24 | Thursday, May 7, 2026 Monticello Times
ALL ABOUT KIDS
Community Ed offers full lineup of youth activities
LAUREN FLAUM Monticello Times
MONTICELLO— Whether it’ s building a robot, painting a canvas, baking cupcakes or saddling up for horseback riding, Monticello Community Education is offering a wide range of activities to keep kids busy this spring and summer.
The district’ s seasonal lineup includes hundreds of classes and camps for all ages, from preschool through high school, with options that range from one-day experiences to multiweek programs focused on skill-building, creativity and exploration.
Community Education continues to draw strong participation locally, serving more than 8,000 participants last year across more than 1,100 classes.
This year’ s catalog builds on that variety, offering a mix of returning favorites and new programs designed to give kids opportunities to learn, stay active and try something new.
Here’ s a closer look at what families can expect:
CREATIVE ARTS AND HANDS-ON EXPRESSION
Young artists will find no shortage of opportunities to get messy and creative.
Programs like Art Around the World introduce students to global artistic traditions, with projects inspired by cultures such as Aboriginal dot painting, Japanese ink art and Mexican folk art. Kids not only create their own pieces but also learn the history and techniques behind each style.
For those drawn to pop culture and illustration, K-pop anime art camps focus on character design, expressive features and storytelling through drawing, while Intro to Comic
Top picks for summer fun
• Ice Cream Science— July 7, 2 to 3:30 p. m. Make( and eat) your own experiment while learning the chemistry behind ice cream.
• Cake Wars: Family Edition— June 23, July 28 and Aug. 18, 5:30 to 7:30 p. m. A high-energy baking showdown where families compete for bragging rights.
• Battle Robotics— June 29 to July 1( times vary). Design and compete with custom-built machines in a hands-on engineering camp.
• Horseback Riding Camp— Multiple dates May through July, 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. A day in the life at the barn, including riding and horse care.
• Minecraft Engineering— July 28 to 30( morning and afternoon sessions). Turn gaming into real-world problem-solving through design challenges.
• Summer theater production— July 13 to 26. From auditions to final curtain in a
Creation walks students through the fundamentals of paneling, character development and visual storytelling.
Younger artists— or those who prefer a guided approach— can take part in Paint with Aryn classes, where step-by-step instruction helps students build skills in color, composition and technique while completing a themed painting in a single session.
Other creative offerings blend art with different mediums, from clay sculpting and mixed media to glow-in-the-dark art projects and hands-on design camps.
STEM, CODING AND BUILDING CHALLENGES
For kids who prefer circuits to canvases, the STEM lineup is equally robust.
In 3D printing camps, students use programs like TinkerCAD to design their own creations— often inspired by video game worlds— and then watch as those digital ideas are turned into real objects using 3D printers.
Robotics and engineering camps take things a step further. In LEGO-based battle programs, students work in teams to design and build machines, experimenting with concepts like gearing, traction and structure before testing their creations in competition-style challenges.
Video game fans can channel their interest into learning through programs like Game Design with Roblox and Minecraft Engineering Challenge, where students build interactive worlds, explore coding basics and apply logic and problem-solving skills.
Other camps introduce coding through languages like Python or combine animation, moviemaking and programming in themed experiences that bring storytelling and technology together.
SCIENCE WITH A TWIST( SOMETIMES A SNACK)
Science classes lean heavily into hands-on learning— often with results kids can taste.
In Ice Cream Science,
full-scale stage production.
• Candyology with KidScientific— Aug. 11-12, 9 a. m. to noon. A two-day STEAM camp where kids design candy machines and build edible creations.
• Bubble Fun( ages 3 – 5)— July 13, 9 a. m. to 2 p. m. A full day of bubble-themed play, including giant bubbles and bubble-inspired art.
• Lights, Camera, Create!— June 9-10, 9 a. m. to noon. A movie-inspired art camp where kids create characters like Stitch and Toothless using clay and mixed media.
• IlluminART( Glow Art Camp)— June 8-9, 9 a. m. to noon. Create glow-in-the-dark art using luminescent materials— basically art class meets a light show.
• Rainbows & Tie Dye Science— June 24, 12:30 to 3:30 p. m. Kids make lava lamps, dye socks and explore the science of color in a hands-on workshop.
participants explore the chemistry behind freezing and emulsification while creating their own batch of ice cream, learning how ingredients and temperature work together to produce the final product.
Programs like Candyology and Delicious DNA use sweets as a teaching tool, allowing kids to build candy machines, engineer rollercoasters or construct edible DNA strands while learning about biology and engineering concepts.
Meanwhile, Little Einstein’ s STEM Class focuses on classic experiments— from bubbling chemical reactions to color-changing mixtures— using everyday materials to demonstrate scientific principles in a fun, high-energy setting.
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES AND REAL-WORLD LEARNING
For kids looking to get outside, several programs offer hands-on experiences beyond the classroom.
At Boulder Pointe equestrian camps, participants learn what it’ s like to spend a day at the barn. Activities include horseback riding, grooming, feeding and caring for horses, along with lessons in basic riding skills like steering, stopping and control.
Camps are structured to accommodate both beginners and more experienced riders, with small groups based on skill level.
Other outdoor-focused offerings encourage movement, exploration and time in nature, giving kids a chance to unplug and engage with the world around them.
SPORTS, TRAINING AND ACTIVE PLAY
Athletic programs span a wide range of sports and skill levels, from beginner fundamentals to more advanced training.
Basketball camps emphasize decision-making through small-sided games, helping players develop ball handling, shooting and game awareness in a structured environment.
Tennis camps focus on core skills like serving, volleying and footwork, while golf camps introduce younger players to fundamentals such as grip, stance and etiquette.
Multi-sport programs like the Monticello Youth Sports Academy expose kids to a variety of activities in a low-pressure setting, emphasizing teamwork, confidence and overall athletic development.
For older students, strength and conditioning programs offer opportunities to build speed, agility and performance in preparation for upcoming sports seasons.
PERFORMING ARTS AND BIG-STAGE OPPORTUNITIES
Students interested in theater can take part in a full-scale summer production, where they’ ll audition, rehearse and perform in front of a live audience.
The program provides experience not only in acting, but also in teamwork, stage presence and production elements, offering a comprehensive introduction to the performing arts.
LIFE SKILLS AND INDEPENDENCE
Some classes focus on preparing kids for realworld responsibilities.
Babysitting 101 teaches older students the basics of childcare, including safety, first aid, feeding and managing behavior, while also introducing the business side of babysitting.
Safety-focused programs like F. A. S. T. Kids cover topics such as home safety, emergency response and injury prevention, helping younger participants build confidence and awareness when staying home or navigating everyday situations.
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS, PRESCHOOL ENRICHMENT
Families with younger children will find a wide range of options designed specifically for early learners.
Summer programming includes one-day themed camps for ages 3 – 5, with topics such as space exploration, bugs, bubbles and transportation. These sessions combine play, crafts and simple science activities in a structured environment.
A four-week summer preschool program offers additional support for children preparing for kindergarten, with a focus on social-emotional development and foundational academic skills.
For more information and registration, visit monticello. ce. eleyo. com.