THE SKILLS HUB
Join us at the Near North Enviro-Education Centre this summer for a hands-on series of art, baking, and clay, paddles, community events, and more!
In July and August, we offer fun, skill-building classes and events for both adults and youth exploring everything from music, cooking, baking, art, and more!
Whether you're looking to try something new, build a creative routine, or meet more people in the community, there's something here for everyone!
Are there no more spaces available for a class you want to take? Join our waitlist! We monitor it and are open to making space for additional classes should there be enough interest and we have the instructors to do it!
JULY SCHEDULE
Kick off the summer with an opportunity to take part in creative, hands-on workshops each week! As new activities and instructors come available, we'll update the schedule so do check back regularly!
Click on a category to learn more or to register!
COOKING
Cooking
We're offering cooking workshops for both youth (ages 10-15) and Adults (16+) both crafted and led in a way that is fun, engaging, and age/skill appropriate for our youth focused workshops! Adult classes run Thursdays from 6pm-7:30pm. Youth classes run Tuesdays from 4pm-5:30pm.
Come learn some old favourites or a completely new cuisine and socialize with your neighbours over some tasty treats! We're focused on teaching seasonal, sustainable, and unique recipes that can be made using ingredients that can be source locally. Whether that is your garden, the local grocery store, or a farm stand! Of course, we have some fun mixed in too!
*Please note we need a minimum of 4 participants to run a class! Sessions run for around 90 minutes.
Adult Cooking
June 18: Crumble 3 Ways $25
A classic that can be enjoyed all year round if you play your cards right! We'll teach you about seasonal eating and give you the tools to make a delicious crumble from a variety of fruits that be enjoyed both in season and out of season. From a can, fresh, and frozen, with some "crumble" variation in the mix!
June 23: Summer Salad Workshop $25
Tabbouleh 3 ways! Lebanese, Arminian, and a gluten free version. Come learn a fresh and delicious salad that will wow your BBQ guests all summer long.
July 2: Moroccan Dinner $30
Chicken dinner with a twist! Come learn how to make a 3 course Moroccan feast. A cool salad, a savoury Moroccan chicken bake, and a traditional North African Dessert to top it off!
July 9: Pierogis $25
Come learn to make pierogis from scratch. We'll take you through the dough and a few filling variations that you can easily translate into a weeknight dinner staple!
July 16: Delicate Desserts: Macarons $35
We will teach you the delicate art of colourful macarons! While intimidating, we promise you can do it! Your instructors will take you through the batter, setting process, baking, fillings, and piping! You'll leave this class with a new skill set and a dozen+ intricate bite-sized treats. (Please note that due to the ingredients required and technical ability this class is priced higher than others. The main ingredient is almond flour so we caution those with nut allergies from attending).
July 23: Rolls Reimagined $25
Cinnamon rolls return with a new summery relative! We'll take you through the process of baking some classic cinnamon buns from scratch as well as some summery earl grey rolls!
July 30: Focaccia $25
Crunchy and so delicious! Join us in our focaccia workshop to make your own delicious and addictive loaf that will elevate your lunches all week long! We'll have a couple topping variations available easily customizable to personal taste!
Youth Cooking
July 7: Brownies and Cookies $25
N0 longer do you have to wait for mom or dad to bake a fresh pan of brownies or cookies, we'll teach you how to do it yourself and navigate the world of hot pans and ovens safely!
July 14: Homemade Mac n' Cheese $25
Boxed mac and cheese is great but homemade is even better! We'll teach you how to make a classic from scratch, as well as provide ideas for substitutions or tasty add ins to elevate it even further!
July 21: Homemade Pizzas $25
Who doesn't love a pizza? We'll teach you to make an easily customizable favourite from scratch!
July 28: The Starving Student Meals Workshop $30
Presenting the workshop run by university/college students for upcoming ones. This workshop is aimed for those 13-18! Our experienced experts will take you through a quick, (somewhat) balanced struggle meal that is cheap, tasty and quick, as well as some snacks and sweet treats to keep you going through your first year and beyond!
More coming soon!
Click below to register for either adult or youth sessions!
Arts
Dedicated classes for visual arts, music, writing, and more for both youth (10-15) and Adults (16+)! Attended a previous class and want to continue working on a creation in your own time? Sign up for an open studio session! More creative classes coming soon!
Adult classes run Tuesdays from 6pm-7:30pm. Youth classes run on Thursdays from 4pm-5:30pm. Guitar lessons are on Fridays: Youth at 4pm, Adults at 6pm.
*Please note we need a minimum of 4 participants to run a class!
