Youth Program Descriptions
AFTERSCHOOL PLAY CLUB
Play Club is ideal for students needing afterschool care or looking for more fun after school. Activities include arts and crafts, nature walks, science projects and outdoor field games. SRD staff will pick-up students from Strawberry Point School and bring them to Strawberry Rec.
Individual day drop-ins & prorates are not available.
PLAY CLUB & ENRICHMENT CLASS DESCRIPTIONS*
*Class options vary per session
Course Descriptions
Play Club
Play Club is SRD’s standard afterschool care for students from grades TK-5, and includes pick-up from Strawberry Point School through 6 pm. Beginning Fall, 2024, 5 – 6 PM is an optional add-on hour with a separate fee.
Led by SRD staff members, students will have their choice of both structured and unstructured activities including sports, arts & crafts, games, story time and more.
Play Club enrollment is separate for each day of the week, and includes an entire session (between 7 – 10 weeks, depending on schedules).
Play Club – Enrich+
Play Club Enrich+ = PLAY CLUB BEFORE AND AFTER ENRICHMENT CLASSES. PLAY CLUB ENRICH+ DOES NOT INCLUDE THE ENRICHMENT CLASS. YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR ENRICHMENT CLASSES SEPERATELY. Play Club Enrich + classes are structured to correspond with the enrichment classes listed below. Play Club Enrich+ includes pick-up from Strawberry Point School, taking students to their SRD enrichment classes, and bringing them back to Play Club after their enrichment class is over. Play Club Enrich+ ends at 6 pm. Beginning Fall, 2024, 5 – 6 PM is an optional add-on hour with a separate fee.
Play Club Enrich+ and Play Club students are in the same group and do the same activities such as sports, arts & crafts, games, story time and more.
Play Club Enrich+ enrollment is separate for each day of the week, and includes an entire session (between 7 – 10 weeks, depending on schedules).
Select Play Club Enrich+ if your student is enrolled in one of our enrichment classes on the same day of the week.
Please call our office for additional information: 415.383.6494.
Katia and Co. K -5th
Willy Wonka
Join Katia & Company for this fantastical world of, “pure imagination.” Class includes theater games, auditions, singing and dancing in preparation for a small performance for friends and family on the last day. Actors are separated by grade in order to be engaged and challenged at their level. K-2nd graders will play the adorable oompa loompas, while 3rd-5th graders will audition for individual roles. Everyone signed up gets a role in the show and a speaking part if desired. A great way to boost confidence and creativity in a fun and positive atmosphere.
Class will culminate in an informal performance for family and friends on the final day.
For more info on our programs and productions, visit: katiaandcompany.com. or follow @katia.and.co on Instagram
Acting Out Theater
Class includes theater games, skits and creativity exercises designed to free kid’s imaginations, build self-confidence in front of an audience, and encourage collaborative play with peers. Additionally, students will create characters and dive into scenes!
Kung Fu K -5th
Kung Fu Animal Power is a system to develop strength, flexibility, self defense skills, and a virtuous character; while having a blast. Derived from the ancient practice of traditional Chinese Kung Fu, Animal Power draws lessons of body and mind from 18 different real animals. Masters of the past observed different skills of these animals and incorporated them into their martial arts.
Every Animal has a leadership lesson, a body mechanic lesson, lore, drills and more. For instance the Dragon’s leadership lesson is, “think before you speak or act” and its body method is coiling. The leadership lesson of the Tortoise is patience and the body method is breathing deep into one’s core. The snake is calm and goes around obstacles. To have such a deep and diverse set of lessons to simultaneously build character and athleticism at a young age is truly unique.
Each semester the students will learn a new animal until all 18 have been mastered. Every class will involve stretching and strength conditioning, stances, leaps, kicks, animal power moves and drills, and an animal power leadership lesson and meditation. The course comes with an animal Power Guide book that can be studied at home which contains many of our drills and lessons.
Now running for over a decade and having been taught at schools and community centers such as Lycee France, Mark Day School, Lagunitas School, Ross Valley Charter School, and Strawberry Recreation Center, and more, we have seen kids grow into athletic, kind, and well rounded people as they’ve progressed. It gives us great joy to watch the transformation and growth that comes from practicing Kung Fu Animal Power!
About the instructor
Instructor Sean Lim has been training in traditional Kung Fu since he was 16 years old with the founder of Animal Power Kung Fu, Sifu Scott Jensen. His deep passion for the eastern arts have propelled him into his adulthood with a sense of morality, discipline, kindness, and thirst to ever deepen his knowledge and wisdom. Having faced long term illness in his life, he thanks Chinese martial arts for not only bringing back his vitality, but also raising his athleticism to heights he had never even considered possible for him before.
He hopes to inspire children into a connection with their health, confidence, and compassion through this unique art of self-defense and self-cultivation.
* First class starts on January 22nd ( Monday classes)
Wild care Program 1st -5th
This interactive presentation provides students with the opportunity to be hands-on with animals they wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience up close, leaving them with a strengthened sense of responsibility toward preserving our planet.
