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Dear Community,
It’s time to “spring into summer learning!” Sample our classes at Campus Day on May 8, 2026. Continue learning all summer with weekly College for Kids sessions, Life Enrichment classes, and professional training & certification programs.
This year is extra special as we celebrate Northwestern Michigan College’s 75th anniversary! Since first opening in 1951, NMC has grown alongside you — with continuing education classes part of the college from the very beginning. In 1970 the college named our department Public Service & Enrichment Program, and by 1976 the course catalog proclaimed,
“Education: Not a Task to Be Completed but a Process to Be Continued.”
In 1986, we were renamed Extended Educational Services. Today, Extended Education & Training reflects the addition of Work & Career certifications and customized training for area employers.
Our department serves over 3,000 learners annually. Last year alone, you and your neighbors filled over 5,000 class seats across 500 programs curated by our dedicated team and 400+ instructors. Whether you serve on an NMC advisory board, teach, or attend classes, we are grateful for your engagement with NMC.
New & Popular Classes:
• Mind-Body Connection: Diet, Lifestyle, & the Role of the Nervous System in Mental Health Pg. 21
• Date Night: Sip, Spritz, Repeat: The Ultimate Summer Refreshers Pg. 6
• Kayaking & Dune Adventures Pg. 17
College for Kids has expanded to include classes that run from 9 am - 12 pm and 1 - 4 pm Monday-Thursday. Bring lunch to enjoy with your child (grandchild, niece or nephew) from 12 - 1 pm each day, providing them a full day of summer learning. Work remotely? There are workstations available in most buildings, and many in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (including the library on the second floor). More details on Pg. 32.

New to NMC? Contact us today to join our community of lifelong learners!
Educationally,
Laura Stevens, Director NMC Extended Education & Training

Dr. Christa Abdul-Karim
Kristy Recommends: Sing for Fun, pg. 18
Program Manager, Life Enrichment
Christa Recommends: Date Night: Summer in Sicily, pg. 7


Elizabeth Sonnabend
Program Manager, Work & Career
Elizabeth Recommends: The
& Mental Health, pg. 21
Shannah Vergote Promotion & Marketing Coordinator
Shannah Recommends: Functional Fitness, pg. 9

Heather VanStratt

Jacqueline Olson Office Manager & Registration Specialist
Jacqueline Recommends: Campus Day: From Hershey to Here, pg. 24
NOMIAC Community Coordinator
Sixty x 30 Grant
Heather Recommends: Date Night: Amazing Asparagus, pg. 6

Amy Shamroe

Shirl Martin
Student Navigator, Sixty x 30 Grant
Shirl Recommends: Homeowners 101, pg. 16
Industry Navigator, Sixty x 30 Grant
Amy Recommends: Painting With Acrylics: Birch Trees, pg. 5


Krista McCarty
Marketing Coordinator, Sixty x 30 Grant
Krista Recommends: Taylor Swift VIP Party, pg. 41

Explore the fundamental principles of line, form, shading, and perspective. Through guided, hands-on practice, we will move steadily from sketching basic shapes to creating objects with realistic depth and dimension. You’ll leave with a solid understanding of drawing basics and the confidence to continue your creative journey at home.
Eleonora Hayes 1 session | $75
#6169 June 30 Fine Arts Building
Tu 5:30 – 7:30 pm F 120
Want to learn how to paint using watercolors? Or perhaps you have painted before and would like a refresher? If so, this course is for you! Artist Jan Oliver will share tips and techniques on using watercolor paints to create interesting and colorful art. She will cover supplies (paper, brushes, and more!), washes (wet-in-wet, wet-on-dry, etc.) and mixing paints. Then, apply these basic skills to create your own painting.
Jan Oliver 1 session | $75
#6076 June 3 Fine Arts Building W 6 – 8:30 pm F 120
Interested in adding more contrast and texture to watercolor paintings or creating illustrations using pen and ink with watercolor? If so, this class is for you! Join artist, Jan Oliver, to learn basic tips and techniques for using an ink pen to add interest and an illustrative flair to your artwork. Some photo references of objects that work well with pen and watercolor will be provided. However, you may bring in your own reference image if it is a colorful subject with texture or lines that can be enhanced with pen. Prerequisite: Previous watercolor experience or class.
Jan Oliver 1 session | $75
#6077 July 29 Fine Arts Building W 6 – 8:30 pm F 120

We have beautiful landscapes all around us! Have you wanted to try capturing them using watercolor paints? Learn how to create the 3D effect of landscapes in a 2D painting using perspective techniques, how to simplify the complex environment you see, and ways to paint skies, land, and water. Bring some reference photos of places you have been and would like to paint. Prerequisite: Previous watercolor experience or class.
Jan Oliver 2 sessions | $125
#6078 June 17 –18 Fine Arts Building W, Th 6 – 8:30 pm F 120
NEW!
Capture our feathered friends using watercolor paints under the guidance of instructor Jan Oliver. In this class you will learn how to create feathers, understand the basic bird structure, and more! Bring reference photo(s) of birds that you would like to paint. No previous experience is required, but it is desirable.
Jan Oliver 1 session | $75
#6079 July 15 Fine Arts Building W 6 – 8:30 pm F 120

Front Street Campus
1701 E. Front Street
Dennos Museum
Fine Arts Building
Health & Science Building
Timothy J. Nelson
Innovation Center
James Beckett Building
North Hall
Oleson Center
P. E. Building
Scholars Hall
Great Lakes Campus
715 E. Front Street
Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant
Aero Park Campus
2525-2600 Aero Park Drive
Aero Park Labs
Parsons-Stulen
With their distinctive papery white bark, birch trees stand as elegant, easily recognized tenants of Michigan’s woodlands. Capture the beauty of birch trees with acrylic paints on an 11 x 14 inch canvas. You will be introduced to the basics of using acrylic paints on canvas, essential color mixing, and how to use different brushes. Bring a photo of birch trees for reference. A supply list will be sent to students a week before class. New and beginning painters welcome.
Eleonora Hayes 1 session | $99
#6110 May 30 Fine Arts Building Sa 10 am – 2 pm F 120
Welcome spring with your paintbrush and take home your own masterpiece! Northern Michigan cherry blossoms are a lovely reminder that long, warm days are headed our way. You will spend the first part of this class learning about the essentials of mixing paint colors and using different brushes, and then work on your own 11 x 14 inch canvas. Bring a photo of cherry blossoms for reference.
Eleonora Hayes 1 session | $99
#6111 May 23 Fine Arts Building Sa 10 am – 2 pm F 120
When you close your eyes and picture your self on a quiet beach, where do you go?
Transport yourself to your favorite special spot and capture the beauty and serenity with acrylic paints on an 11 x 14 inch canvas. You will be introduced to the basics of using acrylic paints on canvas, essential color mixing, and how to use different brushes. A supply list will be sent to students a week before class. New and beginning painters welcome.
Eleonora Hayes 2 sessions | $99
#6112 July 21 –22 Fine Arts Building Tu, W 5:30 – 7:30 pm F 120
Got a sewing project you started but never finished? Whether it’s a UFO (Unfinished Object), a long-lost quilt top, or a beloved baby blanket you have been meaning to turn into a pillow, bring it to this class! We’ll provide the expert guidance and motivation you need to finally get it done. Learn to conquer that tricky pattern piece, master new features on your sewing machine, and get answers to all those questions that have been holding you back. You’ll leave with the confidence to finish your project or tackle your next creation. All skill levels are welcome!
Kellie Chase 1 session | $99
#5441 May 21 Aero Park Lab Th 10 am – 12 pm AL 102
Have you taken one of our How to Use A Sewing Machine classes and want to work on your skills? Create a project bag, perfect to organize the items you need for future pattens and plans. Basic sewing machine knowledge is a must for this class. You can bring your own machine or limited machines are available on a first-come, first-served basis if you’d like to borrow one. Email ees@ nmc.edu to reserve a machine. All materials will be supplied.
| $99
Have you always wanted to try a sewing machine, but don’t know where to start and what to purchase? Or, did you receive a sewing machine as a gift or hand-me-down and have no idea how to use it? This class will answer all of your questions. Learn how to thread the machine, sew basic stitches, and understand the machine’s features. Bring your own sewing machine to each class if you are able. Limited machines are available on a first-come, first-served basis if you’d like to borrow one. Email ees@nmc.edu to reserve a machine.
Kellie Chase 1 session | $99
#5345 May 12 Aero Park Lab Tu 10 am – 12 pm AL 101
#6084 July 1 Aero Park Lab W 10 am – 12 pm AL 101
Ready to level up your sewing skills? This class is perfect for graduates of our How to Use a Sewing Machine Part 1 class who crave more, or for anyone with basic sewing machine knowledge who wants to master the mysteries of sewing accessories. We’ll delve into the world of pressure feet, exploring their functions and applications. We’ll also examine the various stitches and their ideal uses. Please bring your sewing machine and all of its accessories.


Kellie Chase 1 session | $99
9
12


Date Night: Sauvignon’s
Sophisticated Successor —
Grüner Veltliner NEW!
Fans of Sauvignon Blanc meet your new favorite wine, Grüner Veltliner. Known for its signature white pepper snap and electrifying acidity, this versatile grape offers a crisp alternative to mainstream whites. Participants will dive into the nuances of various regions, comparing zesty, citrus-forward bottles with the rich, honeyed complexity of aged reserves. Discover how these wines effortlessly pair with difficult-to-match foods like asparagus and spicy greens. Elevate the palate and broaden your wine knowledge with this refreshing journey through Central Europe’s premier vineyard selections.
Brian Lillie
1 session | $149
#6125 May 5 Great Lakes Campus Tu 6 – 7:30 pm Lobdells
Date Night: Pop, Fizz, Coast — Exploring Beach Bubbles NEW!
Sip into summer with a curated exploration of effervescent wines perfect for seaside lounging. While Champagne often steals the spotlight, a world of approachable, crisp sparklers awaits discovery. This class highlights refreshing selections like Italian Prosecco, Spanish Cava, and coastal Pét-Nats that capture the essence of a salt-air breeze. Learn why these bubbles are the ultimate companions for sandy picnics and light seafood fare. Examine the diverse carbonation methods and flavor profiles that make these wines both celebratory and casual. Refresh the senses and find the ideal bottle to elevate any sun-drenched afternoon.
Brian Lillie 1 session | $149
#6126 May 12 Great Lakes Campus
Tu 6 – 7:30 pm Lobdells

Tired of the same dinnerand-a-movie date night?
Grab your parent, partner, or friend for a memorable night of learning.
Discover your new favorite wine and the perfect pairing, with a side of panoramic bay views.
Date Night: Sip, Spritz, Repeat — The Ultimate Summer Refreshers NEW!
Ditch the traditional pour for a vibrant journey through the world of wine-based refreshments. Transform your glass by exploring how various vintages interact with carbonation and botanicals to create the ultimate summer drink. Participants will navigate the ideal ratios of crisp whites, dry rosés, and bold reds paired with sparkling mixers that define this iconic European garden tradition. Discover how to build complex, crisp drinks that stay refreshing from the first sip to the last. These techniques ensure every pour remains bright, balanced, and sophisticated. Explore the garnishes and blends that turn a simple bottle of wine into a sparkling masterpiece.
Brian Lillie 1 session | $149 #6127 May 19 Great Lakes Campus Tu 6 – 7:30 pm Lobdells
Date Night:
Chef JK’s Polish Kitchen

Get ready to master the hearty, comforting flavors of classic Polish cuisine with Chef JK!
Unlock the secrets to creating three traditional favorites perfect for any family gathering. Learn how to make perfect, tender pierogi, from mixing the dough to crafting the fillings. Discover the technique for rolling savory golabki (cabbage rolls) simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Finish by baking delicate, fruit-filled Kolaczki cookies. Enjoy a flavorful dive into a rich culinary tradition, sending you home with recipes and skills to bring a taste of Poland to your kitchen.
Date Night classcost includestwo participants
John Korycki 1 session | $199 #6142 May 21 Oleson Center Th 6 – 9 pm OC 129
Date Night: Amazing Asparagus

Michigan reigns supreme as a top asparagus producer; let’s give these “mighty green giants” the spotlight they deserve! Ditch the boring steamed stalks and dive into a world of flavor. Whip up velvety dairy-free soup, crispy bacon twists, and succulent garlic shrimp drenched in roasted lemon butter. Whether folding spears into a tangy goat cheese tart or exploring zesty new pairings, turn every meal into a vibrant, locally-sourced celebration.
Maggi Steele 1 session | $199 #6200 May 28 Oleson Center Th 6 – 9 pm OC 129
Paella Passport NEW!

Escape to the bustling markets of Madrid without leaving the zip code. Come celebrate the vibrant soul of Spanish cooking, where the humble grain of rice is transformed into a majestic centerpiece. Explore the alchemy of building deep flavors, utilizing smoky pimentón and golden saffron to create a sensory masterpiece. The focus remains on the technique of the open flame, ensuring the elusive, crunchy socarrat crust is achieved every single time. This is an invitation to embrace the festive, communal atmosphere of an Iberian plaza while gaining the skills to produce a world-class feast.
John Korycki 1 session | $199 #6143 June 18 Oleson Center Th 6 – 9 pm OC 129


Trade the daily grind for the rolling hills of Central Italy in this flavorful celebration of rustic tradition. Explore the heart of cucina povera, where high-quality, simple ingredients are transformed into sophisticated feasts. The focus emphasizes the local philosophy of seasonality and sourcing, teaching how to coax maximum flavor from earthy herbs and sun-ripened produce. This is an invitation to slow down, embrace local customs, and capture the soul-warming magic of the Italian countryside.

