Youth Programs   

Ready to create your own 2D games? In this exciting course, students will dive into Unity, the industry-standard tool used by professionals, and learn to design, program, and bring games to life! Through step-by-step tutorials, students will master C# basics, explore 2D physics, and learn essential game development skills like object creation and user interface design. By the end, they’ll have a portfolio of original games to showcase their creativity and coding abilities!

Age range: 12-16

Are you ready to take your game design skills to another level? With Unity, an industry-grade design software, aspiring game designers will learn level editing, 3D modeling, impactful gameplay creation, as well as how to utilize scripts and variables. Student-created games will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14

*Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only and requires a 64-bit operating system.

Please note: We partnered with Black Rocket to provide this course. By enrolling, you are subject to their refund policy.

Course price: $139-$179, depending on length of the course

To see the schedule for this course, to register, and to play, please go here: https://blackrocket.com/online/lpc/ 

Explore the world of artificial intelligence to design fully interactive games and experiences using cutting-edge technology. This program combines artificial intelligence with coding to create an unforgettable learning adventure. Students will construct machine learning models that use image and text recognition within block-based coding software to build projects. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14      

 *Compatible with MAC, Windows, and Chrome OS. 

Please note: We partnered with Black Rocket to provide this course. By enrolling, you are subject to their refund policy.

Course price: $139-$179, depending on length of the course

To see the schedule for this course, to register, and to play, please go here:https://blackrocket.com/online/lpc/ 

Begin your rise to the top of the charts with digital music production! Just like today's top artists, you can design your own beats or remix a mashup of your favorite songs to become a digital composer and sound engineer. In this course, students will learn to produce digital music, record sound, make sound effects, and mix their own tracks. No prior music experience is necessary. Student-created soundtracks will be available on a password-protected website to share with friends and family. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14    

  *Compatible with MAC, Windows, and Chrome OS. 

Please note: We partnered with Black Rocket to provide this course. By enrolling, you are subject to their refund policy.

Course price: $139-$179, depending on length of the course

To see the schedule for this course, to register, and to play, please go here:https://blackrocket.com/online/lpc/ 

Game Lab is an exciting coding course that allows students to dive into the world of game design and animation. Students will learn to design and code their own 2D games using JavaScript. They'll master sprite animation, game mechanics, and interactive gameplay by building custom characters, animations, and scoring systems. Through hands-on projects, students will gain skills in loops, conditionals, variables, and functions—while bringing their game ideas to life!

Age range: 8-11

This fun and energetic class combines the grace of Indian classical dance Kathak with the excitement of Bollywood dance. You’ll learn basic Kathak steps like spins, hand movements, and footwork, and then blend them into lively Bollywood-style choreography.
In this sessions, we’ll also learn a special dance to "Shape of You", using Kathak moves with a modern twist. This class is perfect for anyone who loves dancing and wants to try something new, expressive, and joyful! Beginners welcome. No previous experience needed.

Age range: This section is for kids ages 6-15

This fun and energetic class combines the grace of Indian classical dance Kathak with the excitement of Bollywood dance. You’ll learn basic Kathak steps like spins, hand movements, and footwork, and then blend them into lively Bollywood-style choreography.
In this sessions, we’ll also learn a special dance to "Shape of You", using Kathak moves with a modern twist. This class is perfect for anyone who loves dancing and wants to try something new, expressive, and joyful! Beginners welcome. No previous experience needed.

Age range: 15+

This is an easy, hand-building ceramics course in two parts, catering to students with little or no previous ceramics experience. In this course, you will create a beautiful wall sculpture in clay, guided by an art educator, Thomasin Dewhurst. Participants will be instructed step-by-step in a series of two lessons that cover preparing, working with, and modeling in clay, creating an original sculptural design, working with under-glazing and glazing techniques, and learning about kiln-firing. To give time for the pieces to be kiln-fired before glazing, the course is divided into two lessons that are two weeks apart. There will be a short meet-up after the final kiln-firing so that students can collect their finished pieces. This course is a fun, relaxed way to learn about working with clay, resulting in a beautiful art work you will be proud to display. 

Materials: Clay, glazes, and firing cost included in course fee

Age range: 16+

 

Intensive physical training program for epee fencers who are currently competing. There will be specific time set aside for strength training, point control and footwork drills. Bouting in pools and DE's will be organized on a weekly basis.

