Johnston Community Education

Course Description: {YEL!} Advanced Chess Summer Camp Prerequisite: Previous chess classes, chess summer camps, or an 800+ ChessKid.com rating. Advanced Chess Summer Camp starts with advanced chess lessons right away. Players will study opening theory, end game scenarios, and deeper strategic concepts. This is a summer camp for chess players with previous chess experience and a desire to improve! https://youthenrichmentleague.com/portfolio-item/c... 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.

Course Description: The Babysitting Basics course from the American Red Cross gives participants a foundation on which to build a babysitting business. Designed for new babysitters, this course delivers information clearly, concisely and interactively – and it's the perfect way for young people to learn about all of the responsibilities that come with the job. The Babysitting Basics class covers a wide range of information that can help new babysitters gain the skills and confidence needed to care for infants and children. The course includes information on: How to care for infants and children What to do in an emergency and how to stay safe Choosing activities that are age appropriate Recognizing, understanding and handling certain behaviors Starting your babysitting business Safely preparing a healthy snack The Babysitting Basics course culminates with a final exam. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate that they can share with potential employers. Logistics: Participants should bring a sack lunch, a snack if needed, and a labelled water bottle Participants will receive their Babysitting Basics certificate via email from the American Red Cross following the class Instructor: Olivia Stephenson, Aquatics Coordinator at Summit Middle School Pool!

Course Description This clinic is designed to give the children an opportunity to get a feel for the game of baseball and softball. The main purpose is to teach children to hit the ball, run the bases, become familiar with being on the field, and most of all to have FUN. No score is kept. Every player hits in every inning. This program is coached by parent volunteers and supervised by JCE Staff. Logistics Enter through gate on SW side of stadium Wear t-shirt and shorts/pants depending on weather Bring water bottle with your name on it Instructor Parent Volunteer Coaches supervised by JCE Staff

Course Description Ready to take your shot to the next level? Whether a beginner looking to build strong habits or an advanced player aiming for more precision, these sessions are tailored to each individual's goals. Semi-private lessons focus on building the essential skills needed to become a confident and consistent shooter. Open for boys and girls. What is Worked On: Shooting Form: Master proper technique for a smooth, efficient shot. Shooting Fundamentals: Learn the mechanics that create accuracy and consistency. Shooting Footwork: Perfect your footwork to set up your shot quickly and balance under pressure. Logistics Bring a water bottle and wear clean, dry tennis shoes Bring your own basketball (Recommended Grades K-3 have 27.5 size ball and Grades 4-9 have 28.5 size ball) Instructor Bryan Claude- Former college basketball player and shooting specialist, has experience as a summer camp director and high school varsity head coach. Specializes in shooting fundamentals, form, footwork and offensive skills.

Course Description In this detail-oriented class, participants will learn to design and bead flat projects on a loom! Skills gained include making beaded bracelets, bookmarks, coasters, and patches for clothing and backpacks. The class fee covers all materials and tools, including a reusable loom and beading needle to keep. Logistics All materials included. Students may bring a labelled water bottle and/or a snack if desired. 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: {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.

Course Description: {YEL!} Bricktopia Master Builders Camp Calling all Master Builders looking for a challenge! During this camp, builders will accept the engineering challenge to build and program a robotic dog, motorized bug, race cars and more! Battle summer brain drain. Sign up today! LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site or program. https://youthenrichmentleague.com/portfolio-item/b... 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.

Course Description: {YEL!} CHESS SUMMER CAMP All levels welcome. The {YEL!} Teach It!…Practice It!...Play It! method keeps chess students progressing with 60+ chess lessons and thousands of puzzles as well as guided games and an end-of-week in-class tournament. Class fee includes ChessKid.com membership for the session. Battle summer brain drain...sign up today. Visit YELKids.com for more info. https://youthenrichmentleague.com/portfolio-item/c... 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.

