing a unique solution to a real-world issue related to the current season's theme. In the UNEARTHED™ challenge, to be released August 5, 2025, FIRST® LEGO® League teams will uncover the past to discover the future. Learn more. Our Fall 2025 FLL Challenge Season offered through Johnston Community Education will operate similar to Fall 2024: Teams will have the option to attend an FLL Regional Qualifier event outside of Johnston. Qualifier event dates and locations are TBD. Travel could be required to attend an FLL Regional Qualifier. The cost of participating in a Regional Qualifier is included in your registration fee (no additional registration fees). Johnston Community Education will host a local event for Johnston FLL teams only. This event will help prepare teams for regional qualifiers and showcase their work for parents. The date and time of this event will be determined in collaboration with our teams after practices begin. Early Registration Deadline: 8/24 (Fee increases to $140 on 8/25) LOGISTICS: Please indicate if the participant is NEW or RETURNING to FLL Challenge when you register. RETURNING participants will be placed with their 2024 season coach IF their coach is also returning. After all team rosters are created (minimum of 6 / maximum of 8 participants) - we need to identify parent-volunteers from the roster to serve as the Head Coach plus 2 Assistant Coaches. That means we need AT LEAST 3 parents from every roster of 6-8 students to volunteer to coach in some role. If we are unable to find sufficient parent-volunteer support for a team, we will attempt to relocate students to other teams based on available roster space in the order in which they registered. If we cannot find a new roster to move them to, your registration fee will be refunded. All teams will practice at the JCSD District Office, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA 50131 Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 24 (Fee increases to $140 on Aug 25) Coaches' Meeting to be held the week of Sept 2-5 Teams will be contacted by parent-volunteer coaches following the coaches' meeting. Practices can begin as early as the week of Sept 8-12. Teams will practice 2 nights per week: Mon & Wed OR Tue & Thu. No experience or equipment necessary for participants or coaches! PARTICPANT AGES NOTE: The age range for our Johnston Community Education FLL Challenge program is 4th-8th grade. This varies slightly from the recommended age range provided by the FIRST organization. Our age range falls within the FIRST recommended age range so teams do not need to be concerned about eligibility at FIRST competitions. 4th-8th grade is the age range we have found the most success with for our program. INSTRUCTOR: Parent-Volunteer Coaches! This program is dependent on parent-volunteers to operate. Rosters are limited to 6-8 students. That means we need to identify a Head Coach and 2 Assistant Coaches for every 6-8 students. A MINIMUM of 2 adults (Coach + Assistant Coach) are required to be on-site to supervise each practice. No LEGO or robotics experience is necessary. FLL provides materials to guide teams through each practice and all projects should be student-driven. With small rosters - all parents should consider how they can volunteer to support the team. Please contact Scott.Kruthoff@Johnston.k12.ia.us with questions.

Mon-Thu, Sep 8 - Dec 11

District Office

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 create and develop an FLL robot of their own to test against missions from the most recent FLL Challenge season: Submerged. Much of the work in this camp is self-directed. JCE staff will be on-site to help problem-solve and keep participants moving towards the goal of completing as many succesful missions as possible on the final day! Participants will be encouraged to brainstorm and collaborate together. Space is extremely limited. Registration opens April 15 at 12pm. 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. 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

Mon-Fri, Jul 21 - Jul 25

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

District Office

Jewelry Making

Course Description: Ever wanted to make your own jewelry? Come learn different beading and stamping techniques to make earrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, and other wearable art! Logistics: Participants should bring a water bottle with their name on it. Instructor: Katie Black Katie Black is a K-12 certified art educator currently teaching art at Johnston High School. She loves the process of creativity and art-making with students of all ages and has previously taught at JMS, the Des Moines Art Center, and with Johnston Community Education.

Mon-Wed, Aug 4 - Aug 6

Beaver Creek Elementary

Kids Create: Bunny Squishmallow Pajama Party

Course Description Join us for this fun event where Pajama Party meets Art Camp! Participants will create an acrylic squishmallow bunny painting, play games, enjoy snacks, and meet baby bunnies! Expect your child to create, learn, and play throughout this memorable camp! They'll have a great time and go home with an artwork they treasure! Pajamas are encouraged. Students are invited to bring a squishmallow. Logistics Enter through Door #7 on east side of building. Please pack a peanut free lunch and a water bottle. Instructor Kids Create Owner- Elizabeth Lyons- Kids Create is a children's art studio that encourages a love of learning, creativity, and kindness.

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

District Office

Kids Create: Owl Art & Science Camp

Course Description Join us for this fabulously fun camp all about owls! Students will create a canvas painting, play games, enjoy snacks, and learn about these awesome birds. Free-choice stations and snacks will be provided during our down time so that students can pick their activity. Polk County Conservation will join us with their live Great Horned Owl ambassador for a presentation. Expect your child to create, learn, play, and relax during this memorable camp! Logistics Enter through Door #7 on east side of building. Please pack a peanut free lunch and a water bottle. Instructor Kids Create Owner- Elizabeth Lyons- Kids Create is a children's art studio that encourages a love of learning, creativity, and kindness.

