Looking for classes or after-school activities for your child this winter and spring? Mercer Island has dozens of opportunities for kids (ages 0 – 18) to explore and develop almost any passion, whether that’s basketball or ballet, cooking or coding. Check out our My MI guide to Winter & Spring 2019 activities and classes below.
Art & Enrichment
Sprout with Art II
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 14 – April 1; Mondays, 12:30 – 1:15 pm | 1:45 – 2:30 pm
Ages: 3 – 4 years | PreK
Continue growing your child’s natural creativity with fun and engaging visual arts classes. Children explore different art elements and multi-sensory media, including drawing, painting, clay, paper collage, and pastels. Dress your kids in clothes they can get messy!
Total Art Experience II
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 14 – April 1; Mondays, 4:15 – 5:30 pm
Ages: Kindergarten – 5th Grade
Discover art history and culture with Smart with Art as we expand our creative mind. Experience clay, sculpture, metal, printmaking, charcoal, watercolors, acrylic, pastels and more! Each session offers all new and exciting projects, a variety of materials and methods, and stimulating art experiences. Our session includes a sketchbook and concludes with an enriching art show.
Homework with Mrs. B
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 16 – April 3; Wednesdays, 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Ages: Kindergarten – 5th Grade
Mrs. B and her helpers from Mercer Island High School are here to help kids with their homework and provide math tutoring and enrichment! Sign-up for expert help from a Mercer Island School District teacher. Children will gain confidence and Mrs. B will bring fun, challenging lessons, and individual attention.
Camp Crafts
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 17 – April 4; Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Ages: Kindergarten – 5th Grade
Why wait for J Camp to make some fun, seasonal arts and crafts projects? Each week kids can get creative in a small group setting with skilled camp counselors to guide our favorite camp projects.
Aquatics
Kids Group Swim Lessons
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 5 – March 1, various times
Ages: 6 months – 12 years
Group swim lessons available for beginner – advanced swimmers.
Mary Wayte Swim Lessons
Mary Wayte Swimming Pool, 8815 SE 40th Street
January 2 – April 7, days and times vary
Ages: 6 months – adult
Swim lessons for all abilities are available year round for students from 6 months of age to adults and seniors. Placement tests are held free of charge to determine proper class level. Private lessons are also available. We offer morning and early evening lessons.
Nurturing Water Therapies Swimming Lessons
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
Class times vary
Ages: Infant – Senior
Adaptive swim lessons use techniques that place emphasis on swimming skills modified or adapted to accommodate individual abilities, needs, and goals, regardless of age. Lessons are created for, but not limited to, those with anxiety, physical, sensory, communication, or behavior challenges.
Athletics & Fitness
All-Star Sports
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
April 16 – June 8; Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Ages: 5 – 12 years
Kids can develop coordination and motor skills through athletics. We’ll work on the mechanics of a different sport each week. This is a great program for sports-minded, energetic kids. They’ll improve coordination and self-confidence while learning games, the proper use of equipment, and basic sports skills.
Rise & Grind
Mercer Island Athletic Club, 7785 Sunset Highway, Suite 118
January – June; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7 – 7:45 am
Ages: 13+
Set that alarm and let’s go! Teens only for this before school class with Coach DJ. Students will get their day off to a great start with Cardio, Strength and Agility work designed specifically for our student athletes. This is one healthy habit that everyone can embrace!
Girls ROCK!
Mercer Island Athletic Club, 7785 Sunset Highway, Suite 118
Ongoing ; Sundays, 10:45 – 11:30 am
Ages: 6th – 12th Grade
These group classes will get your 6th – 12th grade girls ready to give it their all on their respective playing field. And yes. . . the playground, band room, and library are all fantastic playing fields. Our goal is to build an adequate foundation for strength in all our kiddos. Strong core, strong body, strong mind!
CrossFit Kids
Mercer Island CrossFit, 2750 SE 77th St
January 8 – June 13; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:10 – 4:50 pm | 5 – 6 pm
Ages: 6 – 17
Mercer Island CrossFit Kids Program aims to get your child moving in a positive and beneficial direction toward more functional movements. We pair fitness and fun to boost confidence and create a lifelong love of health and fitness for children and teens, ages 6-17.