WildCare is bringing the wild to Strawberry Rec with their Nature Van full of taxidermy, skeletons, bio-facts, and more!
Please note: the Nature Van does not include live animals.”
– discoverwildcare.org
Stem VR 1st -5th
Educators find that STEM education needs a new approach to effectively stimulate and engage students since many are quickly losing interest in science even though STEM careers are hot! Our STEM VR class uses this new immersive, exciting VR technology to enable students to touch, hold and interact with 3D objects and simulations. Most students are visual-spatial learners and need instruction that engages multiple senses. Our visual and fun class helps students understand science concepts effectively and allows them to embrace STEM with confidence and excitement. Each week, our students will experience different fields of STEM in a hands-on way: 1) VR Jurassic Land – Students will be transported back into the time of the dinosaurs.
They’ll learn about the paleontology first-hand in this virtual, realistic world; 2) Maze – Spatial awareness is huge for developing STEM skills. This complicated maze tests a student’s logic, as well as path-finding and memory skills; 3) Space is the final frontier, but you don’t have to be an astronaut to explore space any longer. In this class, we’ll explore our galaxy – the moon, sun, stars, Mars, blackholes, and more. Students will get a perspective of our Earth like they’ve never seen before –
through the eyes of an astronaut; 4) Chemistry – Students will experience cool, simulated lab experiments without being exposed to the danger of chemicals; 5) The Brain – Students will learn all about the brain and how it works in this virtual reality module that takes them inside the brain; and 6) Earthquake – Students will be able to feel and watch how the Earth’s plates shift in an earthquake.
They will use math, engineering, science, and other technologies to rebuild a 3D town after an earthquake. So put on your googles and join us in a world where anything is possible!
Coding and AI for Kids
In this super cool class, students will be introduced to the fast-growing field of AI as our world moves toward increased automation not only in the industry but also in homes. Kids as young as 6 years old can start learning how to code using blocks and be introduced to building blocks of both software and hardware such as input sensors, microcontrollers and output devices. Students will work in teams to build robot arms and other gadgets that are often used in automation. They’ll get a chance to build various electronic devices using sensors, DC motors, and more. Our class inspires kids to develop a passion for engineering with a fun-filled, hands-on curriculum while enabling students to gain a tangible understanding of artificial intelligence and problem-solving & critical thinking skills. Your child will look forward to each class to play with gadgets that they designed and built!
Awesome Kids Science K – 5th
We are not kidding when we say that we offer the widest and most fun STEM curriculum in the Bay Area! With a strong background in engineering, biology, chemistry, and medicine, our team of techies, scientists and physician carefully created each project for this class to give our young students a variety of awesome STEM experiences from building rockets that will actually launch hundreds of feet high, mini boats and ships out of different material such as clay, wood and plastic to observe the concept of buoyancy, cars powered by solar, and more.
Students will also play games such as throwing and dropping balls of different weights and materials and calculating their speeds by measuring the distance and using a stopwatch to determine the amount of time the balls are in the air, build mini airplanes and study the concept of aerodynamics and how airplanes are able to fly, and learn about different kinds of forces, motions, and kinetic-potential energy by observing and building catapults and air cannons. We’ll also have fun learning about mammals, marine biology, ecology and more! Come join us as we discover, investigate, design, and create!
Crafts & Yoga with Awesome Kids Yoga
These child centered yoga and crafts classes are designed to encourage participants to develop their creativity and physical skills in a safe and nurturing environment, by combing these engaging and beneficial activities in one fun and unique interactive hour long class.
During the yoga portion of class, children will learn basic poses and breathing techniques known to improve flexibility, balance, and strength as well as develop body awareness, mindfulness techniques, and self-confidence. The crafts portion of class, brings an opportunity for them to express their creativity and further develop their fine motor skills. Our course crafts will include drawing, painting, sculpting, and other hands-on activities that stimulate the imagination and foster a love of art.
Throughout the class, children are encouraged to have fun and express themselves in a supportive and inclusive environment. The emphasis is on play and creativity, with a focus on improving physical, cognitive, and emotional skills. By combining yoga and crafts, children can experience the benefits of both activities while having fun exploring their creativity.
Course is good for children ages 5- 11
Chess
Learning to play chess comes with many beneficial advantages for a young mind. Chess teaches children critical thinking skills. They learn to plan ahead and come up with possible scenarios that could occur and how to strategically overcome them. In chess class, students learn to see and recognize patterns and how to solve problems. Many studies show that kids who take chess lessons perform better in math and reading exercises. Our chess program offers classes from beginners to advanced levels. During class, students are assigned chess puzzles to solve, and they challenge each other by competing in teams. Our students have loads of fun while their brains are constantly stimulated to figure out the next move.
