It’s that time again – school is almost out and the summer schedules are in the midst of being planned. If you are still looking for the perfect fit, not to worry; we’ve highlighted a few excellent opportunities in Lincoln that are perfect for kids to get involved in this summer!
Formerly known as Conservatory of Contemporary Dance, Lincoln DanceCentre recently announced its new name as well as the upcoming summer line-up of programming. The studio is under the same ownership and with the same faculty Lincoln has come to expect excellence from. “We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary this summer, so we decided to honor that milestone with some updates to the business that reflect not only what we’ve been for the community already, but what we want to be for Lincoln in the future,” explains Sarah Brown, co-owner of Lincoln DanceCentre.
Lincoln DanceCentre’s summer classes include something for every age. “For younger or beginning to low-intermediate level students, we have ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, jazz, and creative movement,” she further advises. “Older or more upper-level intermediate and advanced students who participate in our 4 week intensive program have the opportunity to take ballet, pointe, classical variations, improvisation, repertory, modern, jazz, and contemporary; as well as attend lecture sessions about important dance-related topics such as injury prevention and nutrition. Lincoln DanceCentre’s teaching staff is the best in the city year-round, but in the summer we offer students exposure to amazing guest faculty. This ranges from current and former professional dancers to local experts in fields of physical therapy, sports nutrition and wellness.
Our faculty has the credentials and experience to provide every student with safe, effective dance training in a fun, positive environment. Whether it’s a child’s first experience dancing or not, our teachers will meet them at their level and provide the guidance needed to help them learn the most they can and feel confident while doing it. Not only that, but dancing is an excellent form of physical exercise that assists children of all ages in improving muscular strength, balance, agility, coordination and body awareness.
In preparation for the classes, it is important for parents to note that Lincoln DanceCentre has a dress code for all levels and styles of dance. Just as any athlete is required to have appropriate equipment and apparel on the field or court, dancers should be in appropriate footwear and body wear to help them perform their best in the studio. Fortunately, you can outfit your dancer at a very reasonable cost with items from Lincoln’s local dance shoe and clothing retailers.
Parents can feel good that the time and money they invest for their student at Lincoln DanceCentre is well worth it; our classes are not only reasonably priced but of the highest quality. They will be assured that the experience puts their kids in contact with the best teachers who are working every day to foster self-esteem and increase physical fitness. We also have very comfortable waiting areas in each studio so parents can feel free to stay and observe their child’s classes. The studio offers access to free Wi-Fi as well.”
She adds, “For any physical activity, parents should choose their child’s teacher/coach/trainer just as carefully as they would choose their child’s doctor—even if it’s just for a summer or to try something for the first time. Growing bodies and minds can easily be injured, so it’s worth the time to do a little extra research to find professionals who are highly skilled in their field to work with your child. If possible, schedule a time to observe a class or training session before you commit to enrollment. That way you’ll be able to see how the teacher or coach interacts with their students and get a better understanding of whether or not their personality and methods would be a good fit for your expectations and the goals your students has. Our goal is provide every student with a summer experience that will help them grow in both their skills and knowledge of dance.”
Harris Academy of the Arts is yet another wonderful place in Lincoln where children are exposed to learning experiences within the fine arts. “We are continuing to offer a variety of classes and camps for kids this summer,” says Vicki Harris, owner of Harris Academy of the Arts. “Piano students can participate in classes ranging from the introductory level all the way through performance practice. Additionally piano students can benefit from a duet class where students will learn how to play duets on one piano. Those with vocal interest who still can’t get enough of belting out ‘Let it Go’ throughout their house can partake in Treble Makers: Frozen in June for ages 7-12 years.
Another new camp offered at Harris Academy of the Arts this summer is our Rock Band Camp – a week-long camp where middle school and high school students with talents in guitar, voice, keyboard, drums, and bass can come together to rock and roll! Additionally, we offer varied classes based on improvisation skills, jazz history classes, a Korean music and culture class, as well as a theatre camp. Children who participate in any of our summer offerings will benefit in many ways – those who already have music experience will keep their knowledge fresh during the break from school, and those new to music will enjoy a fun, new experience!
Harris Academy of the Arts will be offering a special course for parents entitled, ‘How to Talk so Kids Will Listen.’ This workshop is tailored to help communicate more effectively with children.
Call us today at (402) 423-7121 to find out more about all of the options we have to offer. Some classes, whether at Harris Academy of the Arts or elsewhere, only accept a limited amount kids for enrollment. Parents will have a better chance of acquiring their desired classes earlier, rather than waiting until a week or two before the class is scheduled to start. It is also important to keep in mind that with the classes that we offer, parents should be prepared to hear music throughout the home!”
She adds, “Keeping children engaged in the summer months is important, whether it’s through music, sports, or continuing education – the summer months can’t be wasted sitting inside wondering what to do. Our summer camps encourage socialization, allow for learning in a variety of instrument and curriculum types and appeal to a wide variety of interests.”
Linda Birkes-Lance, Executive Director of Bright Lights, offers the following information about their summer programming for 2015:
“Bright Lights is dedicated to offering unique, motivating, hands-on learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Our classes are designed with fun in mind allowing imaginations to soar. With more than 120 classes, our students may select from science, math, fine arts, technology, and engineering. The classes are geared to current interests at different age levels and are directed by passionate, qualified teachers. To bring the subject matter to real life, teachers collaborate with professionals including doctors, lawyers, journalists, and actors. The teachers’ own curiosity and skills in the subjects make the classes fun and engaging for everyone in the classroom.
