Community Education - Rochester, Minnesota

Did you know Earth is not the only place with volcanoes in our solar system? Join our adventure as we visit volcanoes on Earth and on other planets and moons! Suggested ages 5 and up. Please enter through door #6 at Mayo High School. ADULT AND CHILD MUST BOTH REGISTER, AND ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST PAY THE $6 PER-PERSON REGISTRATION FEE.

Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition that encourages youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. Students choose 2-3 poems from the Poetry Out Loud anthology to recite. The local competition will be held on January 27, 2026, with the champions moving on to regional, state and national competitions. This course will help students select their poems and provide recitation coaching and performance practice to prepare students for the regional competition. This course is open to all Rochester-area students in grades 9-12. Please visit http://poetryoutloud.org/ for more information.

Join Rochester Youth Fencers (RYF) and discover the excitement of a competitive sport that can last a lifetime! In this course, you'll begin mastering the skills and techniques of fencing. Individual coaching ensures you can learn at your own pace. We emphasize having fun, building proper fundamentals from the start, and giving you the personalized attention you need to succeed. Students interested in competition will have the chance to participate in USFA tournaments (optional; additional fees may apply). All equipment is provided.

In this course, students will continue developing their fencing skills and techniques in preparation for USFA tournaments and Minnesota High School Meets. The course is also open to fencers seeking to refine their abilities in an open practice format. Participants must provide their own fencing equipment or pay an additional $30 equipment fee on the first day of class. Additional USFA membership and tournament registration fees may apply for those who choose to compete. *PLEASE NOTE: All participants should have intermediate-to-advanced fencing skills and knowledge. This is NOT a beginner course. NO CLASSES: 10/16, 11/27

Get ready to slither, crawl, and learn in this fun and interactive class celebrating National Reptile Day! We'll explore fascinating facts about reptiles, discover their unique features, and create a cool reptile-themed craft to take home. Perfect for curious young explorers!

Beginner ice skating lessons will be offered for our newest skaters. These classes focus on having fun on the ice while safely learning basic movements and fundamentals of skating. Instructors use the Learn2Skate USA curriculum which is sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey. Skate rental is available for $3.00 per class and must be paid for the entire session on the first day of class. It is strongly recommended that participants wear a skate helmet during class, and skaters must provide their own helmet. Location: Rochester Recreation Center, 21 Elton Hills Dr. NW. REGISTRATION CLOSES ON OCTOBER 14, 2025.

Boys and girls ages 6-12 can learn the basic skating skills needed to play ice hockey. Skaters interested in doing the Hockey class must have passed the Basic 1 level or Snowplow Sam 4 level before starting the Hockey class. Equipment required: gloves, helmet with mask, and stick. Skaters must provide their own equipment. Instructors use the Learn2Skate USA curriculum which is sanctioned by the U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey. Skate rental is available for $3.00 per class and must be paid for the entire session on the first day of class. Location: Rochester Recreation Center, 21 Elton Hills Dr. NW. REGISTRATION CLOSES ON OCTOBER 14, 2025

Let's Play Chess! Celebrate National Chess Day by participating in the largest youth chess tournament in Rochester. Students can expect a supportive environment with instruction from experienced chess players and high school role models. Students will be paired with others at a similar skill level and do not need any prior experience in chess events. This opportunity is presented in partnership by Rochester Chess and Rochester Community Education. All Experience Levels Welcome Any student in grades K-8 may participate. Participants will play in one of three divisions. Beginner (Grades K-2): Afternoon only. If you understand how to move the pieces, you are ready to have fun and play chess with other kids. Novice (Grades 3-8): Students will be paired with students of a similar skill level. This division may be a good fit for students who have not previously competed in a chess event. Advanced (Grades K-8): Tournament results will be rated by the United States Chess Federation (USCF). A USCF membership is required and can be purchased on their website for $20. Players in the Advanced section will be required to record their moves. Register early as the tournament is capped at a limited number of participants. Learning and Prizes Prize support - Trophies and medals will be awarded to the top finishers in the Novice and Advanced divisions. Excellent instructors - Chess Master Matt Jensen and experienced high school chess players will provide game analysis for players who record the moves of their game. Schedule 8:30 - 8:45 AM Check-in, warm-up games, and notation instruction 9:00 - 10:00 AM AM Round 1 10:00 - 11:00 AM Round 2 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Lunch Break (Bring your own lunch or eat at a restaurant in the Lowertown Neighborhood) 11:30 AM - Students playing in the Beginner Division (Gr. K-2) should check in by 11:30 AM and are welcome to join us for lunch. 12:00 - 1:00 PM Round 3 1:00 - 2:00 PM Round 4 2:00 - 3:00 PM Break 3:00 - 3:30 PM Awards Ceremony Rules for Advanced and Novice Divisions All participants will play 4 games (no elimination). Participants may request one ½-point bye for any round they cannot play in. Time Control: Each player gets 30 minutes (+ 5 sec delay) to make all their moves. Rules for Beginner Division (Gr. K-2) The focus is on having fun, and the tournament structure is flexible. Younger students tend to play more quickly and can expect to finish 2-3 games. Support Youth Chess! Volunteers are needed to help prepare and monitor the tournament. Experienced players are encouraged to attend to help coach our developing players. If you are interested, please contact Community Education staff at johalverson@rochesterschools.org. National Chess Day National Chess Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in October. This year, National Chess Day falls on October 11th, 2025. National Chess Day was started by President Gerald Ford in 1976 with these words. "For both professionals and amateurs, chess is a game that sharpens the mind, tests human faculties, and encourages healthy competition. It has captivated the attention of players and spectators worldwide and will continue to do so as long as competition and excellence challenge mankind." Community Support Rochester Chess is supported by youth enrichment grants from Mayo Clinic Community Public Affairs and US Bank and from individual donations.