Orangetheory High School MLK Day Class
Mercer Island Orangetheory, 2601 76th Ave SE
January 21; Monday, Noon
Ages: 16+
Teens are invited to a free class with Orangetheory Fitness! Our class combines three aspects into one workout: science, coaching, and technology. One can’t work without the other: this trifecta is essential for our workout, and essential for you. Must be 16 without a parent.
Watts Basketball Academy
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 15 – April 2; Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Ages: 5 – 9 years
Kids learn the fundamentals of basketball from a PRO! Players will build confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, and social skills while learning the basics and having fun. Led by Donald “Slick” Watts, former Seattle SuperSonics Guard and a Seattle schools physical education teacher of 20 years.
Football Skills & Drills
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 17 – April 4; Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Ages: K – 5th grade
Come keep your football skills sharp with some no-contact games at the J! Risley will be running drills and leading football related activities this winter in the gym. You may know Risley from Mercer Island youth football coaching or J Camp, and he also played division 1 college football at Colgate University. If you can’t wait for next season, come join us this winter!
Itty-Bitty Athletes
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 17 – April 4; Thursdays, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Ages: 3 – 4 years
Kids develop coordination and motor skills through athletics. We’ll work on mechanics of kicking, catching, throwing, and running as we learn fun games and exercises. This class prepares children for our Supreme Sports Skills class.
Supreme Sports Skills
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 17 – April 4; Thursdays, 1:45 – 2:30 pm
Ages: Pre-K
A great program for sports-minded, energetic kids. They’ll improve coordination and self-confidence while learning fun cooperative games, the proper use of equipment, and basic athletic skills.
Lil’ Kickers & Skills Institute – Arena Sports (Organization)
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 12 – March 12, Saturdays, various times
Ages: 18 months – 12 years
Classes offered EVERY SATURDAY! Lil’ Kickers is a non-competitive, child-development soccer program for boys and girls ages 18 months to 9 years. Skills Institute is a developmental soccer program for boys and girls ages 5 to 12 years. With an 8:1 player-to-coach ratio, players will receive plenty of one-on-one attention as they explore their potential in the target areas of soccer.
Wednesday Workouts
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 9 – March 27, Wednesday, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Ages: 13+ years
Join personal trainer, Eric Salzetti, for a weekly workout. We
will explore different circuit training and use the fitness room.
Parkour
MI Boys & Girls Club, 4120 86th Avenue SE
Begins January 7, Mondays, 5 – 6 pm & 6 – 7 pm
Ages: Varies
Parkour is the ability to move fluidly through your environment from one place to another. We will safely learn to progress through basic parkour movements including: jumping, vaulting, climbing, swinging, balance, and rolling. This class builds strength, balance, and coordination all while safely growing your ability to engage and conquer your environment, overcoming obstacles both physically and mentally.
Mercer Island Little League – T-Ball, Baseball & Softball
MI Boys & Girls Club, 4120 86th Avenue SE
Begins in March
Ages: 4 to 16
Mercer Island Little League offers instructional and competitive baseball, softball, and tee-ball programs for youth ages 4 to 16 on Mercer Island. The league is part of Washington District 9 and Little League International. Little League registration for 2019 is now open.
Spring Volleyball
MI Boys & Girls Club, 4120 86th Avenue SE
Begins March 22
Ages: 4th/5th, 6th/7th, 8th/9th grades
The Girls Spring Volleyball League is designed to teach players the fundamentals of the game while developing self-esteem, values, and a love for the game.
Spring Soccer
MI Boys & Girls Club, 4120 86th Avenue SE
Begins March 22
Ages: K/1st, 2nd/3rd grades
Boys Spring Soccer & Girls Spring Soccer are recreational leagues designed to teach the fundamentals of soccer and FUN!
Basketball Academy
MI Boys & Girls Club, 4120 86th Avenue SE
Begins January 11
Ages: K – 3rd grade
MI Basketball Academy offers boys and girls an opportunity for skill development training, emphasizing ball handling, moves off the dribble, footwork, proper shooting technique, repetition and other major aspects of fundamental skill training.