At Bright Lights, students are encouraged to experiment, explore, and imagine beyond the traditional classroom. Through hands-on activities, our classes for grades K through 9 provide students with opportunities to learn, invent, and create, plus make new friends. We don’t just have students. We have pirates sailing the seven seas, scientists digging for DNA, and artists discovering hidden talents. Our half-day classes and full-day camps offer a learning adventure awaiting kids’ exploration.
Parents are amazed at the excitement and enjoyment our students share during their week-long sessions. Bright Lights provides opportunities for exploration in areas that typically are not available in traditional classrooms. For the convenience and time flexibility of parents, we offer additional supervised care times at Randolph Elementary; Before Care from 7:30 to 9 a.m. costs $15 and Lunch Care from 12 to 1 p.m. is $10 with students bringing their own lunch. Additionally, we offer need-based scholarships and free busing from selected Lincoln Public Schools buildings to make Learning Adventures accessible.
The following are some of our new classes this summer:
Pedal Power (Grades 3-7) – collaboration with UNL Rec Center.
Edible Engineering (Grades 6-8 part of International Program) and Build n’ Bust a Bridge (Grades 4, 5, 6) – both classes focus on engineering design. Edible Engineering will have competitions where they build/race cars using food items. The Bridge class will construct a bridge and have a competition to see which design can withstand the most weight before it collapses.
Sketch This! (Grades 4, 5, 6) and Weaving In and Out (Grades 4, 5, 6) – both fine arts classes
Map-Tastic (Grades 3, 4, 5) – Use Google Earth to investigate the world and then recreate the world you discover with plants, animals, home and landscape.
Robotics: Lego Mindstorm EV3 (Ranges from 3rd-8th grade) – Newest Legos assist students in learning about programming and building robots.
Students who participate in high-quality expanded learning opportunities, such as Bright Lights, have been shown to demonstrate:
• Better work habits
• Stronger task persistence and self-efficacy
• Improved pro-social behavior with peers
• Greater gains in academic and behavior outcomes
• Narrowed gap in math achievement
(Lowe Vandell, Deborah. The Achievement Gap is Real. (2013) Statewide Afterschool Networks.)
The main program site for our classes is Randolph Elementary School, 1024 S. 37th St., with the remaining classes held at various sites around Lincoln. With engaging curriculum and class topics, students are challenged in these expanded learning opportunities to connect with other students who share a common excitement for the topic. Bright Lights provides students the opportunity to focus on their talents, strengths and interests in summer classes that make the most of their out-of-school time.”
With more options to remain sedentary without the continuous flurry of motion during the school year, it’s essential for kids to continue to take advantage of opportunities to stay active throughout the summer months. “It is important to keep your kids active, not just during the summer but all year long, whether it be structured activities or letting them run around outside. It is also important to be conscious of the amount of ‘screen time’ your children are getting and try and limit it to less than one hour a day,” advises Marian Pegler, owner of My Gym Children’s Fitness Center. “At our facility we offer age appropriate structured classes for children, open gym times, birthday parties, camps and even Parents’ Night Out. For children under the age of 3 the class is structured with parent participation and for those over 3, the children are in a class on their own. Children have loads of fun as they gain strength, balance, coordination, agility and flexibility while developing social skills, confidence and self-esteem. During our summer camps, children participate in energizing fitness games, noncompetitive gymnastics, arts and crafts, music and so much more. Each three hour camp program is uniquely designed to keep your children moving and active, as we emphasize physical development and personal success. Our themes and programs change daily, and this summer we have added new activities to the camps, so no two camp days at My Gym are ever the same. Moreover, parents whose children are enrolled in classes and camps at my gym get the benefit of knowing their children are staying active while they are having fun. Our goal is to be a partner to parents, helping them to promote a healthy lifestyle and modeling that to the youth who attend our programming over the summer months.”
Bowling is another great way for kids to stay active and engaged throughout the summer months. “At Sun Valley, we offer two free games a day in the summer for kids ages 5 – 15 that are signed-up for the Kids Bowl Free program (www.kidsbowlfree.com/sunvalley),” explains Brian Kleinknecht, Operations Manager at Sun Valley Lanes. “There is no cost to sign-up and the bowling is absolutely free! Parents can purchase a family pass, which allows them to bowl with the kids all summer as well, for as little as $19.95!
We also offer free youth bowling lessons as well as youth and youth-adult leagues. The youth-adult leagues are unique because parents can participate on the same team as their child, unlike other youth sports such as soccer, baseball, basketball, or football. One youth league we are offering even includes a free trip to Worlds of Fun for every league member at the conclusion of the season!
Furthermore, we are just putting the finishing touches on a $600,000 remodel that includes a new arcade and prize redemption center. With over 20 new cutting-edge arcade games and thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes, parents can now make Sun Valley Lanes their one-stop destination for FUN this summer! For our customers’ convenience, we are operating a cashless and ticketless system. Cash can be loaded onto a reloadable ‘Fun Card’ and tickets awarded from games are credited to the card automatically. All you have to do is load, swipe, and play; our system does the rest!”
He also advises, “Start seeking out plans for the summer now. Before you know it, June will be here, the kids will be out of school, and you will be scrambling to make plans at the last minute. Register for bowling leagues now at www.sunvalleylanes.com and we’ll contact YOU ahead of time to remind you that they are starting.
Let the kids get out, be active, and have FUN this summer without breaking the bank. Seek out options that are fun and inexpensive, like the Kids Bowl Free program, and give your kids a summer to remember.”
So as you can see, there’s absolutely no reason for kids to stay cooped up in the house this summer when there are so many fun, engaging opportunities take advantage of! With a little bit of planning and the assistance of local resources offering excellent summer activities for kids, there will be enough going on to keep your children active, healthy and social while continuing to learn and be exposed to new experiences in a fun environment–even while they are enjoying a much-needed summer break!