John Korycki 1 session | $199
#6144 July 9 Oleson Center Th 6 – 9 pm OC 129

Master the art of the perfect risotto. Learn the essential techniques to achieve that signature creamy texture — from choosing the right rice to the importance of a slow pour. We’ll elevate the dish by preparing a perfectly seared seasonal seafood pairing to serve on top. Perfect for date night or impressing dinner guests, this class turns a gourmet staple into an approachable, highend culinary experience.
Ralph Kridner 1 session | $199 #6107 June 9 Oleson Center Tu 6 – 9 pm OC 129

Treat yourself to a night of flavor and fun! Dive into the joy of cooking by preparing a Full Plate: a vibrant appetizer, a savory entrée, and a luscious dessert. Explore new ingredients, sharpen your kitchen skills, and enjoy the reward of eating every course you create. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, discover how simple and rewarding crafting a gourmet meal from scratch can be.
Ralph Kridner 1 session | $199 #6108 Aug. 4 Oleson Center Tu 6 – 9 pm OC 129


NEW!
Escape to the heart of the Mediterranean this summer with a journey into the legendary culinary heritage of Italy’s largest island. Known as a historic crossroads of civilizations, Sicily offers a flavor profile unlike any other region, blending ancient traditions with vibrant, sun-soaked ingredients. Explore the art of balancing the agrodolce notes that define the local palate while celebrating the island’s unique agricultural bounty. Discover how volcanic soil and coastal breezes influence regional staples, transforming simple harvests into festive coastal feasts.
John Korycki 1 session | $199 #6145 Aug. 13 Oleson Center Th 6 – 9 pm OC 129
It’s a pizza party and you’re all invited! Get ready to mix and knead your own dough from scratch, and learn how to stretch and gently toss it like real pizzeria chefs. Create individual personal pan pizzas too and load them all up at a colorful toppings bar filled with ingredients you know and love; plus discover new and super tasty fresh fruits and veggies to try. Take home lots of pizza to share and recipes galore for pizza nights the whole family will love!
Susan Summers 1 session | $149
#6096 June 27 Oleson Center
Sa 1 – 3 pm OC 129
Flour will fly and the fun will begin as you dive into the art of making pasta completely from scratch! You will mix, knead, roll and shape your dough using simple ingredients and only your two hands-just like Italian chefs have done for generations. You’ll transform your dough into noodles and playful shapes, cook it fresh and enjoy it in creamy mac and cheese and classic spaghetti and meatballs. Leave class inspired and eager to share your new skill and take-home recipes with your family and friends.
Susan Summers 1 session | $149
#6097 July 11 Oleson Center
Sa 1 – 3 pm OC 129

Mix, mash, and mold your way to sweet success! Transform the kitchen into a colorful candy laboratory to craft wholesome versions of chewy gummy bears, creamy peanut butter cups, and crunchy chocolate bars. Unleash the natural magic of fruit, honey, and dates to create sticky, sweet masterpieces that pack a serious punch of flavor. These vibrant, homemade treats are guaranteed to be the star of any snack time. Amaze friends with delicious sweets that truly beat anything from a store!
Susan Summers 1 session | $149
#6098 July 25 Oleson Center
Sa 1 – 3 pm OC 129
Join us for a super fun hands-on cooking adventure inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexico! This class is all about creating a colorful fiesta of fresh, whole food ingredients; perfect for families who want to eat healthily without sacrificing taste. You’ll mash avocados into chunky guacamole, prepare Mexican street corn, build your own tacos with wholesome fillings and toppings… and bake cinnamon Churro bites for dessert. Leave class happy with a full belly and a handful of recipes to recreate lots more taco nights at home.
Susan Summers 1 session | $149 #6099 Aug. 8 Oleson Center
Sa 1 – 3 pm OC 129

MEET SARAH & WEEZY

“We signed up for [an adult & child cooking class] with another mom & daugher duo and we loved it!
It was so fun to get the opportunity to try something new in a comfortable environment. We look forward to trying another class soon!”
Browse all Adult & Child culinary classes here:

Cost includes one adult & one child.

“Absolutely the best experience with exercise for a senior citizen beginner. Maggie goes above and beyond to help her students, especially if there are physical challenges. I would most assuredly recommend.”
- Barbara M.
“Maggie is absolutely wonderful! She makes sure we are challenging ourselves while also listening to our bodies. This course is good for brand-new and seasoned Pilates students.”
- Jennifer K.
Have you always wanted to dance, already love to dance, or have a wedding or event coming up where dancing is expected? Perhaps you’re looking for a new date night activity? Here’s a fun Thursday night answer. Learn to connect with a partner and be able to dance to any kind of music — to listen, co-create, trust, and become a better dancer. Explore specific dance styles including slow, swing, salsa, tango, and blues, which can be used anywhere from ballrooms to weddings to nightclubs to a romantic evening at home. Perfect for beginners and those wanting to develop the next stage of their dancing style. Class is taught using legendary dance instructor Mykl Werth’s method of Co-creative Partner Dance. Wear slippery-soled shoes.
Joshua Kiel 4 sessions | $199
#6192 June 3 –24
PE Building
W 7 – 8:30 pm P 120
#6193 July 1 –22
PE Building
W 7 – 8:30 pm P 120

Restore the natural curves of your spine and balance the muscles around your joints with an emphasis on pelvic and scapular stabilization. Results include improved flexibility, mobility, core strength, and overall well-being. All levels are welcome.
Maggie Quinn 20 sessions | $299
#6160 June 1 –Aug. 5 PE Building M, W 8 – 9 am P 120
Aerobic exercise is not enough to keep the body well-conditioned; research shows the need for the addition of weekly weight strengthening. We will focus on all major muscle groups resulting in increased strength, better posture, greater mobility, improved metabolism, and a slowing of the development of osteoporosis. All levels welcome.
Maggie Quinn 14 sessions | $249
#6161 June 23 –Aug. 6 North Hall Tu, Th 7 – 8 am NH 109
This high-energy barre class focuses on strength, flexibility, stamina, and dynamic stability. The combined elements from Pilates, dance, cardio, and strength training all choreographed to music, make this a fun and energizing class. Class meets twice per week, and all levels are welcome.
Maggie Quinn 20 sessions | $299
#6162 June 2 –Aug. 7 PE Building Tu, F 8:15 – 9:15 am P 120
This functional fitness class will blend flexibility, strength training, aerobics, posture improvement, and breathing techniques to increase overall fitness and enhance recovery. Participation in this class will be alongside others with individualized goals, abilities, and limitations — a personalized experience unique to each participant. Utilize a mix of boxing, kettlebells, and bodyweight exercises, ending with a total body stretch.
Kyle Morrison 14 sessions | $199
#6146 May 5 –June 18 PE Building Tu, Th 4 – 4:45 pm P 100
Front Street Campus
1701 E. Front Street
Dennos Museum
Fine Arts Building
Health & Science Building
Timothy J. Nelson
Innovation Center
James Beckett Building
North Hall
Oleson Center
P. E. Building
Scholars Hall
Great Lakes Campus
715 E. Front Street
Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant
Aero Park Campus
2525-2600 Aero Park Drive
Aero Park Labs
Parsons-Stulen
This fun and lively class is designed to empower you from the inside out, as it encompasses everything from asana (postures), vinyasa (transition flows), and pranayama (breath work), coupled with additional elements of functional strength and mobility, concluding with stretching. Come share your practice during this playfully powerful class that will invigorate and build resilience, grace, and grit, enhancing your ability to improve overall strength, flexibility, and balance. Each class will feature surprise props and varying focus areas of concentration, concluding with stretching under beautiful candlelight. All levels are welcome.
Crystal Woodward-Turner 7 sessions | $115
#6129 June 23 –Aug. 4 PE Building Tu 5:30 – 6:30 pm P 120
A nourishing practice designed to restore the mind, body, and spirit, generating self-love and inner-peace. This gentle class incorporates nurturing movements cultivating flexibility, strength, and balance. Class concludes with an emphasis on mindfulness through relaxation, meditation, and introspection under beautiful candlelight. All levels are welcome.
Crystal Woodward-Turner 7 sessions | $115
#6130 June 23 –Aug. 4 PE Building Tu 6 – 7 pm P 120
A nurturing and nourishing practice designed to restore the mind, body, and spirit, generating self-love and inner-peace. This vinyasa and yin style class incorporates gentle to intermediate flowing movements with an intentional core sequence. Cultivate subtle strength, flexibility, and balance. Class concludes with an emphasis on mindfulness through stretching, relaxation, meditation, and introspection under beautiful candlelight. All levels are welcome.
Crystal Woodward-Turner 7 sessions | $115
#6132 June 25 –Aug. 6 PE Building Th 5:45 – 6:45 pm P 120
Enjoy tranquility, gentleness, and ease while seated or using a chair for support, making yoga accessible to individuals with limited mobility or those seeking a low-impact exercise option enhanced with mindfulness. We’ll focus on cultivating flexibility, strength and balance through movement, meditation, tranquil music, and sacred sound. Work toward releasing stress and anxiety to create a sustainable sense of inner peace and calm. Incorporating the fundamental elements of yoga, you’ll practice breathwork, physical postures, and mindfulness, while eliminating the need to continuously get up and down from the floor. All ages and levels are welcome as this is a great class to practice mindfulness and movement inspired by yoga from beginning and beyond. Individualized modifications will meet you exactly where you are, inspiring a practice of growth and resilience from the inside out.
Crystal Woodward-Turner 7 sessions | $115
#6131 June 24 –Aug. 5 PE Building W 4:15 – 5:15 pm P 120
Even brief periods of meditation practice can reduce and help heal the effects of stress, balance emotions, boost immune function, and improve overall physical and spiritual well-being. For this livestream class, seated in a chair at home, you will learn meditation techniques and breath exercises. Includes discussion around the meditation experience of the gradual maturing and awakening of the mind.
Margaret Bennett 5 sessions | $75
#6101 July 15 –Aug. 12 Livestream W 12 – 1 pm
Are you seeking ways to tune into yourself and the world in which we live, without feeling overwhelmed? Join now to learn this life changing practice. With a busy and thoughtful mind that does not like sitting still and quiet, this class will gently bring you into the space with guided meditation and other strategies that make it easier. Find clarity and calm the effects of stress on the body.
Margaret Bennett 5 sessions | $55
#6102 July 17 –Aug. 14 Livestream F 12:15 – 12:45 pm
This yoga class is designed for anybody who has felt excluded because of their body or their ability. We have a safe space for you! We use chairs, acceptance, patience, and the joy of gentle movement, to create an accessible and inclusive practice for everybody to explore the practice of yoga and their own unique gifts and potential. Regardless of your size or shape, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can experience the benefits of this age-old practice.
Margaret Bennett 5 sessions | $65
#6105 July 14 –Aug. 11 Livestream Tu 12 – 12:45 pm
Find out why so many have found that yoga improves flexibility, strength, posture, and balance, as well as physical and spiritual wellness. Gentle yoga is designed for people of any level of physical ability who prefer a more mindful, gentle practice.
Margaret Bennett 5 sessions | $75 #6104 July 14 –Aug. 11 Livestream Tu 10:30 – 11:30 am

This gentle practice of yoga cultivates mindfulness with physical and spiritual well-being. The instructor weaves ancient wisdom teachings and philosophy into this class that is designed to comfort, inspire, and provide insight to help us grow during difficult days and celebrate life in any circumstance.
Margaret Bennett 5 sessions | $75
#6106 July 15 –Aug. 12 Livestream W 10:30 – 11:30 am

Be the best version of yourself — explore your potential with yoga! Enjoy the benefits of the essential elements of yoga in a seated position at home. Yoga improves flexibility, posture, balance, and spiritual and mental wellness. Practice a variety of yoga poses and discover the rewards of seated stretches, postures, and relaxation through breathing and meditation. All levels and abilities are welcome.
Margaret Bennett 5 sessions | $65
#6103 July 17 –Aug. 14 Livestream F 1 – 1:45 pm
Yoga works through awareness of the body, teaching balance and integration. Discover tools for greater physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through principles of breath awareness and deep muscle stretching, strengthening, and relaxation. Beginning Yoga, or some previous basic understanding of the practice is required.
Yoga for Health Ed. Staff 8 sessions | $125
#6124 June 27 –Aug. 22 Yoga for Health
Sa 9 – 10:15 am
*No class Jul. 4
Libby Robold 9 sessions | $170
#6119 June 26 –Aug. 21 Yoga for Health F 5:15 – 6:45 pm
This class, the next level after Yoga: Beginning and Beyond, builds strength and provides motivation for your own personal practice. Be guided in ways that break the cycle of stress, balancing the body’s energy flow with holding poses and vinyasa. This is a rigorous practice, building inner fire while developing flexibility and endurance, including sun and moon salutations, inversions, and advanced asana. Pranayama, meditation, and deeper studies are a part of all intermediate classes. Teaching is progressive. All students enrolling in this class should have a strong foundation of yoga fundamentals and be physically fit.
Libby Robold 9 sessions | $170
#6116 June 25 –Aug. 20 Yoga for Health Th 5 – 6:30 pm
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT MARGARET BENNETT
“Margaret is excellent. She carefully observes each student. She is encouraging [and] knowledgeable. Chair Yoga is perfect for us older students who have minor health issues. I appreciate very much being able to stay at home using Zoom.”
- Gary D.
Come experience yoga — a holistic practice benefiting the body, mind, and spirit. Learn basic concepts and techniques that you can incorporate to bring balance into your life. Yoga reminds us that life is a stretch on all levels, and regular practice builds both inner and outer strength.
Michael Robold 9 sessions | $140
#6122 June 22 –Aug. 17 Yoga for Health
M 5:30 – 6:45 pm
#6123 June 24 –Aug. 19 Yoga for Health W 10 – 11:15 am

An energetic ‘wake me, shake me’ flow of yoga postures arranged in an intelligent sequence, transitioning from one to the next, and steadily building in intensity. This practice will create strength and flexibility while quieting the mind. Learn to use the breath to maximize your potential on all levels. This class is for continuing yoga students and well-conditioned, athletic individuals.
Libby Robold 9 sessions | $115
#6114 June 23 –Aug. 18 Yoga for Health Tu 7:30 – 8:30 am
Regardless of age, activity level, and current back condition, this therapeutic, educational class can bring relief to your current back situation. Most importantly, you’ll learn basic yoga movements that you can practice at home in an effort to ease, and possibly remedy, your back issue.
Libby Robold 9 sessions | $195
#6115 June 23 –Aug. 18 Yoga for Health Tu 5 – 6:15 pm
Through a series of dynamic movements, you will gradually raise your kundalini energy and internal heat to release body tension, clear your mind, and provide an overall feeling of strength, flexibility, and resiliency. The series is powerful but not extreme and can be performed by anyone in good physical condition.
Libby Robold 9 sessions | $170 #6117 June 25 –Aug. 20 Yoga for Health Th 6:45 – 8:15 pm
Come learn easy, helpful techniques of yoga for arthritis and general stiffness. Aside from those suffering with arthritis, people who are very stiff from athletics, constant travel, repetitive motion on the job, prolonged sitting, and high stress can also benefit from this special therapeutic class. Appropriate for beginning students and those who have taken yoga before.
Libby Robold 9 sessions | $215 #6118 June 26 –Aug. 21 Yoga for Health F 1 – 2:30 pm