Cheer & Gymnastics
Dream Team Cheer Squad (Eastside Dream Elite)
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 8 – April 2; Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7 pm
Ages: 7 – 18 years
Be a part of the Mercer Island Parks beginning-to-intermediate level cheer squad! You’ll learn dances, cheers, and beginning tumbling. There will be opportunities to perform too. Dream Team has performed at halftime for the Seattle Storm and University of Washington basketball games and at numerous community events. Previous experience is not required — contact instructor with questions. Cheer classes are run by Eastside Dream Elite Cheer & Dance. (Some extra costs may be incurred for this class.)
Gymnastics
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 15 – April 2; Tuesdays, 12:30 -1:30 pm | 1:45 – 2:30 pm
Ages: 3 – 4 years and Pre-K
The SJCC is partnering with NOVA Gymnastics to provide a quality gymnastics training program in a fun and positive environment. All of our instructors are USA Gymnastics certified, including some former USA Olympians. The class will feature tumbling, jumping, leaping, and stretching for growing kids to build strength and grace.
Intro to Gymnastics
MI Boys & Girls Club, 4120 86th Avenue SE
Begins February 26; Tuesdays, 4:15 – 5 pm
Ages: 5 – 8 years
Mercer Island has partnered with Nova Gymnastics Academy to produce a new introductory level gymnastics class. This class includes simple stretching exercises, balancing, and acrobatics that are fundamental in the sport of gymnastics. Along with basic movements of gymnastics, kids will be engaged in a fun and safe learning environment to focus on basic body elements that include flexibility, rolls, cartwheels, and bridges!
Computers & Games
Minecraft Computer Class
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
January 11 – April 5; Fridays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Ages: 2nd – 5th Grade
Control your world with command blocks and redstone as you create, explore, and put your problem-solving skills to the test by building an adventure map and resource packs in this tech-focused class. Many schools – even universities – use the Minecraft platform to help with reading, writing, math, and science.
Little Coders: Coding Class
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
January 11 – April 5; Fridays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Ages: Kindergarten – 2nd
This course is the start of the coding pathway! This class provides young students with the basics of computational thinking, such as coordinates, loops, and conditionals, through a blend of “unplugged” and online activities. Designed specifically for early learners. Students will build on what they learned in pre-coding. Prior coding classes not required – new students are encouraged to join!
Chess 4 Life
West Mercer, Island Park, and Lakeridge elementary schools
Class times / days vary
Ages: Grades K+
After school chess clubs provide children with a stimulating and rewarding activity that is proven to improve academic performance. Chess4Life School Chess Clubs are designed for students of any ability and are a great introduction to the game of chess for kids. These school chess programs are taught by certified coaches who tailor the curriculum to meet the needs and experience level of each group of students. After school chess programs are taught in one-hour sessions at your child’s school site, allowing them to spend time with friends after school in a familiar environment.
Game Night
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Ongoing; Thursdays, 4 – 7 pm
Ages: 7 – 16 years
Come drop-in for an afternoon of fun, which includes board games, interactive video games (Xbox), or play some pool in the Game Room! We have a huge selection of games and our staff is always up to taking on a new competitor. Board games include classics such as Checkers, Connect 4, Monopoly, and Bananagrams. New favorites include Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Scattergories, and more.
Cooking
Kids Can Cook
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 7 – February 25; Mondays, 4:15 – 5:15 pm
Ages: 5 – 7 years
Does your child LOVE to cook? Do you have a picky eater? Our food literacy program teaches age appropriate techniques, food origins, seasonal recipes and kitchen safety while having hands-on fun! Each session brings a new theme such as Eat The Rainbow, Seasonal Flavors, Food Groups, Holidays, Book Cooks, STEAM, and more.
Culinary Creations
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 16 – April 3; Wednesdays, 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Ages: 1st – 5th Grade
During this hands-on class your children will learn the basics of food safety as well as how to prepare creative, healthy, worldly, and delicious cuisine. Great for foodies, budding chefs, and adventurous eaters. Please send any participant food allergies to Enrichment Coordinator Vance Snelson.
Cooking Up Science
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 17 – April 4; Thursdays, 12:30 – 1:30 pm | 1:45 – 2:30 pm
Ages: 3 years – PreK
Cooking and science go hand-in-hand in this class, where a love of food combines with fun science experiences. Kids will explore questions and test their cooking ideas while using the scientific method to whip up some adventurous dishes. Let’s find out how science makes us better cooks!
