Youth and Teen Programs

We have a wide variety of options for our youth and teens. From Martial Arts, to Learn to Sew, and everything in between, there are so many classes and activities to choose.  We welcome all kids ages 6-17 to join us in our programs.  Below are classes and activities that we offer on a consistent basis, but the list may not include special programs, especially summer camps and activities. NOT ALL PROGRAMS BELOW ARE OFFERED IN EVERY ACTIVITY GUIDE SEASON.

Looking for KIDSK/K2 AFTERSCHOOL?  Looking for YOUTH SPORTS? 

• SUMMER Sports Camps!
• SUMMER Adventure Day Camp!

RECtivity BAGS
Bring recreation to your home!  We have created themed RECtivity bags to keep your busy with fun and interesting projects.  Each bag has enough supplies for 1 kid.  Everything needed for multiple activities, with simple instructions for kids to be creative on their own.  Register online for the bag(s) that you want to bring home to your kids. RECtivity bags will be available for pickup at the Benicia Community Center during the week noted online (unique date range for each box). Themed bags are listed on our registration page, and will be updated as more are added.
Fee: [supplies for 1 kid] - $10 res/$13 non-res.  Feel free to purchase more than one if you want supplies for more kids!
Register: ONLINE, or at Benicia Community Center

BABYSITTING CERTIFICATION CLASSES
Prepare to become a great babysitter for younger siblings or as a paid job. Topics include: leadership, safety, understanding & caring for children newborn to ten years old, what to do in an emergency, activities to keep kids busy, safety information, dealing with discipline issues and how to go that extra step to impress parents.

Ages: 10-16
Dates:  Sunday -  4/25 or 5/23
Times:  10:30am - 4:30pm
Fees:  $42 res/$53 non-res
plus: $18.00 Material fee paid to instructor for American Red Cross book & DVD. Please bring lunch, a drink and snacks
Classes will be held at Benicia Community Center - social distancing and face coverings required.
Register ONLINE or at Benicia Community Center

CLASSES WITH NASA'S GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Washington, DC is home to the operations of the Hubble Telescope, and many other orbiting devices.  We have teams up with education specialists from Goddard to offer a FREE, LIVE and INTERACTIVE class via Zoom.  The program has 3 parts:  a series of short videos to watch ahead of time; a live interactive presentation with a question-and-answer session; and optional self-guided activities using common supplies already on hand at home and school.  Interactive presentation is taught live by an informal education specialist and are approximately 30 minutes in length.

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, we are not currently offering, or scheduling the following programs:

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA JUDO CLUB
Classes focus on sound basic judo principles. We stress proper etiquette, good sportsmanship, respect for others, and humility. Students will learn the basic forward and backward throws, foot techniques, pins and submissions. The class emphasis is building skillful judo techniques while improving the physical and mental aspects of the student. We strive for the growth of personal character, increased self-confidence, self-discipline and enhanced sportsmanship. The physical training aspect of the judo program improves strength, coordination, balance, speed, agility and endurance. This can be applied in competition and in everyday life. For more information visit www.norcaljudo.com

Ages:  4 & over
Dates:
   Beginners (ages 4-7) --   Wednesdays --  5:00pm-5:45pm
   Intermediate -- Mondays/Wednesdays --  6:00pm-7:15pm
   Advanced --     Mondays/Wednesdays --  6:00pm-8:00pm
Location:  Clock Tower, 1189 Washington St.
Instructor:  Northern California Judo Club

KARATE / TAE-KWON-DO SELF DEFENSE 
Children and Teens can learn traditional Karate and Tae-Kwon-Do as well as practical self-defense skills.  Additional benefits are improved physical agility and balance, self-control, mental discipline, confidence, courtesy, and personal integrity.    Classes are taught in a friendly, yet structured environment designed specifically for children and teens. Rex Reade is a 3rd Degree Black Belt, Sensei of the Benicia Martial Arts Club - Classes for the City of Benicia since 1989. 

Ages: 8 years and up
Dates:  Mondays/Wednesdays
   Beginners Class:        4:00pm – 5:00pm
   Intermediate Class:     5:00pm – 6:00pm
   Advanced Class:         6:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Multipurpose Room - Community Center
Instructor:  Sensei Rex Reade

BENICIA YOUTH ORCHESTRA 
Join the Benicia Youth Orchestra for a fun, exciting and energizing music making experience! Youth orchestra will provide camaraderie, teamwork and ensemble playing skills working towards musical excellence! Young musicians of all ages and levels welcome. Benicia Youth Orchestra is conducted by Music Director and Conductor Rem Djemilev, known in Bay Area for his superior musicianship and wonderful positive work with young children. Help us build a strong Youth orchestra in Benicia!         

