Kids headed home with flour-dusted aprons, neon-colored fingertips, and the kind of ear-to-ear grins that only come from a day of pure discovery, are good indications that Kyra Jones and Reagan Goode are back in action with their interactive classes. These once-a-week sessions have transformed space at the Simon Family JCC into a vibrant hub of imagination, proving that the most powerful learning happens when kids are free to explore.
Messy Makers is officially in its second season, becoming the ultimate sensory riot for explorers aged three to six years old. This isn’t an average quiet art class where kids stay inside the lines; it is a high-energy, five-week exploration lab where the primary goal is to be wonderful and gloriously messy. These little creators are currently diving headfirst into a world of texture and color once a week, asking “what happens if I mix this?” and getting to hear a resounding “let’s find out!” every single time. From the mind-bending stretch of Oobleck and the fluffy wonder of cloud dough to the spectacular foam of elephant’s toothpaste and 3D puffy paint masterpieces, the innovation happening in this class is off the charts.
Meanwhile, the air smells incredible every week as Reagan Goode leads her third season of Little Bakers and Chefs. This is a real-deal culinary adventure where young foodies in grades one through five are becoming absolute kitchen rockstars. These aspiring chefs sharpen their skills by whisking, pouring, and creating from-scratch treats that would make a professional baker jealous. Everything from savory cheese quesadillas and fresh smoothies to gooey cinnamon rolls, sugar cookies, vibrant fruit pizzas, and seasonal pumpkin muffins are on the menu. The confidence these kids are gaining is unmatched as they master new techniques and explore bold flavors. Plus, they are bringing home culinary skills and a sense of pride that will last a lifetime.
Since children’s classes do not take place during the summer, the upcoming fall sessions are the next big opportunity for children to join the fun. To ensure every age group gets their time to shine, Goode switches the age requirements each season. This means that the fall will kick off with a 5-week session of Kitchen Kiddos for little chefs ages 3–6, followed by another highly anticipated return of Little Bakers and Chefs for the older students.
Registration for these high-demand classes go fast.
To learn more about Kids Night Out, School Days Out, Camp JCC, children’s classes, and more, contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Camp JCC director, at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306.
