Arts & Education

Immersing yourself or a child in fine arts and in educational programming is a great way to lead a more fulfilling and enriching life. We offer educational classes ranging from Spanish to cooking as well as art classes in clay, painting and dance for youth and adults. The best part – some of these courses are free!

FINE ARTS

EDUCATION

Enjoy a last blast of summer in the Kroc’s indoor waterpark, and help us get ready for the school year at the same time! Every Friday during the month of August 2018, each person who donates a new package of art supplies will receive 50% off a day pass.*

Suggested supplies:

• Markers (Crayola washable)

• Masking Tape - 1” or 1/2”

• Acrylic paint

• Colored pencils

• Glue/glue sticks

• Ream of white copy paper

• Watercolor paper

• Drawing Paper

• Mod-podge

• Blank canvases (8”x10”)

*One day pass discount per donated package. Day passes must be used on the day of purchase. See the hours page for open swim and other recreation schedules.

Have you heard?

Six-week fine arts programs for as little as $5 for members this fall!

There's no way to understate the impact that fine arts can have on a child's life. Music, art, and dance are amazing gifts that God gives us to express creativity and, ultimately, to

praise and worship Him.

That's why we are so excited to be expanding our fine arts programming this fall. We know that in many schools, a lack of time and funding has taken these opportunities away from

kids over the years. So, we've decided to kick off the school year by offering these programs at a significant discount to Kroc Center members -- this fall, members can enjoy our fine arts classes for only $5 when signing up before the early bird deadline. Not a member? Click here to learn more about joining the Kroc.

We hope that you'll take advantage of this special offer, and join us in experiencing the joy that comes when our children find a new "spark" for something they love.

Click here to find available programs and register online!

Educational Programs

The Kroc Center’s education programs aim to provide the Grand Rapids community with meaningful opportunities to grow and develop. Courses include Spanish, gardening, cooking, first aid & CPR, self-defense training, and babysitting classes. The Kroc Center also participates in FitKids360, Believe to Become Summer Learning Academy and Kids Hope USA.

Fine Arts at the Kroc

Through a variety of visual and performing arts opportunities, we hope to give participants a meaningful way to enrich and express themselves through the arts. Join us for Drop-in Art for families or Seniors as well as an offering of foundational art classes such as painting and sculpture for youth and adults. The Kroc Center has a high-quality electric kiln that we use for our open clay studio and other sculpture programs. We also rent the kiln for use by outside groups on occasion.

Fit Kids 360
FitKids360 is a FREE healthy lifestyle program for children, ages 5-16, and their families. The program will teach you and your child how to change your habits, eat better and be more active. Each meeting also includes a half hour of exercise such as Zumba, kickboxing, yoga, Pilates and many others. The program meets once per week for two hours for eight weeks at the Kroc Center. To participate, participants must have a referral by a physician and meet minimum BMI requirements. Parent attendance is required at all sessions. For more information click here.
Summer Learning Academy
In partnership with Believe 2 Become, The Kroc Center is a participant in the Summer Learning Academy, a 6–week program that aims to bridge the summer learning gap. Grand Rapids middle school students meet daily at The Kroc Center to reinforce math learning through fun projects, challenges and activities.
Babysitter Training
Build your résumé with this comprehensive babysitter training class. Students gain the knowledge and confidence to care for children. They’ll learn to respond to emergencies and illnesses with first aid, administer CPR and other appropriate care, recognize safety and hygiene issues, care for infants and communicate with parents. Pizza lunch and snack are provided.
Cooking Matters
This FREE hands-on cooking course helps you discover ways to make healthy eating affordable and delicious. We’ll learn about meal preparation, grocery shopping, food budgeting and nutrition. Plus, you’ll take home a bag of groceries at the end of each class! Space is limited and participants must attend all six classes. *Participants can only take this class one time.
Spanish for Adults
Have you always wanted to learn Spanish? In this beginners class, you will learn basic vocabulary, common phrases and proper pronunciation skills. Recommended for people with NO prior Spanish experience. Course fee includes textbook. Multiple levels are provided, but not available in all program sessions.

Community Garden Plots

Share the gardening experience by renting a community garden plot at the Kroc Center. Renters enjoy exclusive access to the garden plots and compost bins, support of an experienced master gardener, as well as a FREE gardening workshop and other events!

RENTAL PERIOD MEMBERS NON–MEMBERS

Single Year $60 per plot $85 per plot

One time $20 deposit included in the price required of all renters. Deposit is refunded when key is turned in and plot has been cleared out at the end of the season. Plot clear out deadline is November 1st, 2017.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact our Education Manager at 616.588.7200, ext. 2010.