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  • Leave No Trace Family Training: Exploring Nature, Protecting the Planet

    Join us for a fun and engaging Leave No Trace Training designed especially for families! This 3-hour hands-on experience will teach both kids and parents the simple yet powerful ways we can all enjoy nature responsibly. Through games, interactive activities, and outdoor exploration, families will learn the 7 Leave No Trace principles—from how to respect wildlife to keeping our favorite parks clean. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just enjoying a picnic in the park, these tips will help your family minimize your impact while having fun in the great outdoors. It’s a wonderful opportunity to instill a love for nature and a sense of stewardship in your little adventurers. Let’s work together to preserve our beautiful planet, one adventure at a time! Registration cost of $25 is per family unit. This workshop is being offered by the young adult leaders of the Green Crew. The Green Crew is a youth-led environmental education and conservation service program associated with the Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. The Leave No Trace curriculum is associated with the Center for Outdoor Ethics.
  • Leave No Trace Trainer Certification: Empowering Future Leaders in Outdoor Ethics

    Are you passionate about protecting our natural spaces? Join us for a transformative Leave No Trace Trainer Certification program over the first two April weekends! This comprehensive two-day training will equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a certified Leave No Trace trainer, empowering you to educate others on responsible outdoor practices. Day 1: A 6-hour training session at the Williams Nature Center on April 6th, will cover the 7 Leave No Trace principles in-depth, engaging you in hands-on activities and discussions. We will review the history of Leave No Trace. Day 2: Dive deeper with a 10-hour training at Williams Nature Center on April 13th, where you’ll participate in practical scenarios and learn effective teaching strategies for conveying these important concepts. Our expert instructors will guide you through real-world situations, helping you gain confidence in leading workshops and community events. This certification is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, educators, and leaders who want to make a difference in their communities. By becoming a certified Leave No Trace trainer, you’ll join a network of dedicated advocates committed to preserving our natural resources for future generations. Take the next step in your outdoor leadership journey and help shape the future of responsible recreation! This class is open to youth and adults but has been designed for young adults 14-21. This class is being offered by the young adult leaders of the Green Crew. Williams Nature Center: 54988 MN-68, Mankato, MN 56001 The Green Crew is a youth-led environmental education and conservation service program associated with the Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. The Leave No Trace curriculum is associated with the Center for Outdoor Ethics. The lead trainer Tom Crawford is a certified Leave No Trace Educator and an associate advisor with the Green Crew. He will be joined by a team of young adult-certified Leave to Trace Trainers.
  • Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills

    Introduction to Water Skills Must be at least 6 years old. Introduces basic aquatic skills, which continue to be built upon throughout Learn-to-Swim levels. A brief list of objectives includes: Open eyes underwater and retrieve submerged objects Back float (with assistance) Arm and hand treading actions (with assistance in chest deep water) Combined arm and leg actions on front and back Mankato Community Education and Recreation is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for participants, staff and the community we serve by following guidance from the Minnesota Departments of Health and Education.
  • Level 2 - Fundamental Aquatic Skills

    Fundamental Aquatic Skills Proof of Level 1 completion required. Builds on the fundamental aquatic and water safety skills from Level 1. Swimmers begin learning independent aquatic locomotion skills. A brief list of objectives include: Rotary breathing Changing direction of travel while swimming on front and back Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
  • Level 3 - Stroke Development

    Stroke Development Proof of Level 2 completion required. Expands proficiency of aquatic locomotion, safety and rescue skills of Level 2 by providing additional guided practice. A brief list of objectives include: Headfirst entry from the side in a sitting postition Survival floating on front (30 seconds) Front crawl and elementary backstroke Mankato Community Education and Recreation is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for participants, staff and the community we serve by following guidance from the Minnesota Departments of Health and Education
  • Lifeguard Training - Blended Learning

