SPARK Summer 2019
​Program Calendar and Registration

Program dates, details and descriptions are listed below. At SPARK, we believe that it's important for kids to have a choice, so please review the options below with your child. to make sure that they are interested in participating in the program before signing up.   

The form to sign up for each of the individual programs is located at the bottom of the page.  We require that you have filled out the full registration form before you can join these summer programs.

All necessary equipment will be provided for all summer programs. 
​There is no cost to participate but the capacity of each program is limited so sign up today!

The SPARK program is limited to residents of Ashland County or students enrolled in
the School Districts of Ashland, Mellen or Butternut in grades 6 and up.
For Summer 2019, students must have already completed 6th grade.
Students who will begin 6th grade in the fall can participate in after school programming beginning in September.

3- day "theme week" programs 
The programs listed in this section are each 3 days long. 
​When you sign up for these programs you are signing up for all 3 days.  
(Single day programs and multiple-week programs are listed in separate sections below.)

To see this information in Calendar View, click here.

Week 1- June 25-27

Mountain Biking
SORRY, THIS PROGRAM
​ IS FULL
Click here for waitlist
10a- 3p- Tues 6/25- Thurs 6/27
Mountain Bikes and
helmets provided!
Mountain biking is a unique and fast passed way to move though nature and cover alot of trail. On this 3-Day mountain biking course we will explore the gorgeous trails of the northwoods, and have fun tearing it up! Don't have your own mountain bike? No problem! The Howl Adventure center will be providing top quality mountain bikes and helmets for all participants.
Rock Climbing
SORRY, THIS PROGRAM
​ IS FULL
10a- 3p- Tues 6/25- Thurs 6/27
This 3-day rock climbing progression will begin indoors at the Northland College Climbing gym where participants will learn safety, knots, harnesses, and basic climbing techniques. Day 2 will be an adventure to Duluth's indoor climing gym- Vertical Endeavors. On day 3, the week will culminate outdoors on a true rock face known as Bob's Rock. This is sure to be an exciting adventure for all!

Week 2- July 1-3

Parkour- Ninja Warrior Camp
SORRY, THIS PROGRAM
​ IS FULL
Click here for waitlist
10a- 3p- Mon 7/1- Wed 7/3
Come join us this week to train like a ninja warrior. We will spend three days fine tuning our strength, speed, and agility though obstical courses designed to test the mind as well as the body. We will be learning from a real Parkour master about how to safely and fluidly move through obstacles. Learn more about our instructor Chad Zwadlo, the owner of "Fight or Flight Academy" here:

​Check out a video of Chad here:
Waterfall Week
SORRY, THIS PROGRAM
​ IS FULL
10a- 3p- Mon 7/1- Wed 7/3
During this 3 day adventure, we will explore several of these Northwoods gems. We'll see many of the area's greatest waterfalls. We will be hiking in remote areas, visiting state parks, and natural areas and spending time relaxing by beautiful rivers and streams.

Week 3- July 9-11

"I can make that!"
Knitting and Sewing week
Capacity: 10
10a- 3p
Tues 7/9 to Thurs 7/11
all necessary materiala provided
In this 3-day experience, the days will be split evenly between learning the basics of knitting and sewing. Learn how to cast on and knit a scarf or other fun yarn project. Explore the basics of turning fabric into fun and useful items for yourself, your room or for gifts. Learn about the supplies you will need, ideas and resources and how to use a sewing machine. You will be making at least one item to take home.
Birch Bark - Wiigwaas... Harvest, Weave, Fun!
Capacity: 10
10a- 3p-
​Tues 7/9 to Thurs 7/11
3 days of fun that includes a trip to the Moquah Barrens (weather dependent) where students will participate in identifying decent birch bark for harvest, learn to process bark into workable material for weaving and projects, and then make rings, stars, beads, and possibly baskets for baking bread in. So many projects - so little time!

Canoeing Adventure Week
SORRY, THIS PROGRAM
​ IS FULL
Click here for waitlist
10a- 3p-
​Tues 7/9 to Thurs 7/11
On our 3-day canoeing course participants will learn the skills necessary to paddle on flatwater rivers and lakes. We will begin with introductory skills, strokes, and canoeing safety. Day 2 and 3 we will be aplying and honing our paddling skills and exploring our local rivers and wilderness areas.