Course Description Get into the Christmas spirit in June! Join this festive art camp to create gift-quality Christmas crafts! Participants will explore materials like wood, fiber, and paint. Projects may include mosaics, wreaths, marbled wrapping paper, wooden block snowmen, nativities, Christmas character puppets, medieval rope garlands, and various ornaments. Logistics All materials included. Students may bring a labelled water bottle and/or a snack if desired. 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: {YEL!} Coding Animation and Video Games STEM Video Game Enrichment for the 21st Century learner. Each {YEL!} Coding class follows three basic components: Teach It!…Students learn different video game and storytelling design techniques (movement blocks, control blocks, basic animation, adding scores, etc.) Code It!… Students use Scratch® to code their own story and video games. Explore It!…Students can write their own story and video game code, experiment with it and test new options. Our collaborative learning environment encourages students to learn from each other. Sign up today to THINK, LEARN and PLAY WELL with {YEL!}. Scratch® is an MIT created and monitored, kid-safe web interface. It uses a drag and drop programming interface to teach students of all levels coding practices. NOTE #1: This is a 3-day camp offered June 4-6. If the last day of school gets pushed beyond May 30, this camp will be cancelled and full refunds will be issued. NOTE #2: This is a 5-day camp that has been modified to a 3-day camp in order to bridge the gap between the school year ending and the start of 5-day camps the week of June 9. Participants may not have time to complete each of the coding projects dues to the shortened camp. https://youthenrichmentleague.com/portfolio-item/c... 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.

Course Description Calling all aspiring dancers! This 3-day camp introduces students to a variety of dance styles, including jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary. Dancers will build confidence, learn fun routines, and develop performance skills in an upbeat and encouraging environment. No prior experience required—just come ready to dance! The final class will include a short 15 minute, informal performance for parents at the end of the class. Logistics Enter through Door #1 at Summit MS (9500 Windsor Parkway) Performance of learned dances will be last 15 minutes of final day Instructor Sabetha Mumm, Dance Vision Owner- click here to learn more Dance Vision Staff

Course Description This two-day musical theatre dance workshop has campers learning stylized choreography & steps to dances from hit Broadway Disney shows that will be performed at the camp's conclusion. Final performance of learned dances is Tuesday, June 17 @ 12:45pm. Logistics Enter through the main door on the south side of the building Snack provided Campers must bring their own lunch/drink Instructor The Dancer's Theatre Staff

Course Description This two-day dance and more camp will have kids learning trendy moves while making new friends, crafting, and doing other fun activities inspired by their favorite superstars! Performance of learned dances Wednesday, August 6 @ 12:45 pm. Logistics Enter through the main door on the south side of the building Snack provided Campers must bring their own lunch/drink Instructor The Dancer's Theatre Staff

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/

Course Description Your son is invited to participate in this Annual Summer Baseball Camp offered through the Johnston Baseball program and Johnston Community Ed. Players are grouped by age, and learn baseball material that fits their age range. Camp finishes on the last day and players can head back to the field to attend the JV/Varsity game. All youth Johnston baseball players are allowed in for free. Kids will be honored before the varsity game. Players learn information on throwing, hitting, pitching, catching, fielding, sliding and team offense/defense Players will be working hand in hand with the varsity coaches and the varsity baseball players Logistics Wear proper baseball apparel with glove, bat, and wear a hat. Participants can share bats if needed. Bring a water bottle (w/name on it) Camp Director -JHS Head Baseball Coach Michael Barta- Since taking over as Head Baseball Coach in 2012, Coach Barta has won Coach of the Year, and already has over 400 wins! Johnston Baseball has won 7 state championships and has made 21 state appearances.

Course Description Boys are taught fundamentals of shooting, passing, ball handling, finishing, offensive action and defense. In addition to fundamentals, team concepts for offense and defense will be taught. Goal is to give all kids a great experience by providing an opportunity to compete, listen, learn, and enjoy the great game of basketball. Johnston’s coaching staff along with current and former players will instruct the campers. All boys receive a T-shirt. Logistics Enter through Door #3 on south side of JHS and through Door #15 on north side of JMS for final day Wear proper basketball clothing including t-shirt and shorts with clean, dry shoes Basketballs will be provided at JHS site so please don't bring one, JMS- please bring 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 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 Enter through Door #1 on north side of Summit Wear proper basketball clothing including t-shirt and shorts with clean, dry shoes Please do NOT bring a basketball as they will be provided at JHS, you can bring one at Summit Bring a 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 those 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) with any questions. Logistics Campers should bring a racket, water bottle and sunscreen each day. Weather policy/procedures- if courts are slick/wet from rains, lessons will be cancelled. The decision will be made at least 30 minutes before each class. Please watch for texts & emails for the notification Camp Directors JHS Boys Head Tennis Coach 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 Join coaches and athletes from the Boys' Dragon Track & Field team for an introduction to the fundamentals of this great sport! Emphasis will be placed on having fun and building individual skills & fitness. The final day of camp consists of a non-competitive, mini, fun track meet in which everyone will receive a t-shirt for participation. Please note if inclement weather occurs, attempts will be made to go inside to the gym if available. If not, then there will be no make-up days due to schedules. Logistics Wear shorts/t-shirt and comfortable running shoes. 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."