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District 214 Community Education
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Core Aquatics Swimming - Learn 2 Swim Summer 2026
This class focuses on water adjustment, float, and breathing all while building water confidence in new swimmers. Each swimmer will progress through our robust curriculum individualized to their own skill level.We maintain a 3:1 swimmer to instructor ratio at our lower levels and 4:1 ratio in our last 3 levels. Through our program: Swimmers will develop comfort with water on their face, submersion, and moving through the water on their own. Swimmers will learn to rise and float on both their fronts and backs and will eventually incorporate kicking and movement. Swimmers will be introduced to breathing techniques while maintaining the float position and breathing comfortably and without ease. Swimmers will master strong propulsion for recreation and pre-competitive swimming. Swimmers will learn basic water safety and the dos/don’ts of recreational swimming. Upon completion of our seven-level program your swimmer will be able to complete 50 yards of freestyle with technical proficiency, 25 yards of backstroke with technical proficiency, 25 yards of breaststroke with technical proficiency, and 12.5 yards of butterfly with technical proficiency.Each of our 7 levels incorporates a series of primary and secondary skills that ready our swimmers for the next level. We maintain records using a progress report that outline specific skills necessary to master prior to moving to the next level.
Starting Soon
Core Aquatics Swim Team - Summer 2026
Core Aquatics is a competitive swim team for swimmers ages 6 years old and older. We believe in starting from the foundation and focusing on stroke proficiency while incorporating all racing aspects. The team centers on maximizing efficiency as the foundation to competitive racing and building speed through technique precision.Please note: All swim team members must also be members of USA Swimming. Membership applications will be provided by Core Aquatics; there is an $92 per year additional fee for the annual membership.Orange SquadThis is the first introduction to swim team and racing. Proper mechanics are required with an emphasis on racing and competing. Open to graduates from our Swim Team Prep program or swimmers who can demonstrate ability to swim all four competitive strokes as well as show confidence diving from blocks. Blue SquadThe Blue Squad focuses on stroke technique and endurance as key aspects for advancing all four competitive strokes. Open to former Core Aquatics Orange Squad members or swimmers who can demonstrate an ability to legally swim all four competitive strokes for 50+ yards, including proper turns and diving off the blocks. Silver SquadThe Silver Squad features continued race training and development of advanced swim techniques for junior high-aged and advanced younger swimmers. Open to former Core Aquatics Blue Squad members or swimmers who can demonstrate an ability to legally swim all four competitive strokes for 100+ yards, including proper turns and diving off the blocks. Must be able to swim 1000+ yards of freestyle nonstop. Primarily a 12-14-year-old age group. Navy SquadThe elite Navy Squad is for senior level and advanced swimmers training for success at the high school level and beyond. This level is based on invitation only from the Head Coach and requires additional commitment to training and dryland opportunities. Open to former Core Aquatics Silver members or swimmers who have experience swimming on their high school varsity team. Must commit to 90% practice attendance per week, on time arrival for all practices and commitment to train at a high level for the duration of the season.Please click here for our Summer 2026 Information Packet
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Fitness & Athletics
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Garden of Doom
Special Interest
Certain plants look beautiful, but hold hidden dangers that should make you think twice about planting them. Learn about these botanical rogues and how to carefully cultivate them to mitigate their hazards if you decide to plant them.
Summer 2026
Starting Soon
Growing and Using Mushrooms
Special Interest
Do you like mushrooms? Have you ever thought about growing your own? This class will show you how to grow your very own mushroom harvest. It will also show you how to preserve your mushroom harvest and how to make the most of these culinary treasures.
Summer 2026
Growing and Using Root Crops
Special Interest
Carrots, turnips, radishes and other plants with edible parts underground are nutritious, delicious, and add color, crunch and variety to our diets. In this class you will learn techniques for planting, cultivating, harvesting and using these underground culinary gems.
Summer 2026
Health & Wellness
Category
How to Use Venmo Safely
Special Interest
Stay relevant and up to date by learning all about Venmo, the popular mobile payment service. In this class, you'll discover how to securely pay friends and businesses, as well as receive money without the need for cash or checks. You'll gain a confident understanding of setting up Venmo safely, avoiding unnecessary fees, and applying it in real-world scenarios for you and your family. You'll be able to discuss the topic among family and friends and have an understanding of the key terms used when you hear about VENMO in the news! Join us to master Venmo and handle mobile payments with ease and security.
