Orono Community Education

Create art out of candy using frosting, gumdrops, marshmallows and other candy treats. Join us as we create a winter wonderland scene made out of all things edible!

Get inspired by colorful confetti cakes as we fill our soft, stretchy handmade slime with real rainbow sprinkles! Whether you’re a donut-lover, cake connoisseur, or cupcake aficionado, this is the sweet, sweet slime time you’ve been waiting for.

If you already have a team, you may register and pay the fee. If you are interested in joining Destination Imagination, but do not have a team yet, you may register with no fee and you will be contacted via email for an informational meeting at a later date. The largest academic team competition in the world! Do something BIG. Destination Imagination is designed to inspire students to use creativity in working through challenges. It is highly encouraged for gifted and talented students! The challenges to choose from fit every interest area: technical, scientific, structural, fine arts, improvisational, service learning. Destination Imagination Facts in a Nutshell! Students in grades K - 12 can participate. Teams choose the challenge they want to work on based on their interests and skills. Teams can have 2 to 7 members and can be boy only, girl only or mixed gender. Teams can be multi-grade but will compete at elementary, middle school and high school levels based on the oldest team member’s age. Teams recruit their own members but Community Education will help spread the word! Each team will set its own meeting schedule and start when they choose but must be ready for the MN Affiliate Tournament. All teams will perform their Team and Instant Challenges that day in person. Each team needs a parent or adult team manager(s). No experience necessary, just willingness to support the kids, learn and have fun! Support and training will be provided. Previous Orono teams have advanced to state and global competition! More information, videos and challenge previews for 2022 - 23 are available at www.idodi.org. If your team is ready to go, encourage parents to register their students so we can purchase your team membership and you can get started! Grades K - 2: $105 Grades 3 - 12: $130 Destination Imagination State Website

A time for families with children under the age of 5 to run, play and get the wiggles out at the Orono Activities Center. One court will be reserved and set-up with age-appropriate equipment. The walking track is available for use. Strollers can also be used. No need to pre-register online. Please check-in at the front desk upon arrival.

Spend an hour in the pool with your young swimmer. Toys, floaties and balls provided. Parent/guardian must accompany the child in the water. Coast Guard-approved life jacket recommended. If there are two or more children per adult, all children must wear a life jacket. Swim diapers are required for children not potty-trained. Check-in at the Community Education office through Door E24. Please bring your ID for entry into the school building. You do not need to pre-register. Session will show as full but it is NOT full. Please drop in when your schedule allows.

Purchase a Fitness Punch Card and drop into any adult fitness class on your time and your schedule. This is the perfect option if you cannot commit to a full class or want to try multiple different types of classes. The punch card is NOT VALID on pickleball classes, aquatics programs, private lessons or adult open gyms. Senior and Activities Center Membership Discounts can not be applied toward a Punch Card purchase. Purchase another card if you run out of punches! Punch cards are kept in the Activities Center Fitness Room (30 & 31). Punch cards are valid for 6 months.

Fused Glass Open Studio provides time and space to create fused glass projects for beginner and advanced participants. A facilitator will be on hand for advice and support. A $25 supply fee will be collected at the studio for each new punch card. Participants are asked to bring their own glass (COE90-preferred), cutting tools and molds (sharing of materials is also an option). It is recommended that participants have taken at least one fused glass class before joining Open Studio. Punch cards have 8 punches and are valid for 12 months. Park in the back north side of the building and enter through door 5.

With a marker or a pen, use the basics of lettering to create a calligraphy look for your holiday tags and envelopes. There will be envelopes, tags, cardstock and a variety of markers (you may also bring your own). In this class, the instructor will break down the steps to create the styles you’ve seen on chalk boards at coffee shops. Regardless of what your handwriting looks like, you can learn how to hand letter. Come relax, have some fun and come away with your own cards, tags or keepsakes. All materials are included in the cost. Call to register participants ages 14-17 (must attend with an enrolled adult).

Elevate your holiday gatherings this season with a beautifully crafted charcuterie board. Laura, from Fig and Ivy Charcuterie, will provide step-by-step guidance in the arrangement of fine cheeses, meats and additional accompaniments. Your board will be a perfectly festive (and edible) centerpiece! Have fun with family and friends at Iron Exchange in Maple Plain. Food and beverages available to purchase during class. A supply fee of $40 for all ingredients and materials will be due at the start of class (credit card & Venmo accepted). Bring home a helpful grocery list for future boards, and an artfully arranged 10” round charcuterie board to enjoy right away!