Week 4 -  July 16-18

2-day Computer
Coding Camp
Create your own video game!
Only 2 spots left!
​10am- 3pm-
​Tues 7/16- Wed 7/17
 Have you ever wanted to learn how to write computer programs a.k.a coding? Now's your chance!  In this 2-day short course you will dive into code.org to learn the basics of computer programming by making a video game which the you will design. Kids can work on their own or in teams.
Kayaking to the Sea Caves
SORRY, THIS PROGRAM
​ IS FULL
Click here for waitlist
​10a- 3p 
Tu 7/16 to Th 7/18
Sea Kayaking week will consist of 2 days of skill building in warm shallow waters and culminating with a trip to the world famous Sea Caves. Lead by qualified instructors, this week offers the opportunity to participants to get out on the water and explore Lake Superior's amazing south shore coastline.
Sailing Week!
Only 2 spots left!
​11:30a- 4:30p Tues 7/16 &
10a Wed 7/17
 overnight  
to 3p on Thur 7/18
Get a taste of what it's like to harness the wind. This 3- day experience will begin with learning the basics of sailing with the North Coast Sailing club on small sailboats off the shore of Thompson's West end Park in Washburn. After getting a feel for the power of the wind, we will spend the next 2-days on an overnight adventure on a 53-foot schooner tall ship called the Abbey Road. This will be an unforgettable adventure. Please note that this week's activities are weather dependent.

Week 5 - July 23-25

Beach Week!
SORRY, THIS PROGRAM
​ IS FULL
Click here for waitlist
​10a- 3p
Tu 7/23 - Th 7/25
We will spend 3-days exploring the world-class beaches of the Chequamegon Bay/South Shore Area. The goal is to introduce participants to the natural beauties of this place and help them foster a connection to our local natural spaces... not to mention have a ton of fun swimming, lounging, reading and maybe even some stand-up- paddleboarding!
Superhero  Adventure Skills​
​Capacity: 12
10a- 3p
Tu 7/23 - Th 7/25
What makes a Super Hero? Let's find out together what it means to be a superhero in the world today as we clean up our community and challenge ourselves physically, mentally, and socially. This week will include community service, archery, self-defense and a visit to a high ropes challenge course where we will push past our fears to become the powerful people we wish to be.

Week 6 -  July 30- Aug 1

Fly Fishing Week
Only 2 spots left!

​10a- 3p 
Tues 7/30 to Thur 8/1
poles and tackle provided
This week we will explore the craft of fly fishing. Whether you have never fished before or you are an expert looking to find some great new spots to fish, this week is sure to be fun for everyone! We will work on the basics of casting, reading water, and fly selection. Come take part in this week as we build our skills in this timeless passion.
Parkour- Ninja Warrior Camp
​Session 2
ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT!
​10a- 2p- Mon 7/1- Wed 7/3
Come join us this week to train like a ninja warrior. We will spend three days fine tuning our strength, speed, and agility though obstical courses designed to test the mind as well as the body. We will be learning from a real Parkour master about how to safely and fluidly move through obstacles. Learn more about our instructor Chad Zwadlo,  here:
​Check out a video of Chad here:

Week 7 - Aug 6-8

Backpacking and Camping
SORRY, THIS PROGRAM
​ IS FULL
Click here for waitlist
10a- 3p Tues 8/6
10am on Wed 8/7 overnight  
to 3pm on Thur 8/8
all necessary equipment provided
On this Northwoods immersive experience participants will gain proficiency in packing a backpack, fire starting, camping, and the 7 Leave No Trace principles of sustainable outdoor recreation. This 3-day program will include an overnight camping trip.
Make a Music Video
SORRY, THIS PROGRAM
​ IS FULL
Click here for waitlist
​10a- 3p 
Tues 8/6 to  Thur 8/8
Ever wanted to be in a real music video? Ever wanted to learn how to make a film? This is your chance to do both. In this 3-day project, participants will gain all the skills from filming to editing and everything that goes into making a simple music video using a smartphone and free video editing software.
Summer Fresh Cooking
ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT!
​10a- 3p 
Tues 8/6 to  Thur 8/8
Expand your menu with us on this 3-day cooking course! We will harvest wild berries and pick organic veggies from local farms and gardens to then bring them back to the kitchen to explore new and delicious recipes together. Participants will gain cooking skills as well and be able to make their own ice cream!!

