Pre-College/Youth Programs
Blast Off in 2009!
Current Classes
Winter-Spring Courses 2009
NEW! KIDS U Spring Break Program for kids ages 9 through 13 - CLICK HERE
Our Winter-Spring classes start in February and run through May.
Click the links below to see classes in the following areas:
- Art
- College Prep
- Computers/Photography/Video/Film
- Dance/Music/Theater
- Language Arts/Culture
- Recreations and Sports
- Science/Natural History
- Strategy Games/Engineering
Art
NEW! Around the World with Art
Ages 9-13, Three sessions
Sundays, February 8-22, 1:00-3:00 pm
Come join this global adventure while doing folk art that will take you to faraway places. Create art from all parts of the planet including gyotaku from Japan, Wycinanki paper cutting from Poland, and wax batik from South East Asia. No passport required for this trip.
Instructor: Shama Stewart
Location: MA 101 Course No: 300054 Fee: $79
Fashion and Costume Illustration
Ages 11-14, Three sessions
Saturdays, May 2-16, 3:00-5:00 pm
Have fun creating costume and fashion illustrations for contemporary, historical, and cinematic characters. You will develop your favorite styles out of Vogue and Vanity Fair or other favorite magazines and design costumes for your favorite characters. You will build your drawing skills, stretch your imagination and boost your creativity.
Instructor: Craig Honeycutt
Location: MA 101 Course No: 300048 Fee: $69
Life Drawing and Portraiture
Ages 13-17, Six sessions
Saturdays, February 7- March 14, 1:00-2:30 pm
Explore the various drawing styles, techniques and devices involved in figure drawing and portraiture. Using live clothed models learn anatomical groupings, proportioning, shading and capturing likeness in an easy-to-understand process.
Instructor: Craig Honeycutt
Location: MA 101 Course No: 300002 Fee: $89
Spring into Art
Ages 6-8, Three sessions
Saturdays, April 4-25, 3:00-4:00 pm (No class 4/11)
Come learn to draw a spring collection of art whether it’s animals, bugs, birds, flora or fauna that fascinate you. You will learn beginning drawing skills and use various mediums to help your imagination soar.
Instructor: Craig Honeycutt
Location: MA 101 Course No: 300050 Fee: $49
SuperTooning
Ages 8-12
Welcome to toon town! Build your art skills drawing cartoons, Manga characters, animals, and faces. Challenge your imagination as you invent new ways to express your artistic talents. You will also learn cool cartooning facts, history, trivia and more.
Instructor: Craig Honeycutt
Course No: 300044 Fee: $69
Section 1: 4 sessions, Saturdays, 2/21-3/14, 3:00-4:30 pm
SOU Ashland Campus, MA 101
Section 2: 4 sessions, Saturdays, 4/4-5/2, 1:00-2:30 pm (No class 4/11)
Higher Education Center, Room 120
College Prep
Conquer the Essay
Ages 15-18, Two sessions
Saturdays, February 21 and 28, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
You can boost your score on the SAT timed essay or enhance your college entrance essay. You will build a knowledge bank of specific examples from history, literature, and personal experience and apply this as you practice writing solid essays in an allotted amount of time for a variety of topics. You will develop confidence in your writing, strengthen vocabulary and grammar, increase reading comprehension, improve critical/creative thinking skills and expand descriptive writing abilities.
Instructor: Shawna Huggins
Location: Campbell B Course No: 320006 Fee: $59
SAT Prep
Ages 15-18
On your mark, get set, SUCCEED! This SAT prep class will provide you with effective strategies for answering both verbal and math questions and hone writing skills for the current version of the SAT test. You will also learn about test anxiety control, time management tips, and test taking secrets that will help you have a positive SAT experience. NOTE: Textbook is included in the course fee.
Instructor: Jenny Welburn and Eric Wolff
Course No: 320001 Fee: $179
Section 1: 8 sessions, Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 17-March12
7:00-9:00 pm, Higher Education Center, room 127, Medford
Section 2: 8 sessions, Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 7- April 30
7:00-9:00 pm, SOU Ashland Campus, Campbell Building A
Computers/Photography/Video/Film
It’sTechspacular!
Ages 11-14, Two sessions
Saturdays, April 4 and 18, 1:00-3:00 pm
Explore our everyday world of technology from the latest podscast technologies to designing your own Nike shoes online. Investigate the hidden RFID in your morning cereal box that you knew nothing about. Come delve into your technically enhanced life and learn about Web 2.0.
