Just For Fun

If you’re looking for summer activities that are low-key and high fun, if you want to explore fine and performing arts in a supportive atmosphere that celebrates everyone, look no further! JUST FOR FUN lets students learn something new in a relaxed environment. You can be with us mornings only, afternoons only or all day, for as many sessions as you like. Take a look at the courses we offer and design the program that’s just right for you! Class size is 12-14.

SESSION 1: June 21–June 25

HELLO, HOLLYWOOD. (ages 8-10) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Are you ready to pick up a video camera and tell a story? Then sign up for this workshop and go! You’ll create a music video and learn how to use iMovie to edit your film. We provide all of the equipment you need—just bring your energy and great ideas! $280.

HIP-HOP. (ages 10-13) 9 a.m.-noon. Ever wonder what your voice would sound like if you used a vocoder? Now is your chance to find out. Hip-Hop is more than music, it's a culture, and you’ll find your place in it. Not a performer? Don't worry, no experience necessary! $150.

GOOD SPORTS. (ages 9-12) 9 a.m.-noon. Two of the best sports we know are badminton and disc golf, and you’ll be learning the techniques of both. Join us in the gym, on the lawn and at a nearby disc golf course in games designed to let everybody play. For boys and girls, rain or shine. $150.

MAD SCIENTIST. (ages 7-10) 9 a.m.-noon. That’s you! Put on your lab coat to make unbelievable things, thanks to science. Slime, glowing goo, bubbling blobs and green flubber, sure; but you’ll also make a crystal tree, your own personal tornado, a lava lamp and. . . well, join us for more surprises! $175.

CARTOONING. (ages 9-13) 1-3 p.m. There’s a superhero living in your head, right? And you’d like to see it star in a comic book, right? Then sign up for cartooning and learn how to use pens, markers and watercolors to bring your character to life, write a storyline and put it all in a final strip you’ll take home. $100.

MAGIC SHOW. (ages 9-13) 1-3 p.m. Abracadabra, presto-changeo! Have you ever seen a dollar float in mid-air? Do you think you can make a quarter appear behind your teacher’s ear? Take Magic Show and learn how it’s done. We'll cover everything from the average card trick to that quarter thing. Come to class an apprentice, leave a Senior Magician! $100.

INSIDE OUT. (ages 7-11) 1-3 p.m. If you’re the kind of person who likes to spend time outdoors and use what you find there to make art, this is the class for you. You’ll explore and map the neighborhood, learn some outdoor lore, create unique artwork and maybe even do some geocacheing. $100.

SESSION 1: June 28–July 2

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! (ages 10-13) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. If you have some experience using a video camera, you’re ready for more. In this class you’ll create short experimental films, a music video and a group project you choose, and discover some of the things that make a film art. You’ll learn more about camera work and iMovie and visit a working film and television studio. $280.

SUMMER BIKE CLUB. (ages 10-13). 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Calling all bikers! In this class you’ll learn basics of bike safety and maintenance, then practice your skills biking as much as 20 miles along some of our beautiful city trails. Have bicycle (and helmet), will travel! $250.

GYM GAMES. (ages 7-11). 9 a.m.-noon. On your mark, get set, GO! Has anyone ever told you you're full of energy? Here's your chance to use it participating in your favorite playground games and learning some exciting new ones. (Don't let the name fool you—we'll be playing both indoors and outdoors.) You won’t care if you win or lose, you’ll be having too much fun! $150.

MAD SCIENTIST. (ages 10-13) 9 a.m.-noon. That’s you! Put on your lab coat to make unbelievable things, thanks to science. Slime, glowing goo, bubbling blobs and green flubber, sure; but you’ll also make a crystal tree, your own personal tornado, a lava lamp and. . . well, join us for more surprises! $175.

CARTOONING. (ages 9-13) 1-3 p.m. There’s a superhero living in your head, right? And you’d like to see it star in a comic book, right? Then sign up for cartooning and learn how to use pens, markers and watercolors to bring your character to life, write a storyline and put it all in a final strip you’ll take home. $100.

