Owatonna Community Education

Want a fun activity with your adult? This beginning rock climbing class covers the safety and skills of indoor rock climbing and belaying. Both adult and little will spend time climbing the rock wall. Bigs will belay each other and their littles. Class meets at the new Owatonna Middle School rock wall. Participants must be entering 2nd grade or higher for the 2025-2026 school year. Your favorite adult could be a parent/guardian, grandparent, sibling, your Big, or a responsible friend. Max of 2 participants per adult. A liability waiver will need to be signed and returned to Roosevelt School before class starts or brought to the first day of class in order for participation. Please click on this ROCK CLIMBING WAIVER link or stop at Roosevelt Community School to get a copy.

The Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) program from the American Safety and Health Institute provides everything you need to know for safe and successful babysitting. The YouTube “vlogger” style presentation of the video brings a youthful and high-energy spirit to the program content, along with handouts, demonstrations, and additional resources. At the end of the class, students will receive their certification card along with instructions to access a digital copy of the Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) student book. From getting started with your business to collaborating with parents and children to key safety, caregiving, and first aid tips, CABS will help set you up for babysitting success. Students must be present for the entire class and complete achievement of the core learning objectives to receive certification valid for two years. Students attend this class independently and should come prepared with a notebook and pen.

Learn about the exciting process of cloud and mobile app development with this hands-on class. We will create our own Flappy Bird game. Students will use Constructs 3, a visual coding platform that teaches students the basics and structure of programming and game design. Computer skills are needed for this class. Students should feel comfortable using a PC, mouse, and keyboard. Home Technical Requirements: Computers: PC (Windows 10 or later0 or Mac (OSX) with at least 2GHz processor and 4GB of RAM Internet: Broadband internet Webcam, Microphone, & Speakers Zoom installed on Computer, zoom link will be sent before class. Construct Website and Constructs Account (sign up information will be provided before class)

Experience Spanish from Home with LIVE Virtual Classes this Spring! This spring, bring Spanish to life from the comfort of your home with Futura’s engaging and interactive virtual course! ¡Vamos a Explorar! (Let’s Explore!) is an exciting journey into Spanish language and culture. Students will learn practical travel vocabulary, such as bartering at markets and ordering at restaurants, while participating in dynamic, real-world activities. Get ready to explore, connect, and develop a deeper appreciation for the Spanish language—all in a supportive and lively virtual environment. ¡Vámonos!

Get ready to mix creativity, speed, and strategy in our Gingerbread Showdown! Inspired by the hit cooking competition Chopped, this festive class challenges you to design and build your own spectacular gingerbread house—using surprise ingredients and limited time. This class is perfect for builders and bakers alike, this class combines the thrill of competition with the joy of holiday crafting. At the end, judges will evaluate your gingerbread masterpiece on creativity, technique, and how well you integrated the mystery ingredients. Will your gingerbread house stand tall and impress the judges, or crumble under pressure? Join us to find out! This class is open for early registration on January 2 starting at 6am online and 8am in-person/phone.

We will introduce kids to the fundamentals of coding and artificial intelligence through Scratch; a visual programming language designed for young learners. Campers engage in hands-on projects and collaborative activities that build foundational coding skills while exploring how AI works in fun and creative ways. Students should be comfortable using a PC, mouse, and keyboard. ● Computer: PC (Windows 10 or later) or Mac (OSX) with at least a 2GHz processor and 4GB of RAM ● Chromebooks, Tablets, and phones DO NOT Work. ● Internet: Broadband internet ● Webcam, Microphone and Speakers ● Zoom Installed on Computer, zoom link will be sent before class.

Did you know you already speak a little Swahili? Words like Simba, Safari, and Hakuna Matata are just the beginning! Kiswahili connects over 150 million people across Africa and is famously easy to learn. Our class, led by a passionate native speaker, makes learning fun and accessible. We’ll cover the essentials in a supportive environment, empowering you to hold basic conversations and connect with Swahili-speaking cultures. This course is perfect for travelers, language enthusiasts, or anyone curious about exploring a new culture through its language.

Ever wonder how a simple musical idea becomes a fully mixed track? It all starts by mastering the art of production! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the essentials—from beat making and recording to mixing and using digital audio software. For anyone who's ever been curious about what happens inside a music studio, this is your chance to get a glimpse of the process. No prior experience is needed. Just bring your curiosity and get ready to layer sounds, add effects, and develop your own unique style. You’ll leave with the skills to start crafting your next hit! Please bring a Chromebook or laptop.

Curious about 3D printing but not sure where to start? This one-hour introductory session offers a fun, easy-to-understand look at how 3D printers work and what they can create. Participants will watch a live print in action, learn how digital designs become real objects, and discover how to get started printing at home or through local community resources. No prior experience required! Please bring your smartphone and a laptop to this class. All 3D printer materials are provided.

Curious about 3D printing but not sure where to start? This one-hour introductory session offers a fun, easy-to-understand look at how 3D printers work and what they can create. Participants will watch a live print in action, learn how digital designs become real objects, and discover how to get started printing at home or through local community resources. No prior experience required! Please bring your smartphone and a laptop to this class. All 3D printer materials are provided.

This fun 3-week class helps kids understand their emotions, what triggers them, and how to handle big feelings in healthy ways. Each week builds on the last, using movement, crafts, projects, and games to make learning engaging and hands-on. This is a great class to prepare students for teen years. Week 1: Kids learn to identify and name different emotions and recognize how people experience them in unique ways. Week 2: We explore emotional triggers through stories and personal experiences, noticing how feelings can influence reactions. Week 3: Kids build practical coping skills and create their own personalized “toolbox” filled with strategies they can use anytime strong emotions arise. What to Bring: A container to decorate (shoebox, coffee can, etc.) for their emotional toolbox.