    Become a certified lifeguard through the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course, offered in a blended learning format. This course combines online learning with in-person skills sessions to provide a flexible and comprehensive training experience. Participants will complete online coursework at their own pace before attending scheduled in-person sessions to practice water rescue techniques, CPR, AED use, and first aid. Prerequisites: Participants must be at least 15 years old by the last day of the course and pass a swimming skills evaluation, which includes a swim-tread-swim sequence and a timed retrieval of a 10-pound object from a depth of 7-10 feet. Certification Requirements: To earn certification, participants must complete all online coursework, attend all in-person sessions, demonstrate competency in required skills, and pass the final written and practical exams. Note: Please bring a swimsuit and towel to in-person sessions. Detailed instructions for accessing the online portion will be provided upon registration.
  • Little Athletes - Running, Jumping, and Agility

    Preschoolers and kindergarten students will explore the fundamentals of athletic development through fun and engaging activities focused on running, jumping, and agility. Our young athletes will participate in playful drills and obstacle courses that promote movement, coordination, and confidence. Throughout the program, we’ll introduce simple skill "tests" to track progress, helping children see their improvement in areas like speed, balance, and hopping ability. This introductory course is perfect for energetic kids who love to move and want to experience the joy of physical activity!
  • Little Wigglers 13-24 months Non-separating

    Your one year-old is busy, curious and ready to play! Together you and your child will play with a variety of toys, use art materials, learn songs and finger-plays and enjoy lots of movement. A benefit of this class is that you and your child will remain in the same room together while parent education takes place. Outdoor experiences will be provided weather permitting.
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  • Lyric Lab Club @ DMMS

    Middle School After School Clubs Presents: Lyrics Labs Club April is National Poetry Month. To celebrate, Middle School After School has a “mini club” to give you and a group of friends the chance to create a poetry performance, using a variety of artistic formats, including but not limited to: music, projection, graphics, spoken word, & song lyrics (original and published). How does it work? Pretty easy! Just sign up! While you will have the option to work independently on your own performance (showcase), or you may want to “team up” with a small group of friends 2-4 to “collaborate” on a performance showcase. In a team setting, you can work on a strength (writing poetry / lyrics, speaking / singing, or visual effects). At the close of this 2 week camp, we will have a showcase for friends or family you invite. After all, art is best shared! This is a NEW opportunity, made possible by a grant from the South Central Service Cooperative and Minnesota State Arts Board. The artistic guidance of this club will be provided by artists from the Southern Minnesota School Of Music who have professional expertise in songwriting, music therapy, creative writing, and instrumental music. This is a club that is the first of its kind in Middle School After School, but one we hope will catch on and be made an opportunity that carries into the future. Scholarships available for students in need. Cost is $25 for the 6 sessions. Showcase event is the last 30-45 minutes of the final class. Bring to club: any poetry, writing or song lyrics you enjoy or have written, your chromebook, and imagination. Space is limited. Sign up! For Scholarship: Connecting Kids
  • Lyric Lab Club @ PWMS

    Middle School After School Clubs Presents: Lyrics Labs Club April is National Poetry Month. To celebrate, Middle School After School has a “mini club” to give you and a group of friends the chance to create a poetry performance, using a variety of artistic formats, including but not limited to: music, projection, graphics, spoken word, & song lyrics (original and published). How does it work? Pretty easy! Just sign up! While you will have the option to work independently on your own performance (showcase), or you may want to “team up” with a small group of friends 2-4 to “collaborate” on a performance showcase. In a team setting, you can work on a strength (writing poetry / lyrics, speaking / singing, or visual effects). At the close of this 2 week camp, we will have a showcase for friends or family you invite. After all, art is best shared! This is a NEW opportunity, made possible by a grant from the South Central Service Cooperative and Minnesota State Arts Board. The artistic guidance of this club will be provided by artists from the Southern Minnesota School Of Music who have professional expertise in songwriting, music therapy, creative writing, and instrumental music. This is a club that is the first of its kind in Middle School After School, but one we hope will catch on and be made an opportunity that carries into the future. Scholarships available for students in need. Cost is $25 for the 6 sessions. Showcase event is the last 30-45 minutes of the final class. Bring to club: any poetry, writing or song lyrics you enjoy or have written, your chromebook, and imagination. Space is limited. Sign up! For Scholarship: Connecting Kids
  • MN TWINS VS Cleveland

