Youth Programs   

Join us for a unique birdwatching opportunity in eastern Alameda County's Shadow Cliffs East Bay Regional Park and discover the fall migration, post-breeding journeys of our local birds. Learn to recognize local birds by sight or sound. All classes are in the field. We emphasize local fall seasonal birds, both resident and migratory birds. These field classes discuss species, migration cycles, species distribution, habitats, and other field tours. Your guide will offer information on species, so note-taking is encouraged and a list of the bird species seen will be provided. We will also review smart phone apps and field guides. Please come with binoculars.     We will have an open forum discussion on the pressing issue of Climate Change and its impact on the avian world, including shifts in required habitat and its implications for food and nesting. By understanding these issues, we can all play a part in preserving our avian friends' habitats. 

Location: Shadow Cliffs East Bay Regional Park, Pleasanton CA. Parking lot directly behind the entry pay booth. Entry Fee for Shadow Cliffs is $6.00. Students are responsible for this fee. Specific meeting location to the field site will be distributed to attendees.

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

Field Trip Leader Bio: Rich Cimino was on the conservation chair for Ohlone Audubon and a past member of the California State stakeholder committee on permitting the Altamont Pass Wind Turbine Resource area. He also volunteered for the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory for twelve years. Moreover, Rich is the creator of the Eastern Alameda County Christmas Bird Count and the owner and field trip leader of Yellowbilledtours.com

Age Range: These classes are designed for young adults 11 and over ( parents can accompany their children) and seniors.          

The Chi Running technique emphasizes running form and draws from principles of Tai Chi to make running easier on the body by promoting energy efficiency and injury prevention. You will be guided through exercises and drills designed to leave you with a clear sense of what the Chi Running technique feels like in your body. You will learn and practice how to:  develop, maintain, and body sense good posture and alignment and how to avoid over-using your legs by engaging the power of your core and moving forward from your center.  You’ll also learn focuses and unique tips and visualizations for upper and lower body to help conserve energy, vary speed and avoid injury.

We will not be doing lots of running, so no matter what condition you’re in, have no fear. This class is for anyone – beginners who want to start off “right”, seasoned runners and triathletes who want to increase distance or speed, or if you’re just tired of getting injured. This course will utilize either an indoor or outdoor running track per weather. Registration number is limited to ensure personal attention so register early to guarantee a place in the class.

Bonus – Reference materials will be emailed post event. 
This course will utilize both an indoor and outdoor running track. 

Age range: 15+

The Chi Walking technique emphasizes walking form—the proper and effective biomechanics of walking and draws from the movement principles of Tai Chi to make walking easier on the body by promoting energy efficiency and injury prevention. Developing an efficient walking technique is an essential component in restoring or sustaining your walking practice Through innovative walking drills and exercises you will learn and practice how to: develop and maintain good posture and use the power of your core to create whole body walking, reducing the stress and strain on your hips, back, legs, knees, and feet. Learn how to use cadence and engage efficient arm swing for different walking speeds, how to loosen joints for flexibility and more. Suitable for individuals of all conditioning and experience levels interested in enhancing the health benefits of walking and avoiding injury. The class will be on the indoor track and classroom. Registration number is limited to ensure personal attention so register early to guarantee a place in the class.

Bonus – Reference materials will be emailed post event.

This course will be held indoors. 

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.

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.

Ready for your child to start learning Hindi? Why not start now. This introductory Hindi language course is designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of the language. The class will focus on the four essential language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will gain an understanding of Hindi vowels and consonants, everyday greetings and simple sentence formation through simple transliterated stories.

Age Range: This section of this course is for students age range 5-8.

This is a LIVE REMOTE class. Please have your child on Zoom during the course days and times. The instructor will send out the log in information before the beginning of class. 

Materials: There is no required textbook for this course but the students can buy magnetic letters ( $6) to practice from the instructor. 

About the Instructor:
Alka Gupta is an author and native Hindi speaker from Delhi, India. She has been teaching Hindi to students in the Bay Area for almost 18 years. She is a credentialed teacher in CA and has the Masters degree from India.

