Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Maine Arts Camp – Meet the Director!

If you would like to find out whether Maine Arts Camp is the right place for your child or teen to indulge their creative spirit, explore new horizons, and make lifelong friendships this summer, take the opportunity to meet with the Director, Rick Mades, who will be in town this week, and happy to meet and answer any questions.

Maine Arts Camp is a small community that makes a big impact! Located on the beautiful campus of Colby College, MAC offers outstanding opportunities for high quality instruction from professional educators, with access to state-of-the-art facilities to support the program of activities in visual and performing arts, culinary arts, filmography, robotics and more. A camper-to- staff ratio of 3:1 means that campers get the personal attention they need to thrive and grow as artists and individuals. If you would like to know more, please visit www.maineartscamp.com . Email Anabel Cable with any questions or to set up a meeting.

Please join the Newton Cantonese School in celebrating Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rooster. There will be a lion dance, student performances, and games.  To learn more, please go to www.newtoncantoneseschool.org.

As background, Newton Cantonese School (NCS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has existed since 1978. Its goal is to teach the Cantonese dialect, reading and writing of the Chinese language, and celebrate Chinese culture. The school’s Saturday language program currently enrolls 150 students, ranging from ages 5 to 15 years old. As the only Cantonese-focused language school in Massachusetts, the program connects a widespread community of Newton residents and families across the state, including inner city Boston and towns an hour away.

January 21st, 9:30 am – 12:00 noon
Bigelow Middle School, 42 Vernon Street

How to Know If Your Child (and YOU!) Are Ready for Overnight Camp

Are you wondering if your child is ready? Are you wondering how to figure out what is the best fit for your child? Are you not sure how long to send your child? This presentation will help you understand the many benefits of overnight camp. You will learn what to ask when speaking with different directors, what to look for when you go on tours.  This presentation will help you eliminate some of your anxieties about sending your child away to overnight camp.

This workshop is presented by Jill Vetstein, a licensed clinical mental health therapist specializing in children. She has a B.S in Education and a Masters in Social Work and is also a writer, blogger, professional speaker and a mother. Jill has been working with parents and children in many settings for over 25 years. Jill has over 20 years of experience in the camping world both as a camper and as a professional.

This is a lecture to help parents get general information about readiness for overnight camp and to answer questions and allay anxieties. It is not representing any camp in particular. Camp Specialists is a FREE referral service to help families find the best fit for their child and has no bias for one specific camp over another. For more information on the services, please email na**********@*************ts.com.

Feb 8th,  7:00 pm dessert reception; 7:30 pm presentation
Needham Historical Society, 1147 Central Ave, Needham

Kids at the Farm: Summer 2017

Registration is now open for summer programs at the Newton Community Farm. Preschool through High School, including new additions for 2017.

Register for week long programs before March 18th for the Early Bird Discount.

www.newtoncommunityfarm.org/education

Financial assistance available for qualifying applicants. Questions? Please contact Alison Scorer, Education Director at ed*******@*****************rm.org.

Learn to Play the Ukulele!

Uke 1 – an introduction class to the ukulele and perfect for kids who want to learn an instrument, while exploring the world of musicianship. Students will learn basics of the instrument, including rhythmic strumming and chords. They will be playing songs in a few short weeks! Tuesdays, 1:15 – 2:00 pm
Uke 2 – The student must have completed Uke 1. All levels of players are welcome for continued learning and weekly “jam session”. Tuesdays, 2:15- 3:00 pm

Now Registering kids in Grades 2 – 5 for the Spring Session. Bring your own instrument or contact teacher for rental. Register at www.activityreg.com, click on MA, click on Newton Parks & Recreation, click on Register, click on Programs or Activities, click on Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs, click on Ukulele classes. Or call 617-796-1540 for more information.

Tuesdays, January 31st – April 4th at the Newton Cultural Center at City Hall

Summer Camp Fair

Newton Parks and Recreation invites you to their Camp Fair. Talk with camp managers from Newton Parks and Recreation, staff from Newton Public Schools S.P.A.C.E. Camp, instructors at Newton Community Education Summer Programs, and representatives from Historic Newton and the Newton Free Library to see what is being offered in Newton this summer. For more information go to www.newtonma.gov/parks and click on the Summer Camp Fair link.

January 29th (snow date February 5th) from 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Newton North High School Cafeteria.

 

Adult Knitting Class in Newton Center

Would you like to learn to knit? Do you know the basics but are ready to move beyond a scarf? Or have you finished a couple of projects and are ready to learn some new techniques and become more confident? Sign up now for an adults-only knitting class taught by an experienced teacher.

In these friendly classes, beginners will develop a strong foundation of skills so that they can continue knitting many different types of projects. You’ll learn how to: cast on, knit, purl, create a border, read a pattern, identify and fix common mistakes, and bind off. More experienced knitters can expand their skills to cables, lace, chart reading, and/or socks.
To register, email the instructor at ma***********@***il.com. Payment information, address, and a short list of materials to bring to the first class will be sent promptly. Click here to learn more.

Cost is $75.00 for a 5-class Flex Pass (attend when your schedule permits)
Location: Instructor’s home in Newton Centre
Tuesday evenings beginning January 24th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
OR Wednesday mornings beginning January 11th, 10 am – noon

If you’re the woman who dropped off a lovely afghan to be mended, please let Mary Ann know. It’s all fixed, but she can’t find your contact information!