Explore our Youth Variety program offerings each season! We have something for nearly all interests. We also offer Youth Athletics, Dance, and Theater programs.

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S.A.M.A. Karate Of DeKalb

Learn discipline, focus, self-confidence, coordination, fitness, self-defense and more through the study of karate. Classes are taught by Sensei Shannon Marbutt and his assistants. Belt, tests, uniforms, and other equipment are available at reasonable fees payable to the instructor. Voted "The Best" Martial Arts programs in 2022 DeKalb County's Finest, as part of the Daily Chronicle Reader's Choice Awards.

Save the date and pre-register for our FREE KARATE TRIALS on April 20, May 25, June 29, and August 3! 

	Tuesdays and Thursdays Session 1: May 2-25 Session 2: June 6-29 Session 3: July 11-August 3
	Tiny Dragons & Heroes (Ages 3-4: must be potty trained) 5:00-5:30 pm Beginner Kids (Ages 5-13; white and orange belts only): 5:30-6:30 pm Intermediate & Advanced Kids (Ages 5-13; yellow belt and higher): 6:30-7:30 pm
	Haish Gynasium, Large Gym
	Tiny Dragons & Heroes (at least 1 adult is required per family registration) Child and One Adult: $56 R/ $70 NR per session Additional Child/Adult: $25 R/ $31 NR per session Beginner Kids $48 R/ $60 NR per session Intermediate & Advanced Kids $48 R/ $60 NR per session
	Check out our Teen/Adult Karate here!

Kids Pizza and Paint Nights

(Ages 6-13)

Join us for a fun night of painting and pizza! Artists of all abilities will be guided through a step-by-step canvas painting that you will bring home. Celebrate your masterpieces with pizza and sparkling grape juice! Register for a single night or create new paintings during all three events. Generously Sponsored by Papa Johns' Pizza of DeKalb. 

	Fridays April 28- Alien Spaceship May 19- Rainbow Frog June 16- Hot Air Balloon July 28- Snake August 18- Mushroom
	5:30-7:00 pm
	Sports and Recreation Center, Art Room
	$27 R/ $34 NR per session date

NEW! Black Light Paint Night

(Ages 7-13)

Let’s get artsy under the black lights! Students will create artwork using florescent paints and display their artwork at the end of class for family and friends. Wear your white and funky, bright color clothes and accessories. Let’s see who will shine the brightest under the black lights!

	Friday, April 14 or July 14
	5:30-6:30 pm
	Sports & Recreation Center, Art Room
	$22 R/ $25 NR per session date

NEW! Bee Painting

(Ages 6 - 14)

Students will use bubblewrap to print their bee's honeycomb. They will paint along with the instructor to add a realistic bee to their painting.

	Thursday, August 3
	6:00-7:00 pm
	Sports & Recreation Center, Art Room
	$14 R/ $17 NR

NEW! Ojo de Dios Weaving

(Ages 7 - 14)

Ojo de Dios is a simple weaving technique of Mexican origin. Students will use yarn and popsicle sticks to create a woven art piece. 

	Thursday, June 22
	6:00-7:00 pm
	Sports & Recreation Center, Art Room
	$13 R/ $16 NR

NEW! Weaving for Beginners

(Ages 9 - 18)

Using yarn, students will learn the basic over and under weaving method before exploring other weaving variations. Your final weave will be hung on a dowel rod for display.

	Friday, July 7
	6:00-7:30 pm
	Sports & Recreation Center, Art Room
	$15 R/ $19 NR

NEW! Cheer Clinic

(Ages 5-15)

Come learn how to jump, stunt and do basic tumbling with our experienced cheer coaches at our 1-day cheer camps! All skill levels are welcome. Beginners will learn new skills and returning cheerleaders can perfect their skills.

	Saturdays Session 1: March 25 Session 2: April 22 Session 3: May 6
	(Ages 5-9) 8:30-10:30 am (Ages 10-15) 10:35 am - 12:35 pm
	Haish Gymnasium, Large Gym
	$35 R/ $44 NR per session

Horseback Riding Lessons

(Ages 6+)

Would you like a horse experience but don't know where to start? Willow Creek Farm is your go-to whether you're a beginning rider, or looking to get back in the saddle after some time off. Specializing in English and Western instruction, we have horses for every part of your riding career. Lessons will include detailed explanation of grooming practice, correct tack-up routine, riding skills, and more! Participants should wear long pants and shoes with no more than a 1" heel.