Winter 2027 India Tour
Information Session NEW!
Join a free informational session to discover the vibrant colors and timeless spirit of India on this exclusive cultural excursion in January 2027. Led by anthropologist and travel specialist Dr. Christa Abdul-Karim, this exceptional journey explores the heart of this captivating South Asian nation. From the majestic forts of Rajasthan to the sacred banks of the Ganges, India offers an incredible blend of history and tradition. Explore stunning ancient temples, indulge in the region’s diverse and aromatic cuisine, and savor world-class local hospitality. This is a chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture and unforgettable wonders of India.
Christa Abdul-Karim 1 session | FREE #6075 June 8 Innovation Center
M 5:30 – 6:30 pm IC 106/107
The history of our region gets its roots from the Anishinabek who settled here many thousands of years before Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Northport, or other towns were established. But what do we know of these people and their influences on the region?
Join JoAnne Cook, Tribal Court Judge and former Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Tribal Council member, as she shares the history of the Anishinabek people from the Grand Traverse Region. The Odawa is one of the 3 Fires Confederacy (Odawa, Ojibwe, and Bodawatomi) in Michigan. JoAnne believes tradition and culture are vital to the Anishinabek way of life and highlights her learning of the Odawa people. Learn about the native culture with teaching, philosophy and stories, and discover cultural changes that have evolved over time.
JoAnne Cook 2 sessions | $75 #6128 July 13 –20 Innovation Center M 9 am – 12 pm IC 104/105
“[Food & Wine Tour of Greece] was truly an unforgettable experience. We got to do things we never would have imagined. The attention to detail was phenomenal. It was a pleasure to experience this journey with such a wonderful group of fellow travelers.”
- Cindy S.
Beneath Michigan’s forests, farms, and shorelines lies a story written in ice. This class explores how geologists learned to interpret this hidden record over three transformative generations. Participants will follow the evolution of discovery: from the rugged, horseback expeditions of Frank Leverett and Frank B. Taylor in the early 1900s, to Helen M. Martin’s influential mid-century mapping, and finally to William Farrand’s modern integration of Michigan’s glacial past. Along the way, we track the shift from hand-drawn sketches to the sophisticated digital tools used by environmental scientists today.
Steven Veatch 1 session | $49 #6120 July 23 Innovation Center Th 6 – 9 pm IC 104/105

Public trust and confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court and its “legitimacy” has been seriously eroded in the last ten to twenty years. Is there any basis for that loss of confidence? This Court has been accused of everything from “weaponizing the First Amendment to achieve a particular political agenda” to being “bought” by wealthy “donors” who want to see more politically conservative decisions from the Court on cultural issues, federal regulatory issues, corporate and business interests of various types, etc. Is that a fair and objective criticism or simply “sour grapes” by those who disagree with the Court’s decisions of late? What is the difference between “political conservatism” and “judicial conservatism” and what might be fair and objective criteria for deciding whether a court is judicially conservative or a more “activist” court. What is the “shadow docket” and what role, if any, does it play in the overall decisions of the Court? How does the Court decide which cases it will hear out of the thousands of requests it receives every year? How do some of these decisions affect us? These questions and issues, as well as key cases demonstrating some of these principles (such as Citizens United, Dobbs, and others), will be covered in this class on this timely and very important topic that should lead to interesting class discussions and a better understanding of the Court.
Eleanor Lynn 3 sessions | $75 #6100 May 19 –June 2 Innovation Center Tu 2 – 4 pm IC 104/105
SATURDAY
April 25 | Student & Community Block party, 3-7 p.m. Front Street
July 25 | History Walk, Front St. campus
September 19 | Celebration, Hagerty Center
This immersive Japanese language course is designed to equip teens through adults with essential communication skills to fully appreciate Japanese culture. You’ll embark on a journey through the fundamentals of Hiragana (the Japanese writing system), basic grammar, and conversational techniques. By honing your listening skills, you’ll gain the confidence to engage in meaningful interactions with native speakers. Beyond language learning, we’ll delve into the rich tapestry of Japanese culture, exploring its diverse culinary traditions, captivating anime, and much more. By the course’s conclusion, you’ll be well prepared to connect with Japan on a deeper level.
Misaeng Suh 8 sessions | $199
#6113 June 4 –July 23 Livestream Th 6 – 8 pm
Join us for an engaging class designed to unlock the fundamentals of great writing! Through a combination of creative prompts, collaborative story workshops, and expert instruction, you’ll enhance your writing skills and discover your unique voice. Each session will focus on essential elements such as character development, plot structure, and vivid imagery, providing you with practical tools to elevate your craft. You’ll have the opportunity to share your work in a supportive environment, receive constructive feedback, and refine your storytelling techniques. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore your creativity or an experienced writer seeking fresh inspiration, this class will empower you to express your ideas with confidence and clarity. Dive in and let your imagination flourish!
Molly Moynahan 5 sessions | $149
#6138 May 6 –June 3 Innovation Center W 10:30 am – 12:30 pm IC 104/105




AUBREY & ANGEL

“Angel
(right) and I completed Homeowners 101 and it was so valuable!
We learned the basics including how to install GFCI outlets, lighting fixtures, shiplap, and how to swap out an old faucet for a new one. The best value was learning that these small tasks are DOABLE and they don’t scare me to get started anymore. The second best was getting to use the tools!! I now understand Tim the Tool man Taylor (insert grunt).
This is an amazing course if you’re a homeowner and these things are not in your wheelhouse.
As for myself, I’m putting this newfound knowledge to work in my newly purchased 1963 house and have already started updating outlets, lighting fixtures and faucets!”

Tired of waiting for repairs and frustrated by high contractor costs? Empower yourself! Master essential DIY skills to tackle everyday home improvement projects that you absolutely can do yourself. Learn how to take on basic electrical projects like installing light fixtures, replacing switches and outlets, and navigating your electrical panel safely. For plumbing needs, gain the knowledge to locate and manage the water shutoff valve, and prevent potential disasters. In carpentry, discover how to use basic power tools to create stunning shiplap accent walls, install baseboards, and more. Plus, learn essential maintenance tasks like changing furnace filters and the basics of PPE to safely handle everyday repairs. Yes, you can do this without ANY prior experience or knowledge!
Carolyn Andrews 4 sessions | $249
#6109 June 5 –26 Aero Park Lab F 9 am – 12 pm AL K
Ready to master the oars or shake off the rust? This 4-day intensive at historic Fountain Point Resort is the ultimate kick-start for beginners and returning rowers alike. Train on some of Michigan’s most pristine, protected water with Lake Leelanau Rowing Club. Gain expert coaching in scull, sweep, and Olympicstyle coastal rowing. Build your conditioning, refine your technique, and get ready for a summer on the water.
Caroline Schaefer-Hills 4 sessions | $199
#6092 May 18 –21 Fountain Point Resort M – Th 9:30 am – 12 pm
Want to learn the sport of rowing or improve your rowing development? Row on beautiful Lake Leelanau from historic Fountain Point Resort on the northern end of South Lake Leelanau. Waters are protected from the wind for 170+ miles of ideal open water unlike any other rowing space in the state of Michigan. Row in scull and sweep, as well as coastal boat rowing, which will be in the 2028 Olympics! Offered in partnership with Lake Leelanau Rowing Club.
Caroline Schaefer-Hills 6 sessions | $199
#6093 May 25 –June 10 Fountain Point M, W 5 – 7 pm
Learn how to rig your boat for big lake fishing success. If you are new to downrigger fishing, or simply want to learn more about trolling equipment, system designs, rig set ups and latest techniques, this is for you. Get essential information about mounting and mounting devices, divers, planers, line release, common set up mistakes, comfort and safety, and how to find fish. It is useful to bring a photo of your boat’s layout with you.
Capt. Scott Anderson 1 session | $99
#6085 May 31 Elmwood Twp. Marina Su 8 am – 12 pm
Lakes Fishing Charter: Catch & Cook
Head to the Elmwood Marina and meet up with Captain Scott Anderson of Far-Fetched Fishing Charters for a morning of Lake Michigan fishing fun. Ply the West Bay waters as you work to land a mighty king salmon or the powerful lake trout. Cap off the day as you enjoy a meal served with a Lake Michigan flair and prepared by Harrington’s on M22. It is cool on the open water, so dress warmly. Limited to six participants. Please register at least one week ahead. Cost includes lunch.
Capt. Scott Anderson 1 session | $199
#6086 June 7 Elmwood Twp. Marina Su 8 am – 2 pm

Kayak Adventure With Paddle Antrim (Ages 14+) NEW!
This half-day course meets paddlers where they are and helps them build confidence on the water. You’ll learn essential skills every paddler should know — all taught in a fun, supportive, and safety-focused environment. Perfect for recreational paddlers and anyone who’s never taken a formal paddling class. Equipment is included.
Ellie Kirkpatrick & Paddle Antrim Staff 1 session | $99
#6170 June 25 Milton Twp. Waterfront Park Th 12:30 – 4:30 pm
Spend a day on calm waters with expert ACA Level 2 instructor/trainer John Chase and master the skills needed to feel confident on the water and paddle with power. Topics covered include equipment, safety and etiquette, launching and landing, efficiently maneuvering your boat, avoiding capsize, and safely re-entering after capsize. This isn’t a tour; it’s an investment in a lifetime of safe, powerful paddling. Limited to a small number of participants to ensure personal attention from John. All paddlers will be wearing a properly fitted life jacket (PFD) at all times. Class will break for lunch.
John Chase 1 session | $299 #6171 Aug. 1 Arbutus Lakes #5 Park Sa 9 am – 5 pm
NEW!
If you’ve ever been on the Sleeping Bear Dunes overlook watching kayakers in the water below and wondering what that was like, here’s your chance to find out. The program starts with a safety discussion and paddling skills review. Leaving from Empire, we will follow the shoreline with views of the dunes and the Manitou Islands in the distance. Bring your kayak (must have two sealed bulkheads), paddle, and life jacket, or rent from our quality fleet.
John Chase 1 session | $299
#6172 Aug. 15 Empire Beach Park Sa 9 am – 1 pm


l FAA Remote Pilot Certification
l Flight Skill Building
l Agricultural Operations
l Land Survey and Mapping
l Pix4D Mapping Software
l First Responder and other trainings
In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give you years of musical enjoyment. Learn to play piano the way professionals do — using chords. The chord method is LOTS of fun and dramatically easier to learn than reading notes. Fee includes the online book, online follow-up lessons, a recording of the class, and also an optional, periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using Zoom and is partly hands-on instruction and partly lecture demonstration. For ages 13+.
Craig Coffman 1 session | $89
#6088 June 15
M 6:30 – 9:30 pm
#6089 June 22
M 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Livestream
Livestream
In just a few hours, you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment, and you won’t have to take private lessons to do it. This crash course will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your favorite songs right away. Fee includes the online book, online follow-up lessons, a recording of the class, and also an optional, periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using Zoom and is partly hands-on instruction and partly lecture and demonstration. For ages 13+.
Open to community members and college students, the NMC Jazz Band is a course for the performer with a focus on big band jazz ensemble techniques and styles. A wide range of jazz styles are covered including swing, be-bop, ballads, rock, fusion, and Latin. Some improvisation is explored, and always encouraged, though it is not the main focus. A minimum of one concert will be performed each semester and all members are required to attend and participate in all scheduled performances. Details for rehearsals and performances announced in class. New students should arrange an audition; email jwagner@ nmc.edu for information.
Josh Wagner 4 sessions | $50 #6173 June 29 –July 20 Dennos Museum M 6:30 – 8:30 pm Milliken Auditorium
You can be part of NMC’s Summer Concert Band! Made up of community members, college students, and some high school students, who play traditional concert band instruments, the summer program is a fun way to stay engaged with the music community. There will be four rehearsals and three to four concerts spread over the early summer in mostly outdoor venues. Concert dates will be announced at the first rehearsal. Required experience level is at least upper high school. An interview with the director is a prerequisite to registering. Please email Pat at: brumbaughpat@gmail.com to schedule your interview and for more information.
Patricia Brumbaugh 4 sessions | $50 #6147 May 26 –June 16 Dennos Museum Tu 7 – 9 pm Milliken Auditorium

Craig Coffman 1 session | $89
#6090 June 16
Tu 6:30 – 9 pm
#6091 June 23
Livestream
Livestream Tu 6:30 – 9 pm
No singing experience necessary! Beginners and all levels are welcome to join. This is a confidence-building class designed to help people reconnect with their voice and experience the wellbeing benefits of singing in a relaxed, supportive setting. This isn’t about perfection or performance — it’s about expression, connection, and the sheer joy of making music together. Aideen has hosted this course in Ireland many times and sees how singing can lift energy, ease stress, and bring people together. Bring your voice, an open mind, and your favorite song!
Aideen Ni Riada 8 sessions | $299
#6094 May 4 –June 29 Fine Arts Building
M 7 – 8:30 pm F 115
*No class May 25
Sedges are wonderful plants that are often overlooked because they can be difficult to identify. But in some wetland environments they are often one of the most numerous and common plants! When you take the time to slow down and look at them closely, you find they are quite attractive and simple to identify. This field class will walk you through a variety of wetland communities as we learn some of the most common sedges you are likely to encounter in northern Michigan. By the end of the class you will walk away with an identification guide and a new-found appreciation for these unique plants.
James Dake 1 session | $59
#6186 June 16 Grass River Natural Area
Tu 1 – 3 pm
Did you know that Michigan has over 70 distinct natural communities? Many of these are wetland communities. Our natural communities are classified by the plants, animals, other organisms, and environmental conditions that make a landscape look the way they do. Have you ever wondered what makes a fen different from a bog, or a swamp different than a thicket? We’ll help you understand the big picture of natural communities and give you a deeper understanding of the northern Michigan landscape.
James Dake 1 session | $59
#6187 July 15 Grass River Natural Area W 10 am – 12 pm
There is no better way to experience a northern Michigan river than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On this guided tour, students will explore Grass River by kayak and find out about Grass River Natural Area’s conservation efforts, wetland ecology, and Michigan wildlife.
James Dake 1 session | $89
#6188 July 29 Grass River Natural Area
W 9:30 am – 12 pm
#6189 Aug. 12 Grass River Natural Area
W 9:30 am – 12 pm