Culinary Arts Project Based Learning
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 8 – February 12; Tuesdays, 4:15 – 5:15 pm
Ages: 8 – 10 years
The kitchen is the hub of nourishment, learning and growing individually and as a community. Our tweens program offers students a dynamic project-based learning experience where they explore real-world challenges, gain self-confidence, and develop life skills through a meaningful project in culinary arts. Each week, students will demonstrate their knowledge and skills by cooking and tasting something new from scratch using whole, fresh foods.
Dance
Pre-Ballet
Mercer Island Community & Event Center Dance Room, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 8 – March 26; Tuesdays, 4 – 4:45 pm
Ages: 3 -5 years
A joyful introduction to movement. Flexibility, coordination, strength, and creativity are developed throughout the session in a playful, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate way. Dancers have an optional performance opportunity on stage at the Northshore Performing Arts Center in December and May. For more information, visit www.emeraldballet.org.
Beginning Ballet
Mercer Island Community & Event Center Dance Room, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 8 – March 26; Tuesdays, 4:45 – 5:45 pm
Ages: 6 – 10 years
Beginning Ballet
Introduction to classical ballet with barre & floor exercises. Improvisation activities nurture creativity. Flexibility, coordination, strength, grace, and creativity increase in a supportive atmosphere. Dancers have an optional performance opportunity on stage at the Northshore Performing Arts Center in December and May. For more information, visit www.emeraldballet.org.
Creative Movement & Music
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 16 – April 3; Wednesdays, 12:30 -1:30 pm | 1:45 – 2:30 pm
Ages: 3 years – PreK
Students can move and groove to music while they get some wiggles out! Freeze dance, musical chairs, songs, stories, and more will help kids develop rhythm and use their brain and body in a class for active children. Music choices are pulled from around the world, sharing culture and dance, while having a great experience!
Hip Hop Dance
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 14 – April 1; Mondays, 4:15 – 5:15 pm
Ages: Kindergarten – 5th Grade
This hoppin’ class was created specifically for kids who love to dance! Students will have sixx weeks of fun and exciting classes that focus on the coolest dance moves to pop music. Participants will learn basic dance skills like keeping rhythm, following choreography, and developing body control all while building self-esteem and confidence in this energetic class.
Kicking It With Katy Dance Class
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 6 – March 17; Sundays, 1 -2 pm
Ages: 12+ years
This dance class will be fun and energetic with lots of different music, dance styles and the occasional dress up day! Through music, the instructor hopes this class will inspire and make a difference in everyone’s lives, as it does to hers!
MÜV Creative Productions
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 12 – March 9; Saturdays, 12:00 – 12:45 pm | 2:00 – 2:45 pm
Ages: 6 – 8 years |9 – 11 years
Join Ms. Mickey of MÜV Creative Productions to explore music, movement and dance! MÜV Dance classes will focus on the joy of movement, creative expression, and beginning technique, using a variety of dance styles.
Dance Studios on Mercer Island
Children’s Dance Conservatory / Island Youth Ballet
8635 SE 68th St
Class times vary
Ages: 3+ years
Students from age 3 years through high school have always found a special place at the Children’s Dance Conservatory, the official school for Island Youth Ballet. The school provides classical ballet training, and Ms. Susan is a certified Royal Academy of Dance Instructor. Annual performances offer students the opportunity to have pleasurable and inspiring experiences that only the stage experience can offer.
Definitive Dance
8451 SE 68th St
Class times vary
Ages: 3+ years
Definitive Dance is committed to assisting with dance development in a nurturing, contemporary dance environment. Our program facilitates self-confidence, self-respect, emotional creativity, physical strength, and a passion for the art of dance.
Martial Arts
Karate X
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 11 – April 5; Fridays, 1:45 – 2:30 pm | 4:45 – 5:45 pm
Ages: PreK | Kindergarten – 5th Grade
Join Karate-X this year for awesome classes that are disciplined, challenging, and fun! Students will learn and practice karate skills with punching bags, breaking boards, blocking drills, kicking targets, and more! Karate-X has been teaching in the Puget Sound for 19 years, with a martial arts program specifically designed for preschool and elementary students.
