Youth & Family

Preschool: Fun with Flowers

Wednesday, July 2 ~ 10am to 11am

Preschoolers aged two to five and their adult partners will delight in a hands-on exploration of flowers! Together, you’ll enjoy music & movement, listen to a story, and make a craft using flowers. Weather permitting, we’ll also take a walk on the 577 grounds to see the garden flowers in bloom.

This engaging experience is designed to spark curiosity and creativity while fostering special moments between you and your little one. Come ready to learn, play, and grow together!

Class Notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers.

Community Instructor: Elaine Sneider

Preschool Move, Play, & Grow: More Sensory Fun!

Friday, July 11 ~ 10am to 11am

Join us for another fun sensory bin exploration opportunity for kids ages 2.5 to 5 and their adult caregivers! Dive into new sensory bin stations designed and led by an occupational therapist to boost sensory processing and coordination for little hands and eyes. It’s a playful mix of learning and fun, featuring the messy sensory play ideas that your kids will love and you won’t have to clean up!

Class Note: We recommend adults and children wear clothing that is suitable for this type of play.

Community Instructor: Mary Davies, MS OTR/L

Riverwalk String Camp

Camp: Monday, July 14 through Friday, July 18 ~ 9am to 4pm

String Ensemble Concert featuring Youth: Saturday, July 19, 10am to 12pm

Young musicians in grades 7 to 12 are invited to join us for the Riverwalk String Camp. This week-long immersive musical experience is designed to provide excellent instruction in string playing from world-class musicians, paired with mindfulness and creativity education from the Toledo Mindfulness Institute. Participants will learn lifelong skills as they work in small groups and individually with instruction and guidance from professional musicians.

Campers will also benefit from attending live performances on-site at 577, including Riverwalk’s Ensemble-In-Residence, the Orion Trio, and a sound bathing experience from Isabella Weik of the Toledo Mindfulness Institute.

The week concludes with a special concert showcasing our campers’ talents on Saturday, July 19, 10am to 12pm. All performances take place on 577’s Outdoor Stage and are open to the public.

This is a unique opportunity for student musicians to improve their playing, find inspiration, and build friendships in a holistic, supportive, and engaging environment. Join us and gain the courage to follow your dreams!

Important Class Notes:
• Young musicians must have at least 2 years of private training.
• Musicians must submit a sample of their playing as an audio file to riverwalkstringcamp@gmail.com at the time of registration.
• Registrants will be notified of their acceptance or denial within three (3) business days. Any musician who is not accepted into the camp will receive a full refund.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Thursday, July 4

Community Instructor: Cole Habekost, Alex Munson, and Isabella Weik

Family Pottery: Lake-Themed Trinket Trays (Ages 7-17/Adult 18+)

Monday, July 14 ~ 10am to 12pm

Dive into creativity with the whole family in this fun and hands-on pottery class! Together, you’ll explore the basics of working with clay slabs as you design and build your own lake-inspired trinket trays—think rippling water textures, fish, boats, lily pads, and more. Let your imagination set the scene!

Your instructor will guide you step-by-step through the process, from rolling and shaping slabs to adding texture and decorative details. You’ll finish by painting your trays with underglazes, using bright colors, stripes, and patterns to bring your lakeside designs to life. After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed with a clear coat for shine and durability, and fired again by our staff. We’ll email you in about two weeks when your artwork is ready for pickup.

This class is designed for children ages 7–17 with an accompanying adult (18+). No experience needed—just come ready to get creative and make something special together!

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Intro to Crochet for Families

Wednesday, July 16 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Learn to crochet together as a family! Whether you need a refresher or you’ve never picked up a hook before, each adult and child pair will focus on how to tie a slip knot, how to chain stitch (the foundation of crochet), and the single crochet stitch. Each participant will create a project of their choice – a dishcloth, a coaster, a scarf, or a little lap blanket.

Participants will have a variety of yarns and tools on hand to choose from. We’ll start by choosing your desired project, your yarn color, and the correct sized hook. All supplies are included to reduce beginner frustration from using the wrong tools. Everyone will receive a crochet hook and a ball of yarn along with handouts for reference when practicing and helping each other at home.

Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.

Community Instructor: Annie Johnson

Family Pottery: Penguin Pinch Pots (Ages 5-6/Adult 18+)

Thursday, July 17 ~ 10am to 11:30am

Waddle into creativity! Join us for a fun and creative family pottery session where everyone can get their hands dirty and their imaginations soaring! Families will learn the basics of pinch pot techniques as they sculpt their very own adorable penguin-themed clay creations—no experience necessary.

