The start of a new school year, while a wonderful event for many parents, can also bring some fresh anxieties. Are you worried about what your child is going to do after school? Do you wonder who they’ll be hanging out with? If they’ll do their homework? Or are they just going to sit in front of the television or play video games while you’re gone?  We’re here to help!

When does it happen?  We have a variety of after school programs which run from September to the end of May.  All our programs are offered Monday through Friday, as long as school is in session.  Our programs start up the second school lets out!

Our program is open to all youth, from those entering kindergarten in the fall to those entering eighth grade.  Our elementary programs are hosted in two locations: for Garden View residents only, we will host programs on-site at Garden View Apartments in New Brighton.  Our other elementary program, After School Blast, will be held at Christ the King.  After School Blast is open to any elementary-aged youth; transportation is provided from Bel Air Elementary School.  Middle school youth will also be hosted at Christ the King Lutheran Church.

What will we be doing?  If you’ve had a child in one of our programs in the past, you’ll see a lot of similarities.  We’ll be spending plenty of time doing on-site activities that include all kinds of age-appropriate games and learning adventures, including classes in arts, crafts, cooking, sculpture and much more.  Many of our on-site activities are suggested by your youth themselves, so you can rest assured they’re going to have a great time!  However, some of our learning just has to happen away from home, so we also take the youth on a minimum of one or two field trips every month.  Our field trips might be to local museums, shops or studios, and every trip is an adventure!  At least one off-site activity every other month is a service learning opportunity for your youth.

But how much is it?  We understand how expensive child care can be; we’re parents, too!  That’s why we never turn anyone away for an inability to  pay.  Many of our programs are free; a few have a small fee which may be negotiable.  Is your child on assisted or reduced lunch?  Even better – it makes the scholarship process a snap.

How do I register my youth?  If you’d like to take part in our activities, please follow this link for a registration form. If necessary, give us a call and we can fax or e-mail the application to you as well.  Please note that registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and some of our programs do fill up quickly.