    This is a loaded value of game ticket in the Legends Landing area of Target Field plus all you can eat concessions! We have taken care of all the details! You will be dropped off at the field to enjoy the game, eat your favorite concession treats, sip on soda or water and most importantly, cheer on our beloved TWINS! All the value for one registration fee paid up front. Leave the trip plans to us. Your job will be to support the home team! Concessions are located conveniently behind our seats for easy access to food, drink and your favorite Ballfield snacks. Registration Deadline: April 25th NO REFUNDS can be given for trips after the registration deadline, as we have to purchase tickets ahead of that deadline. *The all you can eat feature does not include alcoholic beverages or merchandise.If you wish to purchase such items, be reminded that Target Field accepts only credit or debit cards (no cash). Trip Itinerary: Arrive at WOW Zone, Mankato - 9:00 am Arrive at St. Peter Community Center (Washington Street) 9:35 am Game Begins - 12:10 Game Ends - 3:00 pm Arrive in St. Peter - 4:30 pm Arrive home in Mankato - 5:00 pm
  • Mankato Area Public Schools Preschool

    Where It All Begins! Exciting things are coming to the MAPS Preschool Program for the 2025-2026 school year! MAPS preschool is a fee based program that offers high quality programming and age appropriate learning for 3 and 4 year old children. For more information, please visit our MAPS preschool website and review the program guide. Sliding fee and Income based scholarship opportunities are available for eligible residents of the district. Voluntary Prekindergarten funding is available with updated criteria due to legislative changes. Eligibility will be determined from your preschool application. NEW PROGRAM OPTIONS FOR 2025-2026 3 years old by September 1st Preschool 3's (T/W/TH) 8:15 to 10:45 am at the Center for Learning or Eagle Lake Elementary Preschools 3's (T/W/TH) 12:15 to 2:45 pm at the Center for Learning or Eagle Lake Elementary Cost $185/month (there will be no transportation or extended care for MAPS 3's in 25-26) 4 years old by September 1st Preschool 4's (M-F) 8 am to 2:30 pm at the Center for Learning Cost $650/month includes breakfast and lunch Preschool Plus (M-F) 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Center for Learning (7:30 to 8 am early care, 8 am to 2:30 pm preschool, 2:30 to 5:30 pm late care) Cost $1,000/month flat fee includes preschool, extended care, breakfast and lunch There is a $25 non-refundable registration fee for an accepted application. You will not be charged a registration fee if the class is full. NOTE: Students with an active special education IEP and a district paid placement in preschool should complete the district registration through infinite campus. This ELEYO application is not needed unless you are requesting Preschool Plus. Preschool Plus is not guaranteed. January 29th Applications Open February 28th Round 1 Application Selection and Notification March - August Ongoing selection and notification May Scholarship Applications available July Scholarships Awarded Please reach out to our office if you need this information translated or need support with registration. Fadlan la xidhiidh xafiiskayaga haddii aad u baahan tahay in macluumaadkan la turjumo, ama aad u baahan tahay taageero luuqad kale oo diiwaan-gelin ah. Si usted necesita ayuda con la traducción de esta información en español o en otro idioma favor de llamar a nuestra oficina. Mankato Area Public Schools Early Learning- 507-625-4620
    Child Care Program
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  • Masters Swimming Program

    Ages 18 and Up, Under 18 must be accompanied by adult Payment options - $40 monthly (Automatic payment on the 1st of each month of the session) $5 drop-in fee (Processed at the pool. Cash, credit, or check). Card payments can be saved to make future drop-in payments without a physical card. Designed swim workouts, not swimming lessons. Lanes are divided by ability, and workouts are scaled to each lane. Each workout varies in distance, swim strokes, drills, and speed. Mankato Community Education and Recreation is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for participants, staff and the community we serve by following guidance from the Minnesota Departments of Health and Education. Aquatic programs are held at the Mankato East High School Pool. Please park in the far east parking lot near Thomas Park and enter the building through Door 9.
  • Messy Art

    "Paint, chalk, shaving cream, glue, glitter, spray bottles, squeegees, our hands and feet" what do all these items have in common? They are some of the tools we will need to "mess around" in the Messy Art class. Come prepared to get messy while you explore, create and have fun. The messy time will include children and their parent. There will be time for parents to discuss everyday parenting topics for ages 2-5 as well as the value of art and creativity.
  • Messy Art Infant/Toddler