Age range: 12+

 

Intensive physical training program for epee fencers who are currently competing. There will be specific time set aside for strength training, point control and footwork drills. Bouting in pools and DE's will be organized on a weekly basis.

Age range: 12+

Our foil classes are intended for those fencers who have had at least one full year of instruction, or with permission of coach.  Emphasis is on correct form, skill techniques, and tactical knowledge.  All fencers must provide their own equipment, including electrical gear for future upcoming tournaments.

Age range: 10+

Our foil classes are intended for those fencers who have had at least one full year of instruction, or with permission of coach.  Emphasis is on correct form, skill techniques, and tactical knowledge.  All fencers must provide their own equipment, including electrical gear for future upcoming tournaments.

Age range: 10+

Unlock the world of electronics and coding with Arduino! In this hands-on class, kids will learn to build circuits, program with C++-inspired Arduino code, and create amazing projects, from robots to smart systems. They'll gain valuable skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world technology applications, all while unleashing their creativity. Join us on this exciting journey to unlock the power of Arduino!

Age range: 12-16

Materials: $40 for Arduino kit. The following payment methods are accepted: cash;check, or payment app, such as Apple Pay, Venmo, Zelle, etc. 

Are you interested in taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), living or studying in Japan, or working in the animation and gaming industry? This class is for the academically inclined individual not afraid to take a deep dive into the complicated world of Japanese grammar, reading, and writing. We will cover both hiragana, katakana, and an introduction to Kanji. Let’s study Japanese!    

Instructor Belardino: The instructor is half Japanese, lived in Japan for almost twenty years, is credentialed, and is a certificated language teacher. She is also a member of the American Association of Teachers Japanese and the California Association of Japanese Language Teachers.    

Required Books: 

Genki Textbook Volume 1, 3rd edition (Genki (1)) (Multilingual Edition) (English and Japanese Edition)

                                                                              Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese Workbook (Japanese and English                                                                                          Edition)

The textbook introduces the Japanese language in a manner that is extremely easy to understand. If you have any sort of disability, please let the instructor know, and she will be more than happy to accommodate your needs.

Age range: 14+

Please note: This is a live remote class. You will meet on zoom during the scheduled days and times. The instructor will email the zoom link and important information before the first class meeting. Any sort of recording, either via Zoom or third party software, is strictly prohibited for this course. Thank you for your understanding. Her goal is to transform the “remote” environment into a safe, engaging, space where students can freely ask questions, and have an enjoyable learning experience. She does request that all students who sign up for her classes turn their cameras on to optimize the virtual learning experience.

In this workshop designed specifically for teens, instructor and professional voice coach, John Morris, the voice of Andy in the Toy Story movies, will share a comprehensive introduction to Voice-Over (VO) and Podcasting followed by hands-on experience using your speaking voice for commercials, films, videos, and more. In this introductory class, you will learn about a unique, outside the box way to break into this creative, fulfilling, and potentially lucrative industry.

Age range: 12-18

This course is live-remote. The instructor will send you a meeting link. 

Join us in Del Valle State Park as we learn to recognize local birds by sight or sound. Learn about migration cycles, species distribution, and habitats. Alameda County's Del Valle State Park provides an ideal opportunity to observe the fall migration and post-breeding journeys of birds. During our field excursion, we will be on the lookout for Grebes, Terns, Woodpeckers, Magpies, Orioles, Tanagers, Wrens, and Warblers, and we will focus on identifying these families along with year-round Oak Woodland residents, such as Yellow-billed Magpie, We will also be on the lookout for Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, and raptors! Your guide will offer information on species, so note-taking is encouraged, and a list of the bird species seen will be provided. This field excursion is ideal for all levels of birding. Beginning birders: come and build your birding skills!

Age Range: These classes are designed for those 11+ (parents can accompany their children) and seniors.  

Location: Del Valley State Park, Livermore CA. Specific meeting location information will be distributed to attendees prior to the start of class. There is a $10 entrance fee, which includes parking, for Del Valle. Participants are responsible for this fee.

Please note: Participants are responsible for their own transportation and insurance. Sorry, no pets allowed.

About your guide: Rich Cimino, a lifelong birder in Alameda County, has led numerous field trips from Altamont Pass to San Francisco Bay. Moreover, Rich is the creator of the Eastern Alameda County Christmas Bird Count and was a leader in the Alameda County Breeding Bird Atlas. During his field trips, he shares his knowledge of eastern Alameda County habitats and the resident species. Rich leads international birding tours from the Arctic to the tropics as the owner and field trip leader of Yellowbilledtours.com. 