Your instructor will guide you step-by-step through forming, shaping, and adding personality to each penguin pinch pot. It’s a perfect opportunity for parents, grandparents, and kids to bond through art while making a keepsake to treasure. All materials and firing are included. After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear for a glossy finish, and fired again by our staff. We’ll email you in about two weeks when your artwork is ready for pickup.

This class is designed for children ages 5 to 6 with an accompanying adult (18+). Just bring your creativity and a willingness to play with clay!

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Slab of Summer ~ Youth Pottery Camp: Ages 7 to 13

Session II: Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25 ~  9:30am to 11:30am

Join the 577 pottery staff for a fun and creative weeklong exploration of clay! Led by Pottery Coordinator Alison Buchanan, this exciting camp invites young artists to explore the endless possibilities of clay.

Throughout the week, your kiddo will learn foundational hand-building techniques such as pinch, slab, and coil to craft a variety of unique projects. Inspired by animals, nature, and the beautiful surroundings of 577, we will create a new piece each day, with a special project designed exclusively for summer camp. Toward the end of the session, everyone will get to experience the glazing process firsthand on one of their pieces (all other pieces will be glazed by staff due to firing limitations).

This camp is open to two age groups, with dedicated sessions for each. For ages 7 to 13, we are offering two sessions. For ages 7 to 17, we are offering an extended-age session in June. Each session will feature fresh projects, so students are welcome to sign up for both. All materials and firings are included. No prior experience is necessary. Drop-off and pick-up information: Adults are not required to attend youth pottery classes. Children should be dropped off at the start of class and picked up promptly at the scheduled end time.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves, play with clay, and bring your imagination to life at 577 this summer!

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Youth: Candy STEAM (Ages 7 to 11)

Wednesday, July 23 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Young participants in this fun class will explore all the aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, using candy as our tools. We’ll create candy structures, paint with candy, play games, and more. Kiddos ages 7- to 11-year-olds will enjoy this enriching experience that’s a real “treat”!

Class Note: Some candy may contain wheat or chemical/synthetic food dyes. Please state any food allergies at registration.

Community Instructor: Elaine Sneider

Youth Art Adventures: Growing Vegetable Soup

Friday, July 25 ~ 10am to 11am

Designed for children ages 2 to 6 years old and their adult partner, this engaging experience allows little ones to learn about growing their own food through story, music, and art. Together, we’ll read “Growing Vegetable Soup” by Lois Ehlert, listen to some fun preschool tunes, and create our own colorful vegetable soup craft.

Class Notes: Cost is per child; please register each child attending. Caregivers should attend class with their child. Adults caregivers are free and do not need to register. 

577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman

Knitted Wire Art for Teens

Saturday, July 26 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Welcome to the world of knitted wire art for teens! Participants aged 12-17 will learn how to make a speech bubble and the word “hi” using the French spool loom as a tool to create unique fiber art. Teens will enjoy getting creative with lots of support, and will even take home their own French spool loom, hook, tapestry needle, patterns, and yarn to continue exploring their new skills.

Completed speech bubble will be approximately 10 inches, and completed “hi” will be approximately 7 inches.

577 Staff Instructor: Lindsay Grider

Knitted Wire Art for Families

Saturday, August 2 ~ 10am to 12pm

Welcome to the world of knitted wire art for families! Adult and child pairs will enjoy working together as they learn how to make a rainbow, cloud, and raindrop, using the French spool loom as a tool to create unique fiber art.

Participants will leave class with their own French spool loom, hook, tapestry needle, patterns, and yarn to continue exploring their new skills. Approximate dimensions of completed pieces: Rainbow: 6 inches; Cloud: 5 inches; Raindrop: 3 inches

Class Registration Requirements: Each registration is for one (1) youth (ages 7 to 12) with one (1) accompanying adult (18+). Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany each registered youth. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please register each child separately and list the adult’s name for each registration.

577 Staff Instructor: Lindsay Grider

Youth Pottery: Mushroom Jar (Ages: 7-17)

Tuesday, August 5 ~ 9:30am to 11am

Calling all young artists ready to get creative! In this fun-filled pottery class, kids will learn the basics of working with clay by making their very own Mushroom Jar—a whimsical container inspired by the magic of forests and fairy tales.

Alison Buchanan, 577’s Pottery Coordinator and Ceramic Artist, will guide your kiddo through simple pinch pot techniques as they form and shape their mushroom-inspired creations. Each participant will personalize their jars with texture and colorful underglazes, bringing their imaginative designs to life.