Ages: 7-18 years
Dates:  Mondays   3:30pm - 4:30pm 
Location:  Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street
Instructor:  Rem Djemilev
About Rem: He received a BA/MA from prestigious Moscow conservatory, Russia and performed in the Bolshoi Theatre orchestra and Moscow Chamber orchestra. He is currently a violinist and violist with the Arlekin String Quartet and Music Director and conductor of the Young People’s Chamber orchestra in Berkeley and Diablo Regional Youth orchestra in Walnut Creek. Also, Rem Djemilev teaches at the Crowden School and Black Pine Circle school in Berkeley.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S AND ADULT PERFORMING ARTS
Come join Young People's Performing Arts and Adult Performing Arts of Benicia!  Performers will train in acting, singing and dancing.  The musical that will be performed is chosen the first day of class to ensure all actors get a lead or featured roll. Students will audition, as a part of the training, for the roll or rolls they would like to perform.  Training in each class results in a polished performance with costumes, scenery, props to make a complete show that will be performed and enjoyed at the end of the session by parents, friends and relatives.  Adults are especially encouraged to participate, as there are few venues to perform.

Ages:   6 & up
Dates:  Wednesdays & most Fridays  4:30pm - 6:30pm
Location: Community Center
Instructor:  Jo Nash

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SEWING MACHINE 
Getting familiar with a sewing machine is the first step in learning to sew.  Learn how to care for a machine, thread it, fill and change a bobbin, use a seam guide,use attachments and more.  Students will learn about fabrics and how to choose the right fabric for the right project.

Ages:  8 & up
Dates:  Wednesdays   4:00pm - 5:30pm
Location:  Arts & Crafts Room - Community Center
Instructor:  Loa Kirkbridge

BEGINNING SEWING FOR CHILDREN 
Discover the fun and creativity of sewing.  This is the perfect class for beginners and those with some sewing experience.  Learn basic hand and machine sewing techniques through projects you can make and take home.  Techniques include seam finishes, installing a zipper, sewing a project from a pattern and re-purposing an old favorite item into something new.  Students will apply the basic sewing techniques to their class projects.  Projects are selected by student interest and may include pillows, aprons, pajama bottoms, handbags, and/or pet accessories

Ages:  9 & up
Dates:  
   Mondays     4:00pm - 5:30pm
   Thursdays   4:00pm - 5:30pm       
Location:  Arts & Crafts Room - Community Center
Instructor:  Loa Kirkbridge

KIDS' HIP HOP
This is a high energy dance class where we introduce different steps of hip hop, modern dance and other styles. Students will learn dancer etiquette, coordination, group formations and choreographies that will end in a final recital. If students enroll in both sessions they will have the option to participate in our end of the season showcase. If students choose to participate in the showcase there will be a $10 costume rental fee.

Ages: 6-10
Dates: Tuesdays  4:30pm – 5:15pm
Location: Community Center
Instructor:  All Star Talent Realization Academy
Dress Code:     Clothes that allow for movement, tennis shoes with laces, hair tied back.

YOUTH HIP HOP
Your rising dancer will love this fast moving street style of dance as seen in music videos. Coordination, rhythm, flexibility and improvisation are taught. Style vary according to the teacher. If students enroll in both sessions they will have the option to participate in our end of the season showcase. If students choose to participate in the showcase there will be a $10 costume rental fee.

Ages: 8-13
Dates: Tuesdays  5:20pm – 6:05pm
Location: Community Center
Instructor:  All Star Talent Realization Academy
Dress Code:     Clothes that allow for movement, tennis shoes with laces, hair tied back.

JAZZ FUNK
This class combines Jazz and Hip Hop techniques into one class giving young dancers a taste of both styles within the same class.  Students will focus on establishing a technical foundation learning dance terminology, body posture, isolations, formation changes and how to improve their performance quality.
Ages: 8-13
Dates: Tuesdays  6:15pm – 7:00pm
Location: Community Center
Instructor:  All Star Talent Realization Academy
Dress Code:     Clothes that allow for movement, tennis shoes with laces, hair tied back.

BALLET, TAP AND JAZZ COMBO
Start to build your basic and intermediate level dance class in ballet, tap and jazz.  Emphasis is on Good form and proper technique.
Ages: 6.5-10
Dates:  Mondays  5:00pm - 6:00pm
Location:  Community Center
Instructor: Jo Nash