Experiential Activities

In Woodshop, you’ll learn essential safety practices and proper use of hand tools (chisels, planes, hammers) and power tools (table saws, jointers, routers, drills); accurate measuring, marking, and layout; wood selection and properties; joinery techniques like dovetails, mortise-and-tenon, and biscuits; project design and planning; sanding, assembly, and finishing methods such as staining or varnishing. Therapeutically, it offers stress relief through mindful, focused handwork, builds patience and fine motor skills, delivers deep satisfaction and self-esteem from creating functional objects, encourages problem-solving, and provides a calming, creative outlet similar to other hands-on maker activities.

In our Autoshop class, you’ll learn essential vehicle maintenance like oil changes, tire rotation, brake inspection and replacement, fluid checks, battery care, and basic diagnostics; safe use of hand and power tools; understanding engine components, electrical systems, and suspension; troubleshooting common issues; and proper safety protocols. Therapeutically, it provides stress relief through focused, hands-on problem-solving, builds confidence and self-reliance via tangible repairs, enhances fine motor skills and patience, delivers a strong sense of accomplishment, and offers a calming, meditative outlet similar to other maker activities.

In Rock Club you’ll learn mineral and rock identification using tests for hardness, streak, luster, and cleavage; classification of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; safe field collecting techniques and ethics; specimen cataloging and display; basic lapidary skills like tumbling, cutting, and polishing; and fundamentals of local geology, fossils, and earth processes. Therapeutically, it promotes mindfulness and stress relief through focused observation and hands-on activities, fosters a sense of wonder and connection to nature, builds patience and fine motor skills, provides accomplishment from building collections, and supports social bonds in a calm, community setting.

In our 3D printing class, you’ll learn 3D modeling with software like OrcaSlicer and MakerWorld, preparing and slicing models (e.g., using Cura), operating and calibrating printers, selecting materials like PLA or resin, troubleshooting common issues, and post-processing techniques like sanding or painting. Therapeutically, it offers stress relief through creative focus, boosts self-esteem via tangible accomplishments, enhances fine motor skills and patience, and provides mindful problem-solving that can support mental health, rehabilitation, or occupational therapy.

Usually held in the Fall (runs from September – January) and includes involvement from our school, In Goat Program, you’ll learn hands-on animal husbandry including proper feeding and nutrition, housing and fencing setup, health care and basic veterinary skills (hoof trimming, parasite management, vaccinations), safe handling and showing techniques, record-keeping, and ethical livestock practices. Therapeutically, it builds responsibility, patience, and empathy through daily animal care, reduces stress via calming interactions with goats, boosts self-esteem and confidence through project completion and showing, encourages physical activity outdoors, and fosters a strong sense of purpose and connection to nature.

In our Foreign Language Club, you’ll learn core skills including vocabulary building, grammar rules and sentence structure, pronunciation and conversational practice, listening comprehension, reading and writing exercises, and cultural insights into customs, history, and traditions of the target language. Therapeutically, it enhances cognitive function and memory, provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment through measurable progress, boosts self-confidence in communication, reduces stress via engaging mental focus, and fosters empathy and mental flexibility by opening new cultural perspectives and ways of thinking.

In Art Class, you’ll learn foundational skills like drawing and sketching techniques, color theory and composition, perspective and shading, working with various mediums such as pencil, charcoal, watercolor, acrylics, or mixed media, creative problem-solving in projects, and basic art history and criticism. Therapeutically, it serves as a powerful outlet for self-expression and emotional processing, reduces stress and anxiety through mindful creative flow, builds confidence and self-esteem via tangible creations, enhances focus and fine motor skills, and promotes relaxation, joy, and a sense of personal accomplishment.

In our Karate class you’ll learn fundamental techniques including punches, kicks, blocks, stances, and combinations, along with traditional forms (kata), basic self-defense applications, and controlled sparring (kumite). You’ll also study etiquette, respect, discipline, and the philosophy behind karate. Benefits include improved physical fitness (strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination), greater self-confidence, better focus and discipline, stress relief, and practical self-defense skills, while building character traits like perseverance and respect.

Typically held on Thursday evenings (after dinner) and on Sunday mornings, Bible Study offers spiritual growth, a deeper understanding of Christian teachings, moral guidance, and a sense of purpose. Bible Study also provides historical and literary insight into one of the most influential books in history, while building community, discipline, and opportunities for personal reflection. 

Our Chapel is open to all faiths and religions and can be used by our youth when able. 

In our Greenhouse club you’ll learn core horticulture and plant science principles including plant growth cycles, photosynthesis, soil and nutrition management, pest and disease identification, propagation techniques (seeds, cuttings, grafting), and greenhouse environmental control (temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting). You’ll get extensive hands-on experience by planting, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and harvesting a variety of plants such as vegetables, flowers, and herbs, while maintaining the greenhouse and learning sustainable growing practices.

Held weekly, in our Cooking Class you’ll learn essential kitchen safety and sanitation, knife skills, basic cooking techniques (sautéing, roasting, baking, steaming, etc.), recipe reading, ingredient identification, seasoning and flavor balancing, meal planning, and simple nutrition principles. You’ll prepare a variety of dishes through hands-on practice, often exploring different cuisines and food presentation. Benefits include gaining valuable life skills for independence, developing healthier eating habits, boosting creativity and confidence in the kitchen, improving math and reading through measurements and recipes, and fostering cultural appreciation and teamwork.

In Guitar Class you’ll learn basic open chords, scales, strumming and picking patterns, fingerstyle techniques, how to read chord charts and tablature, tuning and basic guitar maintenance, rhythm and timing, and simple music theory. You’ll practice playing popular songs, build repertoire, and often perform in front of the group. Benefits include improved hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, greater discipline and patience, stress relief, creative self-expression, boosted confidence through performing, and enhanced cognitive abilities such as memory and concentration.

Focused primarily on the competition aspects of Super Smash Bros Melee, in Game Club you’ll learn to improve hand-eye coordination, reaction time, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making while learning to read opponents and adapt strategies. Game Club helps builds social skills through friendly competition, sportsmanship, communication, and community — many members form strong friendships. It also teaches resilience, emotional control, and the ability to handle both wins and losses gracefully. Overall, it provides a fun, engaging way to develop focus, confidence, and competitive skills in a social setting.