How do Whole Children classes work in COVID times?
Winter Session begins on January 4 and runs until March 13. Below is the class schedule. $175 per student (take as many classes as you like!).
Winter Session: January 4 - March 13, 2021
Art Explorations - Ages 13+, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
This class is for everyone with an interest in exploring the visual arts – whether you’re an accomplished artist or someone looking to discover your creative side. We do drawing, painting, collage, and other artistic methods as students suggest. This class offers a casual atmosphere with a teacher who is a talented artist herself, and who is also an expert at helping students feel comfortable and welcomed. Feel free to offer her music requests to listen as everyone makes art.
Minecraft - All ages, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Join us in the pixelated world of Minecraft, where gamers explore and build to their hearts’ content! On our designated Minecraft Server, students interact with one another while being in the game world, and while chatting with their friends online. Teachers are ready to help those just learning to play, and to model appropriate social skills. Minecraft at Whole Children promotes cooperation and enhances students’ ability to negotiate space and resources. “Minecraft Java Edition” is required for this class. A personal account can be purchased at Minecraft.net for $26.95. Note: the tablet version, and Windows 10 version does not work for this class.
Self-Advocacy - Ages 16+, 3:30-4:30 p.m. NEW CLASS!
Self-Advocacy is a class for developing the skills needed to speak up and to have self-determination. In this class, choice of specific topics covered as well as the discussions that take place are typically participant-led and staff-facilitated. It’s a great place to explore how to best speak for yourself and be responsible for your life as well as the challenges you may face.
Yoga Dance - Ages 13+, 4:00-4:45 p.m.
Move to the sounds of fabulous music at your own pace to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Experience a reduction in stress, improved cardiovascular fitness, and well-being of body, mind, and spirit in a warm and welcoming group setting.
Songwriting - Ages 13+, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Do you like listening to music and talking about musical artists? Whether it’s be-bop, rap, rock, or something else, this class is for you. We’ll share favorite songs and explore what makes them great. Then we’ll create some new music and lyrics ourselves!
Growing Up- Ages 7-12, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
This class is designed to help kids learn about friendship and socialization, personal boundaries, and becoming more comfortable within a group dynamic. We’ll also discuss and practice consent and self-advocacy. We’ll use Discord as a platform and toss in some video games in each class!
Among Us (video game) - All ages, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Join the crew and work together to explore the three sci-fi-themed maps. Complete various tasks while always keeping an eye out for anyone acting...suspicious. Among Us is a game of teamwork and deception. Pitting the crew against the randomly selected imposter(s), whose only goal is to sabotage and eliminate the crew without getting caught. New and veteran players welcome. Come learn the maps, location names, and tasks. Share strategy, tactics, and most importantly learn how to not be ‘SUS.’ Among Us is a free app for Android and iPhone devices. It is also available on PC via Steam for $4.99. The PC version is recommended for the best experience but not required. The game is cross-platform and students can play together over all relevant devices. Note: Not available on mac computers; Among Us is available only on PC, Android, and iPhone.
LGBTQIA+ Group - Ages 16+, 5:00-6:00 p.m. NEW CLASS!
LGBTQIA+ Group is a place where you can meet other folks your age with the same or similar identity to you. It is a group for discussing issues unique to the LGBTQIA+ community, for support, for community building, for strengthening confidence and self-esteem, as well as for learning tools for self-advocacy. If any of that sounds interesting to you, join us!
Dance Movement - Ages 13+, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Get your body moving and groove to some popular tunes with your friends. Song requests are definitely taken!
Friendship Band - Ages 16+, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
"We got the Rock and Roll Beat! We’ll knock you off of your feet! We are the Friendship Band!" We are so thrilled to be getting The Band back together! Come join in the Fun of making Music with The Friendship Band, Whole Children’s resident rock group. This session, we will meet on Tuesdays from 3 p.m.-4 p.m. to play our old hits and create new songs together! We will explore writing lyrics, composing melodies, and matching rhythms as a group, and we will continue to generate ideas for The Friendship Bands future LIVE shows – including costumes, choreography, and adding in video to the gigs. Like the song says "Friendship is a good idea, the best ideas will save the world!"
Creative Writing - Ages 13+, 3:00-4:00 p.m. NEW CLASS!
"A workshop for writing and telling stories of all kinds! We'll be collaborating on one big, group project. And, we'll be sharing and working on individual stories, too!"
JackBox Games - All ages, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Quiplash, Fibbage, Drawful... these may sound like weird, made-up words, but they are actually beloved games thousands of people are playing online together right now through something called Jackbox Party Pack. With almost all of the party packs at our disposal, no class is ever the same. Each game is a battle of wits, charm, and sometimes drawing skills, so come prepared! All you need is a phone, tablet or computer and you can play along with your friends!
