Johnston Community Education

Course Description Try out acrylic paint without the investment of supplies! Participants will paint an acrylic painting each day to take home. Instructor will guide participants through the acrylic painting process, keeping it simple and fun using beautiful colors. Logistics All materials provided. Instructor: Kathy Esch Kathy E. Esch, BFA, CA, has been teaching Community Education classes for 24 years. A skilled sign painter of 18 years and commercial artist, she turned to fine art and art education. Skilled in drawing pet portraits, painting with watercolor, acrylic and oil paints, favoring the natural world, especially trees.

Course Description It's Christmas... in June! Come make gift-quality Christmas related crafts in this fun art camp. Participants will explore materials like wood, fiber, and paint. Projects this year will include (subject to change based on time and material availability): 3rd-7th Grade, Mon/Wed Camp: puppets, wooden block snowmen, Christmas lights string art, twig trees, and pom pom wreaths. 5th-10th Grade, Tue/Thu Camp: Russian nesting dolls, A-frame wooden ornament trees, snowflake string art, and handmade rope garlands. Logistics All materials included 3rd-7th Grade, Mon/Wed Camp: Students must be able to independently tie knots in yarn 5th-10th Grade: Tue/Thu Camp: Participants will use real tools like hammers, nails, and a screw gun in this class. Safety glasses will be provided and no tool experience is necessary. Instructor Amy Uthus Amy Uthus is an independent artist. She enjoys gardening and teaching in addition to working on her own ceramic sculpture and pottery. Amy has experience at a wide variety of studios. She was the inaugural Artist-in-Residence and Education Coordinator at RDG Dahlquist Art Studio in Des Moines, an International Student Resident at the International Ceramics Studio (Kecskemét, Hungary), and as an Artist-In-Residence at Guldagergaard International Ceramics Research Center (SkælskØr, Denmark). With more than 17 years of teaching experience, she has taught workshops and classes at the Des Moines Art Center, Johnston Community Education, the After School Arts Program, RDG Dahlquist Art Studio, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and her own studio near Knoxville, IA. https://www.amyuthus.com/

Course Description Boys are taught the fundamentals of shooting, passing, ball handling, finishing, offensive action and defense. In addition to fundamentals, team concepts for offense and defense will be taught. We want all kids to have a great experience by providing an opportunity to compete, listen, learn and enjoy the great game of basketball. Johnston’s coaching staff will instruct the campers. Logistics Enter through Door #3 on south side of JHS Wear proper basketball clothing including t-shirt and short with clean, dry shoes Bring a basketball with your name on it if you have one Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Boys Basketball Head Coach Courtney Henderson- Coach Henderson took over the head job at JHS in 2023. He has won 10 CIML(Metro)/Alliance Conference Championships, 5 District Championships, 5-time District Coach of the Year, Iowa State Coach of the Year 2015-16, 4A State Coach of the Year 2010-11, has had 2 All-State Basketball Players, made 10 Consecutive District/Sub-State Finals, State Runner-up 2011, and has 5 state tournament appearances.

Course Description Come see why the Johnston Boys Cross Country team has one of the best traditions of excellence and culture in the country! Learn about the sport, train, and participate in team building activities. Logistics Enter through Door #19 (NE side of JMS) by the gym Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Head Boys Track and Field & Head Boys Cross Country Coach Matt Jaschen- Coach Jaschen started coaching at Johnston in 2010 and teaches HS Science at JHS. He was the 2023 State Track & Field Coach of the Year, 2023 Des Moines Register All-Iowa Coach of the Year, 7x At-Large XC Coach of the Year Awards. His teams have been to state the last 12 years in a row! JHS won state in track in 2023, runners-up in cross country in 2013/2022, and have had multiple individual champions in both sports. Coach says "We help athletes develop self-confidence, promote a healthy lifestyle, and create a culture where young athletes can learn and take ownership of their success."

