Enrichment
EASTERN ILLINOIS FOODBANK | FREE!
All Ages
Eastern Illinois Foodbank strives to increase access to healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, to those in situations of food insecurity. Produce Pop-Up was developed to bring fresh, regionally-sourced produce directly to underserved communities to help fill the widening gap caused by grocery inflation and rising transportation costs. EIF’s Produce Pop-Up will be distributing at Martens Center. Please call the Martens Center for times and dates
Questions: zoe.southlynn@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3931
CARLE MOBILE CLINIC
All Ages
The Carle Mobile Health Clinic brings affordable, non-urgent medical services to neighborhoods near you. Our 40-foot, wheelchair-friendly mobile medical clinic offers infants, children and adults full-service medical care to make sure families stay healthy. Practitioners have experience in pediatrics, family medicine, and women’s health and pregnancy. Services provided include: chronic condition management and education, treatment of acute illness, physicals, wellness care and assessments, school and sports physicals and immunizations, lab testing, and referrals and applications for social services.
Date: Every 4th Monday of the month
Time: 9a – 4p
Location: Martens Center
Question: zoe.southlynn@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3931
PROJECT READ AT PARKLAND COLLEGE
Families in Champaign-Urbana are invited to join Project READ’s FREE Parent Family Learning Lab (PFLL). The PFLL will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-7:30pm at Martens Center. For parents, the focus of the PFLL is to work with trained tutors to learn reading, math, or English language skills. For children, the focus of the PFLL is to work on literacy, wellness, and social-emotional skills (parents must be present for children to attend). The program also features parenting and family activities centered in literacy and the improvement of the parent-child relationship. Additionally, free books and library services are provided periodically through a partnership with the Champaign Public Library – Douglass Branch. A free meal is provided each night for all program participants.
No prior registration is required to attend the program; however, all interested participants must agree to complete an intake interview and pre-assessment. For questions, or to let us know you would like to attend, please contact Project READ at projectread@parkland.edu.
BUSEY FINANCIAL SERIES | NEW!
Ages 18+
DEBT MANAGEMENT
September 12 or September 16
Discover the common reasons people find themselves in debt, the value of using debt management strategies, and then create a personal plan to manage your debt.
- September 12 | Tu | 6:30-8p | Deadline: September 5
- September 16 | Sa | 10:30a-12 | Deadline: September 9
PREPARING FOR A FINANCIAL EMERGENCY
October 10 or October 14
Learn the importance of having an emergency savings plan and which tools and resources you can use to develop and implement an emergency savings strategy.
- October 10 | Tu | 6:30-8p | Deadline: October 3
- October 14 | Sa | 10:30a-12p | Deadline: October 7
SMART BUDGETING
November 14 or November 18
Explore how keeping a budge, using different types of bank accounts, and making financial goals can result in better financial health over your lifetime.
- November 14 | Tu | 6:30-8p | Deadline: November 7
- November 18 | Sa | 10:30-12p | Deadline: November 11
Fee (R/NR): FREE, but registration is required
Location: Martens Center
Instructor: Busey Bank staff
Questions: lynne.franco@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3971
KIDS HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING
K-4th graders
The holidays are almost here! Join us for this fun, interactive holiday class. Each child will decorate freshly baked holiday cookies to take home. All supplies will be provided, as well as a cup of delicious hot cocoa.
Dates: December 9
Day: Saturday
Time: 1-2:15p
Fee (R/NR): $25/$37.50
Deadline: December 2
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
S.T.E.A.M. Programs
ROCKET LAUNCHES
All Ages
The Central Illinois Aerospace Model Rocket Club schedules launches twice a month, generally on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays. Most of these are held at Dodds Park, through occasionally we will fly at other locations. If you have a model rocket, bring it and fly with us or just come out to watch. For further information call 217-359-8225 or go to www.ciarocketry.org.
Location: Dodds Park
Questions: sean.hurst@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3901
C.U.A.S. FAMILY SKYWATCH
Ages 5+
Join members of the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society, Inc. on select Saturdays for an evening under the stars. See the stars and planets through the largest public telescope in East Central Illinois. All skywatch sessions are cancelled in the event of cloudy weather (visit cuas.org.).No registration required.
- September 23 | 7-9p
- October 21 | 6-9p
Time: Sunset
Location: CUAS Observatory, 926 County Road 700E, Champaign
Questions: sean.hurst@champaignparks.com or 217-819-3901
MONTHLY LEGO CLUB
1st-3rd & 4th-6th graders
Do you enjoy creating, building, and imagining with LEGO? Learn engineering and design skills through guided hands-on exploration. Create animals, buildings, simple machines, transportation, and build your own LEGO creations.