Week 8 -    Aug 13-15

Fishing Week
SORRY, THIS PROGRAM
​ IS FULL
Click here for waitlist
​10a- 3p 
Tues 8/13 to Thur 8/15
poles, tackle and bait provided
This week we will explore the craft of fly fishing. Whether you have never fished before or you are an expert looking to find some great new spots to fish, this week is sure to be fun for everyone! We will work on the basics of casting, reading water, and fly selection. Come take part in this week as we build our skills in this timeless passion.
Mountain Biking-Session 2
Only 2 spots left!
10a- 3p- Tues 6/25- Thurs 6/27
Mountain Bikes and helmets provided!
Mountain biking is a unique and fast passed way to move though nature and cover alot of trail. On this 3-Day mountain biking course we will explore the gorgeous trails of the northwoods, and have fun tearing it up! Don't have your own mountain bike? No problem! The Howl Adventure center will be providing top quality mountain bikes and helmets for all participants.

Week 9  Aug 20-22

To Be Announced...  We aren't scheduled to run this week, but there are so many good ideas that we just might have to... keep your eyes open for new offerings!​

Multiple Week Programs
The programs listed in this section meet once or twice per week for multiple weeks. 
Please review the dates carefully as you are signing up for the full program.  The dates were changed as of 6/20 to reduce conflicts with other SPARK programming.

Intro to Freestyle BMX
​(in the Skatepark)
2 separate sessions available
Capacity: 8 in each session
*helmets required 
Bicycles and helmets available for those who need them

Session 1:  meets 4 times
10am- Noon
on Mon. 7/8, Fri. 7/11, Mon 7/15 & Fri 7/18

Session 2 meets 4 times
 10am- Noon on
Mon. 7/22, Fri. 7/25,  Mon. 7/29 & Fri. 8/2
The classes will begin by assessing the ability of each rider and finding out which foot is dominant. Riders will then learn how to carve ramps and pump through obstacles, balance techniques, bunny hopping and proper landing and  bailing techniques.  This is sure to be an exciting and fun filled few days in the park.
Intro to Skateboarding
​(in the Skatepark)

2 sessions available
Capacity: 8 in each session
*helmets required
​Skateboards and helmets available for those who need them
​
Session 1:  meets 4 times
12:30-2:30 on Mondays 7/8- 7/29

Session 2:  meets 4 times
12:30-2:30 on Mondays 8/5-8/26
Learn new tricks and make new friends.  Whether this is your first time on a board or you've been skating for a while this class will help you become a better skater and learn your way around the skatepark!  Classes will include safety instruction as well a a progression of skills and tricks!   

Single Day Programs
The programs listed in this section meet one time.

PLAN3T TRAMPOLINE PARK
SORRY, THIS PROGRAM
​ IS FULL
Click here for waitlist
​10a- 4p
Monday, July 22nd
We will depart the Bretting Center promptly at 10am for the PLAN3T Extreme Air Trampoline Park, have lunch and then jump ourselves silly for 2 hours.  We will return to the Bretting Center by 4pm and transportation home can be provided for those that need it.

Supaman
Capacity: 20
Saturday, August 31 • 11:30am-4:00pm

We will meet at the Bretting Center at 11:30am and depart by BART to Big Top Chautauqua to see SUPAMAN!  "Supaman" is Christian Takes Gun Parrish, a Apsáalooke Native American dancer and innovative hip hop artist who has dedicated his life to empowering and spreading a message of hope and faith through hip hop music. Christian's presentation combines Native American and urban hip hop cultures, dazzling audiences and captivating listeners.

The Peking Acrobats
Capacity: 20
Sunday, June 30  
11:30am-3:00pm

We will meet at the Bretting Center at 11:30am and depart by BART to Big Top Chautauqua to see T​he Peking Acrobats, who have performed for thirty-one years, with daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs, and with technical prowess at such arts as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. Rooted in centuries of Chinese history and folk art, they push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control.

Space is limited in each of our programs,
​register below today!