Vernon Hills Park District notes
For more information, visit (847) 996-6933 or visit www.vhparkdistrict.org.
Program registrations may be completed online, mailed in or dropped off at the Sullivan Center, or faxed to (847) 996-6801.
Mandarin Chinese course: This beginning conversational Mandarin course is an introduction to the language for children ages 4 to 12. Kids learn common actions and commands involving clothing, tools, holidays, sports vocabulary and more through crafts, show-and-tell, songs, stories and more.
Class will meet Thursdays, today through Feb. 14 in the Laschen Community Center. Children ages 4 to 7 meet at 4:15 p.m. and those ages 8 to 12 meet at 5:15 p.m. There is a fee of $68 for residents, $85 for nonresidents.
Stretch-n-Grow: Stretch-n-Grow classes provide a structured, non-competitive environment for children ages 4 to 6 to be active; develop agility and motor skills like skipping, balancing and catching; and have fun. Class will be held at 1 p.m. Fridays, this Friday to Feb. 29, at the Sullivan Community Center. There is a fee of $70 for residents, $88 for nonresidents.
• Parent/Tot Stretch-n-Grow: Children, ages 2 to 3 will use colorful, age-appropriate equipment and energetic music in this movement class. Emphasis is placed on developing hand/eye coordination, large motor skills, cooperation, and social interaction. Parent participation is required. More than one child may attend with a parent. Class will be held at 10 a.m. Fridays, this Friday to Feb. 29, in the Hartmann Pavilion. There is a fee of $70 for residents, $88 for nonresidents.
Art and Color: Art and Color is a Days Off School Workshop for first- through third-graders presented by Mad Science. From 10 a.m. to noon Monday, kids will see the beauty of light and color while learning about the white light spectrum and how colors can be mixed together and taken apart. They will make a glow-in-the-dark Mad Science T-shirt, experiment with diffraction grating glasses and see the effects of chromatography. They will learn about some of the tools that artists use and the science behind some art techniques. There is a fee of $26 for residents, $33 for nonresidents.
Junior engineering: Introduce children ages 8 to 13 to the world of Lego Engineering. Students will explore simple machines and examine physical science concepts and relationships by building working models of simple structures, levers, wheels and axles, gears and pulleys. Students will work on activities designed around exploring, investigating and problem solving. They will develop an understanding of simple mechanism principles through fun activities. They will learn by designing, makingand testing their solutions. Class will meet from 4 to 5 p.m. Mondays, this Monday to March 17, at the Laschen Community Center. There is a fee of $115 for residents, $143 for nonresidents.
Spybots: Students ages 8 to 12 will become Secret Agents with Spybots. After building LEGO Spybots, they will use software to download missions into a programmable remote controller.
By using state-of-the-art software and communication systems between these robots and the computer, the students will race against time to complete their mission the fastest.
Class will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays, this Monday to March 17, in the Laschen Community Center. There is a fee of $115 for residents, $143 for nonresidents.
Broadway Kidz: Open to children ages 7 to 10, this class is designed to perfect their vocal skills through vocal and breathing techniques. Basic choreography will be added to songs. Class will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, this Tuesday to April 15, at the Sullivan Community Center. This program will conclude with a recital on April 27. The cost of a recital costume is not included in the class fee. A dress rehearsal will be scheduled before the performance date. There is a fee of $84 for residents, $105 for nonresidents.
Disney Club: This class is designed for children ages 4 to 6 who enjoy dancing, singing and reciting along with the Disney classics. Our scripts will be improvisational as to enhance a child's imagination and self-esteem.
Class will begin at 4 p.m. Tuesdays, this Tuesay to April 15, in the Sullivan Community Center. This program will conclude with a recital on April 27.
The cost of a recital costume is not included in the class fee. A dress rehearsal will be scheduled before our performance date. There is a fee of $84 for residents, $105 for nonresidents.
Girls Athletic Conditioning: Continuous, vigorous activities for 9- to 13-year-old girls focus on endurance, strength, flexibility, athletic skill development and fun. Each class includes a warm up, aerobic endurance segment, strength training and cool down/stretch. Classes throughout the session include obstacle courses, circuit training, relay races, speed and agility drills, jumping rope and games. Class will be held at 4:15 p.m. Wednesdays, this Wednesday to Feb. 27, in the Hartmann Pavilion. There is a fee of $60 for residents, $75 for nonresidents.
Checkmate Chess: Develop a child's intellect through the royal game of chess. Chess has been proven to enhance children's motivation, concentration, focus, social skills and creativity.
Each class will consist of an interactive teaching period and guided practice time. Both new and returning participants ages 6 to 13 will get to the next level under the guidance of an experienced Chess Scholars coach. No previous knowledge of chess is necessary. There will also be a chess competition with prizes.
Class will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 24 to Feb. 28, in the Laschen Community Center. There is a fee of $75 for residents, $94 for nonresidents.
Fitness Center Specials: The Vernon Hills Park District Fitness Center is offering three special holiday promotions this winter.
• A Holiday Punch Card is available for $15, which allows the holder to visit the Fitness Center six times before Jan. 31.
• An Annual Membership is $199 for Vernon Hills residents and $239 for nonresidents through Jan. 31.
The Fitness Center is open seven days a week and is conveniently in the Sullivan Community Center. For more information, or to schedule a tour, call Paul Weber, fitness supervisor, at (847) 996-6806.
Super Splaturday: A hands-on science program for moms and their sons ages 4 to 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Sullivan Community Center. Moms and sons will fill their afternoon with science projects, play "Fear Factor" inspired games and end the afternoon with making "gak snacks." The pairs will be grouped into two age categories: 4- to 6-year-olds and 7- to 10-year-olds, with their moms. The fee per couple is $20 for residents, $25 for nonresidents; each additional child is $10 for residents, $12 for nonresidents.
Just the Two of Us: This is a dance just for girls ages 3 to 8 and their father or male guardian ages 18 and older, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Sullivan Community Center. A DJ will supply the music as the pairs get into the party spirit with dancing and games. All girls will receive a keepsake and everyone will be able to get creative at an ice cream/dessert bar. Pictures will be taken, so wear party clothes. The fee per pair is $20 for residents, $25 for nonresidents; each additional child is $10 for residents or $12 for nonresidents.