Programs

Homegrown Harvest Series A hands-on, seasonal gardening series to help you grow more food with less guesswork—learn what to do, when to do it, and how to keep your garden thriving from summer through fall. Each series is led by Katie Shamis of VK Gardens. Katie is a sustainability, garden consultant and educator who helps gardeners grow abundant, organic food with practical, low-stress methods that fit into real life. Garden Smarter, Not Harder - Simple Habits for Big Harvests Want a garden that fits into your life? This class focuses on simple habits that lead to bigger harvests with less effort. Learn easy systems for watering (like DIY drip irrigation and olla pots), mulching, and spacing that keep your garden healthy and low-maintenance. We’ll cover how to prevent common issues before they start. Perfect for busy gardeners who want results without the overwhelm. Walk away with a simple plan that works all season.

Sections & Details

This program takes the time to teach students the knowledge of rescue techniques, pool procedures, CPR, and First Aid. The skills learned in the Junior Lifeguard Program will stick with students and help them down the line in not just lifeguarding, but real-life scenarios. We strive to develop leadership skills in our junior lifeguards, which is why they receive hands-on experience shadowing a real lifeguard. It is our hope that students transition into lifeguards when they turn 15 years old and practice these skills even more. At the end of the program, the junior lifeguards get to participate in the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Lifeguard games.

Sections & Details

Students work toward development of the five core swimming competencies using age-appropriate learning activities. Learning is self-paced but challenging. Swimmers who are beginners up to those starting rotary breathing should sign up for Swim School.

Sections & Details

Designed to meet the needs of children ages 3 to 5, this course will develop a high comfort level in the water and a readiness to swim, and for those children who are developmentally ready, it will teach functional swim skills. This class approaches teaching swimming through creative, fun activities in the water. Students work toward developing the five competencies and progress toward achieving the benchmarks at their own pace in a small-group setting.

Sections & Details

The purpose of this course is to develop in very young children a high comfort level in the water while at the same time training the adults who accompany them in water safety and drowning prevention. This course does not teach children to become accomplished swimmers or to survive in the water; it does provide a confidence-building, fun, and loving experience. One adult must be in the water with each child. Swim Diapers required.

Sections & Details