After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed with a clear coat for shine and durability, and fired again by our staff. We’ll email you in about two weeks when your finished artwork is ready for pickup.

Each mushroom jar makes a great treasure holder or handmade gift. This class encourages creativity, patience, and the development of fine motor skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Class Notes: This class is open to children ages 7 to 17. No prerequisite or experience is required. Adults are not required to attend youth pottery classes. Youth participants may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Family Pottery: Pinch Pot Pumpkins (Ages 7-17/Adult 18+)

Friday, August 8 ~ 9:30am to 11am

Get ready to get your hands dirty and your creativity glowing! In this hands-on pottery class, kids and teens, along with their accompanying adult partner, will learn the classic pinch pot technique to sculpt their very own charming pumpkin creations.

Using simple clay shaping methods, each participant will craft a unique pumpkin perfect for fall decorating. Alison Buchanan, 577’s Pottery Coordinator and Ceramic Artist, will guide you step-by-step—from forming the shape and adding details to painting your pumpkins with vibrant autumn colors.

After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed with a clear coat for shine and durability, and fired again by our staff. We’ll email you in about two weeks when your artwork is ready for pickup.

This class is designed for children ages 7–17 with an accompanying adult (18+). No experience needed—just come ready to get creative and make something special together!

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Kids Explore Nature: Fun with Bugs!

Saturday, August 16 ~ 2:30pm to 4pm

Young explorers aged four (4) to seven (7) and their adult partners will have fun discovering the importance of insects in our world. Through hands-on activities, we’ll learn to take a closer look at bugs, learn the different orders of insects, and observe their interesting colors, textures, and shapes. We’ll even start our own bug “collection.”

This engaging experience is designed to spark curiosity and encourage meaningful moments between you and your little one. Come ready to learn, grow, and explore together!

Class Notes: Cost is per child—please register each child attending. Adults are free and do not need to register. Caregivers should attend class with their child. Part of this class will take place outdoors—please dress for the weather. In the event of bad weather, the entire class will be held in Virginia’s House.

Community Instructors: Nancy & John Salerno

Youth Art Adventures: Monarchs

Friday, August 22 ~ 10am to 11am

Discover the magical world of monarch butterflies through story, music, movement, and hands-on creativity. Designed for children ages 2 to 6 and their adult partner, this playful class introduces young learners to the many wonders of a monarch’s life cycle.

We’ll read The Monarch by Kirsten Hall and Isabelle Arsenault, sing along to fun preschool tunes, explore the stages of a butterfly’s life, and create a colorful monarch craft to take home. Weather permitting, we’ll wrap up with a short walk to visit the Flutter Hut on the 577 grounds.

Class Notes: Cost is per child; please register each child attending. Caregivers attend for free and must stay with their child for the duration of the class.

577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman

Family Pottery: Fall Fun! (Ages 5-6/Adult 18+)

Tuesday, August 26 ~ 9:30am to 11am

Join us for a hands-on, creative afternoon perfect for little hands and big imaginations! In this family-friendly pottery class, children ages 5 to 6 and their grown-up partners will roll up their sleeves to make festive fall-themed decorations like pumpkins, bats, apples, and more.

We’ll start with soft, pre-rolled clay slabs—no mess or stress! Using fun cookie cutters, your family will create a variety of autumn shapes, then add texture and detail for extra fall flair. Finish by painting your pieces with bright, cheerful colors to bring your creations to life. Each family will leave with their own collection of handmade hangers, ornaments, and magnets—perfect for decorating your home or sharing as seasonal gifts. These little treasures look adorable on wreaths, in windows, or on the fridge!

After class, your pieces will be bisque-fired, glazed with a clear coat for shine and durability, and fired again by our staff. We’ll email you in about two weeks when your finished pieces are ready for pickup. This class is designed for children ages 5–6 with an accompanying adult (18+). No pottery experience needed—just bring your smiles and get ready for a clay-filled afternoon of creativity and fall fun!

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Preschool Move, Play, & Grow: Insects!

Friday, August 29 ~ 10am to 11am

Join our insect-themed sensory + motor fun fest for kids ages 2.5 to 5 and their caregiver. All activities are designed and led by an occupational therapist to boost coordination for little hands, eyes, and the whole body, while also supporting sensory processing, social skills, self-regulation, and more. It’s a playful blend of learning, fun, and helping kiddos get ready to conquer the world of play, sports, and beyond.

Class Note: Weather and time permitting, we may venture outside onto the beautiful 577 grounds toward the end of class.

Community Instructor: Mary Davies, MS OTR/L