Karate West (Organization)
8451 SE 68th Street (South end)
Class times vary
Ages: 3 – 18 years
Karate West Training Centers are owned by Randy Holeman and Jan Stockton. Their goal was to build a martial arts school that offered not only an effective self-defense program for children and adults, but also a comprehensive program of personal growth and development. They place an emphasis on teaching the life skills of leadership, integrity, goal setting, self-discipline, and academic excellence, to name a few.
Mercer Island Martial Arts (Organization)
2630 77th Ave SE, Suite 106-108 (Town Center)
Class times vary
Ages: Pre K – 18 years
Mercer Island Martial Arts is a whole system intentionally designed with the most modern psychological principals, emphasizing the new field of positive psychology, along with the latest research in exercise methodology, and the ancient and most practical traditions of the martial arts. Students are fortified through the development of character, virtues, and habits of mind and body that have been proven to develop resilience, bolster deficits, and nurture the exceptional.
Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios (Organization)
7858 SE 28th St. Suite A105 (Town Center)
Class times vary
Ages: 4 – 18 years
Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios, LLC – ZUSDS – is a part of a family of martial arts companies formed with one goal in mind – to provide “Z-Ultimate” martial arts experience for students and their families by providing life changing and character building experiences through world-class personalized martial arts instruction. It is one of the largest martial arts company of its kind, with locations in the Midwest and on the West Coast.
Music
MÜV Creative Productions
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 12 – March 12; Saturdays, 11 – 11:45 am
Ages: 4 -6 years
Join Miss Mickey of MÜV Creative Productions to explore music, movement, and dance! Music classes will include rhythm, creative movement, pitch awareness, and beginning theory taught through fun games, as well as hands-on experience with real band and orchestra instruments from each music family. MÜV Dance classes will focus on the joy of movement, creative expression, and beginning technique, using a variety of dance styles.
Nature / Outdoors / Scouting
Boy Scouts (& Cub Scouts)
Various times / locations
Ages: Grades K – 12th
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations, providing programs for young people that build character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and develops personal fitness. For more than 100 years, Boy Scouts of America has helped build future leaders by combining educational activities and life-long values with fun.
Learn more about each Troop on Mercer Island: Troop 457, Troop 624, Troop 647
Girl Scouts
Various times & locations
Ages: Grades K – 12th
Girl Scouts of America is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. With programs from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success.
Science
STEM Through the Ages
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 15 – April 2; Tuesdays, 12:30 – 1:30 pm | 1:45 – 2:30 pm
Ages: 3 – 5 years | PreK
Join us in this creative building class as we go on a journey through time, learning about architecture from around the world and the early engineers and mathematicians who built iconic structures that stood the test of time. Students will get hands-on experience with designing and building, using the original structures as inspiration.
STEM Fundamentals with LEGO Materials
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 16 – April 3; Wednesdays, 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Ages: Kindergarten – 4th Grade
Level up your engineering skills with Play-Well TEKnologies and tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects, such as motorcycles, aircraft carriers, conveyor belts, and rail racers! Design and build as never before, and explore your craziest ideas in a supportive environment.
Going Green
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 16 – April 3; Wednesdays, 12:30 – 1:30 pm | 1:45 – 2:30 pm |2:30 – 3:30 pm
Ages: 3 – 5 years | PreK | Kindergarten – 5th Grade
Going Green will show students the basics of gardening, ecology, and features tons of hands-on learning. Students will practice preparation and care for plants in our own Kesher Garden. With Madeline’s guidance, students will learn about the interaction of soil, water, air and sunlight as plants grow. Start your green thumb with us in winter and enjoy the fruits of your labor during our spring session!
Theater
Storytime Theater
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way
January 11 – March 29; Fridays, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Ages: 3 – 5 years
Finish your week with a bit of fun and make-believe as we read some classic fairy tales and use dramatic play to bring the stories to life! Child-made crafts like costumes and puppets will add a personal touch to each experience.
