Summer Programs for Kids at the Washington County Center

Summer Enrichment Classes for Kids is a series of fun and educational programs that will get them moving and thinking. Beaufort County Community College offers these opportunities at the Washington County Center in Roper for youth to sample careers, hobbies and skill sets. The college has hosted summer activities for kids for years, and now these opportunities are available right here in Washington County. See all the opportunities at the Washington County Center. To register, call 252-940-6375, or email [email protected].

Learn to Play Piano (grades 4 to 7)

Kids will enjoy discovering the pleasure of playing the piano. Over four days students will develop the ability to play simple tunes on our electronic piano keyboards. By Thursday, Scott Bradshaw will have introduced basic musical notation and the ability to read and play music. This is a fine opportunity to discover the desire for further musical training. This class takes place from 10:00-11:00 a.m. from June 18-21. The whole class costs only $35.

Chocolate Creations for kids (grades 3 to 6)

Kids will learn to make delicious dipped chocolate treats for the whole family. The class will make chocolate covered pretzel rods, peanut clusters, Oreo Truffles and other goodies. Each student will go home with that evening’s dessert. This class takes place from 9:00 a.m.-noon on June 26 and costs just $20.

Theater Magic (grades 5 to 8)

This class is held on the stage so that budding actors can experience the joy and fun of performing. They will spend four days learning about acting, improv and stage movement. They will learn technical skills that support the production of a play and practice storytelling. Youth will spend time producing props, puppets and stage makeup. In the last session, the class will have a performance so that all participants can be stars! All supplies are included. This $50 class runs from July 9-12, Monday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Sewing Apparel for Teens (grades 6 and up)

Students in this class will make custom pajama pants out of fabric they like. The class covers basic sewing techniques such as measuring, cutting, hand stitching, machine stitching, and finishing. Students will have a project to carry home and the skills to continue sewing simple patterns. A supply list is available upon registration. Parents should provide an email address so we can send it.Students should bring their own lunch for each day of class. This class runs from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 10-11. It costs only $45.

Cake Decorating (for ages 10 and up)

Beautifully decorated cakes, cookies and cupcakes are always more delicious. Maria Dickinson will show youth how to work with colorful icing to make delightfully decorated baked goods. Students will practice creativity and precision and make treats to carry home to their families. A supply list is available upon registration. Parents should provide an email address to receive the list. The class costs $30 and takes place on Monday and Tuesday, July 16-17 from 9:00 a.m-12:00 p.m.

Decoy Painting (for ages 7-12)

Youth can paint a beautiful duck decoy that they will always be proud to display. Along the way, they will learn about that duck and how it fits in to the environment of eastern North Carolina. The East Carolina Wildfowl Guild will guide this painting workshop, and its members will explain the importance of conserving wildfowl in our area. This $15 class will take place on Wednesday, July 18 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Whoopie Pies for Kids (ages 7 to 12)

Whoopie pies are favorite treats in New England, and Anita Price knows how to make them. They are as fun to make as they are to eat. Youth will learn to make the cakes and the creamy, sweet filling. Whoopie pies will make your summer picnics a hit. This $20 class will take place from 9:00 a.m.-noon on July 19.

Google Science First® Game Design (ages 8 to 13)

Students will learn how to program various types of digital games using the Google Computer Science First® and Scratch® interfaces. Parents may not understand this, but the kids will! Game styles include racing, mazes, platform and strategy. Students will learn how games like Super Mario, Angry Birds, Candy Crush, and Flappy Bird were created. It is fun and interactive. Students should have an active Gmail account when you come to class. This $60 class will run from 9:00 a.m.-noon from July 23-26.

To register, call 252-940-6375, or email [email protected].