	Semi-Private Lessons: 60 minutes each
	TBD
	Willow Creek Farm, 10340 IL Rt 64, Sycamore, IL
	1 Lesson: $64 R/ $80 NR  4 Lessons: $260 R/ $313 NR

Sewing Class Series

Join our fun new sewing club class series! Don't have access to sewing supplies? Or do you have sewing supplies you'd like to donate to the DeKalb Park District? CONTACT US!

NEW! Get to Know Your Sewing Machine

(Ages 8+)

Have you always wanted to learn to use a sewing machine? The time has come! The instructor will go over the basic functions of the machine - how to thread, wind your bobbin, and common mistakes to watch out for. We will provide needles and thread. Students should bring their own sewing machine and bobbin; an adult sewing machine is recommended. Students with experience can learn new techniques and practice their skills.

	Thursday, May 11 or Friday, June 23
	5:00-6:30 pm
	Sports and Recreation Center, Art Room
	$12 R/ $15 NR per session date

NEW! Let's Make a Mess!

(Ages 5-10)

Let's get messy! We bring the fun and clean up the mess! Each session will include a project that your child can bring home. We encourage kids to wear clothes they can get dirty.

	Saturdays Spring Session 1:  April 8- Shaving Cream Create puffy paint and slime, and make your own dyed paper! Spring Session 2: April 15- Bubbles Test different solutions, bubble paint, and make a giant bubble. Spring Session 3: April 22- Gardening Fun Learn what plants need to survive and plant your own seeds to take home. Summer Session 1: July 15- Chalk Play a variety of chalk games and create art outside! Summer Session 2: July 22- Outdoor Painting Paint with (and in) nature with a variety of fun projects. Summer Session 3: July 29- Beach Fun Play and create with sand and shells in several fun projects.
	10:30 am - 12:00 pm
	Sports and Recreation Center, Art Room
	$13 R/ $16 NR per session date

NEW! Cookie Plushes: Hand Sewing

(Ages 7-14)

Practice your hand sewing techniques while sewing cute, felt cookies. This is a great project for beginning sewers. 

	Friday, May 12
	5:00-7:00 pm
	Sports and Recreation Center, Art Room
	$13 R/ $16 NR

NEW! Bird Plushies: Hand Sewing

(Ages 7-14) 

Students will practice hand sewing felt birds. This is a great project for beginner sewers.

	Friday, August 4
	5:00-7:00 pm
	Sports & Recreation Center, Art Room
	$13 R/ $16 NR

NEW! Scout Trail Adventures

(Ages 5-10)

Let's take a hike! Play trail games, have a snack, and learn outdoor skills.

	Saturday, May 6
	Girl Scouts (K-5th Grade; Daisies through Juniors) Leave with a badge! 1:00 - 2:00 pm Cub Scouts (Ages 5 - 10; A parent or guardian is required for all official scout activities) Leave with a hiking patch! 2:30 - 3:30 pm
	Prairie Park, 401 Clifford Drive
	$8 R/ $10 NR

NEW! Scout Outdoor Skills

Learn how to pitch a pop-up tent and tie some basic knots as we set up a mock campsite. Leave with a fun patch!

	Saturday, June 3
	Girl Scouts (K - 5th Grade; Daisy - Junior) 1:00 - 2:00 pm Cub Scouts (Ages 5-10; A parent or guardian is required for all official scout activities) 2:30 - 3:30 pm
	Prairie Park, 401 Clifford Drive
	$8 R/ $10 NR

NEW! Kids Crate Climbing & Bouldering

(Ages 8-18)

This is a perfect event for an active adventurous kid who needs a challenge. Crate climbing involves stacking milk crates suited in a harness and belayed by an experienced Outdoor Adventure leader. Hit up the bouldering room for an introduction to the sport and climb routes.

	Wednesday, June 7
	6:00-7:00 pm
	NIU Recreation Center, 325 N. Annie Glidden
	$20 R/ $25 NR