Our classic game design camp reimagined to include even more of what you love! Make your first video game in this one-of-a-kind class that gives you the keys to designing your first 2D platformer game. Conceptualization, level design, graphics, sounds, and simple coding are just some of the concepts that we’ll explore. No prior experience is necessary, just a desire to have fun! Student projects will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14 

 *Compatible with MAC, Windows, and Chrome OS.

Please note: We partnered with Black Rocket to provide this course. By enrolling, you are subject to their refund policy.

Course price: $139-$179, depending on length of the course

To see the schedule for this course, to register, and to purchase, please go here:https://blackrocket.com/online/lpc/ 

If you love the game Minecraft and always wanted to design your own world, this class is for you! Learn how to create a custom map, design structures to share between worlds, build with Redstone and Command blocks, and create custom textures for you to import at home or share with friends. Students must have the Java version of Minecraft to take this class. Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14

Online is compatible with MAC and Windows OS only. Purchase Minecraft Java Edition

Please note: We partnered with Black Rocket to provide this course. By enrolling, you are subject to their refund policy.

Course price: $139-$179, depending on length of the course

To see the schedule for this course, to register, and to play, please go here:https://blackrocket.com/online/lpc/ 

Customize your own Minecraft world and mod the classic game in this one-of-a-kind class. Learn scripting and logic statements as you create your first mods. Students will create a wide variety of new elements, gameplay mechanics, and world-generating mods to change the way you play Minecraft. Projects will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students must have the Java version of Minecraft to take this class. Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. 

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14   

*Compatible with MAC & Windows OS only and requires a 64-bit operating system.  Purchase Minecraft

Please note: We partnered with Black Rocket to provide this course. By enrolling, you are subject to their refund policy.

Course price: $139-$179, depending on length of the course

To see the schedule for this course, to register, and to purchase, please go here:https://blackrocket.com/online/lpc/ 

 

The “Procreate Beyond Basics” is designed for artists who are ready to take their digital illustration skills to the next level. This course dives deep into Procreate's advanced tools and techniques, teaching students how to create complex compositions, customize brushes, and utilize professional-level workflows. Participants will explore in-depth methods for digital painting, including blending modes, masking tools, and layer effects, to produce polished and detailed artwork. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to elevate their digital art projects and build a standout portfolio. Ideal for artists looking to push their creative boundaries and achieve mastery in Procreate.

 

The prerequisite for the Procreate Advanced Class is a "Procreate for Beginners" or "Procreate Fundamentals" course. Students should already be familiar with the basic tools and features of Procreate, such as, navigating the interface; gesture controls; basic drawing and painting techniques; using selections and transform tools; importing and exporting files in Procreate. This foundational knowledge will ensure that students are prepared to dive into the more advanced techniques covered in the class.

Age range: 12+: Procreate is suitable for users of all ages. It can be beneficial to a wide range of individuals, but it is particularly valuable for artists and designers, students and beginners, creative professionals, tech-savvy individuals, hobbyists and enthusiasts.

Course Materials:

• Apple iPad + Apple Pencil
• Procreate app installed on your ipad, priced at $12.99 (one-time purchase): Please note that the app works only on Apple iPad and must have an Apple Pencil, too. The app is not compatible on other tablet, chromebook or laptop.

Course modality: This is a hybrid course, meaning you can join in-person or live remote. 

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of digital art with our Procreate course designed for beginners! Whether you are an aspiring artist or hobbyist, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to create stunning digital artwork on your iPad using Procreate, a digital art application. Starting from the basics, you will learn how to navigate the Procreate interface, use essential drawing tools, and understand the fundamentals of color theory. Dive into hands-on exercises and guided tutorials to master techniques, such as sketching, painting, and blending. Explore the power of layers, brushes, and special effects to add depth and dimension to your creations. With personalized feedback and support from your instructor, you will gain confidence and proficiency in using Procreate to release your creativity. By the end of the course, you will have the tools and convenience to create stunning digital art pieces that showcase your unique style and vision.

Course Materials:

• Apple iPad + Apple Pencil
• Procreate app installed on your ipad, priced at $12.99 (one-time purchase) Please note that the app works only on Apple iPad and must have an Apple Pencil, too. The app is not compatible on other tablet, chromebook or laptop.