Ready for your child to start learning Hindi? Why not start now. This introductory Hindi language course is designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of the language. The class will focus on the four essential language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will gain an understanding of Hindi vowels and consonants, everyday greetings and simple sentence formation through simple transliterated stories.

Age Range: This section of this course is for students age range 9 - 12 years old. 

This is a LIVE REMOTE class. Please have your child on Zoom during the course days and times. The instructor will send out the log in information before the beginning of class. 

Materials: There is no required textbook for this course but parents of the 9-12 year old students can by magnetic letters ($6) and can also buy a textbook Namastejee from the instructor ( $15) only.

About the Instructor:
Alka Gupta is an author and native Hindi speaker from Delhi, India. She has been teaching Hindi to students in the Bay Area for almost 18 years. She is a credentialed teacher in CA and has the Masters degree from India.

Java is an established, popular, and cross-compatible programming language. In this course, students will be exposed to all of core Java programming and will be introduced to concepts such as object-oriented programming principles and will gain a strong foundation on the language. This course will cover the topics of variables, loops, conditions, classes, void methods and GUI programming widgets such as buttons and labels.

Age range: 12-16 

Are you a lady who drives? Do you wonder what those lights on your dash mean? Can you check your own fluids? What about changing a spare tire? Can you use jumper cables? Can you check your tires properly? We have a class for you! Let's make your car less intimidating together!

Why join us? You will learn valuable car maintenance information that will save you money and keep you safe on the road. Better yet, this is an interactive, hands-on class.

Class materials included in the price. 

Space is limited to 12, and this course is for females only.

Age range: 16+

Are you a lady who drives? Do you wonder what those lights on your dash mean? Can you check your own fluids? What about changing a spare tire? Can you use jumper cables? Can you check your tires properly? We have a class for you! Let's make your car less intimidating together!

Why join us? You will learn valuable car maintenance information that will save you money and keep you safe on the road. Better yet, this is an interactive, hands-on class.

Class materials included in the price. 

Space is limited to 12, and this course is for females only.

Age range: 16+

Christmas is coming! Let's get ready and have fun! You will learn to craft beautiful Christmas ornaments that will add a pop of personality to your home or will make a great gift. It is perfect for beginner and intermediate crafters, both teens and adults. You will get acquainted with the essential tools, materials, and techniques needed for polymer clay projects. Join this course for a fun and memorable time and walk away with festive creations and newfound artistic skills that help with creating unique, handmade gifts that are perfect for friends and family!

Teens and adults ages 12 and over are welcome; class size is limited to 12 to ensure personalized instruction and a collaborative learning environment.

In this course, you will learn:

• sculpting tools and techniques
• clay handling techniques wire and armature techniques coloring 
• assembling techniques Materials: Students will be provided with all materials and tools in class. At the end of the course students will take home their completed polymer clay Christmas ornament. 

Materials: Students will be provided with all materials and tools in class. At the end of the course students will take home their completed polymer clay Christmas ornament.  

Christmas is coming! Let's get ready and have fun! You will learn to craft beautiful Christmas ornaments that will add a pop of personality to your home or will make a great gift. It is perfect for beginner and intermediate crafters, both teens and adults. You will get acquainted with the essential tools, materials, and techniques needed for polymer clay projects. Join this course for a fun and memorable time and walk away with festive creations and newfound artistic skills that help with creating unique, handmade gifts that are perfect for friends and family!

Teens and adults ages 12 and over are welcome; class size is limited to 12 to ensure personalized instruction and a collaborative learning environment.

In this course, you will learn:

• sculpting tools and techniques
• clay handling techniques wire and armature techniques coloring 
• assembling techniques Materials: Students will be provided with all materials and tools in class. At the end of the course students will take home their completed polymer clay Christmas ornament. 

Materials: Students will be provided with all materials and tools in class. At the end of the course students will take home their completed polymer clay Christmas ornament.  