The wildflowers of Michigan’s wetlands are unique and striking. Take a walk through Grass River’s boardwalk trails that give you access to some of the most exquisite wetlands in northern Michigan as we learn the natural history and conservation of these gorgeous flowering plants.
James Dake 1 session | $59
#6190 July 31 Grass River Natural Area F 10 am – 12 pm
Orchids are fascinating, beautiful, and rare plants – and northern Michigan has some of the best. Join James Dake of Grass River Natural Area as we learn about these important environmental indicators in an exclusive off-trail expedition. See rare orchids and other amazing plants that grow with them, like carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, in some of the lesser known areas of Grass River. Must be able to walk on some uneven and very wet terrain for the hike. Wearing muck boots is recommended.
James Dake 1 session | $59
#6191 Aug. 13 Grass River Natural Area Th 1 – 3 pm
Do you wish your trash bins weren’t so full of wet, stinky stuff? Learn about the processes and the magnificent organisms that turn your trash into valuable soil amendments! We’ll cover the basics about what materials can go into different composting systems, how to launch a small system in your own backyard, and the benefits that come from compost. This class is offered through a partnership with SEEDS.
Jo Jaczkowzski 1 session | $75
#6203 July 21 Historic Barnes Park Tu 3 – 5 pm
Confidently start your journey to outdoor navigation by learning to use essential tools. Receive a compass and a variety of maps and use them to practice fundamental navigation techniques. Unlock the basics of map reading, including interpreting topographic features, and understanding scale. Learn the essential principles of compass use and effective route planning while in the classroom. Gain hands-on experience outside for some practical lessons as you interpret maps, identify landmarks, and practice navigation to travel safely and efficiently in any environment. Held rain or shine!
Kris Walters 1 session | $99
#6204 Aug. 11 Historic Barnes Park Tu 9 – 11 am

Love to hike, and planning to hit the trails this summer for outdoor work or travel? Learn how to balance pack weight against distance and workload, plan water and food needs, and pack intentionally to improve safety, comfort, and efficiency for outdoor sporting, camping, or recreating. Master practical principles for dressing and packing for outdoor work and travel in variable conditions. Learn to pack like a pro, so you can stop wrestling with your gear and start enjoying the view!
Kris Walters 1 session | $75
#6205 July 9 Historic Barnes Park Th 9 – 11 am

Learn how to create clear, concise, and effective SOPs that can be easily understood and executed by anyone, including novices. This course covers a hands-on activity demonstrating the importance of well-written instructions, classroom instruction on SOP development stages, writing standards and best practices, and a group evaluation of real-world SOPs. Participants will gain practical skills for involving end-users, selecting appropriate delivery methods, incorporating visual aids, and establishing continuous improvement processes.
Kris Walters 1 session | $99
#5871 May 15 Innovation Center
F 1 – 3 pm IC 104/105
Discover to the fundamental tools and methods used in modern machine shops for accurate dimensional inspection. Designed for entry-level students aiming for careers as machinists or quality inspectors, this hands-on course covers micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, height gages, plug and ring gages, gage blocks, and optical comparators. Students learn measurement theory, proper gaging procedures, tolerance interpretation, calibration basics, and basic print reading. Emphasis is placed on developing repeatable techniques, interpreting engineering drawings, using inspection equipment safely, and documenting results to industry standards. Lab exercises simulate real world inspection scenarios with common ferrous and non-ferrous parts. No prior experience is required - just a willingness to learn precision mindset and attention to detail. Successful completion prepares students for entry-level machining and inspection roles and provides practical skills employers seek in machinists and quality personnel.
Melody Everett-Neddo 2 sessions | $699
#6148 May 12
Tu 8 am – 430 pm


Parsons Stulen
PS 155 May 13
W 8 am – 4:30 pm
Parsons Stulen
PS 155
UNDERSTANDING
Move beyond surface-level diagnoses and unlock a deeper understanding of your well-being. From sleep hygiene and hydration to finding meaning and purpose, you will leave with a practical toolkit for implementing sustainable lifestyle changes. Explore the mind-body connection through a biological and lifestyle lens; examine the physiological roots of mental health, distinguish between normal emotional shifts and chronic conditions like depression or anxiety; learn how cortisol, inflammation, and chronic stress reshape your brain and body, and more. This class is an invitation to transition from merely getting by to cultivating a truly balanced, vibrant life.
Stephany Peffers 1 session | $129 #6140 May 13
Scholars Hall W 1 – 5 pm SH 101
Join us to bridge the gap between biological function and emotional well-being. It’s time to explore the why behind your symptoms. Examine how cortisol, inflammation, and chronic stress physically reshape the brain and cognition. Learn about the Polyvagal Theory and the autonomic nervous system. Discover how to identify an “amygdala hijack,” improve your “vagal tone,” and understand the role of neuroception in trauma and attachment. From somatic experiencing and daily calming practices to the influence of the gut-brain axis and neurotransmitters, you’ll leave with a holistic toolkit for energy management. Whether you are looking to build frustration tolerance or establish new autonomic rhythms, you’ll develop a personalized roadmap for self-care rooted in consistency, kindness, and purpose.
Stephany Peffers 1 session | $129 #6141 May 20
Scholars Hall W 1 – 5 pm SH 101


A Signature Event of NMC’s 75th Anniversary

LEARN ABOUT LOCAL & GLOBAL TOPICS
“Thrilled to have Campus Day back. A great mixture of contemporary subjects, classics, health, arts; practical and esoteric.”
- Sandra Carden
“In addition to learning from the excellent presenters, I met many of the attendees, and enjoyed the opportunity for connection”
- Karen F.



NMC FRONT STREET CAMPUS 1720 COLLEGE DRIVE


8:30 - 9:30a Check-in TJNIC Coffee & Connection
9:30 - 10:45a Session 1 All Classrooms
11:15a - 12:30p Session 2 All Classrooms
12:30 - 1:30p Lunch TJNIC / SH
1:30 - 2:45p Session 3 All Classrooms
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center
Health & Science Building
Scholars Hall
Dennos Museum (Janis Room)


NMC FRONT STREET CAMPUS TIMOTHY J. NELSON INNOVATION CENTER

» $75 per person
» Includes 3 sessions, coffee & donuts, lunch
1. Read about this year’s classes on pages 24-26
2. Write down your top 2-3 choices per session
3. Register online, by phone, or by mail (pg. 29)

9:30 - 10:45 AM
Join Mary Seger in a discussion about a variety of herbal remedies for common health problems. She will discuss healthy living measures you can bring into your life. Learn about the steps for healthy living through the Five Es: Encouragement, Eat Well, Exercise, Enjoyment, and Enlightenment.
Mary Seger Health & Science
Lake Michigan beach walkers and rock hounds find fascination and joy combing our shores for beautiful specimens. Join a session focused on rock identification, featuring rocks typically found on local beaches. Learn how rock patterns, luster, and grain can lead to easy identification. Take-home kit included!
Kirk Waterstripe Health & Science
Learn about the benefits that Michigan native plants bring to your surroundings. Michigan natives are highly adapted to local soil, rainfall, and climate, requiring significantly less water, no fertilizer, and minimal maintenance. From sun to shade, from open land to forest, bring on the backyard party!
Carolyn Thayer Health & Science
Explore the fundamental principles of line, form, shading, and perspective. Through guided, hands-on practice, we will move steadily from sketching basic shapes to creating objects with realistic depth and dimension. You’ll leave with a solid understanding of drawing basics and the confidence to continue your creative journey at home.
Eleonora Hayes Scholars Hall
Explore the mathematical patterns shaping our world through Fibonacci sequences and fractals found in nature and ancient monuments. These mysteries reveal the Golden Ratio and Pi, providing a blueprint for organic growth. Such structures orchestrate everything from architecture to music.
Norm Spooner Scholars Hall

Transform chaotic living spaces into efficient sanctuaries using timeless organizational principles. Implement sustainable systems that move beyond fleeting trends to create lasting order and simplified routines. Reclaim your environment by cultivating habits that ensure every item has a specific place.
Ali LeJeune Scholars Hall
Uncork the history of Traverse City’s wine region through an immersive study of the versatile Pinot Noir grape. This ancient variety’s unique genetic instability creates distinct local variations in Michigan’s cool climate. Refine your palate while discovering how terroir shapes world-class vintages. Wine tasting included!
Cristin Hosmer Dennos Museum
Learn about Traverse City’s founding father, Perry Hannah, and his many gifts. This will be a “then and now” photo-based presentation also featuring recent gifts received from the family of Claribel, Perry Hannah’s daughter. Les Dalgliesh will sing Perry Hannah’s song and talk about his role helping care for Perry Hannah’s home.
Peg Jonkhoff Innovation Center
Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home’s experienced preneed experts will share a program about the many benefits of making plans now. Planning a funeral requires hundreds of decisions that can be made in advance of need for yourself or loved ones. You will enjoy peace of mind when you’ve completed this important task.
Nicole Westrick & Brooke Stevens Innovation Center
The Milton Hershey School, est. 1909 for orphan boys, changed Dr. Nick Nissley’s life trajectory, setting him on a path to become NMC’s eleventh president. A self-described possibilitarian, storyteller, and servant leader, he weaves together leadership experience in art and business. These diverse roles fueled his commitment to innovation and the vision for educational excellence that he champions. Dr. Nick Nissley Innovation Center
Drawing on their deep roots in the Michigan film scene and Beyer’s tenure at the Sundance Institute, Milligan and Beyer will explore how theaters are navigating the postCOVID landscape. Whether you’re a cinephile or a casual viewer, come for the expert analysis — and stay for the popcorn!
Beth Milligan & Joe Beyer Innovation Center
Last fall, a small group of local volunteers brought the Elk Rapids community together in an effort to purchase the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall. Built in 1883, the hall is both a living exhibit of late 19th century architectural engineering and a modern cornerstone of this small village’s energetic theater and performing arts community.
Rob Ford Scholars Hall
Retirement doesn’t always stick, but the job market has changed. Whether you’re returning by choice or necessity, this session helps you navigate today’s digital landscape. Learn to tailor resumes for modern algorithms, master online applications, and translate decades of experience into powerful, transferable skills.
Jennifer Ewing Innovation Center
The sky is no longer a limit; it is a new frontier for innovation and economic growth. Join us for an immersive exploration of the drone industry’s transformative journey. From its early mechanical roots to the cutting-edge, AI-driven applications of tomorrow, this presentation reveals how local training programs are shaping the global workforce.
Tony Sauerbrey Scholars Hall
11:15 - 12:30 PM
Native Plant Trivia
Test your knowledge of the flora of northern Michigan! From bergamot to butterfly milkweed and sugar maple to American beech, this class will be a great way to share your passion for plants and maybe earn a cool door prize along the way.
Matthew Ross Health & Science
Learn about the hot composting process, the science and how we create small ecosystems through controlled decomposition. Find out about vermicomposting with worms or Bokashi, both styles advantageous for a household of 1-3 individuals.
Jo Jaczkowski Health & Science
Art Ventures: Watercolors & You!
Make your brush and watercolors work for you. Learn about the factors that influence watercolor effects, such as paper type, brush size and quality, and water dilution. Create different effects with watercolor using a variety of key techniques like layering, lifting, splattering, and blending, while exploring positive and negative spaces.
Lisa Hockin Scholars Hall
Step out of the classroom and into the Boardman-Ottaway & Platte River Watersheds. Hear about students’ research in action on microplastics — tiny, invisible pieces of plastic that have found their way into our water. Become a dedicated neighbor who is committed to keeping our community’s water clean for generations to come.
Nick Roster Health & Science
Improv is one of the most liberating and joyful art forms — yet most adults have never given it a try. Come experience the fun of making up characters and stories on the spot, guided by play, trust, and laughter. Bring your curiosity — we’ll handle the rest.
Dave Thomas Scholars Hall

Explore the shifting landscape of a beloved region through the lens of This Magnetic North Journey across four decades of transformation guided by ninety diverse voices, from tribal members to conservationists. Evaluate the balance between growth and preservation to protect local culture.
Tim Mulherin Scholars Hall
Navigate the complexities of the American economy by examining the national debt as it surpasses $38 trillion. Analyze primary drivers behind persistent deficits and rising interest rates through a data-driven lens. Evaluate how these fiscal trends influence federal and global stability.
Andrea Lisi Innovation Center
Savor Sicily’s vibrant rebirth through almond blossoms and wildflowers blanketing sundrenched, ancient landscapes. This culinary journey explores a unique cultural mosaic shaped by Greek, Roman, and Norman influences. Celebrate the seasonal flavors and traditional recipes defining this enchanting Italian jewel. Food tasting included!
John Korycki Dennos Museum
Step inside NMC’s state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab, where the bridge between classroom theory and clinical practice comes to life. This immersive tour showcases a high-tech environment designed to replicate modern hospital settings, featuring advanced high-fidelity manikins that respond in real time to student interventions.
Betsy Boris Health & Science
Join instructors from NMC for a conversation about their AI pilot program in partnership with the Center on Rural Innovation. In this panel, faculty will share how they are using artificial intelligence in their classrooms, what’s working, what’s been challenging, and how students are responding.
NMC Instructors Innovation Center
Estate and trust planning has become incredibly complex, and is needed now more than ever in this tax and financial environment. Asset structure, when dovetailed with an efficient estate plan, can yield significant tax savings and certain protections for multiple generations within a family structure.
Christopher Lamb Scholars Hall
How can we tell what is real news in this world of AI and misinformation? Join Beth Milligan and Ed Ronco for an exploration of the state of information today. Drawing on their journalism experience, the duo will break down how to be a discerning consumer of news and why news literacy matters more today than ever before. Bring your questions — and your curiosity!
Beth Milligan & Ed Ronco Innovation Center
From its humble 1925 beginnings as the Blessing of the Blossoms to becoming a world-renowned destination, the National Cherry Festival hits a historic milestone in 2026. Join Executive Director Kat Paye — who began her journey as a festival volunteer at just five years old — for an exclusive look at a century of cherries.
Kat Paye Innovation Center
Explore how NMC’s Experiential Learning Institute transforms education into action. Students lead high-impact projects like “Thanks-for-giving,” providing holiday meals to families, and the Hero Race, providing College for Kids scholarships. These projects empower NMC students to earn the nEXt credential, ensuring graduates bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce.
Kristy McDonald Scholars Hall
Learn to engage with local government effectively! This session demystifies processes for advocating, volunteering, or running for office. Whether you’re curious or ready to lead, we’ll highlight accessible avenues for involvement. Join us to ask questions and discover how you can shape your community today.
Amy Shamroe Scholars Hall
1:30 - 2:45 PM
The anti-science movement is growing both in the United States and globally. Discuss the forces that are currently threatening science, as well as how their efforts can hinder our ability to tackle local and global crises. Brainstorm ways to fight these forces.
Tiffani Wilke Health & Science
The Great Highland Bagpipe is one of the finest instruments in the world. While nearly everyone recognizes the sound, most have never been in a room with an actual set of pipes played by a live piper. See, hear, and learn all about this unique, mysterious, and fascinating instrument!
Peter Deneen Health & Science
Are you aching to get outside on the water? Join a virtual kayak tour of the Grass River and learn about Michigan wildlife and wetland ecology while your imagination transports you to the calm river waters. Familiarize yourself with kayak safety before heading out on your first kayak adventure.
James Dake Health & Science
Refine your sensory skills to unlock the secrets hidden within every glass of fine wine. This exploration navigates the nuances of regional terroir and the fermentation processes that create complex bouquets. Practice identifying aromatic notes, acidity, and tannins with confidence. Wine tasting included!
Brian Lillie Dennos Museum
Enjoy tranquility and ease through accessible chair yoga, perfect for those with limited mobility or seeking low-impact mindfulness. Focus on cultivating flexibility, strength, and balance through movement and sacred sound. Release stress while practicing breathwork and postures without floorwork.
Crystal Woodward-Turner Scholars Hall

