A hot Thursday afternoon last week saw 2-year-olds frolicking with water toys outside the Eden Prairie Education Center. Across the parking lot, 3- to 5-year-olds took turns riding a miniature horse.
Instructors Colby Ulrich and Anette McCullough led the “Crazy About Horses” class, which had been suggested because Ulrich owns horses. The 3- to 5-year-olds learned the parts of a horse, how to groom a horse and what equipment goes with horse riding. Then they each got a chance to ride the horse – and go for a ride in a cart behind the horse.

At Central Middle School that same day, Community Ed students were knitting, having robot battles, learning about science and building clock towers out of Legos.

It was an average day for summer learning through Eden Prairie Community Education.

“There’s a lot of summer learning and summer fun going on through Eden Prairie Community Education,” said Community Education Director Jeanne Zetah.

Still time to register

And there is still time to register for a variety of opportunities with Community Ed:

“Preschool Summer Camps provide children ages 2 thru 5 a wide variety of one-week programs such as Wacky Weather, Who are the Heroes?, Science Detectives, Spanish Art, South Sea Adventure and lots more,” according to a news release.

One-week classes for elementary students visit a variety of topics, like rock guitar, woodworking, science, theater, video game animation, chess, forensic lab and art. Most of the classes are at Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion School or Central Middle School.
“Teens can register for summer enrichment opportunities such as Rock Star Prodigy, theater classes, video game animation, rocketry,
advanced robotics and driver education,” the release said.

Driver education classes for students 15 years of age and older will be held at the High School throughout the summer. Upcoming classes will be offered from July 20 to Aug. 4, July 27 to Aug. 7 and Aug. 10-21.

Adults can take classes in digital scrapbooking, nurturing yoga, first aid, Adobe Photoshop II, Web design or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
To register or for more information, visit www.epcommunityed.org or call 952-975-6940.

– Compiled by Karla Wennerstrom

City Camp options now include Art Center

Along with a variety of classes offered through Eden Prairie Community Education, the city of Eden Prairie offers a number of day camps at various parks, the Outdoor Center and the new Eden Prairie Art Center: Parks and Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer offered a list of a few new camps that will be offered this summer:

Clay Camp

For ages 7 to 13. Art work in three dimensions, imagine the possibilities! In this creative camp learn to make pots, sculptures, animals, tiles, block houses and more. Learn about how clay has been used in ancient cultures, as well as decorating techniques. Activities are age appropriate and no experience is necessary. Upcoming classes are from 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday July 13-17 and from 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 10 to 14, at the Art Center Pottery Studio Cost: Members $83; Non-members $92.

A Journey Through the Arts Camp

For ages 5 to 13. This exciting camp introduces the work of important artists and art movements, improves creative problem-solving and technical skills and allows for fun making art and developing your own style! Each project is introduced with artists’ examples and hands-on instruction. Each day little artists bring home amazing works of art. Upcoming classes are from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday, July 7-10, for ages 5-9; and from 1-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Aug. 3-6, for ages 10-13, at the Art Center Room 102. Cost: Members $75; Non-members $83.

Art Quilting Camp

For ages 8-13. This is not your grandma’s sewing class! Learn a valuable life skill and create your own personally expressive art work using fabric. Using simple techniques and basic materials, explore what makes a successful art piece while incorporating recycled items and fun embellishments. Each little artist creates an 8 x 11 inch art quilt that makes a creative statement! All materials included. No experience necessary. Instructor is Kimberly Oedekoven. Upcoming classes are from 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday-Thursday, July 13-16, in the Art Center Room 102. Cost: Members $75; Non-members $83.
Magical Mud

For ages 5–12. Pinch, pat and roll to create all sorts of magical mud clay creations. Inspiration is all you ‘knead’ to create shakers, puppets, plaques, pendants and more. Use air dry clay, Model Magic and polymer clay. Play games like sculptionary, pass the clay and marbles. Bring a snack and beverage. Classes are from 9 a.m. to noon Monday to Thursday, Aug. 24 to 27, in the Art Center Room 102. Cost is $115.