Date: September 27, October 25, November 22, December 27
Day: Wednesday
Deadline: September 20
4th-6th Grade
Date: September 13, October 11, November 8, December 13
Day: Wednesday
Deadline: September 6
Time: 4:30-5:30p
Location: Martens Center
Fee (R/NR): $30/$45; additional $5 after the deadline if space available
Questions: zoe.southlynn@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3931
FULL S.T.EA.M. AHEAD
3rd – 7th Graders
Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Mathematics. This is what makes up STEAM. Various science organizations from UIUC, in partnership with X-Time, are excited to introduce you to the wonderful world of STEAM and all that it entails. This is NOT a drop off event.
- September 21 | Deadline: September 14
- October 5 | Deadline: September 28
- October 19 | Deadline: October 12
- November 2 | Deadline: October 26
- November 16 | Deadline: November 9
- December 7 | Deadline: November 30
- December 21 | Deadline: December 14
Day: Thursday
Time: 4:30-6p
Fee (R/NR): $5/$7.50
Location: Martens Center
Questions: zoe.southlynn@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3931
FUN WITH FOSSILS | NEW!
Ages 5+
Did you know that numerous fossils have been found in Champaign County?! Help us dig deep with fossils and local history as we are joined by the Champaign County Forest Preserve District’s Museum and Education Department! Join us for engaging activities all related to the study of fossils, featuring authentic artifacts and a mock fossil dig! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Both adult and child must be registered.
Date: September 14
Day: Thursday
Time: 5:30-6:30p
Deadline: September 9
Fee (R/NR): $5/$7.50
Location: Martens Center
Instructor: Pat Cain
NATIONAL PLAYDOUGH DAY | NEW!
All Ages
Come celebrate with us with various playdough stations, fun projects, and even conductive dough. Kids will have the ability to have fun being creative, share their masterpieces with others, and experience playdough on a whole new level! All supplies provided. Parents may stay if they would like.
Date: September 16
Day: Saturday
Time: 12-2p
Fee (R/NR): FREE
Location: Martens Center
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
CENA Y CIENCIAS: SERVING UP SCIENCE ONE MEAL AT A TIME
Families with children ages Kindergarten – 5th grade
Grab your family and come learn about different sciences. This program is suitable for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Cena y Ciencias is a collaborative scientific outreach program in the bilingual community. Enjoy a free meal afterward. Everyone is welcome, but please note that this program is spoken completely in Spanish and is NOT a drop-off event.
Dates: October 2, November 6, December 4
Day: Monday
Time: 5-7p
Fee (R/NR): FREE
Location: Martens Center
SPOOKTACULAR CHEMISTRY AND SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS | NEW!
3rd-6th graders
Become a mad scientist and have fun learning, investigating and observing fun Halloween-themed chemistry and science experiments! Kids will have hands-on experience and see crazy reactions! This is a drop off event.
Date: October 16 – October 30
Day: Monday
Time: 5-6p
Deadline: October 9
Fee (R/NR): $10/$15
Location: Martens Center
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
MAMMALS OF ILLINOIS | NEW!
Ages 5+
Learn about Illinois mammals and how the presence of wildlife has changed since Illinois was settled. We may even go outside to search for clues left behind by area mammals. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Both adult and child must be registered.
Date: October 26
Day: Thursday
Time: 5:30-6:30p
Deadline: October 21
Fee (R/NR): $5/$7.50
Location: Martens Center
Instructor: Jennifer Wick
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
AUTUMN FUN 3D PRINTING | NEW!
Ages 5-13
Come design and print fall-themed 3D printed creations, such as turkey earrings, a pumpkin jewelry dish, and more! Put your imagination to the test, learn how 3D printing works, and discover ways it is being used in the world around us. All supplies are provided. This is a drop off event.
Date: November 4
Day: Saturday
Time: 12-2p
Deadline: October 28
Fee (R/NR): $10/$15
Location: Martens Center
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
HOW STUFF WORKS | NEW!
3rd-6th graders
Have you ever wondered how an airplane flies or how sounds travel to your ear? Learn, discover, and expand you knowledge of the world around you as we focus on the science behind common everyday things. This is a drop off event.
- November 6 | Deadline: October 31
- November 13 | Deadline: November 6
- November 20 | Deadline: November 13
- November 27 | Deadline: November 20
- December 4 | Deadline: November 27
- December 11 | Deadline: December 4
- December 18 | Deadline: December 11
Day: Monday
Time: 5-6p
Fee (R/NR): $15/$22.50
Location: Martens Center
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
NATIVE AMERICANS IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS | NEW!
3rd-6th graders
Native Americans have lived in central Illinois for thousands of years. What was life like for the first Illinoisans? Using authentic materials and historic artifacts, staff members from the Champaign County Forest Preserve District’s Museum and Education Department will use hands-on activities to teach about native peoples. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Both adult and child must be registered.
Date: November 9
Day: Thursday
Time: 5:30-6:30p
Fee (R/NR): $5/$7.50
Location: Martens Center
Instructor: Pat Cain
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
HEALTH CHAMPIONS | NEW!
Ages 7-14
Kids will learn about heart health, how to eat healthy, and why it’s important to be active. This is a drop off event.
