Arlington Community Education

Considered one of the greatest games ever invented, chess teaches many important life concepts such as concentration, sportsmanship, how to win graciously, and how to accept defeat with dignity. Learn chess rules, positional tactics, and basic to more advanced moves with the guidance of an experienced chess master. We will be divided into groups according to experience, and end the week with a mini-chess tournament. All levels welcome. Please note: We will use Zoom and Chess.com for the game play and demonstration software. You will receive more information prior to class. Students will be asked to keep their videos on for the duration of class.

Explore a seemingly endless supply of fun materials in this “craft-tacular” week! We'll use yarn, popsicle sticks, beads, felt and more to make a variety of projects including fluffy pompoms, creative animals, felt bookmarks, and more. Expand your crafting skills with yarn as we experiment with different stitches to make things like bracelets, keychains, or bookmarks. Please note: To minimize item sharing, all students should bring basic pencil box/art supplies: -pencils, eraser, glue stick, scissors, markers, colored pencils or crayons

Build and create different modes of transportation out of more than 20,000 pieces of LEGO®, all while learning about the engineering concepts that make vehicles and vessels work and the various ways that we transport goods and people from place to place. Break the sound barrier on a supersonic jet, deliver cargo by train, and explore a swamp in your airboat. Design and build as never before and explore your craziest ideas in a supportive environment. New and returning students are welcome.

PLEASE NOTE: This class takes place at Ottoson and is a combination of indoor classroom time and outdoor exploration. Come explore around the Ottoson Middle School and discover what wildlife is emerging as the weather warms. Search for tracks and other animal signs, flip logs in search of invertebrates, and observe a mystery live animal visitor from Habitat. Check out buds, decomposers, and birds returning to build nests and raise young. Experiment with different ways of recording what we see and play active games to find out more about the wild side of Arlington.

Minecraft isn’t just for video gamers – it’s for explorers, designers, and builders too! Explore the basics of art, architecture, commands, and the patented Redstone circuitry. You can build your own Minecraft world, collaborate in a friend’s world, and take home digital files so that you can keep exploring after class has ended. Gain an understanding of how one of the most popular platforms in the world works!

Known for its fun games and teamwork-oriented environment, Nathan’s Ninjas is a mix of traditional Kempo Karate with elements of sport karate, tumbling, and grappling. This class will give you a true self-defense perspective, all while having fun and building confidence.

Please note: This class is based indoors in the gym and will go outside as much as possible. Turn any environment into a playground for movement and physical challenge. This class is for all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques of parkour, as well as exercises designed to improve general fitness and ensure the long-term practice of parkour. Classes will focus on exploring and moving within one’s environment and will include a number of games, exercises, and drills to improve balance, coordination, strength, spatial awareness, and flexibility while having fun.