ULTIMATE FRISBEE. (ages 7-13) 1-3 p.m. Are you an Ultimate fanatic? Or have you never even picked up a disc? Either way, plan to come and learn the hot new sport everyone is raving about! Ultimate Frisbee is a fabulous game for all abilities. No experience necessary. $100.

SESSION 2: July 6-9

PHOTO PRO. (ages 8-11) 9 a.m.-noon. Learn the basics of how to use a digital camera and how to edit your pictures in a computer—and that’s where the real fun starts! Turn yourself into a cartoon, put your face on Mount Rushmore, make a poster out of your favorite shot. Students taking this class must bring their own digital camera. $125.

FABULOUS FIBER. (ages 9-13) 9 a.m.-noon., July 6-16. Dye, wax and a canvas bag. How do you put those together? Join this class and learn how to produce beautiful examples of fiber art. No experience necessary—just bring your imagination and we’ll provide the materials and inspiration for you to create batik, pillows, bags, stuffed animals and more. Please note this class runs for two weeks. $275.

ROCKET SCIENCE. (ages 7-10) 9 a.m.-noon. Not a rocket scientist? No problem! We’ll teach you what makes rockets run. You’ll start out small making a stomp rocket, move to a more complex water rocket and end by building a your own model rocket which you’ll launch on the last day. Every rocket you make is yours to keep! $150.

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL. (ages 7-10) 9 a.m.-noon. Explore the wonderful world of animals, in the wild and in your lap. We’ll visit the Como Zoo and a very special animal shelter, meet a police dog, talk to a veterinarian, and create some art projects inspired by what you liked best. All animal lovers welcome! $150.

EASY RIDERS. (ages 9-12). 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Kind of new to biking? We’ll make you an easy rider! In this class you’ll learn basics of bike safety and maintenance, then practice your skills biking up to 10 miles along some of our beautiful city trails. All you need is your bike, your helmet and a lunch—we’ll provide the fun! $165.

3-D ANIMATION. (ages 10-13) 1-3 p.m. Tell a story, invent a game or develop a video with Alice, a computer program designed to allow you to create your own three-dimensional world. You’ll find out how easy it is to learn basic programming skills, and download Alice free of charge to your computer at home. Please note this class runs for two weeks. $200.

BE A CLOWN. (ages 7-10) 1-3 p.m. Splat! That was the cream pie you just threw. Why? It’s what clowns do! Take this high-energy, lots-of-fun workshop and discover the clown inside of you. You’ll create your own special character and props and put on a show with the entire class. Learn how to make something funny even without words! $100.

REALLY BAD SNACKS. (ages 7-10) 1-3 p.m. Gummy worms, sour bites, soda pop, ice cream, bubble gum. . . yes, they’re junk food and in this class you’ll make them all! It will be okay. It’s really food science, and on the last day we’ll make toothpaste. $100.

SESSION 2: July 12-16

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL. (ages 9-13) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Explore the wonderul world of animals, in the wild and in your lap. We’ll visit the Golden Valley Zoo, the Raptor Center and a very special animal shelter, meet a police dog, talk to a veterinarian and create animal-inspired art. All animal lovers welcome! $150.

PICTURE THIS! (ages 10-13) 9 a.m.-noon. Grab your camera and let us show you how to set up the perfect shot, edit color, then turn your pictures into collages, greeting cards and more. You’ll learn the rule of thirds, some special camera tricks and a bit about the history of photography. Students taking this class must bring their own digital camera. $155.

ROCKET SCIENCE. (ages 9-13) 9 a.m.-noon. Not a rocket scientist? No problem! We’ll teach you what makes rockets run. You’ll start out small making a stomp rocket, move to a more complex water rocket and end by building a your own model rocket which you’ll launch on the last day. Every rocket you make is yours to keep! $175.

TEEN IMPROV. (ages 11-13) 1-3 p.m. It’s all about saying “yes!” We’ll start with simple improv games that build teamwork and move to more complex scenes and characters. By the end of the week, you’ll be an improv troupe ready to put on a show that uses suggestions from your audience. ComedySportz, watch out! $100.

REALLY BAD SNACKS. (ages 9-13) 1-3 p.m. Gummy worms, sour bites, soda pop, ice cream, bubble gum. . . yes, they’re junk food and in this class you’ll make them all! It will be okay. It’s really food science, and on the last day we’ll make toothpaste. $100.