Step inside the highest judicial chamber to examine the inner workings of the United States Supreme Court. Learn how the court navigates case selection and procedural mechanics defining final appellate authority. Explore objective metrics to distinguish between judicial activism and restraint.
Eleanor Lynn Innovation Center
Step inside the vibrant hub of campus greenery for an illuminating tour of the Main Campus Greenhouse. Discover the fascinating science behind season extension and controlled environments that allow plants to thrive. Every participant departs with a lush, on-site nurtured plant.
Cristin Hosmer Health & Science
Join us to explore the Grand Old Lady’s journey from the era of traveling theater troupes through decades of dormancy to its triumphant, community-led restoration. This session offers a historical overview of its place on the National Register of Historic Places, followed by a look at modern management.
Chad Lindsey & Alli Hettmer Scholars Hall
Join Eric Lingaur and Bill Clark for a detailed presentation about all things BATA bus. How do you ride? Where do the buses go? How can I pay? Can I ride with a wheelchair? BATA will also have a bus on site for you to check out.
Eric Linguar & William Clark Innovation Center
Test your knowledge of the vibrant manufacturing scene in our region with this engaging and competitive session! Join Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) for an interactive trivia game using Kahoot. Learn about the diverse local manufacturers, their history, and the products they create.
MMTC Instructor
Innovation Center
Celebrate NMC’s impact on our region with a powerhouse panel exploring NMC’s evolution as a cultural and educational innovator. Discover the history of WNMC with Eric Hines, the literary legacy of White Pine Press and NMC Magazine with Marilyn Jaquish, the growth of Extended Education with Carol Evans, and the University Center’s role in expanding local horizons with Jane Hayes.
Ann Swaney Innovation Center
Embark on a historical expedition to uncover the ancient stories preserved within Michigan’s unique soil and vast shorelines. Explore iconic natural wonders and examine the geological history of the region, tracing the shift from ancient tropical seas to glacial tundras.
Steven Veatch Health & Science
Join librarian Nicco Pandolfi to survey critical open problems in information stewardship. Explore how digital licensing replaces physical ownership, the reproducibility crisis in scholarly publishing, and the disruptive impact of Generative AI on journalism’s economic models. Gain a deeper understanding of the shifting landscape of information access, preservation, and production.
Nicco Pandolfi Innovation Center
A story-telling, musical program about the loss of a Great Lakes ship, its crew, and the song that told its haunting tale. Hear the stories of the crewmembers, their families and the ironies of a doomed ship in one of the worst storms in Great Lakes history.
Mike Fornes Innovation Center
The first step to a new hobby in fabric construction is mastering using a sewing machine. Learn how to thread the machine, sew basic stitches, and understand the machine’s features. Open the door to creative fabric projects!
Kellie Chase Scholars Hall

Since 2012, Jack Segal, former US Diplomat, taught over 75 classes with NMC Extended Education & Training, and has been an integral leader of the International Affairs Forum here at NMC. Jack delivered classes on global issues such as “Trump: The First 100 Days” (2025), “Russia Today” (2019), “Can Israel Survive” (2015), and “Global & National Issues” (2012). Jack would share his experience, his expertise, and his keen abilities to be a diplomat and to facilitate discussion around controversial topics. He provided understanding of the conditions and circumstances of different groups of people, and he deconstructed complex issues. He could speak from experience, and share multiple perspectives on why people, and countries, act the way they do, and in doing so he helped his students understand both individuals and international relations at a deeper level. Jack will be deeply missed by the NMC community.

For more than 10 years, Steve shared his passion for technology with over 500 students, teaching popular classes such as “Getting to Know Your iPhone,” “More iPhone,” “Getting to Know Your iPad,” and “Fun Apps for Your iPhone.” Steve loved Campus Days, and taught “Fun and Useful Apps on Your Smartphone,” last May, 2025. His dedication and knowledge touched the lives of many within our community; he is greatly missed by our NMC community.
Steve was a volunteer for Leelanau Christian Neighbors (LCN) for over 10 years. With the outpouring of love from the community, LCN was able to start the Stephen S. Stanton Endowment. LCN knows how much he loved teaching NMC Extended Education classes and attending Campus Days, and is offering scholarships for adults living in Leelanau County. Scan the QR code to apply. STEPHEN S.



1 (9:30 - 10:45 AM)
ID # Title
6157 The Epic Mutation: A Pinot Noir Evolution
5926 Herbal Remedies and Healthy Living
5957 Rocking Your World
6063 Host a Backyard Party for Wildlife
6074 Drawing Essentials
6149 Introduction to Sacred Geometry
6153 Timeless Home Organizing Tools
6182 Saving the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall
6195 Horizon Point: Evolution & Future of Autonomous Flight
6165 Perry Hannah: Traverse City’s Founding Father
6168 Funeral Preplanning
6175 From Hershey to Here
6176 The Future of Movies
6185 Failing Retirement? Your Career’s Second Act
2 (11:15 AM - 12:30 PM)
6159 Springtime Flavors of Sicily
6067 Native Plant Trivia
6068 The Simple Science of Composting
6070 Microplastics: Student Research & Experiential Learning
6164 Hands-On, High-Tech: A Tour of NMC’s Nursing Lab
6069 Art Ventures: Watercolors & You!
6072 Full Tilt Comedy
6155 A Changing Northern Michigan & Your Place In It
6167 Estate, Trust & Asset Structure Planning
6194 The Power of Experience
6197 Engaging in Local Government
6158 Fiscal Horizons: Unpacking the National Debt
6166 From Classroom to Cutting Edge: NMC’s AI Journey
6177 AI & Misinformation: Challenges to Journalism Today
6183 The National Cherry Festival: 100 Years of Celebration
SESSION 3 (1:30 - 2:45 PM)
6150 How to Taste Wine
Michigan’s Buried Treasures: Rocks, Minerals & Fossils
Greenhouse Exploration: Growth Under Glass
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Great Highland Bagpipe
Instructor Building
Cristin Hosmer Dennos Museum
Mary Seger
Health & Science Building
Kirk Waterstripe Health & Science Building
Carolyn Thayer Health & Science Building
Eleonora Hayes
Norm Spooner
Scholars Hall
Scholars Hall
Ali LeJeune Scholars Hall
Rob Ford Scholars Hall
Anthony Sauerbrey Scholars Hall
Peg Jonkhoff Innovation Center
Nicole Westrick & Brooke Stevens Innovation Center
Dr. Nick Nissley Innovation Center
Beth Milligan & Joe Beyer Innovation Center
Jennifer Ewing Innovation Center
John Korycki Dennos Museum
Matthew Ross
Jo Jaczkowski
Nick Roster
Betsy Boris
Health & Science Building
Health & Science Building
Health & Science Building
Health & Science Building
Lisa Hockin Scholars Hall
Dave Thomas Scholars Hall
Tim Mulherin
Scholars Hall
Christopher Lamb Scholars Hall
Kristy McDonald Scholars Hall
Mayor Amy Shamroe Scholars Hall
Andrea Lisi Innovation Center
NMC Instructors Innovation Center
Beth Milligan & Ed Ronco Innovation Center
Kat Paye Innovation Center
Brian Lillie
Dennos Museum
& Science Building
& Science Building
Chad Lindsey & Alli Hettmer
The Highest Bench: Power, Policy & the Supreme Court
6163 The Edmund Fitzgerald: The Stories, The Song Mike Fornes
Center 6179 BATA 101: How YOU Can Ride the Bus!
6180 Made in Northern Michigan: Know Your Local Industry!
Instructor
Center 6181 NMC at 75: A Legacy of Innovation & Community



13 - 16
JULY 20 - 23





Calling all happy campers! Experience the great outdoors as you go on nature hikes and scavenger hunts, then create cool crafts out of the wonderful things you find. Learn about fossils and create one using a hammer. Discover Michigan birds and make a takehome bird feeder. We’ll stir up some yummy camping snacks like armpit fudge and s’mores on a stick. Hang out around the camp fire as we sing songs, tell stories, eat, and play.
Ages 4 – 6
Olivia Meyer | $249 #5927 June 22 – 25 M – Th 9:30 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
Welcome to story time! If your child loves all the library has to offer, they will love a class that incorporates books and stories with creative play. Anne the Librarian will bring a selection of her favorite stories each day. Hear new stories and create crafts related to the books you read together! Take home art made from fun materials in class including paint, chalk, crayons, and MORE!
Ages 4 – 6
Anne Yambor | $199 #6031 July 20 – 23 M – Th 10 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
Creative
NEW!
Spin, stretch, walk, slide — your body wants to move! Let your feet tell stories as you explore jazz, ballet, and modern dance. You’ll learn to stretch like a dancer and balance your body as you leap and twirl. Move your body to different kinds of music and create your own dances. No dance experience is needed. Wear comfortable clothes for moving (no jeans please), and dance shoes (bare feet are fine too).
Ages 4 – 6
Julie Horvath | $199 #6042 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 10 am – 12 pm PE Building


Brontosaurus, Triceratops — even dinosaur names are big and mysterious! Learn fun facts about dinosaurs every day through hands-on projects. Go on a fossil hunt, make fossil prints, and create a dinosaur skeleton. You will even make up a new kind of dinosaur just discovered in this class! There will be art and crafts, music, and lots of dinosaur play. Come join the dino fun.
Ages 4 – 6 Molly Dunham | $249/class
#6012 July 20 – 23 M – Th 9:30 am – 12 pm
#6013 July 20 – 23 M – Th 1 pm – 3:30 pm
Scholars Hall
If you are getting messy, you are having fun! This week, we will explore various messy ways to make art. We will use our whole body to explore with paint, clay, mud, cement, and more! We will even use toys to build amazing projects! Wear or bring a paint shirt or smock.
Ages 4 – 6 Anne Yambor | $199/wk
#6057 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 1 pm – 3 pm
#6058 July 20 – 23 M – Th 1 pm – 3 pm
Scholars Hall
Step into a world of imagination, creativity, and fairy magic! Explore storytelling and enchanting hands-on art and create your very own fairy adventure. Design and decorate beautiful fairy wings and flower crowns, make magical wands, create glowing fairy lights and tiny fairy villages, and craft fairy binoculars to spot magical creatures in their enchanted world. Each day includes a themed storybook read-aloud to spark creativity and inspire new projects as you explore the wonder of fairy worlds through art and storytelling. The week concludes with a special fairy tea party celebration to showcase our creations and celebrate a week of imagination and fun. Perfect for young dreamers who love crafts, stories, dress-up, and magical adventures!
Ages 4 – 6
Danielle Gourley | $199
#6044 June 15 – 18 M – Th 10 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel into outer space? Join the space crew and explore the planets in our solar system. We will learn about each planet, participate in cosmic hands-on activities, and design our own rocket ships! This will be a fun adventure!
Ages 4 – 6 Molly Dunham | $249/class #6017 July 27 – 30 M – Th 9:30 am – 12 pm
#6018 July 27 – 30 M – Th 1 pm – 3:30 pm Scholars Hall
Banana dippers, breakfast nachos, and fruit smoothies - learn to make these fun foods and lots more in this hands-on week in a big shiny kitchen. You’ll stir, blend, measure, mix, bake, and taste your way through yummy food you can fix at home. Every day has a theme and includes a story and hands-on prep.
Ages 4 – 6 Maggi Steele | $249/wk
#5975 June 15 – 18 M – Th 1 pm – 3:30 pm

#5976 June 22 – 25 M – Th 9:30 am – 12 pm
Oleson Center
For parents with flexible work, workstations are available in most buildings, and many in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, including the library on the second floor.
Bring lunch to enjoy with your child each day and work while they enjoy a full day of summer learning.

College for Kids Assistant Lillian is already thinking about this summer. “I look forward to being an assistant for College for Kids again this summer because it really helps me get better with kids for babysitting experience,” Lillian shares. “Also, the kids, teachers, and other assistants are super nice!”
Last summer, her favorite part was meeting other assistants her same age. She also enjoyed earning volunteer hours that will eventually count towards being in her school’s honors society.
Sound like fun? Apply today!



