Education Classes

Have you ever wanted to learn archery or just pick up a few things that might improve your shot?  Well, here is your class for children and adults.  In this 5-week class you will learn about the bow and arrow, learn how to stance, grip, and anchor points for shooting.  Bow and arrows are supplied or feel free to bring your own.  This class will be held (seasonal) outdoor at the Archery Range.  Instructed by DeWayne Taulbee.

Sewing solutions and simple alternations learn how to make your own alterations and save money.  In this class you will learn how to hem pants, skits, shorten sleeves, how to sew on buttons and much more. This class will be set up for individual needs and interest of each student.  If you have a portable sewing machine, please bring yours.  Instructed by Norma Jureidini.

This class is most appropriate for babies one month to nine months old. Participants will learn the benefits of infant massage, behavioral states of babies, research based and ancient massage strokes (Indian and Swedish). They will also learn gas, colic and congestion relief routines, adaptations of massage for the growing child, and gentle exercise movements in a caring and supportive environment. During massage, the babies will receive special attention from their parent/caregiver which encourages the parent/caregiver bond. The purpose of this class is to cultivate compassionate touch in the lives of individuals and their families. Sharing compassionate touch and respectful listening profoundly enhances the quality of everyone's life. We will have the opportunity to discuss several parenting issues and parents thoughts. Sharing thoughts with other parents/caregiver will help to ease the major transition into caring for a child and will allow you to establish a supportive network of people. Classes are relaxing and fun. The atmosphere is centered on parent/caregiver and infant needs. In this class you will enhance the adult-infant interaction that will create a lasting bond through nurturing touch and respectful communication. Bring something comfortable (blanket or pad) for baby.  Contact ymcainfantmassage@yahoo.com for more information. Instructed by Caitlin Wells.

When a baby arrives, parents may have some concerns about a sibling's reaction to the new addition to the family. Bring siblings to the family class and help ease the transition. Learn message techniques for your new baby as well as adaptations for older children, even allow them to help give the new baby a massage! Dad is welcome to join the class as well. This is a family affair. Massage can help children bond with their new brother or sister or get to have some bonding time with just their parents. It's a great way to spend time as a family and continue the trend of nurturing touch and respectful communication. Quiet activities will be provided for those who choose as well as snacks for all at the end of class. Bring something comfortable (blanket or pad) for baby.  Instructed by Caitlin Wells.

Want to learn how to play chess? Chess is one of the oldest and still most fascinating games today. Chess is a game for all ages that can enhance memory, concentration and logical thinking skills that children will use through their life's and careers. Come learn the development of the game and see why professional educators and parents believe that chess can have a wonderful impact on their children. Classes are for a beginner level and we will cover naming pieces, moves for each piece, board layout, basic positioning and end with playing a game, classes for children and adults. Instructed by Kevin Smith.

Come and play Duplicate Bridge on Wednesday afternoon. A card game where pairs compete to earn master points awarded by the American Contract Bridge League. Open to everyone! If you have any questions, contact Fred Bridge Bridge Coordinator on Wednesday's at the YMCA.

This beginner class is for seniors new to the computer. Learn how to use the mouse, what icons are used for and how to work in windows. Classes held in the computer lab. 

This class is for students to improve their keyboarding technique and speed. Students will learn proper hand placement, home row keys, and various practice drills designed to increase accuracy and speed. Classes held in the computer lab.

This class is for students to improve their keyboarding technique and speed. Students will learn proper hand placement, home row keys, and various practice drills designed to increase accuracy and speed. Classes held in the computer lab. 

This class is for students who are new to the computer. This class will cover the basics how to use the mouse, working in Windows and email. Classes held in the new computer lab. Classes held in the computer lab. 

Children learn basic cooking skills, tools, and terminology while creating fun treats like pizza, soups, and desserts. Food for children is just another way to explore the world. Story time included. There is a material fee. Instructors by Teri Abbott.

Do you like to cook? Teaching children how to cook is an important but often overlooked skill. Boys and girls benefit from the math skills, reading practice, and nutrition knowledge gained. We will make and bake lots of tasty entrees and desserts. Your child will learn cooking basics, vocabulary terms, and use a variety of utensils. Class includes a story time. There is a material fee. See you there! 

This is a one-day class only. Children will spend an hour and a half learning basic cooking skills and terminology while preparing an entrée and a dessert. Come and have a fun afternoon. Story time included and there is a material fee.  This class runs different times throughout the year.  Child must be potty trained. Instructed by Martha Pollock.

Imaginations needed! Discover something new about the world every week through story time, fun crafts, and much more. Children are to bring a sack lunch and be ready to have fun. Please sign up early so plans can be made for your children's activities. Instructed by Rachel Toler.

Have fun and learn to use your camera. Instructor guided photography session around the Countryside YMCA grounds. Learn basic compositional techniques and make use of natural light to create a working photography portfolio. Class will meet in the computer lab. All Photography classes instructed by Cathy Lyons.

Find the time to photograph nature and other interesting assignments you will find it both relaxing and informative. In this class you will learn how to take better pictures, become more familiar with your camera, and enjoy God's creation! Weekly in-class photography sessions and assignments.

Learn the basics of Photoshop Elements like cropping, toning, and cloning, make your pictures look better, and create gifts for others.

By using Photoshop Elements, we will learn how to properly tone and crop our images. In addition we will learn how to retouch images and to set up our files so we can get the best quality output. A special project involving photography and Photoshop with our very own Countryside YMCA veterans is also planned for this class. Class is in the computer lab.

Join us in the computer lab for an experience unlike any we have offered! Math classes consist of hands on math activities as well as a systematic online math program (the online has a cost but can be used at home) Students will enjoy a small class size of nine or less and plenty of instructor attention and a measurable improvement in math proficiency. Classes are held in the computer lab.

This is a one-day medically accurate workshop. Safe Sitter teaches the skills you need to safely care for children, infants through school age. Students must pass practical and written test to receive a Safe Sitter babysitting certification card. Safe Sitter graduates will have learned how to handle life threatening emergencies, Heimlich Maneuver, how to keep themselves safe, when and how to call for help, and how to understand and deal with children of different ages. Students will learn the business aspect of babysitting. Manuals will be available for class, but can be purchased for personal recourse. Classes are on Saturday in the Children's Center at the YMCA, Entrance H. Bring a sack lunch and drink. Please sign up early at the front desk so the class can be planned. Upon completion of the class, see your instructor to receive a discount on YMCA CPR Certification. Children must be 14 to take the CPR class.

This is a home school class. (Click here) for more information. This class will investigate and study God's animal kingdom.  There will be weekly experiments, crafts, educational movies and handouts.