Step into Santa's kitchen and whip up a batch of holiday cheer! In this favorite class, young chefs will make sweet seasonal favorites like peppermint bark and reindeer chow. With plenty of sprinkles, chocolate, and creativity, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season—and bring home delicious handmade treats to share!

Master the essentials of baseball — fielding, catching, throwing, hitting, and base running — in our engaging, positive environment. Designed for beginning and intermediate athletes, this program not only instills new baseball skills but also imparts crucial life lessons in respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Join us for a dynamic blend of athletic growth and character development.

Skyhawks Basketball is tailored for beginners to intermediate players. Our progression-based curriculum emphasizes sportsmanship and teamwork while teaching the fundamental skills of passing, shooting, ball handling, rebounding, and defense. Join us for a fun and holistic basketball experience where fun meets skill development!

Join Skyhawks for organized basketball scrimmages for 3rd to 5th graders. Unlike traditional camps that focus on drills and skill development, this program emphasizes the excitement and fun of scrimmaging. This format encourages teamwork, strategy, and real-game experience. Campers will engage in various game situations that will challenge them to think quickly and adapt to different scenarios on the field. Keeping to the traditional mission of Skyhawks, participants will also learn life skills through sports. Register now for basketball fun with your friends!

Skyhawks Pickleball is your gateway to the country’s fastest-growing paddle sport. The camp imparts core fundamentals and techniques covering groundstrokes, volleys, and serves. Beyond skill building, participants emerge with a newfound love for the game, heightened confidence, and exposure to vital life skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect. Join us for a dynamic journey into the world of Pickleball excitement!

Experience the thrill of team sports with Skyhawks Volleyball! Our dynamic program encapsulates all facets of the game—bumping, setting, spiking, hitting, and serving—through engaging drills and exercises. Tailored for beginner-to-intermediate players, we go beyond the court emphasizing critical life skills such as leadership and teamwork. Join us for a fun-filled journey into the heart of volleyball excitement!

Dive into the excitement of Skyhawks Flag Football and learn all of the essential skills—passing, receiving, and flag pulling! In our fun and positive environment, participants not only gain confidence but also absorb valuable life lessons. Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of flag football!

Join our Skyhawks Floor Hockey program for an immersive experience where young athletes focus on mastering essential skills. From precision stickhandling and accurate passing to powerful shooting, participants dive into the fundamentals of floor hockey. Outside of the game, participants will experience life lessons such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect.

Skyhawks Mini-Hawk Basketball is tailored for beginners to intermediate players. Our progression-based curriculum emphasizes sportsmanship and teamwork while teaching the fundamental skills of passing, shooting, ball handling, rebounding, and defense. Join us for a fun and holistic basketball experience where fun meets skill development!

Join our Skyhawks Mini-Hawk Floor Hockey program for an immersive experience where young athletes focus on mastering essential skills. From precision stickhandling and accurate passing to powerful shooting, participants dive into the fundamentals of floor hockey. Outside of the game participants will experience life lessons such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect.

Begin your young athlete's journey with the Mini-Hawk Sampler! This program will cover the basics of soccer, basketball, and football. This engaging intro class is packed with learning and teamwork!

Elevate your athlete's soccer game with Skyhawks Soccer, honing technical skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control. Beyond the field they'll cultivate teamwork and sportsmanship. By the program's end expect improved soccer skills, new friendships, and valuable life lessons. Students should come to camp wearing athletic shoes and comfortable clothing. And don’t forget your water bottle!

Master the essentials of baseball — fielding, catching, throwing, hitting, and base running — in our engaging, positive environment. Designed for beginning and intermediate athletes, this program not only instills new baseball skills but also imparts crucial life lessons in respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Join us for a dynamic blend of athletic growth and character development!