We had a blast in the Twisty Balloon Workshop held for students age 7-10 on June 22. The hands-on interactive workshop had kids twisting, bending and maneuvering balloons in all sorts of ways to create dogs, backpacks, butterflies, flowers, crowns, crazy hats, along with lots of original works of art! All the participants expressed wanting to do it again, so we will be looking to offer another class this fall or winter.
Our Kids Day Camps have been a huge hit for area elementary students. In June we held two themed camps: Space and Camping. “Astronauts” and “Campers” were busy working on crafts, literacy elements and STEM activities. We have two remaining camps for the month of July. Camp registrants will be exploring “Under the Sea” and “Around the World!” Special thanks to instructors Rosie Molenaar and Kylie Koerner for inspiring our students and allowing them to explore during the summer.
The tennis courts were busy this past month with our Youth Tennis Camp. Seventeen young athletes devoted part of their summer vacation on skill development and learning the game. Many will become future members of the River Valley Team tennis team, while others simply enjoy playing the game for pure fun.
The U of M Brown County Extension office 4-H Build It Camp is right around the corner. This hands-on woodworking experience for students in grades 3-6 will be held Monday-Wednesday, July 13-15. Those interested in this class should register online at: extension.umn.edu/about-4-h/learn-more-or-join.
The end of July showcases our popular Community Education and Sleepy Eye Community Theater Junior’s collaboration of “Disney Descendants the Musical!” Mark your calendars for July 24 and 25. Posters and social media posts are circulating with ticket information and performance times. I know I can’t wait to see all the area talent on display.
Our littlest learners are also staying busy this summer with ECFE Summer School, Book Wagon and Story Stroll. Our July Book Wagon dates are July 8 and 22, 9:30 a.m. at South Park, and 10:30 a.m. at Kiefer Park. Story Strolls will take place July 13 and 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. at South Park July 13 and Kiefer Park July 14. Check the ECFE Facebook site for weather related cancelations.
Several fall trips are in the works, but one you will want to schedule into your calendar now is the Minnesota State Fair trip! The motorcoach is reserved to take all interested fair-goers to St. Paul on Thursday, Sept. 3. Call or email to get your name on the list.
It is hard to believe my next Community Ed update will be just weeks from the start of the 2026-27 school year. Let the excitement begin!