Summer 2026
Illumination & White Fence Farm
Community Education Travel
Morton Arboretum’s, “Illumination: Tree Lights at the Arboretum" is a spectacular holiday lights display using amazing new technology. On our early-evening trip, walk along a paved path to see the beautiful Christmas lights glowing with dazzling LED lights in the trees. You will not only see them, but you interact with them as well! Enjoy a cozy fire and some hot chocolate, and stop in at the Visitor’s Center to see other themed displays. Dinner is at the landmark White Fence Farm Restaurant where we’ll feast on its acclaimed "World's Greatest Chicken"! Beautifully decorated for the holidays, the restaurant has served travelers on old historic U.S. Route 66 since 1926! (Illumination requires walking along a relatively level outdoor pathway about ¾ to 1 mile in length.)
CET 2026
In Person Summer Camps
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It's a Wonderful Life: A Holiday Celebration!
Performances and Special Events
Join The Theater Lab for a heartwarming holiday experience as they present a special adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life. This festive event brings together some of your favorite local ensembles in one unforgettable evening of performance and community spirit. Enjoy the talents of The Theater Lab alongside Community Education’s Old Time Radio Troupe, the Arlington Heights Community Concert Band, the Arlington Jazz Exchange, and the Northwest Symphony Orchestra—all sharing the stage to deliver a night filled with joy, nostalgia, and holiday cheer. Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted to support The Theater Lab’s ongoing programs.
Events 26-27
Popular
Lego Robotics Camp - Presented by WildStang Robotics
In Person Summer Camps
The WildStang Robotics Program is excited to host the third annual LEGO Robotics Camp! This camp is for rising 4th-8th grade students who want to learn the basics of LEGO robotics or continue their robotics journey. The focus of the camp will be to build students' programming/coding skills (typically the most difficult part of LEGO Robotics). When students aren't learning new material, they will work in teams to practice their skills and complete missions from previous FIRST LEGO League (FLL) seasons. Throughout the week they will complete as many missions as they can. On the last day of the camp, students will participate in a mini-tournament to demonstrate their learned skills. We encourage parents, family, and other supporters to attend the exciting event. The camp will be led by WildStang Robotics students, alumni and teachers. Students will be placed into small groups of students, each group will have a WildStang group leader to assist the group throughout the week. There will be both introductory and advanced groups in the camp. During registration you will be asked questions about your camper's experience, and your answers will be used to place your student in the correct level. Students in the introductory groups will learn how to create code, move motors, drive and turn the robot, use the light and gyro sensors, code more complex programs with control statements, and more. Students in the advanced groups will go over line following, gyro turn, MyBlocks, Gyro Straight, Proportional Control, and more. All students will learn mission strategy, reliability, and robot strategy from experienced FLL alumni. Any immediate questions should be sent to FLL@WildStang.org
Summer 2026
Popular
Line Dancing - Beginning
Arts
Line dancing is a great way to meet new people, get some fun exercise, and just have a great time! In this class, we'll cover a number of different well known line dances based on country and pop songs. No prior experience required, singles and couples both welcome.
Summer 2026
JazzChick (flickr)
(CC BY 2.0)
Line Dancing - Intermediate
Arts
In this intermediate level class, we’ll build upon what we’ve already learned in the beginning Line Dancing class and take our skills to the next level. Open only to students who have already taken Line Dancing. Singles and couples both welcome.
Summer 2026
Waitlist
Luau on the Lake!
Community Education Travel
Say aloha to the season with a spectacular send-off to summer aboard the majestic Grand Belle! Embark on our delightful 2 ¼-hour "Luau on the Lake" luncheon cruise on beautiful Geneva Lake. You’ll enjoy a perfect blend of flavor and relaxation featuring a delicious Hawaiian-inspired buffet and rhythmic island-style music. As you dine, soak in the shoreline’s beauty and hear fascinating stories of Lake Geneva’s past, including views of historic Gilded Age landmarks like the iconic Wrigley compound. Whether seeking festive fun or tranquility, this unforgettable cruise delivers a unique taste of paradise on the water.
CET 2026
Waitlist
Mean Girls @ the Paramount Theatre "A hilarious musical with heart!"
Community Education Travel
Experience the Chicago-area premiere of Mean Girls at Aurora’s historic Paramount Theatre. Written by comedy legend Tina Fey, this high-octane musical brings the "Plastics" to life with biting wit, a vibrant pop-rock score, and dazzling choreography. Before the show, enjoy a sophisticated lunch catered by Enticing Cuisine at the newly renovated Meyer Ballroom. Located directly across the street, the ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the Fox River. Join us for a hilarious, high-energy journey through the high school social jungle!
CET 2026
Ohara Ikebana - Intermediate
Special Interest
This class builds on the fundamentals studied in the Introduction to Ohara Ikebana. In this class, advanced styles such as Hana-Isho and Moribana will be covered. This is a hands-on class where students learn the techniques and philosophies of Ohara Ikebana. Since this is an at-home class, participants are responsible for purchasing their own flowers and materials. A list of required materials will be provided a few days prior to the class.