Adult Art
Beginner Clay (Hand Building 90 minutes) $30
The beginner hand building workshops will take you through the fundamentals of clay. We will teach you the art of slabs, coils, slips, and more in order to create decorative trinkets, small sculptures, and bowls. Project changes from class to class!
Beginner Clay (Wheel Throwing 90 minutes) $30
Unlock the art of wheel throwing! Come learn to centre, cone, pull, and carve a dish, bowl, or cup! Our instructor will guide you throw the process from beginning to end.
*Please note that wheel throwing classes are capped so that the amount of participants match the amount of wheels available. Please pay asap to secure your spot in the session.
**All clay workshop participants will be invited back for glazing sessions after work is complete and fired.
Family Craft
4$ Per child.
Every Monday from 1-2pm, we run a simple themed craft for children aged 2-6 that they can complete with their guardian! Come for an hour of fun and creativity! A parent or guardian MUST accompany and be present at all times. No need to register, but space is available on a first come first serve basis!
Youth Art
Beginner Clay (Hand Building 1 Hour) $25
Our friendly instructors will introduce you to the world of clay with some engaging hands on projects. Come learn how to make a pot for your rock collection, or a dish to hold all of your trinkets! Project changes from class to class!
Beginner Clay (Wheel Throwing 90 minutes) $30
IMPORTANT: Wheel throwing is only open to those 12+!
Our instructors will teach you how to mold and shape clay cups, bowls, and dishes using the wheel! No experience needed! We'll take you through the very basics.
*Please note that wheel throwing classes are capped so that the amount of participants match the amount of wheels available. Please pay asap to secure your spot in the session.
**All clay workshop participants will be invited back for glazing sessions after work is complete and fired.
Music
6 Weeks Absolute Beginner Youth Guitar Lessons $65*
This course is marked to absolute beginners aged 10-15. Our lovely instructors will teach you basic chords and a few songs throughout the summer!
6 Weeks Absolute Beginner Adult Guitar Lessons $65*
Have a guitar but don't know how to play it? Bring it and we'll teach you the basics. You'll learn basic chords, how to tune your guitar, as well as a few songs!
*NOTE!
Guitar lessons are marketed to absolute beginners and are run in a 6 week package course starting July 17th. $65 dollars is the TOTAL cost for the 6 week course. Lessons for adults run for about 45 minutes while lessons for youth run for 30-45 minutes. Participants are in charge of bringing their own guitar.
Movement
Come with a friend or meet new people at our movement focused activities! From serene paddles to other heart-pumping fun, there is always something to do!
*Please note that there will be ongoing additions throughout the summer. Please check back regularly!
**Participating in any of our movement based workshops involves signing a participation waiver. This can be done at the beginning of the workshop!
Skateboard Lessons
$2
Every Wednesday, 6pm-7pm. Ages 5+. Drop in, no registration required.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to skateboard?Come learn to balance, push, and play some games on Wednesday evening! Don't have a board? No problem! We'll provide the boards, you just have to show up and give it your all.
*All participants MUST come with their own well fitting helmet. A bicycle helmet is okay. Participants under 18 must have their parent/guardian come to sign a participation waiver. If you have kneepads we recommend to bring them, we only have a few and cannot guarantee enough for everyone or a perfect fit.
Friday Kayak Group
$10
Every Friday starting July 10th from 6pm-7pm. Open to those 10+. Price is per session.
Come join us a for a serene evening paddle to end off the week and decompress! We provide the kayaks and paddles! We'll leisurely paddle around beautiful Lake Bernard and enjoy the sights and sounds. Don't know how? We'll teach you!
*All participants MUST come with their own well-fitting lifejacket. Participants under 18 must have their parent/guardian come to sign a participation waiver.
**Please note we have a limited amount of kayaks, please register to secure your spot
Register for movement classes here!
Education/Environment
Kids Skill Hub Upkeep
$20 for 4 weeks
Wednesdays 10am-12pm starting July 15th and ending August 5th. Ages 5-9.
Worried about your child maintaining literacy or math skills during the summer? Come to skills hub upkeep! For two hours, we have a small team of university, college and senior high school students who are here to read with your child, play some math games, and have some fun! We'll focus on promoting literacy and math skills in a way that is fun and engaging.
Our reading buddies can help with reading in French or English! Just come with a book!
*Note that this program is only available as bundle in order to help with skill continuity. $20 is the cost for all 4 sessions.
Events
All summer long we'll be hosting a series of fun community focused events. From environmental talks, to socials, to clean up initiatives and more! Check back often to find out what's going on, or take a look at our Facebook page!
Teen Ice Cream Social
June 30th, 4-7pm.
Book Sale!
July 29th and 30th, 5-7pm