Intro to Boundaries & Relationships - Ages 13-17, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
This class is designed for teens, even those who have second thoughts about being in a class like this. Students enjoy learning about all the issues they’ll encounter as they start the journey towards adulthood. Starting off with understanding that what they think and feel is important, they learn about consent, boundaries, personal space, and appropriate touch with people in their lives. Other topics may include body changes, personal hygiene, public and private, levels of trust, identifying feelings, and romantic relationships.
Men's Group - Ages 18+, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
What is a real man, anyway?! Men's Group is a place where men come together, give each other support, and discover all of the ways we can be good men. Come join us!
Animal Crossing - All ages, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
You made your getaway and created the perfect island for yourself. Now it's time to share all your hard work, trade for those items you've been eyeing for ages, and maybe even meet some villagers that your fellow players wouldn't mind parting with. This game is all about bartering and trading with each other while showing off our newest creations, and we are here to help you do it! With parties, rare item giveaways, and time traveling to special events, there always seems to be an island open to visit. Nintendo Switch and Animal Crossing New Horizons is required to play, along with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
What's Going On? Understanding Current Events - All ages, 1:45-2:45 p.m.
What is happening in the world these days? We’ll talk about whatever is on your mind in regards to politics, COVID-19, racial justice, and any other local, national, or international topics that might be on your mind. If you want to tune in just to listen, that’s fine too!
Harry Potter Club - All ages, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
In Harry Potter Club we'll explore the magical elements of the Potterverse! We'll play games and discover our patronus, wand, and Hogwarts house. Join us to hang out with fellow Harry Potter fans, watch a movie and discuss the books and all things Harry Potter!
Among Us (video game) - All ages, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Join the crew and work together to explore the three sci-fi-themed maps. Complete various tasks while always keeping an eye out for anyone acting...suspicious. Among Us is a game of teamwork and deception. Pitting the crew against the randomly selected imposter(s), whose only goal is to sabotage and eliminate the crew without getting caught. New and veteran players welcome. Come learn the maps, location names, and tasks. Share strategy, tactics, and most importantly learn how to not be ‘SUS.’ Among Us is a free app for Android and iPhone devices. It is also available on PC via Steam for $4.99. The PC version is recommended for the best experience but not required. The game is cross-platform and students can play together over all relevant devices. Note: Not available on mac computers; Among Us is available only on PC, Android, and iPhone.
Joyful Chorus - Ages 13+, 5:15-6:00 p.m.
Encapsulating the spirit of Whole Children, our Joyful Chorus is a truly inclusive and, of course, joyful opportunity for students to come together in song with teachers and peer mentors.
Dance Movement - Ages 18+, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Get your body moving and groove to some popular tunes with your friends. Song requests are definitely taken!
Avatar: the Last Airbender Club - All ages, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Let's watch Avatar: the Last Airbender together! The show is more than 15 years old, and whether it is the first time or the 20th time you've seen it, there always seems to be something new to talk about it. The world of Avatar is rich and vibrant, pulling influence from Japanese animation, while the characters are lovable yet complex, growing as the series progresses. We will be watching the show, discussing the plot and characters, and even making up some of our own characters that could exist in the world.
Theater - Ages 13+, 4:00-4:45 p.m.
Theater Director Matt Meers will introduce a number of performance styles and techniques with an aim of producing an original production in the spring, either online or a live show, depending on health and safety circumstances then.
Animal Crossing - All ages, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
You made your getaway and created the perfect island for yourself. Now it's time to share all your hard work, trade for those items you've been eyeing for ages, and maybe even meet some villagers that your fellow players wouldn't mind parting with. This game is all about bartering and trading with each other while showing off our newest creations, and we are here to help you do it! With parties, rare item giveaways, and time traveling to special events, there always seems to be an island open to visit. Nintendo Switch and Animal Crossing New Horizons are required to play, along with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Photography - All ages, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Say Cheese! Do you love taking pictures or being in them? Do you want to learn more about taking great photos while having a super fun time? Milestones Rec. is offering a Photography class on Thursday evenings 5 p.m.-6 p.m., where each week participants will create and share their own photographs. We will learn what to look for and how to “critique” a photo and explore different styles of photography, such as portrait, nature, documentary, abstract, and photo-filters. A “virtual gallery” of the pictures we create will be displayed at the end of the session in March.
Boundaries & Relationships - Ages 18+, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Want to make a friend? Get a date? We can help! This class lays the groundwork for a life full of meaningful, healthy and safe relationships. In Boundaries and Relationships, we establish a learning community that can last many consecutive sessions (sometimes years!) as students move through our Whole Selves’ relationships curriculum. Come to learn, make friends, and get support as you grow into adulthood.
Fitness - All ages, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Let's work out together! We'll do all sorts of exercises in this class to build strength and do something with all our energy. This class is for anyone! Workouts will be designed to make and keep the body happy, and can be modified based on ability.