Summer 2026
Ohara Ikebana - Introduction
Special Interest
Ikebana is the Japanese art of floral arrangement which has been practiced for more than 600 years. This ancient art form has evolved to the present form that are enjoyed by Ikebana practitioners all over the world. The Ikebana arrangements emphasize the natural shapes and graceful lines of the flowers, stems and leaves while bringing together nature and humanity through its shape, line, and form. This is a hands on class where students learn the techniques, the rules, and the philosophy of Ikebana through creating arrangements with flowers, leaves, branches and other materials found in the nature around us. Since this is an at-home class, participants are responsible for purchasing their own flowers and materials. A list of required materials will be provided a few days prior to the class.
Summer 2026
Waitlist
Oktoberfest at Starved Rock Lodge
Community Education Travel
Get ready to raise your stein and celebrate at the annual Oktoberfest at Starved Rock Lodge! Gather in the historic Great Hall for an unforgettable fall experience filled with Bavarian heritage. Feast on a hearty buffet of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and soft pretzels, paired with a selection of German wines and beers. Guests receive a souvenir stein to commemorate the occasion! As you dine, enjoy the lively polka beats of the Duseldorfers German Band. Join us for an afternoon of authentic flavors, dancing, and "Prost!" with CET!
CET 2026
One-Hour Instagram Mastery: Grow Your Business Today
Special Interest
Curious about how Instagram can drive significant growth for your customer base and sales? This engaging beginner-level class has the answers you need to grow your business with Instagram. Discover the key steps to boost your company's bottom line. Plus, learn to create irresistible content and have fun along the way! Join us to unlock the potential of Instagram for your business.
Summer 2026
Performances and Special Events
Category
Starting Soon
Phone Photo Rescue Workshop for Beginners
Special Interest
Are you overwhelmed or running out of storage with all of the photos just sitting on your phone? In our live online workshop, earn to delete the clutter, create printed photo books and protect your precious memories forever. In just one hour, you'll transform your chaotic photo collection into an organized library you can actually navigate, plus learn maintenance habits that take only minutes each week, without any confusing tech jargon.
Summer 2026
Practical ChatGPT Training for Beginners
Special Interest
Have you been curious about what ChatGPT is exactly and how it can be used? Join our fun and engaging class to learn everything you need to know about ChatGPT powered by Artificial Intelligence. Understand how it works and why it's taking the world by storm. You'll explore practical everyday uses for ChatGPT in both workforce and a home, ensuring you stay in the look when ChatGPT is mentioned in conversations and on the news. Don't get left behind in today's tech-savvy world-attend this essential training today!
Summer 2026
QR Codes, Smartphone Scams & Robocalls: Staying Safe in a Digital World
Special Interest
Curious about those square barcodes you see on restaurant tables, advertisements and mailers? Find out what QR codes are and how they work. Tony will explain how these codes allow your smartphone to quickly open websites, download apps, or access information with a simple scan. You'll discover where QR codes are commonly used and how to scan them safely using your phone's camera. You will also learn how to avoid suspicious codes, and protect yourself before clicking or scanning. The presentation will also cover the growing problem of smartphone scams and robocalls. From fake, "You've won a prize," calls, to threatening messages claiming you owe money, scammers often rely on fear, urgency or confusion to trick people. Tony will explain how these scams work, how to recognize them quickly, and what to do when you receive a suspicious call or message. You'll also discover practical ways to protect your phone and your personal information, including tips for blocking spam calls, identifying scam text messages, and adjusting smartphone settings that help filter unwanted contacts.
Summer 2026
Waitlist
Remembering Marshall Field’s at Christmas at the Jacob Henry Mansion
Community Education Travel
Relive Chicago’s iconic holiday tradition with “Remembering Marshall Field’s at Christmas” at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate in Joliet. Historian Leslie Goddard brings the magic to life, tracing the store’s history through rare photos, the Walnut Room’s Great Tree, and Uncle Mistletoe. Your afternoon begins with a self-guided tour of the 1873 National Historic Landmark, followed by a homemade holiday luncheon and the main presentation. Conclude your visit at the historic Old Central Church as we celebrate the season with a perfect day of history and charm!
CET 2026
Rumor Has It… Halloween at the Mansion!
Community Education Travel
Experience an opulent and extraordinary Halloween at the legendary Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills, Illinois. This isn’t a typical haunted house, but an afternoon of vintage elegance and haunted history designed to enchant rather than frighten. Begin with a gourmet fall feast and wine in the stunning pavilion before exploring the world’s finest collection of automatic musical instruments, including the magnificent Eden Palais carousel. The day culminates in the historic mansion with a spellbinding concert on the world’s largest restored theatre pipe organ, accompanying a rare silent Halloween film produced on the estate. Join us for a beautifully spooky, time-traveling adventure!
CET 2026