Try-It-Out-Thursdays planned at MPCC Ogallala Campus

A bicycle maintenance class and rodeo will be part of the Try-It-Out-Thursday program offered at the MPCC Ogallala Campus this summer. 

School may be out, but learning doesn't have to stop. 

The Mid-Plains Community College Ogallala Campus is offering area youth the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs this summer. 

The campus will start up its annual Try-It-Out-Thursday program June 3 and continue it every Thursday through the end of July. 

There will be two sessions to choose from, 1-3 p.m. or 3-5 p.m., for all but three of the classes. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required to reserve a spot as class sizes are limited. 

"We've been offering a summer youth program for more than a decade, and it has been extremely popular," said Mary Pierce, MPCC Ogallala Campus administrator. "That's thanks to the ingenuity of our instructors who provide fun classes with a learning component. We love being able to offer that type of programming for local youth." 

The following classes are available. 

• June 3 - Bicycle Maintenance and Rodeo (Open to ages 8 and older) – The basics of bicycle upkeep and safe riding habits will be explained, after which participants will cruise their bikes through a course set up in the campus parking lot. The fee is $10. Participants must provide their own bikes and helmets. 

• June 10 - Pick and Paint Your Project (Open to all ages) – Students will choose a wood project, such as began bag toss, yard dice, birdhouse, cornhole board or garden box and sign, to create and paint. It's recommended that painting clothes be worn. The fee is $20. 

• June 17 - Branching Out (Open to all ages) – Those who sign up for this class will discover and play with tree roots, leaves and seeds. Instruction will be given on how to properly plant a provided tree. The fee is $10. 

• June 24 - Cast Iron and Campfires (Open to ages 8 and older) – The class will provide an introduction to outdoor cooking, campfire style. Participants will learn how to safely cook cobbler, s'mores and other goodies, in addition to other cooking basics. The fee is $15. 

• July 1 – Healthy Habits Camp (Open to ages 8 and older) – Students will discover nutritious food that is good for the body and delicious. They will dive into each of the food groups, learn about healthy eating and physical activity and make several recipes. The fee is $10. 

• July 8 – Mad Science (Open to ages 8 and older) – Students will conduct wacky experiments while learning how fun science can be. The fee is $15. 

• July 8 – Kindness is Cool (Open to ages 8 and older) – Only one session, 1-3 p.m., is available for this class. Students will be asked to think creatively to make a variety of "thank you" projects to show their appreciation for others. The fee is $20. 

• July 8 – Totally Tie-Dyed (Open to ages 8 and older) - Only one session, 3-5 p.m., is available. Participants are asked to take a pair of white canvas shoes that can be transformed into art. Among other things, they will learn how to tie-dye with permanent markers. The fee is $15. 

• July 15 – It's in the Bag (Open to all ages) – Attendees will be encouraged to spend time outside this summer. They will make a picnic mat, along with other fun items, for a memorable picnic. The fee is $15. 

• July 22 – Introduction to Theater (Open to ages 8 and older) – This class will provide an introduction to the world of live theater, including discussion and physical activities. Students will learn basic ideas and skills for both on stage and behind the scenes. The fee is $15. 

• July 29 – Investigating Insects (Open to ages 8 and older) – Participants will become insect investigators. Among other things, they will examine the life cycle of a praying mantis and use a powerful magnifying glass to inspect a butterfly. The fee is $10. 

• July 29 – Simple CPR/First Aid – (Open to ages 8 and older) – Only one session, 9-11 a.m., is available. The basics of hands-on CPR and first aid will be taught. Students will learn what steps to take and how to remain calm during an emergency. They will also make a first-aid kit. This is a non-certified class. The fee is $10. 

All classes will be at the MPCC Ogallala Campus, 512 E. B St. S., in Ogallala. 

Registration can be done online at mpcc.edu/bce, by calling (308) 284-9830 or by emailing piercem@mpcc.edu or berolg@mpcc.edu.