Have you ever wondered how planes and birds stay in the air? How about what it takes to launch a rocket into outer space? Would you like to create an innovative aircraft that can outperform even the most technologically advanced prototypes? Join us on a STEM exploration of all aspects of flight. We’ll create artistic interpretations of new species of birds and insects, construct prototypes of gliders, and much more!
Ages 6 – 9
Anne Callahan | $249
#5997 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Health & Science
Get ready for a creativity-packed LEGO adventure! Explore the world of LEGO through a variety of fun and engaging activity stations designed for both boys and girls in this hands-on class. Rotate through stations such as open LEGO building, LEGO jewelry making, LEGO printmaking, LEGO puzzles, Play-Doh pictures, and coloring activities. Along the way, learn about the history of LEGO and enjoy fun LEGO trivia that sparks curiosity and conversation. Each day brings new stations and exciting surprises, encouraging imagination, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. This class is perfect for young builders who love to create, explore, and have fun in a playful, welcoming environ ment! LEGO is a registered trademark.
Ages 6 – 9
#6046 June 22 – 25
Danielle Gourley
9 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
Did you know that sea otters hold hands while sleeping so they don’t float apart? Did you know that over 60% of living creatures live in the rainforest but that rainforests only make up 6% of the Earth’s land surface? We will explore the rainforest, desert, ocean, polar, and wetland animal habitats to learn about the unique animals that call these regions home. You will create animal inspired projects while learning fun facts about differ ent animals and their habitats.
Ages 6 – 9
Anne Yambor
#6059 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th
#6060 July 27 – 30 M – Th
Scholars Hall

Welcome to the land of magic fairies! Imagination is a must in this fun summer class. Make accessories like a flower crown, sparkly wings, and special bracelets to add to your own fairy costume! Learn how to create fairy foam and slime, put together fairy finders, and make your own wish jar necklaces. Listen to stories about fairies and have a fairy scavenger hunt on the last day.
Ages 6 – 9
Anne Yambor | $249 #6019 July 27 – 30 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm
Scholars Hall
YOU are an artist! Each day let your imagination run free — paint your favorite summer memory on a canvas or sculpt your favorite animal using air-dry clay. Get inspired by the beautiful surroundings and draw using pencils, markers, or crayons! You can make art inspired by everything in your day!
Ages 6 – 9 Eleonora Hayes | $249/wk
#5990 June 22 – 25 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm
#5991 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm
Scholars Hall

Bucket drumming is an interactive, fun style of drumming that is accessible to everyone– no prior experience necessary! Plastic buckets and other objects, such as glass bottles, pots, and pans, can be used to create beats– no drum set required! Join Dan Trahey to learn about, and then walk away with, your own bucket drum (all materials provided). Your family, friends, and neighbors will be thrilled! There will be a performance at the end of the week so you can see (and hear!) all that your drummer has learned. Offered in partnership with the Archipelago Project.

Ages 6 – 9
Dan Trahey & Archipelago Staff | $249
6004 July 13 – 16 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Fine Arts Building

Explore a vibrant version of creative dance! Learn warm-up moves and stretching techniques designed for kids your age. Explore stories and solve problems with creativity, music, and movement. Use a book, written by instructor Dorothy Eisenstein, Come Dance With Me, as inspiration for your creative dance adventure. Each day, books about dance will be incorporated into the dance journey.
Ages 6 – 9 Dorothy Eisenstein | $249
#5952 June 15 – 18 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm PE Building
Blast off into a universe of color! Forget plain paper, here you’ll paint swirling galaxies, draw playful aliens with neon tentacles, and send rockets soaring on space missions. Imagine your brushstrokes leaving stardust trails, your crayons building shimmering planets, and your markers sketching mischievous black holes. Every day will be a cosmic adventure.
Ages 6 – 9
Eleonora Hayes | $249
#6014 July 20 – 23 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
Calling all young art heroes! Join the Guardians of the Galleries for a week of imagination, exploration, and creative fun at the Dennos Museum Center. Each day brings a new mission — searching for hidden details in artworks, solving playful museum puzzles, making hands-on art projects, and discovering what makes a museum special. The week ends with a festive family celebration where our newly minted Guardians share their artwork and highlights from their adventure. Offered in partnership with the Dennos Museum Center.
Ages 6 – 9
Liz Celeste | $249 #6001 July 20 – 23 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Dennos Museum
Each day we will create and carry out a fun and exciting chemistry experiment. Using safe, household materials, kids will mix exciting concoctions, create unique reactions, make tasty treats, and design innovative experiments! Employing concepts from science, technology, engineering, art, and math, our chemists will work together to build a working laboratory throughout the week.
Ages 6 – 9 Anne Callahan | $249/wk #5985 June 15 – 18 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm #5986 June 22 – 25 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Health & Science
Encourage creativity in the kitchen with a culinary class. Classes cover kitchen safety, recipe development, and international cuisine. Two sessions offered for each class.
WHAT’S COOKIN (AGES 4-6)
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN (GRADES 1-3)
TOUR OF JAPANESE CUISINE (GRADES 6-12)


NEW!
Get ready to design, create, and sparkle with Perler beads! In this fun and hands-on class, students will choose from creative templates or design their own original bead creations. Kids will learn safe ironing techniques to fuse their designs into finished works of art and explore color, pattern, and creativity along the way. Students will also have the chance to make Perler bead jewelry, turning their designs into wearable art. This class is perfect for both boys and girls who love crafts, creativity, and hands-on fun in a supportive, playful environment.
Ages 6 – 9 Danielle Gourley | $249 #6047 June 22 – 25 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
Stir, blend, measure, mix, and bake — be a chef for a week of kitchen discovery. Make main dishes like chicken enchiladas and lasagna, and for snack day, made-fromscratch granola bars and other tasty treats. Try your hand at homemade bread. You and your family will be amazed at your creations! Ages 6 – 9 Maggi Steele | $299/wk #5973 June 15 – 18 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm #5974 June 22 – 25 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Oleson Center

You’re hiking and your friend sprains an ankle...and there’s a storm coming! You need shelter, but none can be found. We’ll listen to great stories and tales as we learn to construct different types of shelters from materials available to use in nature. If you like forts, and more importantly, like to build them, this adventure is for you! We will work together to build a shelter large enough for the whole group! Offered in Partnership with Grass River Natural Area.
Ages 6 – 9
James Dake & GRNA Staff | $249 #6020 July 27 – 30 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Vasa Pathway
Are simple machines really that simple? Come along as we investigate how six wondrous inventions improve our lives! Jump into a world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Imagine driving a car without axles or not being able to turn your head from side to side. We will dissect chicken wings, create a hovercraft, cultivate a mini-garden, and test our physical strength with a weightlifting experiment!
Ages 6 – 9
Anne Callahan | $249/wk
#5983 June 15 – 18 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm #5984 June 22 – 25 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Health & Science
ED-ventures NEW!
Do you want to take a trip this summer far far away? Would you like to explore places on the other side of the world? What about exploring down inside the world and mining like in minecraft or digging for dinos? We can take a submarine down into the ocean and a rocket up into space! As we go on imaginary EDvenures we’ll fill up passport journals with information about geography vs geology, the science of art, and what astronauts eat!
Ages 7 – 11 Christi Morgan | $249
#5978 July 13 – 16 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Health & Science

On this team friendships will be built as we conquer body and brain building activities together! Activities will strengthen motor skills as we play sports, create obstacles, design giant puzzles, invent STEM structures that withstand storms, and play hero games against villains. Hero games will also include practicing first aid, safety first lessons, and healthy habit skill builders. Team builders will include helping each other through rescue missions and cheering each other on while playing gym games.
Ages 7 – 11
Christi Morgan | $249
#5977 July 27 – 30 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm PE Building
Let’s sing, move and play ball! Join the Northwestern Michigan College Children’s Choir staff this summer for a week-long musical adventure. Designed for all experience levels, this camp offers daily sessions in vocal technique, ensemble singing, and rhythmic movement. Participants will showcase their hard work during a final informance and a featured appearance at a Traverse City Pit Spitters game — includes two lawn tickets for the baseball game on July 2 at 7:05 PM.
Ages 6 – 10
Stephanie Schall-Brazee, Ashley Larimer & Margie Hunter | $299 #5987 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Fine Arts Building

YOU are an artist! Each day let your imagination run free — paint your favorite summer memory on a canvas or sculpt your favorite animal using air-dry clay. Get inspired by the beautiful surroundings and draw using pencils, markers, or crayons! You can make art inspired by everything in your day!
Ages 8 – 11
Eleonora Hayes | $249
#5931 July 27 – 30 M – Th
9 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
The outdoor environment provides endless inspiration for any young artist. Draw and paint plants, animals, and landscapes. Create abstract artworks using the wonderful shapes found in nature. Every day after a short walk you will use different materials and create artworks inspired by the great outdoors.
Ages 8 – 11
Eleonora Hayes | $249
#5993 June 22 – 25 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
Embark on a feathered journey in this exciting class of exploring local birds. Learn how to identify various species, understand the importance of their habitats, and discover what they eat. We’ll also engage in hands-on art activities, including creating birdhouses, feeders, and other bird-inspired art. We will use as many recycled materials as we can. You will love soaring through this week of avian adventure!
Ages 8 – 11
Carrie Donovan | $249 #5933 June 15 – 18 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Health & Science
Embark on a thrilling artistic adventure where imagination knows no bounds! Spend the week exploring your creativity with pencil, markers and paper, and bring your unique visions to life with paint and canvas. Learn fundamental painting techniques while developing your own artistic style. Do you dream of fantastical creatures and whimsical worlds, or do you like the patterns and color in nature outside your window? Step into the perfect space to experiment, explore, and discover the joy of creating. Let’s paint a masterpiece together!
Ages 8 – 11 Eleonora Hayes | $249 #5998 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
Explore the fabulous feel of clay while making useful and unique objects. Use pinch, slab, and coil methods to create original items and glaze them. Make a clay relief sculpture that is also a bowl, an animal that whistles or rattles, or a vase with a face! Items will be fired at the end of the first week and be ready for glazing the following Monday.
Ages 8 – 11
Lisa Hockin | $299/wk #6005 July 13 – 16 & 20 M – Th, M 1 pm – 4 pm Fine Arts Building #6006 Jul 27 – 30 & Aug 3 M – Th, M 1 pm – 4 pm Fine Arts Building
Sparkle, shine, and dazzle! In this hands-on art class, students will bring a book — or any other fun item they wish to personalize, like hair clips, hand sanitizer bottles, or chapstick — and decorate it using diamond-painting techniques. The possibilities are endless! Create additional sparkly projects such as bookmarks and stickers, exploring color, pattern, and design along the way. Bedazzling encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression, making it perfect for both boys and girls who love sparkly crafts and hands-on fun.
Ages 8 – 11

Calling all portrait artists! This class is all about capturing people’s faces and the art of expression. Learn how to capture different human emotions and characters with a variety of mediums. Throughout the week you will use pencils, pastels, and markers to draw faces and caricatures. Take your vision further with an exploration of paint and canvas with watercolor, acrylics, and tempera.
Ages 8 – 11

Danielle Gourley | $249 #6048 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm
Scholars Hall
Eleonora Hayes | $249 #6015 July 20 – 23 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm
Scholars Hall
Have you noticed how the color of Lake Michigan changes depending on the sun? Learn how to use different mediums and mix colors to create the varied hues that color the landscapes, sunsets, and sailboats of Lake Michigan. Each day we will create new artwork using pencils, pastels, watercolors, and acrylics.
Ages 8 – 11
Eleonora Hayes | $249 #5988 June 15 – 18 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm
Scholars Hall
Great Lakes Children’s Museum: Fling It, Fly It, Race It, Bounce It! NEW!
Get ready for a summer of awesome adventures! Make things that move in super cool ways. You’ll create your very own catapults to fling objects far and wide, design amazing paper airplanes and rockets that really fly, and create bouncy, squishy concoctions that go higher than you ever thought possible. We’ll explore the secret science behind all the fun, like what makes a rocket zoom and a ball bounce, with tons of hands-on experiments and wild creations. Your creations will come to life and your imagination will take flight!
Ages 8 – 11
Melissa Schrock | $249
#6026 July 20 – 23 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
Great Lakes Children’s Museum: Make It, Take It NEW!
More classeslike thison page48
Get ready to unleash your creativity! The ultimate class for kids who love to create awesome stuff, every day is a new adventure with a different theme! The best part is that you get to take home everything you make! We’ll blast off into a world of celestial creations on Space & Take Day, get tangled up in fun with water bottle trackers and more on Strings and Things Day, and on Color Me... Anything Day, we’ll create cool tie-dye shirts and play a mind blowing color game! Our last day will round out the week with loads of slimy and sticky fun!
Ages 8 – 11
#6027 July 27 – 30 9 am – 12 pm
Melissa Schrock
Design alien creatures, futuristic cities, and cosmic paintings inspired by space and science fiction. Using bold colors and inventive materials, we’ll explore what art looks like on other planets and in our imaginations!
Ages 8 – 11 Eleonora Hayes | $249
#6023 June 15 – 18 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
How can you tell if your pet dog, cat, bird, or reptile is happy or sad? What do they like and dislike? Join a former zookeeper and current animal trainer to explore the biology of many different kinds of animals and all their peculiar behaviors and adaptations. Through games, you will explore the unique ways that pets see, hear, smell, and touch. Research fascinating (and weird!) facts about these friendly pals. Expect some four-legged visitors!
Ages 8 – 11 Jennifer Loup | $249 #6174 July 20 – 23 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Innovation Center
Experience your own week of Survivor camp with Grass River Natural Area staff! Your adventure takes you deep into the woods where you will discover useful backcountry, survival, and nature skills. Learn to build an outdoor shelter, store food, wilderness safety, map and compass reading, tracking, and other nature skills. Bring a backpack with a water bottle and snack. Wear walking shoes or boots (not flip flops). Class meets outdoors when weather permits. Offered in Partnership with Grass River Natural Area.
Ages 8 – 11 James Dake & GRNA Staff | $249 #6021 July 27 – 30 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Vasa Pathway