Dance Movement - Ages 8-17, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Get your body moving and groove to some tunes. (This class is geared toward younger kids.)
Dungeons & Dragons - Ages 11+, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
From dungeons to dragons, and everything in-between! Come take part in a unique role-playing experience where you and other members of your adventuring party create characters, overcome obstacles, and explore the world. Veteran players and newcomers are welcome.
Super Smash Brothers & Mario Kart - All ages, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Join us for an evening of cartoony stress-relief, as we select our favorite Nintendo icons and playfully throw our friends off the stage. Whether your preference is to embrace the chaos of all the items or to rely on your character's own strength to win, we have a place set up for that! We will also be offering Mario Kart occasionally throughout the night, in case racing is more your speed. Feel free to join in the fun or spectate from the sidelines, but remember to be supportive of your pals! A Nintendo Switch and Super Smash Brothers or Mario Kart are required to play, along with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Harry Potter Book Club - All ages, 10:00-11:00 a.m. - NEW CLASS!
The whole story cannot fit into the movie – so let’s read the book! Come join us while we experience all of the magical elements and details of Harry Potter’s world of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Together we’ll read the book and talk about all of the fun and fantastical things that are, and are not, in the movies. We’ll explore our favorite characters, story lines, themes, and magical classes! Let’s hang out with our friends and our imaginations while we read, play games, and relax!
Minecraft - All ages, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Join us in the pixelated world of Minecraft, where gamers explore and build to their hearts’ content! On our designated Minecraft Server, students interact with one another while being in the game world, and while chatting with their friends online. Teachers are ready to help those just learning to play, and to model appropriate social skills. Minecraft at Whole Children promotes cooperation and enhances students’ ability to negotiate space and resources. “Minecraft Java Edition” is required for this class. A personal account can be purchased at Minecraft.net for $26.95. Note: the tablet version, and Windows 10 version does not work for this class.
Comic Writing - Ages 13+, 11:30-12:30 p.m.
Feel like you have a story to tell, but you would rather use pictures? Why not make it a comic! We will talk about different styles such as comic strips, or manga, as well as different formats such as standard pages, or webtoons. Whether it is for your own personal project, trying to publish your work online, or just wanting to hang out with friends while you draw, we would love to have you join us! Please come with a supportive attitude towards your fellow writers/artists.
Anime Shows & Movies - All ages, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Relax and watch anime with your friends! Many think of anime as a genre, but it is actually just another way that stories can be told, with many different genres to explore. This class offers a forum for everyone to share their favorite shows with each other, which treats us to a large variety of storytelling and art. Thursdays, students will pick an anime show to share, while Saturdays will be longer showings so we can watch entire movies together. Anime can contain both constructive and somewhat questionable messages about society and values, so during and after the film our teachers invite students to participate in thoughtful discussion, while also cracking a few jokes and gushing about our favorite characters.
Pokémon - All ages, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Do you want to be the very best? The best there ever was? Well I don't know if we can promise that much, but we are going to talk competitive Pokemon. Learn strategies such as IV breeding, EV training, and how to build a Pokemon team that can compete in the current Video Game Championship season. This Pokemon class is video game focused, but that doesn't mean that we don't take the time to discuss our favorite starter Pokemon, or gym leaders. Come strategize, trade, and of course battle with your friends! A Nintendo Switch and Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield are required to play, along with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Animal Crossing - All ages, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
You made your getaway and created the perfect island for yourself. Now it's time to share all your hard work, trade for those items you've been eyeing for ages, and maybe even meet some villagers that your fellow players wouldn't mind parting with. This game is all about bartering and trading with each other while showing off our newest creations, and we are here to help you do it! With parties, rare item giveaways, and time traveling to special events, there always seems to be an island open to visit. Nintendo Switch and Animal Crossing New Horizons is required to play, along with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Links for Zoom classes will be emailed to members when payment has been received, and when registration forms have been submitted.
For Discord, the current link will remain accessible to the general public, regardless of membership status, for sending private messages to friends; and it will be moderated by teachers. However, only members will be able to take part in weekly Discord-accessible classes, and only members will have access to the server’s voice chat function.
Looking at our Fall session class schedule, you may notice that we are offering a number of new classes! For all ages, check out “Among Us (Video Game)," and "Avatar: the Last Airbender Club." We’re also bringing back old favorites “Theater,” and “Joyful Chorus!” Detailed class descriptions can be found by clicking on the classes, below.
Questions? Please email Maggie Rice or call 413-585-8010.
If you are new to Whole Children/Milestones Recreation, click the button below to fill out registration forms.
NEW FAMILIES: After you’ve filled out and submitted all registration forms, click the button below. Watch the video for instructions on how to sign up for our portal and enroll in classes.