Instructor: Robert Luaders
Location: Hannon Library 114 Course No: 330023 Fee: $49
Dance/Music/Theatre
NEW! American Idol Junior
Ages 9-13, Four sessions
Sundays, February 8- March 1, 1:00-3:00 pm
Take part in the popular world of musical performance. Bring your inner super star as you learn proper breathing techniques, pitch, harmony and diction. You will learn how to sing, dance, act, improvise and audition. Learn how to “sell” your song to the audience with proper interpretation and microphone technique. This class is a non-competitive confidence builder. No Simon here!
Instructor: Robert Luaders
Location: F&G Classroom Course No: 340031 Fee: $69
Language Arts/ Culture
Bakers Unite! Winter Delights!
Ages 8-11,Three sessions
Saturdays, February 7-21, 9:00-11:00 am
Take part in the sweetest class in town. You will learn creative hands-on baking as you invent fresh flavors and new combinations, learn about pastries from around the world and have fun mixing it up! Learn processes of cooking and preparation, chemistry and physics, volume, weight and measurement, kitchen hygiene and teamwork.
Instructor: Marilyn Moore
Location: Cascade Dining Hall Course No: 350009 Fee: $79
Culinary Creations, Spring Inspirations!
Ages 9-14, Three sessions
Saturdays, April 4-25, 9:00-11:00 am (No class 4/11)
Come get inspired as you learn to create the best foods of the season. Experience a variety of cooking techniques as you create delicious snacks and meals. Augment your repertoire with ideas and recipes from cuisines enjoyed around the world. You will measure and mix ingredients while using a variety of cooking tools and machines as you learn the basics. All levels of cooking experience welcome.
Instructor: Marilyn Moore
Location: Cascade Dining Hall Course No: 350008 Fee: $79
NEW! Culture and Language of China
Ages 7-12, Five sessions
Saturdays, February 14-March14, 2:00-3:00 pm
Get a jump start on learning the Chinese language and culture in a fun way. Build your vocabulary through interactive and entertaining exercises, illustrated conversations, and engaging activities. Learn about the Chinese culture from someone who lived there. Beginners and intermediate students welcome.
Instructor: Sabrina Zheng
Location: Higher Education Center 228 Course No: 350011 Fee: $59
Marvelous Must Have Manners
Ages 8-12, Four sessions
Saturdays, May 2-June 6, 2:00-4:00 pm
Get ready to sharpen your Life and social skills in this fun, hands-on class. You will learn proper etiquette for handshaking practices, eye contact, body language, proper table manners, conflict resolution skills and cultural communication skills. Learn the importance of RSVP’s and thank you notes. Participate in a tutorial lunch at an Ashland restaurant.
Instructor: Claudia Michelli
Location: Campbell B Course No: 350005 Fee: $89
The Sensational World of Chocolate
Ages 8-12,Three sessions
Saturdays, February 28-March 14, Noon-2:00 pm
Come and join fellow “chocoholics” and learn all about your favorite treat. You will learn about the folklore, history, science and nutritional benefits of chocolate. Make a delicious chocolate dessert with Chef Marilyn Moore. Learn the story behind Dagoba and sample a few of their treasures. The class highlight is attending the 5th Annual Chocolate Festival at Ashland Springs Hotel.
Instructor: Shama Stewart
Location: Campbell C Course No: 380041 Fee: $69
NEW! Vegetarian Express!
Ages 9-13, Three Sessions
Saturdays, May 2-16, 9:00-11:00 am
Calling all Vegetarians! Learn about wholesome foods and healthy living as you cook with different proteins such as tofu, seiten, tempheh, quinoa, and create healthy and simple meals. Whether making delicious soups, salads, or main dishes you will learn all the benefits of cooking with vegetables, whole grains, nuts and more.
Instructor: Marilyn Moore
Location: Cascade Dining Hall Course No: 350010 Fee: $79
Recreation/Sports
Beginning/Intermediate Golf
Spring is a great time to hit the tees. Join in these fun classes designed for beginning and intermediate players. Practice your swing as well as etiquette and rules. Start learning how to play like your golf heroes whether it’s Tiger Woods, Michelle Wie or Jason Allred! NOTE: All equipment is included in the class fee.
Instructors: Marla Corbin at Bear Creek Golf Course Course No: 370003 Fee: $69
Section 1: Ages 10-14, 4 sessions, Mondays, May 4-June 1, 4:00-5:00 pm
(No class 5/25) Oak Knoll Golf Course
Section 2: Ages 8-12, 4 sessions, Mondays, April 27- May 18
4:00-5:00 pm, Bear Creek Golf Course
On Guard! Ready, Fence!
