A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village - Educational Programs

Fall Workshops

Foster Family Fridays | Homeschool Happenings | One-Day Workshops | Preschool Classes

Please join us as we explore a variety of topics, activities, and experiments that are sure to educate and excite your child. We have designed these classes and workshops to target a broad range of learning styles. Our classes and workshops fill quickly so sign up early to save your spot.

Registration Information

Please read the descriptions for your child's age, note the sessions that interest you and refer to them when you register. Children must meet age requirements by the first day of class.

To register call (503) 371-3631 or visit A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village during hours of operation.
Full payment required at time of registration by check, credit card, or cash.

Cancellation / Refund Policy

There are no refunds for one day workshops. Withdrawing 14 days prior to class start, full refund; 13 to 7 days 50% refund; less than 7 days no refund. Occasionally, low registrations require us to cancel classes or workshops. If this happens, you will receive a full refund. Refunds will not be granted after class starts or for missed classes

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are available for those in financial need. Contact the Director of Education for more information.

FOSTER FAMILY FRIDAYS

Foster Family Fridays -- FREE!
Through May 2009
Foster Family Fridays provides free fun, educational workshops for children ages 5-12, both biological and foster, who live in foster families. This program will be offered throughout the school year on Fridays, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., starting in September.

Program menu:

September: Slime Science
October: Owl Exploration
November: STARLAB
December: Winter Celebrations Around the World!

Call to register. Info: 503-371-3631 or www.acgilbert.org.

HOMESCHOOL HAPPENINGS

NEW!! The Homeschool Happenings workshops have been designed with the homeschool community in mind. If you are interested in learning more about homeschooling or connecting with other homeschool families, please attend the Annual Homeschool Event on September 19.

Homeschool Happenings: Open Space
September 17 and every 2nd Wednesday (October 8, November 12, and December 10)
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Village is not just for little kids! Join us for a self-guided rotation of chess contests, board games, and art studio space designed for the older homeschool student while younger siblings are in classes. Open Space will be offered for homeschool youths ages 13 and up every 2nd Wednesday through May 13. $3 members/$4 nonmembers.

ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS

Thanksgiving Break Free Drop-in Programs
November 24 - 26 and 28, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Enroll your child (age 6 and up) in one of our great Thanksgiving Break Workshops, and enjoy a free drop-in program for your preschooler at the museum. Featured drop-in programs are Preschool Story Time & Craft and Preschool Art Studio. No registration is required. Free with paid admission or membership.

Thanksgiving Break Workshop: LEGO© Lab
Monday, November 24, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Create and construct models of towers, buildings, machines of all kinds that really work. Build and design…let your creativity shine at A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village. Ages 6 and up. $10 members/$15 nonmembers.

Thanksgiving Break Workshop: Cooking Up Culture
Tuesday, November 25, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
This cooking class is designed to build an understanding of cultures and their cuisines though the art of bread making. Incorporating the geography, culture, customs, and language of a country, youngsters prepare representative breads from specific regions or cultures around the world. Ages 6 and up. $10 members/$15 nonmembers.

Thanksgiving Break Workshop: Holiday Table
Wednesday, November 26, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Just in time for Thanksgiving, your child will create a holiday table setting, complete with centerpiece, place cards, and fancy folded napkins. Children will learn how to garnish water glasses, make and enjoy two appetizers, and receive general tips on how to set a table. Ages 6 and up. $10 members / $15 nonmembers.

Thanksgiving Break Workshop: Holiday Clay Workshop
Friday, November 28, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Children will hand build several fabulous clay projects, suitable for gift giving, using the slab, freeform, and bas-relief methods. Projects will be glazed and fired, ensuring creations are ready for pick up in time for holiday wrapping. Ages 6 and up. $12 members /$17 nonmembers.

Kids' Discovery Workshop: Science of the Ancients
Friday, December 5, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. -OR- 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
two sessions of the same workshop.
Students will seek connections between history and science by exploring the ancient cultures of Greece, Rome and China. Activities include making a water wheel, handmade paper, ice cream and more while exploring concepts of time, music, astronomy, chemistry and energy. Ages 6-12. $10 members / $15 nonmembers.

Winter Break Workshop: Candy Condos
Monday, December 22, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
For a modern twist on a classic holiday treat, children will decorate candy condominiums, and best of all, your home remains delightfully frosting free! Ages 2-12. $5 members / $10 nonmembers.

Winter Break Workshop: A.C.'s Holiday Shoppe
Monday, December 22, 3 - 5 p.m.
Parents get one last chance to shop while kids create several handmade, wrapped and ready to give for friends and family. Students will enjoy hot cocoa, music, and holiday games. Ages 3 - 12. $10 members / $15 nonmembers.

Winter Break Workshop: Evergreen Elves Making Merry
Tuesday, December 23, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
In this winter workshop, elfish children will create a holiday arrangement, a creative card or stylish gift wrap to complement your family's festivities! Take home the art, and leave the mess with us! Ages 5-12. $10 members / $15 nonmembers.

Winter Break Workshop: Bath Chemistry
Tuesday, December 23, 2 - 4 p.m.
Students will sip peppermint tea as they learn about aromatherapy and bath chemistry. Customized gift options include bath salts, chocolate lip gloss, body paint, a scented egg, and more! Ages 2-12. $10 members / $15 nonmembers.

Sing, Sign, and Play
6-week series begins January 14
Wednesdays, 1/14 - 2/18, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Sign language can be a powerful tool for early communication. Using songs and games, this class teaches baby-friendly signs to promote interaction between child and parent in a fun and playful environment. This class is best suited for children six months through two years old. $45 members / $60 nonmembers.

PRESCHOOL CLASSES

The Preschool at A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village offers child-centered activities with nurturing and qualified teachers who cultivate curiosity and the desire to learn. The preschool is designed for ages 3-5 and is housed within Salem's renowned children's museum. To find out more, go here.