Explosion

Explosion is Heights of Hope's creative arts and skill building program for children, youth, and adults in our community! Students choose a class from the options below and work with teachers from our neighborhood and our partner churches to explore their creativity and learn new skills.

Check out our 2023 Recap Video here - 

2023 Class Options

Thursday Classes (3:45-5:15 @ the Community Center)

1. Cooking (Ages: 2nd-5th grade)

Join MSU Extension educators in the kitchen each week as we learn kitchen safety, practice great cooking techniques, and create fun and healthy recipes you can try at home!


2. Super Science! (Ages: 1st-3rd grade)

Would you like to turn a penny into “gold”, dissect a heart, identify rocks and minerals, or design and perform your own experiment with baking soda and vinegar? You can do all this and more with “It’s SCIENCE!!!”. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science; we will explore it all while making new friends and learning new skills.


3. Ukulele (Ages: 2nd grade - adults)

Quickly learn how to play this fun and easy instrument. We’ll also be building our own instruments and interacting with guest performers! Ukuleles are provided. New or returning students welcome.


4. Build It - Electronics (Ages: 4th grade - adults)

The Build It crew is back with a class focused on electronics! Take apart electronics to see how they work, learn some basic soldering to build a light up circuit board, and make your own model robot car! This year, we’re partnering with microcontroller enthusiasts from Lakeshore Makers!


Friday Classes (3:45-5:15 @ the Community Center)

5. Create with Kayli (Ages: Kindergarten - 2nd grade)

Do you like trying new things? Making something out of nothing? Getting a little messy? Then Create with Kayli is for you! It's a great class to learn new ways to create and have fun with your friends.


6. Violin and Viola  (Ages: 1st - 8th grade)

Learn the basics of playing a string instrument through games, group lessons, and hands on experience! ALL materials provided, including your own instrument to play and practice on during the 10 week course. Taught by Lauren Garza, in partnership with Harmony Scholars. *Note: We will offer this class for elementary students or middle school and older, depending on interest, so be sure to mark a second choice. 


7. Theater (Ages: 3rd grade - adults)

Join Mr. Mark from Boys and Girls Club in this active, play-filled class designed to immerse you in the world of theatre. We’ll practice improv, acting, play writing, set design, and directing, finishing with a play of our own to share with an audience. 


8. Creativity in the Kitchen (Ages: 5th grade - adults)

Have you ever used pop rocks or waffle cones in a recipe? Take your cooking and baking to the next level with this class! We'll be using our imagination, having creative competitions, and changing food from boring to straight bussin’. Wake up your taste buds, get in the kitchen and have some fun! 


9. Costume Design (Ages: 5th - adults)

Come make an awesome costume! We’ll practice basic sewing, build body forms, make props out of EVA foam and heat guns, and work on wigs and make up. You’ll end the class by planning and making a unique costume of your choice you could use for halloween, cosplay, or just for fun!


All 2023 classes will be held at the Heights of Hope Community Center (450 Stratford Way) from 3:45-5:15pm on Thursdays or Fridays. Classes begin the week of January 12 and continue each week until spring break, with an exhibition at the end.

Due to space, classes will be limited to 3-6 participants/class. Register by December 16 to guarantee a spot. Students wishing to take a class on Thursdays AND Fridays will have that option if there is space available. 

Classes costs $5/person for the whole session. Pay online when you register or put cash or check with your name on it in the dropbox at the Community Center. Let us know if you can't pay right now and we can set up a plan. Parents may also volunteer in a class or provide a snack to pay for the registration fee. 

If you need assistance with transportation, let us know! We can set up a carpool or possibly provide transportation. Transportation to and from Boys and Girls Club is provided.