Briana Sullivan
Special to the Glacier City Gazette
Now that school is out, summer is officially in. That means the Summer Session at FVCS is taking off with classes to keep kids of all ages active and learning. Certainly the legendary Soccer program, Summer Playground, and Girdwood Fine Arts Camp will be offered.
There will also be new two-day Summer Intensives, which will provide your children with engaging and active learning experiences. These hands-on learning intensives are small group classes lead by highly qualified instructors.
Lean in a little closer to scan the scope of subjects: Animals and Art, Bikes and Boards, Exploration, Field Sports for two age groups, Rivers and Hydrology, Salmon and Science, and Wilderness Survival for grades 4th-7th. Seize this opportunity to enroll in brand new classes and ensure your child has the chance to experience such unique offerings. Further information, including times and dates, are on the website to help you decide which two-day combinations can work for family scheduling, ages and your pocketbook.
In addition, the energy-burning, four-day Girdwood Olympic Games program is on the lineup for two age groups. Finally, T-Ball Skills for 5-6 year olds will also take place during the month of June. A fun group of coaches and kids step up to the plate for a game that will latch on to kids in a great way as they continue to pursue activities and sports throughout life. Talk about action. Come grow with us this summer!
Speaking of that pocketbook, or those out-of-pocket expenses popping up across your forehead, while FVCS works diligently to keep prices affordable, we also provide financial aid, payment plans, and scholarships. What is more, the Girdwood Forest Fair Committee generously donated funds to our 2016 scholarship program, exemplifying their passion to providing further access throughout Girdwood, Indian, Bird, and Portage.
Those two-day summer learning intensives have a deal for local families: Sign up for one intensive and your second intensive is half off when you register in the same transaction. This rate is made possible by the partnership between FVCS and Kenai Mountain Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area to provide scholarships and intensives.
Adults, are you trying to do one more thing to be healthy, build up immunity, or simply feel better? Perhaps something that doesn’t come in a capsule or deep inside oversized plastic packaging? DIY Kombucha Brewing is tomorrow night, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Girdwood Community Room. Surprise yourself: Learn all about how to brew your own Kombucha from an experienced local and truly make your own delicious recipe.
Slow Yoga for 50+ is returning for a summer session, offering various mature bodies the chance to find and maintain foundation, while summer keeps on bringing activities, weather, and opportunities for fun. Gift yourself proper care and mobility. This class could help any body during summer and into fall, into life.
Words from the children
High climbing kids found plenty of challenging routes and fun in a recent Rock Climbing Class offered through FVCS. Participant Odin Whitman is seen scaling a wall at the Alaska Rock Gym in Anchorage in late April. “I learned that you want to keep your legs by your torso which feels really good,” when learning to efficiently climb and improve rock climbing skills.
Oona Whitman liked going down the rope the best, likely on her repels following hard work of mind, limbs, and fingers. Climbing away from the ground and perhaps conquering fears, several participants were able to take this class and gain confidence safely from trained and experienced teachers.
Another recent class offered by Girdwood Center for Visual Arts Artist Carrie Payne, was a hit among a few excited third graders. The Fused Fabric and Fabric Portrait Collage class taught participants in grades 3-6 how to create something they usually see in an art gallery or hanging on a wall. The youth enjoyed choosing patterns, designing, and creating their own work.
FVCS Assistant Program Coordinator FVCS Erin Leighton took the opportunity to observe some of the class and ask questions about their fabric creations. What was their favorite part about taking this class? “That we get to design it and choose our own patterns,” shared 9-year old Abi Miller.
Ruby Moser, 8, had another thoughtful reason, “I am making these for my Mom for Mother’s Day.”
Paxson Hegna, 9, was pleased with her results, “How they turn out and think…Wow! I made this! We get to actually make these instead of buying them from a store.”
Another participant’s Mom may be the lucky recipient of a handmade piece of fabric work, from the heart, “My favorite thing about this craft will be giving it away as a gift,” shared Rebecca Tyler, 9. Always see more on our website and Facebook page at www.fourvalleys.org.