ROCORI Community Education

NextGen Engineers - Get ready to design, build, and discover with Stearns County 4-H! Campers will become hands-on problem solvers as they drive into engineering and science through real-world science concepts and interactive activities. Join us for a day of curiosity, creativity and discovery the 4-H way! All campers are asked to wear sunscreen, bring a bag lunch, and a water bottle. A snack will be provided. Youth not currently enrolled in 4-H must complete a participant form in addition to the registration form at: https://z.umn.edu/StearnsForm

Get Ready to explore, discover, and experience what nature has to offer! From scavenger hunts to fort building and creative nature art, campers will gain a deep appreciation for the outdoors! Perfect for curious kids who love fresh air, adventure and making new friends. All campers are asked to wear sunscreen, bring a bag lunch and a water bottle. A snack will be provided. Youth not currently enrolled in 4-H must complete a participant form in addition to the registration form at: https://z.umn.edu/StearnsForm

Battle Drones features an exciting combination of aerial acrobatics with an engineering design challenge that will teach students STEM concepts, teamwork, and how to skillfully fly a drone. In Battle Drones, teams of students will build robotic launchers designed to fling projectiles at their opponents’ drones. Students will be guided by experienced camp instructors in how to construct their launchers to maximize projectile speed and accuracy. The camp will culminate in an epic battle where students will need to pilot their drones to safety by dodging opponent projectiles while using their own launchers to take down opponent drones. The best drone pilots and launchers will emerge victorious!

Eureka Engineering introduces students to the core skills of robotics and STEM through engaging, hands-on learning opportunities. Student groups will work with Lego Mindstorm kits, which include both electrical and mechanical components. The small groups will be mentored by experienced and passionate instructors. Parents are welcome to watch their child’s robotic creations come to life in exciting and competitive challenges including drag racing, fighting robots and more!

Make a splash in this exciting science adventure! Students will learn all about fish, their habitats, and how water supports life. Through fun activities, and hands-on exploration, children will discover how water moves, why it’s important, and the incredible creatures that call it home.

Hey, let’s play! Summer is the perfect time for young kids to get outside, explore, get messy, and create. Youth Park Play Half-Day Experiences invite children ages 4–7 to enjoy the simple wonders of being a kid in the summertime through hands-on play, outdoor exploration, and creative activities designed just for them. These half-day sessions provide a fun, supportive environment where curiosity leads the way and imagination can run free. Registration is limited to ensure a safe and nurturing experience with appropriate adult-to-camper supervision.

Spark curiosity and confidence through outdoor adventure! Park Play invites kids ages 8–13 to dive into a week of hands-on exploration, creativity, and teamwork in the great outdoors. Campers will engage in daily exploratory learning, collaborative team-building activities, art projects, building and construction challenges, and guided group hikes. This program is designed to support each child’s unique learning journey through exploration, design, and engineering, all while having fun outside. Registration is limited to ensure a safe, high-quality experience, as hand tools are used under close adult supervision.

Dive into summer fun with Hooked on Cookie’s: Summer Edition! In this creative class, youth will decorate cookies inspired by sunny beach days and fishing adventures. From seashells and starfish to fishing poles and colorful catches, each cookie becomes a playful canvas for imagination. Participants will learn simple decorating techniques, experiment with vibrant colors, and bring their summer stories to life through edible art. At the end of class, everyone will take home their decorated cookies to share with family and friends—sweet souvenirs of a summer well spent.

Welcome to Little Einstein's Lab, where curiosity bubbles over and science fizzes to life! In this hands-on, high-energy course, young scientists will explore the wonders of chemistry using the scientific method to guide their wild investigations. This session transforms ordinary household items—like baking soda, vinegar, milk, soap, and food coloring—into spectacular experiments that pop, fizz, foam, and surprise.

In this hands-on drawing adventure, children will learn new drawing techniques and then have the chance to explore their own artistic ideas. With guidance and inspiration, students will practice drawing skills while discovering how to express themselves through art. It’s a perfect blend of instruction, creativity, and freedom for young artists!

In this hands-on building class, young engineers will design, create, and explore using materials like Legos, Keva blocks, and more! Students will experiment with building towers, bridges, and fun structures while learning about shapes, balance, and problem-solving. Through teamwork, creativity, and imagination, children will discover that building isn’t just fun—it’s a great way to learn how things work!

Math becomes an adventure in this hands-on class! Students will explore a variety of math games while practicing counting, number sense, and problem-solving. Through friendly games and engaging challenges, children will build confidence with math skills while discovering that learning math can be exciting and fun.

The "Minecraft Olympics" is a dynamic three-day summer camp designed to immerse participants in the thrilling world of Minecraft while fostering teamwork, creativity, and friendly competition. Campers will engage in daily Build Battles, showcasing their imaginative prowess in constructing awe-inspiring structures aligned with diverse themes. Through this immersive experience, participants not only deepen their understanding of Minecraft's gameplay but also cultivate camaraderie and problem-solving skills in a fun and supportive environment. The "Minecraft Olympics" promises a thrilling adventure for campers seeking to combine their love for Minecraft with a collaborative team experience that students won’t soon forget.

Bring nursery rhymes to life in this playful STEM class! Students will explore favorite stories like The Three Little Pigs while taking on fun building challenges inspired by the tales. Can they build a strong house for the pigs or a sturdy bridge for the goats? Through hands-on activities, children will experiment, design, and problem-solve while discovering that stories and STEM go perfectly together.

Celebrate Independence Day with a burst of creativity and sweetness! In Sparkle & Sprinkle: 4th of July Cakepops, youth will roll, dip, and decorate their very own cakepops in patriotic style. Using red, white, and blue shimmers, sprinkles, and edible glitter, each cakepop becomes a dazzling treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Participants will learn simple cakepop techniques, experiment with colorful designs, and create festive treats perfect for the holiday. At the end of class, everyone will take home their decorated cakepops to share with family and friends—adding sparkle to any 4th of July celebration.

Do you have a child interested in robotics? Join our coaches and current team members for a hands on VEX Robotics Camp. We will go over some basic building, coding and teamwork skills. At the end of the week, we will have a friendly competition using the robots you build. Open to students in grades 6-12.

Young scientists will explore the wonders of nature in this exciting science class all about trees and weather! Students will discover how trees grow, why they are important to our world, and how different types of weather affect the environment. Through hands-on activities, and observation, children will learn about wind, rain, sunshine, and seasons while building curiosity about the world around them.

Calling all future business owners! The Chamber of Commerce is excited to offer a Young Entrepreneurs Workshop designed to teach kids the fundamentals of starting and running their own business. Open to youth ages 5–17, this hands-on, interactive program will take place during two classes held on August 6th and August 13th (2 hours each). Participants will learn: How to turn an idea into a business Basics of product creation and planning Smart pricing strategies Branding and marketing techniques How to confidently sell their products Students will apply what they learn in a real-world setting by selling their goods at Rock the River on August 20th! This exciting community event gives young entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase and sell their products, practice customer service skills, and experience the rewards of running their own business. Can’t attend the classes? Youth who are unable to participate in the August 6th and 13th sessions may still register to sell their products at Rock the River on August 20th. The same registration fee applies. Please note: Food and beverage items are not permitted. Young entrepreneurs are responsible for providing their own table, change, and any materials or supplies needed to set up their stand on August 20th. This program is perfect for creative, motivated kids who are ready to learn, lead, and launch their very first venture! Spots are limited—register today and watch your child’s entrepreneurial spirit shine!