Date | Topic | Deadline
- November 14 | Healthy Heart | November 7
- November 28 | Clean Eating | November 21
- December 5 | Put technology away and get out and play! | November 28
Day: Tuesday
Time: 5-6p
Fee (R/NR): $10/$15
Location: Martens Center
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
NATIONAL STEAM DAY | NEW!
All Ages
Join us in celebrating national STEAM day! Enjoy various stations and experiments as you experience different aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Participants will be able to expand their knowledge of STEAM around them and will have fun doing it! This is not a drop off event. No registration required.
Day: Saturday, November 18
Time: 12-3p
Location: Martens Center
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
3D PRINT HOLIDAY CHEER! | NEW!
Ages 6-15
Participants will design and print their own holiday ornaments. Kids will learn about 3D printing and how it works. All supplies are provided. This is a drop-off event. Ornaments can be picked up at a later date.
Date: December 2
Day: Saturday
Time: 12-2p
Fee (R/NR): $10/$15
Location: Martens Center
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
HABITATS OF ILLINOIS | NEW!
Ages 5+
Learn about what makes a habitat, what types can be found in Illinois, and why conserving them is important for wildlife. We may even go outside to explore a local habitat! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Both adult and child must be registered.
Date: December 14
Day: Thursday
Time: 5:30-6:30p
Fee (R/NR): $5/$7.50
Location: Martens Center
Deadline: December 9
Instructor: Jennifer Wick
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
PLANET SUPERHEROES | NEW!
Ages 7-14
Be a planet superhero! Kids will learn to live a life that keeps our planet clean. This is a drop off event.
Date | Topic | Deadline
- December 19 | Recycling | December 12
- January 2 | Composting | December 26
- January 16 | Reduce and Reuse | January 9
Day: Tuesday
Time: 5-6p
Fee (R/NR): $10/$15
Location: Martens Center
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
Food Programs
OSF PRESENTS FOOD AND YOUR HEALTH | NEW!
Ages 18+
CHOLESTEROL AND BLOOD SUGAR
September 13 | Deadline: September 6
Discover how nutritious and tasty foods can positively impact your health, in particular your cholesterol and blood sugar. Receive guidance setting personal goals and determining simple, actionable steps you can add to your everyday routine.
BLOOD PRESSURE
October 11 | Deadline: October 4
Learn how food impacts overall health and why blood pressure is a critical factor for your health. Receive guidance to help you set goals to improve your health.
FEED YOUR POTENTIAL
November 8 | Deadline: November 1
Get inspired to make healthy eating a part of your everyday life. Through hands-on activities, including cooking an easy and nutritious snack, you will learn how different foods can directly impact your energy and focus.
DEVELOPING MINDFUL EATING HABITS
December 13 | Deadline: December 6
Expand your mind, not your waistline! If you want to put healthier eating habits on the menu, mindfulness techniques may help you! They are not about dieting or restrictions, they are about eating when you are truly hungry, slowing down, and savoring the flavor.
Day: Wednesday
Time: 11a-12p
Fee (R/NR): FREE, registration is required
Location: Martens Center
Questions: lynne.franco@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3971
Safety & Childcare Education
HEARTSAVER FIRST AID, CPR/AED CLASSES BY VITAL EDUCATION & SUPPLY
Ages 9+
This course covers topics ranging from heart attacks and strokes to animal bites and allergic reactions. Also covered is CPR for the adult, child and infant victim, and AED use. A CPR certification card will be given after successful completion of class. In order to receive a refund, cancellation requests must be submitted at least two days prior to the class date.
- September 16 | Deadline: September 8
- October 21 | Deadline: October 13
- November 18 | Deadline: November 10
- December 16 | Deadline: December 8
Day: Saturday
Time: 9a-3p
Fee (R/NR): $78/$117
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: sean.hurst@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3901
HANDS-ONLY CPR
Ages 10+; participants under 18 must have a registered adult with them
OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois has partnered with Illinois Heart Rescue to offer a free bystander, hands-only CPR and AED education program to local students and families. Bystander CPR has been proven to double, even tripled, the chances of survival of someone in cardiac arrest, This FREE presentation takes one class period and consists of a short video, discussion and training on bystander CPR and AED use.
- September 13 | Deadline: September 6
- October 25 | Deadline: October 18
Day: Wednesday
Time: 4:30-5:30p
Fee (R/NR): FREE, registration is required.
Location: Martens Center
Questions: lynne.franco@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3971
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BABYSITTING
Ages 11-15
Become the babysitter that kids beg their parents to have! This class will teach the basics and give participants the confidence to successfully take on any babysitting job. Certified staff teach skills to become a safe, fun, and nurturing sitter. Our program features basic first aid, safety, age-appropriate games, and discipline techniques.
The Champaign Park District is an accredited program site through Safe Sitter, the only national, nonprofit organization exclusively devoted to babysitting. You must attend all sessions in order to complete the course and to be certified by Safe Sitter.
Dates: October 2 – 23
Day: Monday
Time: 4-5:30p
Fee (R/NR): $60/$90
Deadline: September 25
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: michelle.horvat@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2376