Ages 9-15, One Session
Steel rings on steel—away you go into the fascinating world of swordplay. Safe inside a mask and jacket you will be introduced to the exciting sport of fencing. Learn the skills of “touching” (scoring on) your partner while avoiding being scored on and learn the respect, ethics and comradery involved in this sport. NOTE: All equipment supplied.
Instructor: Dylan Shelton
Location: F & G Classroom Course No: 370019 Fee: $39
Section 1: Sunday, February 15, 2:00-4:00 pm
Section 2: Saturday, March 7, 2:00-4:00 pm
Pee Wee Rock Climbing
Ages 7-9, Three Sessions
Sundays, April 19- May 3, 1:00-2:30 pm
Calling all young climbers! Come and have a great introduction to rock climbing at the University’s indoor rock wall. Take your climbing skills to the top. NOTE: All equipment provided.
Instructor: Chris Johnson
Location: SOU Rock Wall Course No: 370024 Fee: $59
Rocks and Water NOTE CHANGE OF DATES AND TIMES
Ages 9-12, Two Sessions
Sundays, March 8-15, 2:00-5:00 pm
Learn to climb like a pro on the University’s indoor rock wall. You will learn the basics of knot-tying, belaying techniques, climbing safety and proper rope skills. Then take your adventurous skills on the water as you learn to Kayak and do other exciting water sports at SOU’s pool.
Instructor: Robert Ginsbach
Location: SOU Pool and Rock Wall Course No: 370030 Fee: $69
Science/Natural History
Animal Detectives
Ages 8-Adult (Family Class), One session
Explore the world of animal forensics from a forensic scientist from the National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Lab. Find out how investigators find a few scraps of evidence such as a drop of blood, feather, or a few bones to piece the story together. Learn about the types of prohibited animal products and the laws that protect them. You will examine confiscated contraband such as fur coats, leather hides, feathered headdresses, and carved ivory.
Instructor: Bonnie Yates Course No: 380042 Fee: $48/team
Section 1: 1 session, Saturday, 4/25, 1:00-4:00 pm
Location: Hannon Library 117, Ashland
Section 2: 1 session, Saturday, 5/2, 1:00-4:00 pm
Location: Higher Education Center, Room 213, Medford
NEW! Hi Ho Horses!
Ages 9-13, Three sessions
Saturdays, April 18-May 2, 3:00-5:00 pm
Learn about this magnificent animal along with responsible ownership, care, and grooming, training and natural horsemanship. You will visit a local horse stable, participate in a fun riding lesson and learn about a local pony club.
Instructor: Shama Stewart
Location: Campbell A Course No: 380055 Fee: $69
NEW! Keep It Green: Gardening
Ages 9-13, Three sessions
Sundays, April 5-26, 1:00-3:00 pm (No class 4/12)
Dig in and nurture flora and fauna. Develop an appreciation for nature and the environment while learning how flowers and plants grow, how to identify them, how to properly use gardening tools and how to care for the plants. Visit SOU’s Community Garden while you learn what it takes to take to be “green” and take care of our planet.
Instructor: Claudia Michelli
Location: Campbell C Course No: 380056 Fee: $79
Veterinary Medicine
Experience the world of veterinary medicine and learn what it takes to be a vet. You will learn the basics of animal health care including nutrition, preventing diseases with vaccines and ways to diagnose diseases in pets. You will also learn about the many treatment options for diseases and injury like surgery and medical therapy.
Instructor: Dr. Alice Sievers Course No: 380007 Fee: $39
Section 1: Ages 10-16, 1 session, Saturday, February 21, 10:00-11:30 am
Bear Creek Animal Clinic, Ashland
Section 2: Ages 8-14, 1 session, Saturday, May 16, 10:00-11:30 am
Bear Creek Animal Clinic, Ashland
Strategy Games/Math/Engineering
NEW! Hollywood Special Effects
Ages 8-12, Two sessions
Sundays, May 3 and 17, 1:00-2:30 pm
Possible or impossible? The escaping car-jacker runs the red light and plows into the semi. They’re incinerated in a violent fireball. Come explore topics such as antimatter, space travel, crashes and explosions as you watch clips from popular TV shows and movies and learn to instantly recognize what’s real and what’s not. This class is a great introduction to physics.
Instructor: Cynthia Hewitt
Location: Campbell A Course No: 390021 Fee: $49
NEW! Junkyard Wars
Ages 9-13, Three sessions
Sundays, April 5-26 (No class 4/12), 1:00-3:00 pm
Come learn math, engineering, and technology principles as you participate in this exciting challenge. You will use your imagination, scientific knowledge and a box of "junk" to create a variety of devices that perform an assortment of tasks. Whether building a super structure, a blaster, or a car-on-the-go, have fun as you take someone’s junk and turn it into a winning combination.