Age range: All those 12+ are welcome!

Course modality: This is a hybrid course, meaning you can join in-person or live remote. 

Python for Kids is specifically designed to make kids understand the basics of python programming, data analysis, understanding conditions, loops and applying these concepts to build GUI based interactive project using Tkinter. It is an exercise-based program where kids write their own code in real-time programming environment.

Kids will learn setting up online coding environment, variables, conditions, functions, string, looping, Tkinter widgets like frame, button, level and canvas and Game. They will work on several mini-projects and one final project using all the concept they did learn through the session. 

Age range: 10-16

Want to learn the world's fastest-growing programming language favored by Google and NASA? Discover how to code with Python using accessible web-based platforms that guide students through a series of daily lessons. Build fundamental tech literacy while creatively solving software engineering challenges! Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program, and their work can be saved on a password-protected website to share with friends and family.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14 

  *Compatible with MAC, Windows, and Chrome

Please note: We partnered with Black Rocket to provide this course. By enrolling, you are subject to their refund policy.

Course price: $139-$179, depending on length of the course

To see the schedule for this course, to register, and to purchase, please go here:https://blackrocket.com/online/lpc/ 

Unlock the power of ROBLOX® Studio, the world creation tool used by real-world ROBLOX® developers! Learn how to build 3D models and create an adventure in your ROBLOX® world. Bring characters to life with unique animations you design. Student-created projects will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14  

*Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.

Please note: We partnered with Black Rocket to provide this course. By enrolling, you are subject to their refund policy.

Course price: $139-$179, depending on length of the course

To see the schedule for this course, to register, and to play, please go here:https://blackrocket.com/online/lpc/ 

Step into the dynamic world of Spanish language learning with our project-based program. Engage in hands-on activities, immersive projects, and interactive lessons tailored to reinforce language skills. From vocabulary building to grammar structures, this innovative approach fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration while propelling your journey towards Spanish fluency. Join us and embark on an exciting adventure of discovery and mastery in the vibrant Spanish language! 
 

Step into the dynamic world of Spanish language learning with our project-based program. Engage in hands-on activities, immersive projects, and interactive lessons tailored to reinforce language skills. From vocabulary building to grammar structures, this innovative approach fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration while propelling your journey towards Spanish fluency. Join us and embark on an exciting adventure of discovery and mastery in the vibrant Spanish language! 
 

Step into the dynamic world of Spanish language learning with our project-based program. Engage in hands-on activities, immersive projects, and interactive lessons tailored to reinforce language skills. From vocabulary building to grammar structures, this innovative approach fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration while propelling your journey towards Spanish fluency. Join us and embark on an exciting adventure of discovery and mastery in the vibrant Spanish language! 
 

Step into the dynamic world of Spanish language learning with our project-based program. Engage in hands-on activities, immersive projects, and interactive lessons tailored to reinforce language skills. From vocabulary building to grammar structures, this innovative approach fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration while propelling your journey towards Spanish fluency. Join us and embark on an exciting adventure of discovery and mastery in the vibrant Spanish language! 
 

Step into the dynamic world of Spanish language learning with our project-based program. Engage in hands-on activities, immersive projects, and interactive lessons tailored to reinforce language skills. From vocabulary building to grammar structures, this innovative approach fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration while propelling your journey towards Spanish fluency. Join us and embark on an exciting adventure of discovery and mastery in the vibrant Spanish language! 
 

Step into the dynamic world of Spanish language learning with our project-based program. Engage in hands-on activities, immersive projects, and interactive lessons tailored to reinforce language skills. From vocabulary building to grammar structures, this innovative approach fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration while propelling your journey towards Spanish fluency. Join us and embark on an exciting adventure of discovery and mastery in the vibrant Spanish language! 
 

Want to write powerful sentences? With the guidance of a college professor, this course covers basic sentence structure as well as introduces you to a variety of ways to craft your sentences; this course covers the components of a sentence, such as subjects and verbs, punctuation, subordination, coordination, common errors, and tips for revision. It is a mix of both lecture and workshop, where students share their writing with the instructor and with each other to receive feedback and guidance. Whether you are transitioning from high school to college, a returning student, an adult learner, or an English language learner, you will gain confidence as a writer and gain skills that will help you feel ready to tackle your first college English course.

Age range: Those 15 and over are welcome!

Please bring a pen or pencil to class. Course workbook will be provided.