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

District Office

Knitting Basics

Course Description: Learn the basics of knitting by beginning to knit a handmade scarf! Participants will learn how to cast on projects, use both the knit stitch and the purl stitch, and cast off techniques. This camp offers a fun and creative introduction to knitting! Logistics: Participants should bring a water bottle with their name on it. Instructor: Kenzie Lindsey Kenzie is an art teacher at JHS where she teaches Drawing, Digital Photography and Art of Craft. She has experience teaching all age groups and working with a variety of materials. Her favorite art related things are knitting, taking photos, and creating collages.

Mon-Wed, Jul 21 - Jul 23

Johnston High School

Magic & Juggling

Course Description: Magic & Juggling are for anyone who likes to have fun! Participants learn how to entertain and amaze friends, family, and classmates with routines that can be done anywhere, at any time. Join professional magician Lee Cole for two days of Magic & Juggling! Logistics: All magic and juggling materials provided Participants will have the option to purchase juggling balls Instructor: 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? LeeCole.com

Tue/Thu, Jul 22 - Jul 24

Mon/Wed, Aug 11 - Aug 13

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Mindful Explorers Camp

Course Description: Unlock Potential this Summer at Mindful Explorers Camp! At Mindful Explorers, young minds are empowered to: Master focus and mindfulness techniques Develop creative problem-solving skills Learn effective emotional management strategies Enhance communication and build lasting friendships Boost self-confidence and emotional resilience Embrace challenges with excitement and positivity Logistics: Bring a water bottle with name on it. Instructor: Melissa Gutshall, M.Ed. Participants will benefit from the expertise of Melissa Gutshall, an experienced elementary teacher with a master's degree in curriculum and instruction and certification as a Wholistic NeuroGrowth Learning Success Coach. Imprint Learning Strategies Why choose Mindful Explorers? Proven results: Watch your child blossom into a more confident, emotionally balanced, and socially adept individual. Lifelong skills: Equip your child with essential tools for success in school, relationships, and future careers. Safe, nurturing environment: Our structured program provides security while encouraging independence and growth. Unplug and connect: Give your child a break from screens and the chance to form real-world connections. Physical and mental well-being: Engage in activities promoting physical and cognitive development. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your child's future. Limited spots available - secure your child's place today!"

Mon-Thu, Jul 28 - Jul 31

Horizon Elementary

Project Runway | Advanced

Course Description: {YEL!} Project Runway | Advanced Prerequisite: Participants must have prior experience in a {YEL!} Project Runway camp. This is a faster paced camp. Our teacher will lead students to design their own take home apparel following current fashion trends. Projects include: A romper, tote bag, draw-string bag, and hair scrunchy. PARENTS: There will be a showcase during the final 15 minutes of class on Friday! Parents are encouraged to attend. Details will be shared during the week of camp. https://youthenrichmentleague.com/portfolio-item/p... Logistics: Participants should bring a water bottle with their name on it. 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.

Mon-Fri, Aug 4 - Aug 8

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Wallace Elementary

Run Away with the Circus

Course Description “Run Away With The Circus!” Taught by professional circus performers, students will learn juggling, hula-hooping, acrobatics, aerial arts, and other circus props - including one they will make for themselves and take home! Students will also have the opportunity to share the skills they've learned with family and friends at the end of the week. Logistics All supplies provided Participants may bring a labelled water bottle and a snack (if needed) Instructor Iowa Circus Arts Iowa Circus Arts is a collection of professional coaches and entertainers who train, teach, and perform all over the world. With so many artists right here in central Iowa, running away with the circus doesn't have to mean traveling any further than our summer circus camp!

Mon-Fri, Jul 21 - Jul 25

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

District Office

School of Wizardry 2.0

Course Description Welcome to School of Wizardry, where science meets sorcery! Inspired by the world of Harry Potter, campers will embark on a journey through the wonders of STEM. From brewing magical potions to designing wands, kids will unlock their inner wizard and discover the science behind the magic. *All new activities this year! Registration Deadline: July 14 Logistics Participants should bring a water bottle with their name on it. Instructor TigerLily STEM. TigerLily STEM has led fun and interactive camps and classes for thousands of students in the Des Moines area since 2017. They emphasize instruction through activities and have a ton of fun while learning about science, math, and technology. All TigerLily STEM instructors are professional teachers or college students pursuing careers in STEM related fields https://tigerlilystem.com/