Looking to relieve stress from the demands of work or school? Are you a DIY lover eager to explore a new creative outlet? Then dive into the amusing world of porcelain clay art! You'll learn the techniques to sculpt and arrange stunning, handcrafted Thanksgiving arrangements that will adorn your festive interior. This course is for beginners and intermediates, both teens and adults. You will be guided through the main tools and materials needed to create porcelain clay projects and will learn basic sculpting and coloring techniques. By the end of the course, you will walk away with exquisite, handmade Thanksgiving arrangements to adorn a festive home.

Teens and adults ages 12 and over are welcome; class size is limited to 12 to ensure individualized guidance and a collaborative learning environment.

By the end of this course, you will have learned:

• sculpting techniques
• clay handling techniques wire & armature techniques
• coloring
• assembling techniques

Materials: Students will be provided with all materials and tools in class. At the end of the course students will take home their completed porcelain clay Thanksgiving arrangements. 

Looking to relieve stress from the demands of work or school? Are you a DIY lover eager to explore a new creative outlet? Then dive into the amusing world of porcelain clay art! You'll learn the techniques to sculpt and arrange stunning, handcrafted Thanksgiving arrangements that will adorn your festive interior. This course is for beginners and intermediates, both teens and adults. You will be guided through the main tools and materials needed to create porcelain clay projects and will learn basic sculpting and coloring techniques. By the end of the course, you will walk away with exquisite, handmade Thanksgiving arrangements to adorn a festive home.

Teens and adults ages 12 and over are welcome; class size is limited to 12 to ensure individualized guidance and a collaborative learning environment.

By the end of this course, you will have learned:

• sculpting techniques
• clay handling techniques wire & armature techniques
• coloring
• assembling techniques

Materials: Students will be provided with all materials and tools in class. At the end of the course students will take home their completed porcelain clay Thanksgiving arrangements. 

Calling all Pokémon trainers! With the Pokémon Championship approaching, join our enthusiastic PlayWell Instructors as we build and catch our favorite Pokémon, rescue Pikachu from Team Rocket, take a ride on the S.S. Anne to uncover rare and mystic Pokémon, and battle to see who will hold the title of Pokémon Master. Come along on our journey to catch 'em all! This course is for those ages 5-9.    

Register here: https://play-well-registration.com/registration/new/107790

Kung Fu is a comprehensive training program that teaches the ancient Chinese martial art. Its goal is to develop physical fitness, mental discipline, self-defense skills, and an understanding of the traditional Chinese martial arts culture. This course covers basic forms of Kung Fu, as well as different combinations, kicks, stances, and Shaolin Lian Huan Quan. Kung Fu classes are suitable for a diverse range of individuals with different interests and needs, including adults! It is suitable for adults of all ages who want to improve their fitness, relieve stress, or learn self-defense. Upon completion of this course, students can expect to gain a wide range of skills, ideas, and personal development. These include physical fitness, self-defense techniques, discipline, focus, confidence, self-esteem, respect for others, cultural appreciation, stress relief, and mental well-being. Kungfu offers more than just physical techniques, as it enriches students' lives in various ways and empowers them to become better individuals both inside and outside of the course.

Age range: All those 14 and over are welcome!

Kung Fu is a comprehensive training program that teaches the ancient Chinese martial art. Its goal is to develop physical fitness, mental discipline, self-defense skills, and an understanding of the traditional Chinese martial arts culture. This course covers basic forms of Kung Fu, as well as different combinations, kicks, stances, and Shaolin Lian Huan Quan.

Kung Fu classes are suitable for a diverse range of individuals with different interests and needs, including kids and teens! Kung Fu classes provide a structured environment for kids and teens to learn self-discipline, boost their confidence, and improve their physical fitness.

Upon completion of this course, students can expect to gain a wide range of skills, ideas, and personal development. These include physical fitness, self-defense techniques, discipline, focus, confidence, self-esteem, respect for others,
cultural appreciation, stress relief, and mental well-being. Kungfu offers more than just physical techniques, as it enriches students' lives in various ways and empowers them to become better individuals both inside and outside of the course.

Note: This section of this course is for kids and teens age range 7-13. 

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. Projects are rotated seasonally to ensure that even returning students get a new experience, so join us to design and build as never before and explore your craziest ideas.  This course is for students grades 1 to 5.  Register here: https://play-well-registration.com/registration/new/107789