SESSION 3: July 19-23

PRINT AND BOOK ARTS. (ages 9-13) 9 a.m.-noon. Have you ever drawn something so beautiful you’d like everyone to have a copy? In this class you will learn the art of pressure printing and bookmaking. You’ll start with simple relief prints then turn your creations into a handmade book, postcards, artist trading cards or even mail art! $150.

STORYBOOK THEATER. (ages 7-10) 9 a.m.-noon. So if the Three Bears met Cinderella, what would happen next? Sign up for this class and you’ll get to decide! You’ll take stories everybody knows and use them to create an original play that you’ll perform for an audience on the last day. $150.

KINGDOMS AND CASTLES. (ages 9-13) 9 a.m.-noon. What was life like in the Middle Ages? You’ll learn all about it in this class that will show you how to build a castle, create a family crest and explore the long-ago world of knights and ladies. $150.

REALLY ROBOTS. (ages 7-10) 9 a.m.-noon. The future is here and you’re helping to build it! That’s right. You’re going to make your own robot to take home. You’ll start with a paper ‘bot (that really goes) and graduate to gears and circuit boards that you’ll put together to make a robot that will move when you clap your hands and go into reverse when it bumps a wall. $175.

WOVEN THREADS. (ages 10-13) 1-3 p.m. Come and learn one of the world’s oldest and most amazing arts—weaving. Of course you’ll make a reed basket, but you’ll be amazed to discover that you can also make a loom with branches, add found objects to your project, and weave on a circular loom. $100.

COMPUTER ANIMATION. (ages 10-13) 1-3 p.m. July 19-30. Welcome to the world of computer animation! Design your own short story, computer game or animated art. We’ll use free, popular software that you can run on any computer. You will even learn how you can share your creations with other students all over the world! Please note this class runs for two weeks. $200.

SESSION 3: July 26-30

EVERYTHING AZTEC. (ages 9-13) 9 a.m.-noon. The Aztecs had one of the most amazing cultures of the ancient world, and you can be a part of it today. Build an Aztec temple, make a mask based on one of their gods, create a version of their calendar, and learn how you can use Aztec pictograph symbols to write in your own secret language.

WEE GARDEN. (ages 7-13) 9 a.m.-noon. This class is perfect for budding landscape designers. Create your own miniature portable garden complete with a clay cottage, garden furniture, stone paths and real plants. Your garden can become a home for any wee creature you can imagine—insects, fairies, even an elf or two! $150.

REALLY ROBOTS. (ages 10-13) 9 a.m.-noon. The future is here and you’re helping to build it! That’s right. You’re going to make your own robot to take home. You’ll start with a paper ‘bot (that really goes) and graduate to gears and circuit boards that you’ll put together to make a robot that will move when you clap your hands and go into reverse when it bumps a wall. $175.

BUILDERS AND BUILDINGS. (ages 8-13) 1-3 p.m. Join us to learn how famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright created their special styles, then design and construct a house of the future or a dream house of your own. $100.

SESSION 4: August 2-6

IN THE GOOD OLDE SUMMERTIME. (ages 6-13) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Summer is a time for running through the sprinkler, weaving potholders, learning a great new game of tag and making crafts that involve lots of glue. Sign up to do that and a lot more in this mellow, old-fashioned summer camp. We pace the day according to students’ interests and include plenty of free choice/play time. $250.

MOCK TRIAL. (ages 11-14) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. You don’t have to want to be a lawyer to have a great time in this exciting workshop led by an award-winning mock trial veteran. You do have to want to have fun researching a case, preparing a defense and learning how to present a great argument in front of a judge. When you’re ready to go to trial, you’ll be in a real courtroom at Hamline University for the experience of your life! $250.

SALSA & SALSA. (ages 7-10) 9 a.m.-noon. Are you ready to move? Then sign up for this adventure in dances of Spanish culture. You’ll learn how to dance the salsa, meringue, cumbia, sevillanas and reggeton, and on your break, you’ll have some delicious snacks from the food of Central America! $150.