It’s back to school time!
As we send our little ones off to fulfill their great potential, it’s always fun to imagine what they might someday become.
Whether you dream of attending their private art show in Soho, enjoying a performance at the philharmonic, or listening to their acceptance speech thanking you and the Academy, you can pat yourself on the back knowing you gave them their start in the Greater Patchogue area.
Here are some great activities and places to bring out your child’s after school A-game.
MUSIC AND ARTS
Family Melody Center has been the go-to place for sheet music, instruments (rent or purchase) and lessons since 1956. They have a passionate and knowledgeable staff. Classes are reasonably priced and are private ½ hour blocks you arrange by the month.
If you have a budding artist, Sketchbook Studio has an extensive class list including drawing and painting, printmaking, sculpture, fashion design, mixed media etc. The studio’s goal is to provide quality instruction for all ages and abilities and offers inclusive classes for children with special needs.
This fantastic theater born in 1950 and rich in Long Island History is calling all thespians for their 13-week Youth Acting and Musical programs. This fall session, they will be offering a new production class, A Christmas Carol that will be seen by a live audience.
Gene Hackman and Robert Duvall are just two of the many talented actors who got their start here. Check out their open house on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 12-5 p.m. to meet the teachers and some of their students.
You can see an open class and learn of the activities they do.
Boys and Girls Club of Bellport offers an impressive variety of classes including chess, cooking, art, robotics, double-dutch, and steel drum to name a few. Their Goals for Graduation program coordinates with your child’s guidance counselor helping him/her to stay on track to graduate. The Smart Girls program is a self-esteem building community that addresses the day to day obstacles girls deal with on a regular basis.
The Torch Club gives back to the community with volunteer work.
Relying heavily on donations, they are able to make their general membership financially accessible to all families.
Their K-4 art program includes time for snack and socializing. There’s a seasonal art show to look forward too as well. Specific artists and motivational quotes are the inspiration for teaching different techniques and media for grades 5-9.
ATHLETICS
Smithpoint Archery teaches safety, proper handling, and shooting by certified archery instructors. Rental bows are available to give it a try. The next Olympics is only four years away, not to mention, this would look pretty sweet on college apps.
Gym-nest was voted Bethpage’s 2016 Best of LI in Gymnastics, Cheerleading, and Extreme Sport. In addition to their recreational, competitive, and cheerleading programs, they have created a Gym-Nest Ninja Warrior Program with obstacle courses matching NBC’s hit show American Ninja Warrior.
Finest Fitness offers Kids Boxfit and MMA classes just like the grownups (only more fun). They’ll be hitting the heavy bag, building muscle, and enhancing their cardio all while cross-training, boxing, and learning martial arts self-defense techniques.
Yoganomics LI is a great place if your child is stressed, has problems concentrating, or simply is looking for a non-competitive activity that will enhance his or her strength, balance, and flexibility. Yoganomics offers yoga for kids ages 5-15.
Waverly Martial Arts is the winner of Bethpage’s 2016 Best of LI Best Martial Arts. Waverly Martial Arts is a family-run Martial Arts dojo with dynamic high-energy instructors who are amazing with kids.
They also have awesome camps for when school is not in session. Right now they are offering an end of summer sale for 50 percent off when you use the code “Sun.”
This is a limited offer to the first 20 people.
Bowl LI was voted Bethpage’s 2016 Best of LI offering 5 different Junior Leagues and a Parent and Child Fun League. Bowl LI offers college scholarships, recreational and competitive bowling, lessons and coaching, and for the Parent and Child League, coffee and bagels each week.
Shaolin Self Defense is a husband and wife team with strict standards for both their students and instructors. While kicks and punches are taught, Shaolin believes that the real self-defense begins with learning self esteem, self discipline, and respect.
Sparring begins as early as 4 years of age.
Patchogue-Family YMCA’s Fit Kids program will return your children to you with huge smiles and tons of sweat. Free weights, the gymnasium, indoor track, athletic games, and even the rock wall are used in this program.
GreaterPatchogue.com wishes your kids a happy and safe back to school time.
We look forward to seeing you around town!
Smithpoint Archery photo courtesy Messina Photography