Instructor: Cynthia Hewitt
Location: Campbell A Course No: 390022 Fee: $69
NEW! Kids Biz
Ages 9-13, One Session
Do you feel as if you never have enough money? Ever thought of starting your own business? Learn how easy it is to make some money to buy the things you really want. You will learn what it takes to start a business at your age. Learn how to make, spend, borrow and save your money effectively by learning the tricks behind being money-savvy and getting on the right track to financial freedom.
Instructor: Kerrie Davis
Course No: 390015 Fee: $39
Section 1: Saturday, 3/14, 1:00-4:00 pm
Hannon Library 117, Ashland
Section 2: Saturday, 5/9, 1:00-4:00 pm
Higher Education Center, Room 120, Medford
Lego Robotics, Physics and More
Ages 9-12, Three sessions
Sundays, February 8-22, 1:00-3:00 pm
Explore how to build and program robots using the Lego Mindstorm Robotics Invention System. Learn how to make your robot follow your commands. Come ready for teamwork and fun.
Instructor: Alexandra Steiner
Location: Campbell A Course No: 390007 Fee: $69
Instructor Biographies
Marla Corbin has spent twelve years playing golf and six years teaching with a focus on junior golfers of all ages in Medford.
Kerrie Davis is the special services manager at Rogue Federal Credit Union and has taught financial education to young people for eight years.
Cynthia Hewitt has a bachelor’s in social ecology/child development from U.C. Irvine and has taught workshops and seminars throughout the valley.
Craig Honeycutt has a master’s in art education and is a local artist with more than twenty years teaching experience.
Shawna Huggins is a trained and certified scorer for the new SAT writing section and has over twenty years of teaching experience.
Chris Johnson has an associates degree in Photography, is an avid outdoor enthusiast and is a river guide for Kokopelli River Center in Ashland.
Robert Luaders is an SOU graduate and an energetic computer guru who blends technology with the artistry of life. He is an award-winning vocalist, film composer, and songwriter.
Claudia Michelli has a bachelor’s in fine arts and a master’s in teaching. She is also an artist with more than twenty years of teaching experience
Marilyn D. Moore is a Culinary Institute-Le Cordon Bleu graduate and a Certified Culinary Educator for the American Culinary Federation. She is the owner of Creative Organic Catering.
Dylan Shelton is a salle’s leading fencer and long-time student of the sport and a Southern Oregon Fencing Center instructor.
Dr. Alice Sievers has a B.S. in Biology from SOU, a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University, and currently owns and practices at Bear Creek Animal Clinic.
Shama Stewart has a master’s degree in education/educational psychology. She has been a teacher for more than twelve years.
Alexandra Steiner works for the OSU Extension 4-H Technology Outreach Program in Jackson County. She is a native of Germany and has been living in southern Oregon for seven years. Alexandra works with youth and families throughout the US and in Africa.
Jenny Welburn has a BA in English and a master's degree in education from Lewis and Clark College. She is currently teaching English at South Medford High School.
Eric Wolff has a BS in Math and a master’s degree in Education from SOU. He has been teaching Math at Ashland High School for the last eight years.
Bonnie Yates has been a forensic scientist at the National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Lab for 14 years. She was also a zoo archaeologist and a specialized scientist devoted to interpreting bones from the Ice Age to old pioneer days.
Sabrina Zheng (Zheng Ling) currently teaches Mandarin at St. Mary's School. She was educated in the Foreign Language School of Zhengzhou University and has taught in China for 15 years.
PRE-COLLEGE YOUTH PROGRAMS Class Locations
In Ashland
Oak Knoll Golf Course: (OKGC): 3070 Hwy 66
SOU Ashland Campus:
Bear Creek Animal Clinic: 1955 Ashland Street
Campbell/SOLIR Youth Programs Center: 655 Frances Lane (behind Starbucks)
Cascade Dining Hall/ F&G: Next to Campbell/SOLIR Building, SOU Campus
Computing Services Center: Between Taylor and Central Hall
Hannon Library: Off Indiana Street
Marion Ady: Center for Visual Arts
McNeal Pavilion/Rock Wall/Pool: Webster Street
In Medford:
Bear Creek Golf Course (BCGC): 2355 S Pacific Hwy.
SOU Medford Campus:
Higher Education Center: 101 South Bartlett Street