Course Description The Johnston Boys tennis camp is designed for Grades 8-12 planning on playing high school tennis. Emphasis will be placed on singles and doubles match strategy and advanced stroke development. Please arrive 10 minutes early so camp can start on time. Contact Coach Nyquist (Snyquist1@msn.com) or Coach Schuessler (dennis.schuessler@johnston.k12.ia.us) for more information. Logistics Campers should bring a racket, water bottle and sunscreen each day. Camp Directors JHS Boys Head Tennis Coaches Dennis Schuessler- Coach Schuessler started coaching at JHS in 2017. Their last state appearance was in 2022. His goal for this camp is to prepare the next generation of Tennis Dragons. JHS Boys Assistant Coach Steve Nyquist- Coach Nyquist started coaching tennis at JHS in 2022. They qualified for team state in 2022 and had state qualifiers in 2022, 2023. Current professional coach has said “You have done a great job and are doing amazing with the Johnston team. They are lucky to have you.” He has over 40 years experience in tennis and has learned from some of the best players and coaches in the country. Coach has tremendous passion for the sport and wants to give back to a sport that has given him a lifetime of fun and pleasure. He wants to be the coach and resource to the players that he didn’t have when he was learning the game. If your son attends this camp and applies what they have learned, they will improve. The camp will focus more on strategy and philosophy that is often not included from professional coaches.

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. Logistics Bring water bottle with your name on it Volleyballs and other equipment will be provided 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!

Course Description This camp is for current band students looking for a summer opportunity to play. We will spend this week rehearsing 4 - 6 fun 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 5/24/2024. Bring your instrument Camp Directors JHS Band Director Steve Kellar JHS Band Director Jason Heeren Click here for more information on the JHS Band Program

Course Description The Fit to Hit Football Camp will focus on skill development , position growth, conditioning and will also learn concepts used by the offense, defense, and special teams. This camp is for athletes that plan on participating in football in the Fall. Each participant will receive a t-shirt. The benefit of attending these camps will give the camper a chance to better their football skills on both sides of the ball by learning an offensive position and defensive position plus will get a chance to start learning specifics about what offensive/defensive formations and plays that will be used during the season. This camp introduces the basics so it will be important to attend so you are ready to go on Day 1. It will also give the camper a chance to get some conditioning in and gauge where the players are at with their stamina. All campers just need to come with T-shirts, shorts and cleats if they have them, plus bring the attitude to work and get better as a football player! Be coachable, open minded and HAVE FUN! Logistics Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Head Football Coach Brian Woodley- Coach Woodley started at Johnston in 2002 and has coached for 30+ years overall. He teaches Physical Education at JHS. He has been named State Coach of Year in both classes 4A and 5A twice in 2017 and 2022. Johnston has qualified for the football playoffs 16 times, 3 Quarterfinal appearances, 1 Semifinal appearance. Coach says "I really enjoy instructing my football camps as I really enjoy getting to know kids that enjoy football and are passionate about bettering their football skills. I also love developing relationships with the kids at a younger age and watching them grow as a person and a football player while participating in the Dragon football program."

Course Description The players will develop skills emphasized within the Johnston High School Girls Basketball Program and learn how to utilize those skills with the team concept. Instructors will be the JHS girls basketball coaching staff. Logistics Enter through Door #3 on south side of JHS. Camp Director JHS Head Girls Basketball Coach Chad Jilek- Has been the coach of 5A State Champions in 2024, 2022, 2020 and Class 5A Runners-Up in 2023, 2021, 2016.

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

Course Description This camp will be a high intensity camp focusing on preparation for competition. Drills will be fast-paced and challenging. Learning to compete and teamwork will be the goal of the camp. 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!

Course Description This camp will prepare athletes for the upcoming fall season by focusing on fundamentals and conditioning. Focus will be on building the foundation necessary to maximize performance in the sport. Individual skill drills and team competition will be used daily to develop each athlete. 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!

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 6/21/2024. Bring your instrument Camp Director JHS Band Director Steve Kellar Click here for more information on the JHS Band Program

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

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.

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

Course Description Drawing natural materials, writing about the experience of being in nature, and recording sizes and shapes will give participants a closer look at the great outdoors! Logistics Instructor will provide drawing lessons and natural materials. Participants will work indoors for the workshop. All materials provided. Instructor: Kathy Esch Kathy E. Esch, BFA, CA, has been teaching Community Education classes for 24 years. A skilled sign painter of 18 years and commercial artist, she turned to fine art and art education. Skilled in drawing pet portraits, painting with watercolor, acrylic and oil paints, favoring the natural world, especially trees.

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