Youth Classes

Gymnastics

We are very excited to announce the return of the popular Junior Rec Gymnastics classes for the little ones in our community!  This program is being offered through a grant from the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte. 

Our instructor, Christie, is a mom of two, yoga teacher, owner and founder of Divine Child Yoga and has over ten years experience coaching recreational, developmental (pre-team) and competitive gymnastics.  Before relocating to La Porte, she was the Program Director for FlipStar Gymnastics Academy for many years.  She is First Aid, CPR and AED certified and confidently leads developmentally appropriate yoga and gymnastics classes in a safe, fun and supportive environment for all ages and abilities.

All of the classes are 30 minutes in length and are held in the lower level of the La Porte Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street.  Please use the entrance door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street.  The fee for the session is $90. The classes have minimum registration requirements and a maximum of eight students per class. Deadline to register is a week prior to the class. Pre-registration is required and may be completed at the Park Office weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. or by calling with your credit card 219-326-9600.

BABY GYM - Walking babies to 18 months with caregiver

This is a great class for babies & tots to safely explore a new setting and interact with other little ones too! The child will enhance their sensory perception, body awareness, and be in a social environment to learn and play. Bond with your child with music activities, obstacle courses, climbing, and more!

TODDLER & ME GYM - Ages 18 months to 3 years with caregiver

This is an interactive parent and child class, where the child will develop physically and socially. During the class, parents will assist the child with warm-up activities, balance, climbing, swinging and jumping. These are just a few of the activities you & your little one will enjoy!

PRESCHOOL/KINDER GYM - Ages 3.5 to 5.5 years old

This fun program will teach basic gymnastics fundamentals while building confidence, independence, agility and coordination. Class will follow a circuit format, while learning skills such as forward rolls, handstands, cartwheels, strength and flexibility. Each class the child will practice bars, beams, floor & tumbling skills and other active fun!

*Class times subject to change based on enrollment.

Winter Sessions

Ice Skating Lessons

In addition to open skate times, the Downtown La Porte Ice Rink will again feature Youth Ice Skating Lessons with Ali Appel, a renowned local figure skater. These lessons cater to our younger skaters, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the ice with confidence. 

TOTS CLASS (ages 3-5)

Participants (and parents) will learn how to properly put on skates, sit and stand in skates, march in place, march forward and glide on the ice.  Participants register for either classes held on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. (first session begins December 3, second session begins January 7) or Saturdays at 11 a.m. (first session begins December 7, second session begins January 11). Cost for the three-week class is $40 per child.

BEGINNER CLASS (ages 6-12)

Students will learn how to properly put on skates, sit/stand in skates, march   forward, glide, stop and swizzle. This class is for beginners with little to no experience skating. Participants register for either classes held on Tuesdays 5 p.m. (first session begins December 3, second session begins January 7) or Saturdays at noon (first session begins December 7, second session begins January 11). Cost for the three-week class is $40 per child.

Class size is limited. Pre-registration is necessary and can be done from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays at the Park Office (250 Pine Lake Avenue) or by phone at 219-326-9600.

Youth Ice Skating Lessons - 2024-2025

Kid's Pottery

Kid's Pottery - Wheel Throwing

The art of wheel throwing is both a therapeutic and expressive way to create pottery. This class focuses solely on techniques in throwing clay forms on a pottery wheel. During the class, students will learn to apply aesthetics, proper thickness, and craftsmanship needed to make functional pottery. You'll be guided by local artist Alayna Erne who has a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art with a concentration in ceramics. Learn the process of making, decorating and glazing your work. A class for all skill levels. The fee for the program is $47. All classes are held in the Ceramics Room in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium (enter through the door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street).  Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. 

Kids Sculpt & Wheel for ages 9-13

Kid's Pottery - Clay Sculpting

Learn about traditional methods of clay sculpting including pinching, coiling, and slab techniques. You'll be guided by local artist Alayna Erne who has a bachelor's degree in Studio Art with a concentration in ceramics. Learn the process of making, decorating and glazing your work. A class for all skill levels! The fee for the program is $47. We offer youth classes (ages 7-17). All classes are held in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street, in the Ceramics Room (enter through the door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street). Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Kids Sculpt & Wheel for ages 9-13

Kids Yoga

Our program brings life and excitement to each of the Kids Yoga poses. Children can imitate, feel and experiment with different poses in an interactive, fun, and imaginative way.