    "Paint, chalk, shaving cream, glue, glitter, spray bottles, squeegees, our hands and feet" what do all these items have in common? They are some of the tools we will need to "mess around" in the Messy Art class. Come prepared to get messy while you explore, create and have fun. The messy time will include children and their parent. There will be time for parents to discuss everyday parenting topics for ages 13-35 months as well as the value of art and creativity.
    Waitlist
  • Minnesota State Arts Board

    These activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
  • Music, Movement and Books 13-28 Months Non Separating

    Come and enjoy music, movement and books with your toddler! This class provides a time for parents to participant in music, movement and book activities with their child. During this class, we will use songs, books, and larger motor skills to help foster literacy development, active learning and physical health.
  • Navigating Picky Eating: Practical Strategies for Parents

    Picky eating is a common challenge many parents face, but it doesn’t have to be a source of stress. This presentation is designed to help parents understand why picky eating happens and equip them with effective strategies to manage it with patience and confidence. Whether your child refuses vegetables, insists on eating the same foods, or simply seems to be averse to trying new things, this session will provide actionable tips for making mealtimes more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone. In this session, we will cover: - Why Picky Eating Happens: Understanding the developmental, biological, and psychological reasons behind picky eating and how it’s a normal phase for many children. - Strategies for Encouraging New Foods: How to introduce new foods in a non-stressful, gradual way that encourages exploration without forcing it. - The Power of Modeling: How your own eating habits and attitudes toward food can influence your child’s behavior, and how to model positive eating without pressure. - Creating a Positive Mealtime Environment: Setting up a calm, relaxed atmosphere that reduces mealtime stress and encourages your child to feel comfortable with a variety of foods. - Avoiding Power Struggles: Techniques for staying calm and patient during mealtimes, and how to avoid turning food into a battleground. - Dealing with Common Challenges: How to handle food refusal, food aversions, and how to navigate situations where your child’s preferences seem to be getting more limited. - Encouraging Independence and Autonomy: How to give your child a sense of control over their food choices and portion sizes, fostering independence while still providing balanced meals. - Long-Term Strategies: How to maintain a positive approach and what to do if picky eating persists into later stages of childhood. By the end of this presentation, parents will have practical tools to reduce mealtime stress, increase food variety, and help their child develop a healthier, more adventurous approach to eating. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of picky eating as a normal phase in child development, along with a toolkit of strategies to make mealtime more positive, fun, and less fraught with tension. Join us to take the stress out of feeding your child and turn mealtimes into enjoyable family experiences!
  • Newborn Discovery (birth-12 weeks) Non-separating

    No registration needed, FREE, Drop-in For parents of newborns ages 0-12 weeks. Support and information will be provided through discussions that are facilitated by a licensed Parenting Educator, Public Health Nurse, and a Lactation Specialist and through connections with other parents and caregivers. Topics include: feeding, sleep, attachment, returning to work, family changes, and developmental milestones. Parents will have the opportunity to have their infants weighed. Free sibling care is available. Please call ahead if sibling care is needed. 507-625-4620.
  • Open Pottery Studio (Studio Use Card)

    Purchase a punch card and clay coupon (each sold separately) to use the Pottery Studio facilities and supplies. Each visit counts as one use. Punch cards and clay/glaze card are valid for one year from the purchase date. To participate in studio activities, all users must purchase a Consumables Clay Card. This card covers 25 pounds of clay, access to studio glazes, and space in the kiln for firing. Our pottery lab is equipped with potter's wheels, slab roller, extruder, hand building tools, glazes, greenware storage, and electric kilns. This is not an instructional class. Artists should be able to use the studio and equipment independently, however a studio supervisor will be present for technical questions. In our studio, you pay based on use. We only allow clay sold by our studio. We know the products we use / sell to students are safe for our kilns and will produce a good quality product. The studio, managed by Mankato Community Education Leisure + Enrichment Program keeps in inventory high quality supplies and equipment for artist use. The studio and CE cannot be held responsible for work that in the process of drying or firing is damaged or broken. Our studio is available for independent artist use in part because of volunteers and funding provided by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.