NEW!
Outdoor lovers, this one is for you! Go beyond hiking by developing skills designed to bring us into closer connection with nature and with ourselves. Learn new ways to see and hear as you move through the landscape. Walk like a fox, see like an owl, listen to the language of birds, and observe wildlife in different ways. Experience the teachings of wilderness guides handed down through time and learn to trust in yourself by quieting the mind and expanding the senses. Activities will include walking, sitting, and playing games to expand and focus our natural sensory awareness in outdoor environments. Pack water, a snack, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Ages 8 – 12
Julie Horvath | $249 #6039 June 15 – 18 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
Explore the world of Hip-Hop and freestyle dance while learning fundamental moves to create your own style of expression. This class will teach basic hip-hop steps and core techniques while exploring rhythm and coordination in a laid-back, fun, and supportive environment. Learn how to shuffle, two-step, moonwalk, box-step, Charleston, Pac-Man, Dougie, isolations, and more! Wear comfortable clothes for moving and clean sneakers.
Ages 8 – 12
Julie Horvath | $249 #6040 July 13 – 16 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm PE Building
No scripts needed! Let your spontaneous and creative ideas loose in the realm of improvisational theater, no experience required! Through a variety of interactive games and activities, you will learn skills and tools for creating comedy on the spot. Refine your funny with character creation, scene building, collaboration, active listening, and just being silly while fostering a safe atmosphere where everyone can trust their original humor. Bring what you need to be comfortable for the afternoon.
Ages 8 – 12
Julie Horvath | $249 #6041 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
Discover the world of weaving! You will learn the basics, including how to dress a frame loom, and be introduced to the possibilities and uses of weaving. Experiment with different color combinations and techniques to make patterns and illustrative designs. You can go beyond yarn — bring in fun weft materials from home and the outdoors to experiment with additional materials and textures. Sketch and design your own weaving project! Possibilities are vast, including wall hangings, mini-tapestries, mug rugs, quilt blocks, and more. Weaving is a great way to improve motor skills and think creatively. We will start with hands-on instruction followed by open studio time, and continued one-onone help to bring your vision to life.
Ages 9 – 12 Miko Sprenkle | $249 #6033 June 22 – 25 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
Pack your imagination, we’re going on a creative journey! Each class explores a different culture’s art traditions, from African masks to Japanese prints to Native American patterns. Students will learn about global art while creating beautiful, multicultural masterpieces.
Ages 9 – 12
Eleonora Hayes | $249
#5930 July 27 – 30 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
Have you ever wondered why rocks look so different from each other, where beach sand comes from, or why some volcanoes explosively erupt? Then Geology Rocks! is the class for you! Learn how to tell the difference between rock types, discover what rocks are made of, and explore where and how they form. Where else can you eat, create, and identify your way through the rock cycle? There may even be an explosive end to the week. Take this class and you will amaze your family and friends with your rock knowledge in no time. And remember… Geology Rocks!
Ages 9 – 12
Tiffani Wilke | $249 #5994 June 22 – 25 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Health & Science
Ignite your curiosity and step into the shoes of an engineer at our hands-on STEM camp, designed specifically for future innovators! Dive deep into the mechanics of motion and the wonders of electricity through exciting, real-world building challenges. In this actionpacked program, you will use your brain power and STEM skills in NMC’s Maker Space Lab to tinker and invent with your instructors and friends. Join us for an unforgettable experience where science comes to life, problem-solving rules the day, and every camper leaves with their own amazing, functional creations!
Ages 9 – 12
Hollianne McHugh | $249
#6037 June 22 – 25
M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Aero Park Campus
Get ready to explore! Create an art journal for experimenting with mixed media techniques you’ll learn in class. This week we will pack in as many techniques as possible, including acrylics, watercolor, collage, stamping, and printmaking. Every day and every page is a new adventure. Perfect for kids who want to try everything, this class results in a one-of-a-kind book bursting with color and personality.
Ages 9 – 12
Amber Coulter | $249
#5980 July 20 – 23 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall

Step behind the scenes and become a Junior Curator at the Dennos Museum Center! In this hands-on camp, students dive into the real work of museums — curating exhibitions, caring for collections, writing labels, designing displays, and creating engaging visitor experiences. Campers will work directly with a Dennos Museum curator to plan and install a special exhibition celebrating the Dennos Museum Center’s 35th anniversary. Through gallery exploration, creative challenges, and collaborative problem-solving, Junior Curators will help tell the story of the museum and imagine its future through art. The week concludes with an exhibition opening where campers proudly lead family and friends on guided tours of the anniversary showcase they helped create. Offered in partnership with the Dennos Museum Center.
Ages 9 – 12 Liz Celeste | $249 #5932 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Dennos Museum
Konnichiwa! Discover the magic of Japan in a fun-filled journey into the world of Japanese language. Learn basic greetings, introduce yourself, and engage in role-playing scenarios. Master counting, colors, and telling time. Dive into the Hiragana and Katakana alphabets and learn to write your name using Japanese symbols. Through interactive games, engaging activities, and cultural exploration, this experience will spark a lifelong interest in the Japanese language and culture. Join us for an unforgettable adventure and unlock the magic of Japan!
Ages 9 – 12 Kaitlin Koshiba | $249 #5995 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
Mad Scientists: Phenomenal
Physical Science NEW!
Based on the popularity of Mad Scientists Crazy Chemistry for Grades 1-3, beloved instructor Annie Callahan brings you the next level of fun in the laboratory — Phenomenal Physical Science! This blend of Chemistry & Physics will highlight hands-on experiments for older students with the same educational and fun STEM learning as the popular younger science classes.
Ages 9 – 12 Anne Callahan | $249/wk
#5936 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm
#5999 July 13 – 16 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Health & Science
Tricky Triangle Peg Jump Game
Unleash your inner builder and increase your carpentry skills! Learn the basics of woodworking, from measuring and sawing to sanding and finishing. Using power tools in a
Get ready for a week of creativity, crafting, and personal expression! Design and decorate dream catchers, mixed-media photo frames, jewelry displays, festive paper lanterns, and other fun keepsakes using paint, beads, trinkets, buttons, and a variety of creative materials. Explore projects to create unique room décor and gifts, such as inspirational quote art, pom-pom garlands, and more. Each activity encourages imagination, experimentation with materials, and the development of new artistic skills. By the end of the week, you will have a collection of handmade creations to decorate your room or share as gifts, all showcasing your personal style and creativity. Perfect for kids who love crafting, decorating, and making gifts that are truly their own!
Ages 9 – 12
#6052 July 27 – 30
Danielle Gourley | $249
M – Th 9 am – 12 pm


NEW!
Discover the joy of painting while building confidence as an artist! Explore painting through guided paint-by-numbers projects designed to help artists of all skill levels succeed. Each day features a new artistic theme, allowing you to try a variety of painting styles such as colorful landscapes, bold Pop Art creations, and even a collaborative mural project created together as a class. Learn basic painting techniques, color blending, brush control, and creative expression while completing beautiful artwork they’ll be proud to display. A special highlight of the class is the “Paint Your Pet” experience! You may submit a photo of your pet ahead of time and receive a custom paint-by-numbers template to turn your favorite furry (or feathered!) friend into a personalized masterpiece. Perfect for beginners and experienced young artists alike — no prior painting experience needed, just creativity and a love for art!
Danielle Gourley | $249 – 23 M – Th pm Scholars Hall
Shake it off and get ready for a friendship-filled, music-packed experience! Create, trade, and take home your own friendship bracelets while enjoying Taylor Swift music. The party will include fun games and coloring pages, Taylor Swift trivia, and lots of opportunities to make new friends and share creative bracelets. Perfect for fans of Taylor Swift who love crafts, friendship, and music-themed fun!
Ages 9 – 12 Danielle Gourley | $249 #6051 July 20 – 23 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
NEW!
Archipelago musicians will help young beginner musicians have first experiences on the trumpet and clarinet. In a fun and exciting environment, you will learn the basics of tone production, how to play notes, and a few simple tunes. Perform with College for Kids students in Bucket Drumming and New Orleans Street Band at the end of the week. It will be an exciting way to be introduced to these new instruments. Everyone will be amazed at what they can accomplish together in just one week! Offered in partnership with the Archipelago Project.
Ages 9 – 14 Armand Hall & Archipelago Staff | $249 #6007 July 13 – 16 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Fine Arts Building
NEW!
Put down the paste and pick up the hot glue gun! Join us for a week of 3D sculpture where we turn flat cardboard into amazing 3D creations. You will learn essential construction techniques to build sculptures with cardboard: animals, vehicles, and abstract art. It is less messy than paper mache, but just as much fun to make!
Ages 9 – 14
Drew Pichan | $249 #6030 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Fine Arts Building
Join the world of Rooks, Knights, Bishops, Pawns, Kings, and Queens. This class is designed for those who already know game essentials and to challenge intermediate students. You’ll stretch your skills with higher-level strategies and tactics for opening, capturing, and winning — checkmate! Lessons crafted by some of the best chess minds are explained and practiced.
Ages 9 – 14
David Sprenkle | $249
#6022 July 27 – 30 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
Dive into a fun week of 3D art in a creative class! Learn the fundamentals of paper mache, and all of the steps needed to make your own art pieces. Complete sculptures of different animals and of funny faces. It’s messy, easy to learn, and very fun!
Ages 8 – 14
Drew Pichan | $249
#5992 June 22 – 25 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Fine Arts Building


Take a journey through chemistry experiments designed to amaze. Using mostly common household materials, you will perform famous YouTube experiments in a supervised environment, prioritizing hands-on experience. You will learn to safely set up equipment, follow step-by-step procedures, troubleshoot unexpected results, and understand the science behind every reaction. We aim to execute and clean up one experiment per hour. If you loved watching elephant toothpaste videos, this class offers the chance to create it firsthand! Bring your ideas of experiments you’d love to try — and it could be selected as a bonus experiment for the final day of class!
Ages 9 – 14
Jason Blyth | $249
Ever stare in awe as storm clouds roll in, their edges crackling with lightning? Imagine yourself not just watching, but actually being in the heart of the action! Crack open a hailstone, marveling at its icy layers. Create your own mini-tornado, understanding the forces that whip these giants into existence. Discover how lightning occurs. This isn’t just about learning facts and figures — it’s about experiencing the thrill of the chase, understanding the power and beauty of storms, and discovering the secrets that lie hidden within the clouds. There’s awesome weather ahead, just keep your eyes on the sky!
Ages 10 – 14 Tiffani Wilke | $249 #6000 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Health & Science
Health & Science
#6032 July 20 – 23 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm
Calling all future engineers who love putting their skills and interests into action! Join in a hands-on model-building class where construction is combined with green building practices. No prior experience necessary. Learn about the concepts of renewable energy and sustainable living practices such as recycling, composting, insulation, and water consumption. Your model is a sustainable house that when completed will include miniature working solar panels, wind turbines, LED lights, and rechargeable batteries. Offered in partnership with Michigan Technological University.
Ages 9 – 14
Jay Meldrum | $249 #6016 July 20 – 23
Join us for a week of hands-on creative adventure as each day brings a new sewing project. Learn the art of using a sewing machine while crafting practical and fun items like a pillowcase, snap bag, craft bag, and a key chain wrist lanyard. Dive into the world of stitches and fabrics with our expert guidance, and leave with both new skills and fantastic handmade creations! See Kid’s Quilt Camp (#2002) on pg. 45 for more sewing fun.
Ages 10 – 18 Kellie Chase | $299 #6003 July 27 – 30 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
Health & Science
M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm
Catch big fish on the big lake! You and an adult will experience deep-water fishing aboard the ‘Farfetched.’ Join Captain Scott Anderson for a fun morning of charter fishing for trout and salmon. While trolling and waiting for the fish to bite, learn all about the equipment used to fish in deep water. Register once for adult (includes one child).
More Adult &Child classeson pg.8
Ages 9+ Capt. Scott Anderson | $399 #5922 June 14 Sun 8 am – 12 pm Elmwood Twp. Marina
For nearly a decade, Quarkmine has led students to World Champion levels of success in competitive robotics and worked with students in the classroom. The question most students ask is: When do we get to battle? This workshop is the answer to that question and more. Students will learn how to design custom robot parts, prototype ideas, manufacture their designs, and market a team identity. Robot Battle Camp will inspire a new generation with new robotic skills and ensure students can market their ideas. After all, a good idea isn’t a fantastic idea until people know about it! Students will see their ideas come to life on 3D printers and compete in bot-on-bot battles like those seen on TV (only smaller!). Silliness is highly recommended, dancing skills are a bonus, and costumes and team identity are encouraged! Robot Battle Camp is for everyone, beginners welcome, excitement is inevitable! Offered in partnership with Quarkmine.
Ages 10 – 14
John Gilligan & Philip Leete | $599/class #5934 June 15 – 18 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm #5935 June 15 – 18 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Aero Park Campus
Learn the fundamentals of 2D digital animation, including how to use keyframes, line of motion, and ease in,ease out techniques to make smooth and compelling animations. Spend the first two days mastering these skills through projects like animating a simple bouncing ball and a flower in the wind. Then, dive into an individual project of your choosing. By the end of the week you will complete a 10-30 second animation that you planned and executed yourself. Some drawing experience is needed, but this class is open to all levels of familiarity with animation!
Ages 11 – 14
Miko Sprenkle | $249
#6034 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Beckett Building


Calling all artists and storytellers! Create your own comics and dive into the exciting world of graphic novel creation in this immersive class that blends art and writing. Explore the full comic-creation process, beginning with brainstorming original story ideas and developing unique characters with distinct personalities and backstories. Along the way, learn about the history and artistic evolution of comics and graphic novels, discovering how visual storytelling has grown from early comic strips to today’s popular graphic novels and manga. Practice comic design techniques including page layout, panel composition, pacing, dialogue writing, inking, and coloring methods. Through guided lessons and creative challenges, experiment with expressive drawing styles while learning how images and words work together to tell powerful stories. By the end of the class, you’ll create an original comic or graphic novel pages to take home and share.
Ages 11 – 14
Danielle Gourley | $249
#6049 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
Step into the world of fashion design and create accessories that show off your unique style! Become a fashion designer as you design and customize your own wearable works of art. From trendy trucker hats to dazzling jewelry creations, design wearable art while learning fashion design techniques. Using patches, charms, beads, rhinestones, bedazzled accents, gems, and paint, you can create one-of-a-kind statement pieces you can wear and share. Throughout the week, you’ll also create jewelry and fashion accessories such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, belts, and hair accessories while exploring creativity, color, and personal style. Each project encourages imagination, confidence, and self-expression as you build a mini fashion collection you’ll be proud to take home. Perfect for creative kids who love fashion, crafting, and adding a little sparkle to their wardrobe!
Ages 9 – 12 Danielle Gourley | $249 #6045 June 15 – 18 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall




Do you love comedy? Like to tell a funny story and make up interesting characters? Improv comedy is a great way to do these things, make friends, and have a good time. This course is an introduction to the basics of improvisation where you will learn through games and performing funny scenes. Offered in Partnership with the Northern Michigan Comedy Collective.
Ages 11 – 14
Dave Thomas | $249
#5961 June 15 – 18 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
Explore a wonderland of vibrant fabrics and playful patterns! Learn to slice, sew, and transform colorful squares into cozy creations, whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a curious newcomer. Unleash your inner artist with unique designs, share stories with newfound friends, and leave with a one-ofa-kind masterpiece bursting with memories. Come create a fun lap quilt and discover the joy of crafting, stitch by joyful stitch.
Ages 10 – 18
Kellie Chase | $299 #6002 July 20 – 23 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
Let’s get ready to rumble! Design, build, and program a robot to compete in a challenge designed exclusively for the Husky Robotics Summer Camp with College for Kids. Learn to control robots using the VEX IQ platform and compete in a fun freeze tag robot battle! Each day will include group activities, mechanism and programming lessons, building time, outside time, and a small snack. Join the award-winning Husky Robotics program for a fun and exciting week! Camp Scholarships available for residents of Benzie County. Details online,
Ages 11 – 14
Marc Alderman | $249 #5959 June 15 – 18 M – Th 9 am – 1 pm Benzie Central Schools
Get ready for algebra with this four day deep dive into algebraic identities and relationships. You will learn the basis for proofs with intensives into the properties of arithmetic and an introduction to number theory. Learn tricks for solving equations and gain more confidence working with variables. There will be no screens in this class; we will be working problems by hand, playing games, and utilizing hands-on tools to deepen our understanding of concepts. This is an engaging and challenging class for students who are comfortable and competent with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and know multiplication facts well. Course content is based on curriculum from the Art of Problem Solving , popular for promoting math retention and deep understanding of mathematical topics. Calculators are welcome, but not required.
Ages 10 – 14
Julie Horvath | $249 #6043 July 27 – 30 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
NEW!
Explore creativity, color, and self-expression through art inspired by the style and creativity of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Create vibrant artwork while learning how artists tell stories through symbolism, portraiture, and bold design. Draw, paint, collage, and build both 2D and 3D art pieces inspired by Frida’s artistic voice, love of nature, and cultural influences. Projects focus on themes of identity, creativity, and personal expression. By the end of the workshop, you will take home several unique art pieces celebrating your own creativity and artistic confidence. Perfect for students who enjoy painting, mixed media, and expressive art!
Ages 11 – 14
Danielle Gourley | $249 #6053 July 27 – 30 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
Exploring the concept of DNA fingerprinting and using the tools of biotechnology, you will help solve a criminal scientific mystery! Come along on this scientific journey to catch the suspect: perform electrophoresis, stain agarose gels, and analyze DNA samples. Learn basic fingerprinting techniques and CODIS principles. Can you help solve the mystery and identify the suspects?
Ages 11 – 14
Anne Callahan | $249 #6011 July 13 – 16 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Health & Science

Ever wonder how your favorite comedy skits are made? They usually start with a single funny idea and a lot of ‘Yes, and!’ In this class, we use improvisation to create funny skits. Through fast-paced games and character exercises, students will learn to think on their feet and work together to write their own original skits. It’s the perfect place to build confidence, find your comedic voice, and learn the art of making people laugh — no script required to start!
Ages 11 – 14
Dave Thomas | $249
#5962 June 22 – 25 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
Step into the Maker’s Space and harness the forces that drive the modern world! In this hands-on course, you will work alongside enthusiastic instructors eager to share their engineering equipment and expertise. You will master the mechanics of hydraulics, discovering how to control fluid pressure to lift heavy loads and power moving machines. Then, you will switch gears to explore the fundamentals of circuitry, learning the art of safe wiring to make your creations light up and move. Whether you are interested in heavy machinery or high-tech electronics, this class gives you the tools to design, build, and power up your own engineering marvels.
Ages 11 – 14
Hollianne McHugh | $249 #6038 June 22 – 25 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Aero Park Campus
Experience a high-flying adventure with the Women in Aviation group at NMC. From Amelia Earhart through today’s high-tech aerospace industry, enjoy the amazing world of aviation and the opportunities for exciting careers. This three-day course is the perfect introduction for your budding engineer or pilot. Spend one day learning to manipulate the flight simulator, followed by two flight days with an NMC Flight Instructor for a real flight lesson. Class will meet Monday - Wednesday with Thursday and Friday as backups for weather.
Ages 11 – 14
Willow MacLaughlin | $399 #5982 Aug. 10 – 12 M–W 1 pm – 3 pm Aero Park Campus
Are you ready to deepen your mixed media art practice? This guided studio prioritizes individual creativity and personal voice. Moving beyond introductory techniques, you will dive into advanced composition and conceptual development. The instructor serves as a mentor, offering two distinct pathways: executing a complex, layered mixed media canvas or exploring dimension with fabric sculpture. Learn to manipulate texture, combine different materials, and refine your unique artistic voice.
Ages 11 – 18
Amber Coulter | $249 #5981 July 20 – 23 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
This jam band-style ensemble draws on influences of jazz, rock, and blues genres where students learn songs from simple lead-sheets or by ear, and make their own original arrangements. Under the guidance of Archipelago teaching artists, students are responsible for rehearsing the pieces, learning their construction, and deciding the song-list order for the performance. Whether you are a brass, woodwind, string or percussion player from a school music program or you are a rocker that plays guitar or bass, you are welcome to participate in this ensemble. Reading notation is not required, but having familiarity with basic scales and chords is helpful. All musicians and all instruments are welcome! Offered in partnership with the Archipelago Project.
Ages 11 – 18
Garrett Mendez & Archipelago Staff | $249 #6008 July 13 – 16
M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Fine Arts Building
In a boating emergency, quick thinking is vital to survival. Become a safe and confident boater with this fundamental U.S. Power Squadron course. Successful completion qualifies you for personal watercraft operator certification in Michigan. Learn boat terminology, safe watercraft operation, rules and regulations, boat navigation, and communication. We’ll discuss how to deal with a boat in adverse conditions and how to operate a boat trailer and a personal watercraft. You will also learn how to tie knots that are essential to boating. Offered in Partnership with America’s Boating Club.
Ages 12 – 18
Tom Stone | $249 #5989 June 15 – 18
M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Great Lakes Campus
Have you always had a special connection with dogs? Perhaps they gravitate to you, and you to them? Or maybe you are a dog-sitter for your neighbors? Continue to develop your ability to calm, interpret, and analyze dog behavior. Learn techniques that will help you form a true relationship with the dogs in your life. This four-day program introduces students to foundational techniques for building calm, confident, and respectful relationships with dogs. Through guided exercises, participants will learn grounding, communication, relaxation, and behavioral awareness skills. Get to know and work with one real dog each day of class! You do not have to own a dog to take this class.
Ages 11 – 18
Dianna Walker | $199
#5929 June 15 – 18 M – Th 10 am – 12 pm Scholars Hall
Discover the art of clay and the fun of shaping it with your hands. Learn to use the potter’s wheel and hand-building techniques through demonstration, instruction, and lots of hands-on experience. In the NMC pottery lab, you’ll create interesting and useful objects using the wheel, coil, slab, and mold methods. Items will be fired at the end of the first week and be ready for glazing the following Monday.
Ages 11 – 18
Lisa Hockin | $399/wk
#6009 July 13 – 16 & 20 M – Th, M 9 am 12 pm Fine Arts Building


Let the classroom setting transport you to the heart of Japan, and explore its rich history, vibrant traditions, and captivating arts. From ancient samurai to modern anime, you’ll delve into the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines Japan. Uncover the foundations of Japanese culture through history, religion, and geography lessons. Master the art of calligraphy and learn to write your name in Japanese. Dive into the world of pop culture, explore ancient traditions, and learn about the way of the samurai. Explore the fascinating differences between Western and Eastern cultures, engage in cultural discussions, and create beautiful origami masterpieces. Join us for this enriching cultural journey and experience the magic of Japan!
Ages 12 – 18
Kaitlin Koshiba | $249 #5996 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Scholars Hall
Are you thinking about a career in the medical field? Spend a week with NMC Health Occupations and explore the world of Nursing, Medicine, Surgery, and Dental Assisting. Each day you’ll explore a different health career and have the opportunity to learn in a hands-on lab environment.
Ages 11 – 18 Betsy Boris | $249 #6036 July 20 – 23 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm
Health & Science
Ever watched an anime and wished you could reach through the screen to grab a bowl of Ichiraku Ramen? Now’s your chance to stop wishing and start cooking! Step into the vibrant world of Japanese street food where you’ll master the bold flavors of Tokyo’s vibrant stalls. From rolling professional-grade sushi to simmering the authentic ramen seen in Naruto. You’ll dive into the science of umami and the delicate craft of wagashi sweets. Sizzle up teriyaki chicken, master miso soup, and chill out with mochi ice cream. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your knife skills and chopstick mastery. No experience required — just bring your appetite!
Ages 12 – 18 Misaeng Suh | $299/class
#6201 July 27 – 30 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm
#6202 July 27 – 30 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm Oleson Center

Do you have the confidence to take care of other people’s dogs? Would you like to start a dog-sitting and walking business? If the answer to these questions is “yes” then this four-day class is for you! Topics include: determining services, prices, business decisions, and graphic design. In addition, you’ll learn techniques to connect more deeply with dogs, including how to correctly walk a dog, and master the sit command, even with older dogs. Most dogs have hind end problems or will develop this weakness over their lifetime. Discover how to assist dogs with these problems. Lastly, for a fun bonus, students will make their own pendulum to use as a diagnostic tool for when a dog just seems “off.” A prerequisite is to have taken Walk as One: Build Your Connection with Dogs (class is offered 6/16- 6/18). Students will review and demonstrate the foundational techniques of this first level of the class and build from there.
Ages 14 – 18
Dianna Walker | $199 #6035 July 13 – 16

Scholars Hall
M – Th 10 am – 12 pm
Horses live in the moment — now it’s your turn. Learn to be your own best friend and strongest advocate in a unique and supportive environment. If you feel stressed or overwhelmed this experience offers a unique path to confidence and calm. Horses possess keen intuition as sentient beings that rely on their bodies to sense danger. They are masters at reading vibes and mirroring human emotions like anxiety, joy, and vulnerability, but without judgment. In this transformative class, we will harness the positive power of the herd. The journey begins in the classroom, where you will master seven key skills. You will learn to trust your gut, listen to your body’s signals, and discard negative self-beliefs that hold you back. The experience culminates in a session at a local horse farm. Just you and a horse, with Dianna as your guide. You will gain profound insight into your own personality. No riding is involved — simply the power of presence, belonging, and trust alongside these magnificent creatures.
Ages 14 – 18
Dianna Walker | $249 #5928 Jun 29 – Jul 2 M – Th 10 am – 12 pm
Scholars Hall July 3 Fri 8 am – 12 pm Location TBD
Mark B. Keely, Chair
Jody N. Lundquist, Vice Chair
Pamela T. Horne, Secretary
Andrew K. Robitshek, Treasurer
Laura J. Oblinger
Kenneth E. Warner
Kennard R. Weaver
Nick Nissley, NMC President


The Great Lakes Children’s Museum is proud to partner with NMC for a spectacular lineup of summer fun. Children will be able to immerse themselves into specially crafted classes that emphasize the need to explore, experience and move. Spend your summer with Melissa Schrock, Education Manager, and team at Great Lakes Children’s Museum!

Great Lakes Children’s Museum: Shipwreck Explorers NEW!
Are you ready for an underwater adventure? Join us at the Curiosity Place powered by the Great Lakes Children’s Museum for a summer camp inspired by our brand-new Great Lakes shipwreck exhibit! We’ll become nautical detectives, solving the mysteries of sunken ships. You’ll discover the science behind why massive boats float, and then we’ll imagine what life was like for the brave crews who lived on board. We’ll explore the incredible stories of why some ships sank and the amazing technology scientists use to find and explore these underwater treasures. Get ready to dive into history, science, and adventure!
Ages 6 – 9
#6024 July 13 – 16
Melissa Schrock | $249
M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm GLCM
Great Lakes Children’s Museum: Star Power! NEW!
Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure! This camp transforms you into a star explorer, uncovering the mysteries of the cosmos at the Curiosity Place powered by the Great Lakes Children’s Museum. Take part in solar experiments, learn your way around our galaxy, and create star-studded mini-exhibits that will have you sharing your new-found knowledge with the whole family!
Ages 8 – 11
Melissa Schrock | $249
#6025 Aug. 10 – 13 M – Th 1 pm – 4 pm GLCM




Jennifer Flynn, EcoCorps Program Director, and staff leading College for Kids at the SEEDS EcoLearning Center at Historic Barns Park are avid learners and educators. Working with younger learners to teens, SEEDS staff truly “get” their audiences and lead engaging, educational, and fun experiences for the kiddos. From clean energy to compost to trails and veggie tasting, the SEEDS team will have participants learning cool new things about the earth and themselves!

Water, Woods & Wonders! NEW!
SEEDS staff will welcome you at Historic Barns Park where you will connect with nature at the SEEDS Farm, along park trails, and even in the wetlands! Spend your time each day engaged in fun, hands-on learning activities led by SEEDS staff. Topics will cover a variety of earth and energy science topics, all with fun, SEEDS twists. Each day will include some physical activities, all outdoors, to engage all senses!
Ages 9 – 12
SEEDS Staff | $249 #6028 July 13 – 16 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Historic Barns Park


On a Mission: Adventures Outdoors NEW!
Hosted at SEEDS management areas at Historic Barns Park, you’ll learn about skills necessary for outdoor exploration, ways to be nature stewards, and all of the many career opportunities available to be outdoor leaders. Daily activities will vary and include topics such as basic camping skills, trail maintenance skills and principles, wilderness ethics and basic safety, and plant identification, while taking daily hikes within Historic Barns Park and the Commons Natural Area.
Ages 12 – 15
SEEDS Staff | $249 #6029 Aug. 3 – 6 M – Th 9 am – 12 pm Historic Barns Park