Youth Theatre Northwest (Organization)
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Avenue SE
Variety of classes / times
Ages: 3 years – 6th grade
Youth Theatre Northwest is a school, theatre, and home for children and families. At Youth Theatre Northwest, children and young adults explore the depths of their creativity and experience the thrill of live performance. Through the magic of theatre, YTN helps young people find their “inner light” of self-confidence, sensitivity, creativity, and leadership.
Tweens & Teens
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 8 – March 19; Tuesdays, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Ages: 12+ years
Etiquette – Life Skills for Social Leadership
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
starts February 3; Sundays, 1 – 5 pm
Ages: 13 – 18 years
FUN, interactive workshops boost confidence, comfort, and knowledge in social situations. These skills open doors with peers and adults, creating social intelligence to build trust and healthy relationships. Four major areas covered: Personal Presentation, Social Etiquette, Style/Grooming, and Dining/Party Etiquette.
Etiquette – Life Skills for Success
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 19 – March 30; Saturdays, 1 – 2:15 pm | 2:15 – 3:30 pm | 3:45 – 5 pm
Ages: 7 – 12 years
Safe Kids 101
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Saturday, January 19, 9 am – 12 pm
Ages: 9 – 13 years
Kids think they are ready to stay home alone and parents wonder if it’s okay to let them. This three-hour home alone class will help your 9 to 13 year old take the next step in independence while giving you peace of mind. Topics include: responsibilities when staying home alone, simple first aid and abdominal thrusts for choking victims, how to navigate the online world, fire safety, and what to do around an aggressive dog. We’ll also discuss the truth behind abuse, abduction, and stranger danger. All participants will receive the Safe Kids 101 book.
Young Shark 101
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 12 – March 9, 9 – 11 am
Ages: 9 – 14 years
Young Shark™ by KuriousMinds is a one of a kind, life-changing project-based experiential entrepreneurship program. It ignites creativity, challenges conventional thinking, promotes collaboration, self-confidence, and leadership. Students generate ideas, conduct research, and develop business plans. Students will gain the necessary skills, experiences, and materials to confidently pitch their ideas to a simulated panel of investors!
Learn more >>
Lifeguard in Training
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Starts February
Ages: 16+ years
Are you looking to learn new skills, gain job experience, make money and increase your overall leadership ability? This course will help teens, 16 years of age and older, become certified lifeguards eligible for summer employment! Courses will be offered in February, May, and June. For more information, contact C.J. Stanford at 206-275-7863 or email [email protected].
SVP and VOICE – Volunteer Outreach
Locations vary
Registration opens March 22 and closes April 26
Ages: current 6th & 7th graders or 8th – 11th graders
Organized by Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, VOICE (Volunteer Outreach in Communities Everywhere) and SVP (Summer Volunteer Program) provide structured group community service opportunities to Mercer Island middle and high school age youth. This flexible program runs for eight weeks each summer, and allows youth the ability to schedule volunteer work around their other summer commitments. VOICE/SVP partners with over fifty community organizations, and our participants volunteer over 10,000 hours each summer. The SVP Program is for current 6th and 7th grade students, and the VOICE Program is for current 8th – 11th grade students.
Yoga & Pilates
Enjoy Barre
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
January 9 – March 27; Wednesdays, 7:15 – 8:15 pm
Ages: 13+ years
Barre is a challenging total body workout that combines the positions, moves, and grace of ballet with the core strength and alignment of Pilates and the flexibility of Yoga. Barre is a fun, safe, choreographed workout that utilizes the ballet barre to perform a range of small isometric movements and stretches in time to upbeat music. The main focus is on lifting the bottom, sculpting the legs and arms, whilst at the same time burning fat and strengthening the core.
Yellow Yoga
MI Boys & Girls Club, 4120 86th Avenue SE
Wednesdays, 3 – 4 pm
Ages: Varies
Yoga for kid athletes! Join certified kids yoga instructor Heather Feldman from Yellow Yoga for a weekly one hour yoga session that is specifically designed for the child athlete. Build core strength, increase flexibility and balance, help prevent injuries, increase focus and attention, increase endurance, boost self-confidence, and promote mental, physical and emotional health.
Additional Mercer Island classes will be added to this list as they come available, including classes offered at the Stroum Jewish Community Center and the Mercer Island Community & Event Center. If you have a class that you’d like us to include in this post, please get in touch!
