Children prepare for kindergarten by engaging in language arts, mathematics, art, and music. This fun introduction enhances their readiness for both the social and academic settings of elementary school. Students must be five years old by Sept. 1, 2024.

Designed to help ease the transition from kindergarten to 1st grade, students will engage in creative, thematic activities that reinforce reading and mathematics. As students are introduced to a 1st grade curriculum, they will gain skills for academic success. Students must be six years old by Sept. 1, 2024.

Do you want to be a Twenty-First Century Renaissance person? Build your knowledge and creativity by not only studying literature and art, but creating it. By immersing yourself in contemporary short stories, writing in a variety of genres including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, you will also learn about the lives of renowned artists and create your own artworks based on their unique styles. Students will leave with a portfolio of work.

*NEW!* Students will learn how to express their ideas through writing. We’ll learn techniques for drafting creative stories (both fiction and nonfiction), and we’ll dive into excerpts of fictional novels to see how filmmakers alter these stories to fit the screen.

No matter when or where, we can take you there! Students will travel through time and space, study important world events, explore ancient cultures, and marvel at the art they created. Students will share their discoveries in a variety of fun and engaging formats, ranging from hieroglyphics on hand-made papyrus, to art that echoes the masterpieces of earlier days.

Order in the court! Students will learn how our justice system works through role-playing key court players, like judges, lawyers, and witnesses. Class will include two mock trials structured like real criminal and civil cases. Students will also develop critical-thinking and public-speaking skills.

*NEW!* Dive into the foundations of digital film production! Students will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting, script development, filming scenes, and editing to create a short film. Equipment provided.

Students will develop ideas for engaging stories and learn how to communicate through the art of documentary filmmaking. They will be guided through the process of concept development, production, editing techniques, music and sound design, and final presentation. Equipment provided.

*NEW!* Discover the creativity of photography by exploring fun projects with genre themes including portraiture, nature, still life, and landscape. We will work with black-and-white as well as color imagery during our daily class shoots. Students will learn the basics of using a digital camera including composition, lighting, and how to choose great subjects to create a personal portfolio of expressive images. Equipment provided.

Students will see how fantasy worlds are created and look at the characters and mythology of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Pokémon, and more. Various board games and adventures will be used to inspire students to create their own fantasy world, and we’ll see the connections between different media and careers. Students will also create a role playing character and learn how to paint fantasy miniature figures.

Using papier-mache, glitter, paint, and a variety of other feathery and fun materials, students will create a fantasy landscape and the creatures that live there.

*NEW!* Students will watch and discuss the differences of film storytelling from around the world, including Bollywood, Asian film, European film, and more! We’ll think critically about films with group discussion and even write our own movie reviews.

*NEW!* Budding performers will build their acting instincts with improv and ice breaker games, as well as working on monologues and scenes. Their work culminates in a showcase at the end of the program, where students will watch each other’s scenes come to life on the screen.

*NEW!* Students will practice the basics of sewing, learning to thread and knot needles, sew on buttons, and sew running and whip stitches. They will create several projects such as pillows, stuffed animal pouches, and pot holders.

Come and experiment and build art skills with a wide range of media, techniques and “concepts in art” from drawing and painting to sculpture and mixed media. Students will learn by looking at the work of historical and contemporary artists, focusing in particular on underrepresented and less well-known artists as inspiration for self-expression and communication.

Ever wonder how you will manage your personal finances and excel in the professional world? In this course, students become entrepreneurs and start their own business. Students will review and apply mathematical operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, ratios, and percent as they work their way into becoming successful summer leaders!

The ancient game of chess develops skills in spatial relationships, awareness of consequences, and planning ahead. Beginners learn the basics of the game that can lead to a lifetime of study. Students who already possess a working knowledge of the game can take intermediate chess, while more experienced players can continue to hone their skills in advanced chess.

*NEW!* Calling all LEGO enthusiasts! Explore your creativity and join us for the perfect combination of learning and fun! Come and learn about different building strategies as we create our own LEGO masterbuilds. Students will learn how to work in teams, problem-solve, create their own LEGO models, and communicate their ideas through creation in a world of STEM.

Students will discover the joys of learning math by engaging in creative hands-on activities such as playing cards and using spinners. They will reinforce their use of basic math skills and learn strategies to boost their confidence in a fun, stress-free, and supportive environment.

Students will learn the exciting art and technology of robotics, from mechanical design to programming, and strengthen their knowledge of algebra. Students will build important teamwork and problem-solving skills as well. This class is available for all levels of experience.

Get moving in this class designed to build flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance through fun, outdoor activities. Students will develop teamwork skills and build self-confidence as they take on new physical challenges and play games including capture the flag, circle run, soccer, and much more!

Students will learn the basics of the great game of hoops. Players will practice dribbling, passing, and shooting, and learn the importance of teamwork.

Through hands-on culinary exploration students are introduced to the joys of cooking and learn about nutrition through the use of math and science. Each student will participate in the preparation of basic recipes from many cultures and, of course, taste their creations. Students with food allergies should contact us before registering.

Take your cooking to the next level! Students will build on culinary skills and techniques, craft delectable delicacies inspired by cuisine of various cultures, and participate in a Master Chef challenge that will amaze the judges. Creativity, imagination, and application are keys to this cooking class. Students with food allergies should contact us before registering. This class is intended for students who already understand the basics of cooking and food prep.

Students will build their strength, balance, and focus through fun yoga games, basic poses, and calm breathing. They will reflect on their experience through journaling, discussions, and more.

*NEW!* Students will create natural and human environments in Minecraft inspired by the world all around us. They’ll practice their design and teamwork skills as they build and play together.

Come be a part of this summer’s most fun musical revue led by the Pasadena Musical Theatre Program. Professional teaching artists will lead this conservatory-style format in an original production that will culminate in a grand performance! Students in PMTP must attend every rehearsal in order to perform.