Mon-Fri, Jul 21 - Jul 25

Wallace Elementary

David Stewart (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

Start Smart with Study Skills: 5 CLASS COMBO

Course Description Start the school year off right! Participants will be introduced to strategies related to: organization and time management, note taking strategies, test taking strategies, reading and study strategies, and learning style and study habits. Register for individual workshops or the 5-workshop combo! Organization & Time Management: (Monday, Aug 4) Develop and refine time management and organizational habits to succeed in school, life, and beyond. Use an academic planner to track school assignments and grades. Manage time and responsibilities inside and outside of the classroom. Organize school work and study area Note Taking Strategies: (Tuesday, Aug 5) An introduction to taking notes in order to study more effectively and improve test scores. Learn note-taking tools to record and manage information presented in classroom texts and lectures. Test Taking Strategies: (Wednesday, Aug 6) Introduction to study strategies to take tests and quizzes with confidence. Manage test anxiety and use a study process. Apply study strategies for various subjects. Tackle different types of tests and item types. Reading & Study Strategies: (Thursday, Aug 7) Develop active reading strategies to read better in every class. Use text features to improve comprehension. Read strategically by using text features, visual aids, and context clues. Locate the main idea and summarize information. Skim and scan for key details. Learning Style & Study Habits: (Friday, Aug 8) Introduction to key study strategies and habits to become an independent and effective student. Develop a “yes I can” mindset. Set and achieve short- and long-term goals. Understand yourself as a learner. Logistics None Instructor: Sylvan Learning

Mon-Fri, Aug 4 - Aug 8

9:00 - 11:00 AM

Johnston Middle School

Start Smart with Study Skills: Learning Style & Study Habits

Course Description Start the school year off right! Participants will be introduced to strategies related to: organization and time management, note taking strategies, test taking strategies, reading and study strategies, and learning style and study habits. Register for individual workshops or the 5-workshop combo! Learning Style & Study Habits: (Friday, Aug 8) Introduction to key study strategies and habits to become an independent and effective student. Develop a “yes I can” mindset. Set and achieve short- and long-term goals. Understand yourself as a learner. Logistics None Instructor: Sylvan Learning

9:00 - 11:00 AM

Johnston Middle School

Start Smart with Study Skills: Note Taking Strategies

Course Description Start the school year off right! Participants will be introduced to strategies related to: organization and time management, note taking strategies, test taking strategies, reading and study strategies, and learning style and study habits. Register for individual workshops or the 5-workshop combo! Note Taking Strategies: (Tuesday, Aug 5) An introduction to taking notes in order to study more effectively and improve test scores. Learn note-taking tools to record and manage information presented in classroom texts and lectures. Logistics None Instructor: Sylvan Learning

9:00 - 11:00 AM

Johnston Middle School

Alberto G. (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

Start Smart with Study Skills: Organization & Time Management

Course Description Start the school year off right! Participants will be introduced to strategies related to: organization and time management, note taking strategies, test taking strategies, reading and study strategies, and learning style and study habits. Register for individual workshops or the 5-workshop combo! Organization & Time Management: (Monday, Aug 4) Develop and refine time management and organizational habits to succeed in school, life, and beyond. Use an academic planner to track school assignments and grades. Manage time and responsibilities inside and outside of the classroom. Organize school work and study area Logistics None Instructor: Sylvan Learning

9:00 - 11:00 AM

Johnston Middle School

Alberto G. (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

Start Smart with Study Skills: Reading & Study Strategies

Course Description Start the school year off right! Participants will be introduced to strategies related to: organization and time management, note taking strategies, test taking strategies, reading and study strategies, and learning style and study habits. Register for individual workshops or the 5-workshop combo! Reading & Study Strategies: (Thursday, Aug 7) Develop active reading strategies to read better in every class. Use text features to improve comprehension. Read strategically by using text features, visual aids, and context clues. Locate the main idea and summarize information. Skim and scan for key details. Logistics None Instructor: Sylvan Learning

9:00 - 11:00 AM

Johnston Middle School

David Stewart (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

Start Smart with Study Skills: Test Taking Strategies

Course Description Start the school year off right! Participants will be introduced to strategies related to: organization and time management, note taking strategies, test taking strategies, reading and study strategies, and learning style and study habits. Register for individual workshops or the 5-workshop combo! Test Taking Strategies: (Wednesday, Aug 6) Introduction to study strategies to take tests and quizzes with confidence. Manage test anxiety and use a study process. Apply study strategies for various subjects. Tackle different types of tests and item types. Logistics None Instructor: Sylvan Learning

9:00 - 11:00 AM

Johnston Middle School

Virtual Reality 2.0

Course Description This camp is perfect for those who love video games, coding, virtual reality, or graphic design. Participants will design their own worlds, characters, and experiences, code their own games, and experience everything in virtual reality. Registration Deadline: June 2 for the June 9-13 camp; July 21 for the July 28-Aug 1 camp Logistics Participants should bring a water bottle with their name on it. Instructor TigerLily STEM. TigerLily STEM has led fun and interactive camps and classes for thousands of students in the Des Moines area since 2017. They emphasize instruction through activities and have a ton of fun while learning about science, math, and technology. All TigerLily STEM instructors are professional teachers or college students pursuing careers in STEM related fields https://tigerlilystem.com/

Mon-Fri, Jul 28 - Aug 1

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Beaver Creek Elementary