Toddler Yoga

A supportive, fun-loving and active yoga class.  As tot's mobility increases, classes offer tot-centric poses that encourage and support their physical explorations.  Toddlers become more confident in their moving bodies as they practice yoga both in and out of class.  Class incorporates movement, repetition, music and songs, props and more!  Poses and much needed relaxation included for caregivers as well!

Classes held in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street, (enter through the door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street).  Mobile babies up to 3 years of age are eligible for this class with a caregiver. Pre-registration is required for most classes and can be done by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Class size requirements are needed.  Walk-ins are welcome with a drop-in fee of $12 per yogi, per class. Please check back for upcoming session dates! 

Pre-K Yoga

Yoga designed for the pre-school-aged child.  Kids practice age-appropriate poses that develop strength, coordination, gross and fine motor skills, flexibility and balance.  This class promotes movement and learning with fun themes and imaginative exploration.  Each class is filled with movement, locomotions, music, mat work, breathing techniques and so much fun.

Classes held in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street, (enter through the door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street). Children 3 to 5 years of age are eligible for this class. Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Class size requirements are needed. Walk-ins are welcome with a drop-in fee of $12 per yogi, per class.  

Kid's Yoga

Kids will practice various poses for a complete exercise with themed classes that promote learning with an engaging, whole body approach. In yoga class, kids will learn self-care strategies, tools for anxiety, coping methods, social skills, fitness & self-esteem, community building, and energy regulation.

Classes held in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street, (enter through the door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street). Children in grades K-5 are eligible for this class. Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Class size requirements are needed.  

Instructor Christie Trksak is a La Porte resident, mom of two and owner of Divine Child Yoga LLC.  She has been teaching yoga since 2015 and is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher. Christie and holds specialty certifications in Baby & Toddler Yoga and Prenatal Yoga. She also has 10 years experience coaching gymnastics and was a Program Director for her former gym in Illinois. 

Check back for new dates.

EVP Academy Volleyball

New to the summer 2024 schedule! Join EVP Academy as they deliver introductory and challenging lessons and camps on the grass courts at Kesling Park shelter #2. 

EVP Academy brings VolleyKidz USA (ages 8-10 years), Jr. VolleyKidz USA (ages 11-14 years) and Grass Volleyball Camps (ages 8-14 years) to Kesling Park this summer.

Volleykidz USA (ages 8-10 years)

This introductory class is for children ages 8-10 interested in learning the game. The lesson plan introduces the pass, set and spike using a very light volleyball. VolleyKidz will improve each child's hand/eye coordination and left/right coordination through the use of fun drills and games. Lesson plan also incorporates short educational drills that includes spelling, math and science. Class is held on the grass volleyball courts at Kesling Park shelter #2.

Jr. VolleyKidz USA (ages 11-14 years)

Improve your volleyball skills with 90-minute drills in setting, passing, overhand serving and spiking. This lesson plan directs the use of individual training, prairing drills and game situation development to help each student reach a new playing level. Instructors organize short games at the end of each class. The lesson plan also will incorporate leadership and educational componets. Class is held on the grass volleyball courts at Kesling Park shelter #2.

EVP - Grass Volleyball Camps

EVP Academy coaches deliver an introductory and challenging lesson plan on the grass volleyball courts at Kesling Park shelter #2. Lots of contests and games, with fun and active instructors! The lesson plan develops passing, setting, overhand serving and spiking. Volleykidz athletes will be divided by age and ability level. The grass adds a new dimension. All campers get an EVP t-shirt at the beginning of class.

To register your youth player, click here.

Sewing Classes

Steady Stitchers, a Purdue Extension Homemakers Club, provides education in sewing for children 10 years of age and older, as well as adults. Through one-day classes or a series of classes, learn the basics and build on those fundamentals in order to create specific projects. All classes require pre-registration and are held at the Steady Stitcher's Studio located at 1640 First Street. Supplies, including fabric and sewing machine, are furnished. 

December Classes