Taekwondo
We use martial arts to develop fitness, confidence, self-discipline. We teach self-defense and emergency safety skills so students will be learning different techniques and skills such as poomsae, kicking, breaking, and sparring while gaining strength, flexibility, and agility. Taekwondo not only teaches self-defense but also the values of respect for others, community service, and personal growth. Through physical training, the students will learn patience, self-control, courage, passion, and teamwork. Character is developed through one’s habits, and by learning, practicing, and repeating good habits, our students are encouraged to grow into leaders and role models at home, school, and in society. (New students will need to purchase “padded sticks” from the instructor for $40. Basic uniforms & nunchucks may be ordered on Amazon but are not required by the first class.
Creative Sewing with Darlene!
Regardless if you are new to sewing or have sewing experience, this class will help take you to the next level of stitching fun! Projects will progress your skills to the next level. Felt, flannel, fleece and more to experience sewing them into fun projects. Decorations to bring your sewing projects to shine as unique as you are. 1st – 5th Grade.
Kids Cooking Around The World
Let’s travel and cook! From colorful Mexican plates to tasty Asian bowls of noodles, your kids will explore the beautiful cultures and cuisines of various countries while they learn to measure, whip, and assemble delicious dishes. We’ll provide all equipments & ingredients. Budding chefs will enjoy plenty of mixing, prepping and hands-on activities with our talented and loving instructor who has a way of encouraging active participation from all students. In this immensely popular class, kids will mix, knead, set tables, learn about etiquettes, and more. They’ll get to prepare incredible, savory and sweet dishes. Cooking stimulates students’ critical thinking skills as they learn about measurements, fractions, divisions, additions and multiplications.
Spanish
Fun with Spanish K thru 3rd grade
In each class, students will be introduced to animals, numbers, colors, etc., using games, stories, songs, and so many other hands-on learning experiences. Each class is a lot of fun, active and engaging. We see play as a natural medium for learning, thus all classes are filled to the brim with play-based learning. Your student will be happy to come to us to play while also learning Spanish! While our classes are not full immersion, they are inclusive of all ages and skill levels. Nevertheless, our main focus is to safely care for the students while they grow and also love to learn a foreign language
Fun with Spanish 3rd thru 5th grade
Our courses are chock full of games, stories, songs, and so many other hands-on learning experiences. We see play as a natural medium for learning, thus all classes are filled to the brim with play-based learning. Each class is perfectly tailored according to age groups, taking into account the time of the day as well as their specific needs. We know that by playing and having a good time with us, they all will have a happy experience and thus ready to learn. Your student will be happy to come to us to play while also learning Spanish! While our classes are not full immersion, they are inclusive of all ages and skill levels. Nevertheless, our main focus is to safely care for the students while they grow and also love to learn a foreign language
Portuguese Soccer Class
Alek uses his Bachelors of Art in Psychology to combine technical work, fitness, and cognitive decision making to maximum his players’ growth on and off the field. The goal for after school programs is to make your kid fall in love with the beautiful game using a open minded approach which leads players to be creative and reach their full potential. The program will focus on Technical work implemented with fitness and cognitive decision making.
Coach Alek will pick up your child from school and walk them over to Strawberry Recreation District
TGA Premier Golf
Whether this is the first exposure to golf or you’re looking to take your child’s game to the next level, we have a program to fit your needs. TGA has developed a Junior Golf Player Pathway to help guide families through the journey of learning and playing this amazing sport.
The pathway consists of four core TGA programs which are progressive in their skill level, knowledge requirements and challenges; yet also complimentary to one another so children can participate in all four programs throughout the year to continue developing and refining their game.
– We provide all equipment necessary to play so there is no additional investment required beyond registration.
– Our coaches are fully vetted, background checked, and trained on how best to coach children safely and effectively.
Tennis
Introducing Tennis programs with Tennis Pro instructors Keith Pollak & Elly Hakami and HRT
1st and 2nd Grade or K thru 2nd Grade or 3rd – 5th Grade
Players will continue to learn and develop proper technique of all strokes. We will keep it fun, challenging and promote good sportsmanship. The overall goal in this class is to prepare players for rallying and eventual game play.
Pickleball
Beginning pickleball. Learn the basics of one of the most popular new sports around. Instruction by HRT. 4th & 5th grade.
Playwell, Adventures in Stem with LEGO® Materials
At Play-Well TEKnologies, we know that kids are already naturally gifted creators. What we strive to provide is an environment where students can create without fear of mistakes, explore fundamental STEM concepts through play, and express their creativity in ways they never thought possible. Let your imagination run wild with tens of thousands of LEGO parts as we design and build leaping dolphins, buzzing beehives, and towering giraffes. Play, create, and learn in a world inspired by the animal kingdom. Design and build as never before and explore your craziest ideas.
Ukulele Jammers
Let’s learn the ukulele! Your child will have a blast strumming with the class as they learn to sing and play familiar tunes from folk songs to Mother Goose rhymes. They’ll be introduced to different styles of music, allowing them to get a well-rounded sense of the many ways to play the ukulele. Soon they’ll be jazzing & rocking their ukuleles!