Get ready for game day with this amazing at-home cook-along for Junior Chefs! In this hands-on class, youth will learn how to make soft, golden brown, slightly salty, pretzels with a delicious creamy cheese dip completely from scratch. Chef Tess will provide guided step-by-step instruction supporting all participants to create the dough, shape & bake pretzels, and make a velvety cheese dip while building confidence in the kitchen. Adult supervision is required and siblings are welcomed to join making this the ultimate family-friendly activity before the Super Bowl. By the end of the class, students will have the skills to create a delicious snack plater to proudly add to the game-day table. Equipment Needs: A stand-mixer with dough hook attachment is recommended and a sheet pan. More info will be provided in the ingredient list packet. This class will take place on Zoom, a free online software. Easy to follow ingredient list and station prep will be provided before the class start date. Note: Adult supervision is required. One registration fee covers immediate family members living full-time in the same household. If friends are joining, each friend must register separately even if participating together.

Calling all Junior Chefs! Join Chef Tess for a fun after-school cooking adventure where you will learn how to make Classic Homemade Pierogi from scratch! Junior Chefs will mix, knead, and roll the dough, make the most amazing filling, then shape, cook and enjoy the most flavorful dumplings. Learning to create this delicious comfort food during this hands-on cooking class will be one of the most memorable experiences ever! Not only will Junior Chefs discover how tasty homemade pierogi can be, but they will also pick up real cooking skills that will build their confidence in the kitchen for years to come. Plus, there may even be enough pierogi to take a few home to share with family! This class is perfect for youth who love food and want to explore new flavors, strengthen their culinary skills and discover just how much fun cooking from scratch can be. The perfect, tasty, memory—filled cooking adventure! Building skills for a lifetime, and creating memories forever.

Get ready for a cozy comfort-food adventure right from your own kitchen! In this fun at home cook along, Junior Chefs will take the lead in creating a family favorite: Homemade Spaghettio’s with Mini Meatballs made completely from scratch. With guided, step-by-step instruction from Chef Tess, kids will roll and shape their own bite-sized meatballs, simmer a flavorful sauce, and bring it all together for a dish that’s even better than the classic canned version. Along the way, they’ll build real cooking skills, boost confidence, and discover how fun cooking from scratch can be! Adult supervision is required, but siblings are welcome to join the fun, making this a perfect family-friendly experience. Together, you’ll create a warm, tasty meal and lifelong kitchen memories. The week of class, you’ll receive an email with the ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom link. A few days after the class, a follow-up email will include the recipes used during the session. Please note: the instructor’s recipes are copyrighted and shared only with registered participants. Equipment Needs: No fancy equipment needed. Details included in ingredient list packet. Note: Adult supervision is required. One registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household. If friends, are gathering together for a fun cook-along / sleepover etc., each friend must register separately even if participating together.

Ignite Your Language Journey is a LIVE virtual 8-week Spanish class for middle school students, designed to build conversation skills, vocabulary, and grammar. Students will learn noun gender, verb conjugations, and restaurant vocabulary while exploring Spanish traditions, soccer, flamenco, and the Running of the Bulls. This engaging, fun course provides the building blocks for lifelong Spanish success—sign up today! (Online portal resources and practice tools included.)

Join us for an unforgettable Minecraft adventure where you'll explore the world of Pokémon like never before. In this multiplayer camp, you'll explore stunning landscapes and iconic locations using the Pixelmon mod. Discover hidden secrets, rare Pokémon, and exciting challenges throughout the Minecraft world. Home Technical Requirements: ● Computer: PC (Windows 10 or later) or Mac (OSX) with at least a 2GHz processor and 4GB of RAM ● Chromebooks, Tablets, and phones DO NOT Work. ● Internet: Broadband internet ● Webcam, Microphone and Speakers ● Zoom Installed on Computer, zoom link will be sent before class.

This class is perfect for young artists who want to explore the basics of watercolor painting while creating beautiful, spring-themed cards. Students will learn how to control water and paint, mix colors effectively, and express their creativity through fun, hands-on projects. Best of all, each young artist will get to paint alongside an important adult or parent! Together, you’ll create side-by-side, share ideas, and enjoy a creative bonding experience while making lasting memories. Please wear appropriate clothing, things might get a little messy as we paint and play with color!

Calling all animal lovers and crafty hearts! In this fun and no-sew class, you'll learn how to make cozy tie blankets that are perfect for pets of all shapes and sizes. Whether it's for a shelter pup, your own cuddly kitty, or a furry friend in need, your creation will bring warmth, comfort, and lots of tail wags. We'll provide the fleece, scissors, and step-by-step guidance—no sewing skills required! Come tie, chat, and leave with a blanket full of love and paw-sitive vibes. Bonus: Blankets can be donated to local shelters or taken home for your own pet!

Come create beautiful art inspired by nature and made with recycled materials. Some examples of art you might create include recycled paper greeting cards, plastic bottle planters, or bird feeders. All supplies will be provided, just bring your creativity and be prepared to get messy! This is a fun program for kids and adults alike! Kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Come meet River Bend's live animal ambassadors! Why do snakes have scales? How do turtles survive winter? Can you make the frog sing on command? Get your reptile and amphibian questions answered by a River Bend Naturalist and meet out lives animal ambassadors! Some live animals that might be in attendance include: a turtle, salamander, frog, and snake.