Education Programs for Kids

In addition to the many arts and recreational events at Lakeside, there are several educational activities that offer enrichment for children of all ages. Read below to learn about these free educational opportunities offered during the summer. For information about God Squad and Middle Grade Ministries, visit the Kids' Stuff page on the Religion homepage.

Nature Programs

Junior Naturalist Program

The Junior Naturalist Program invites children to study nature topics with area experts.  The session, for ages 7-12, meets from 9-10:20 am Friday. Check the weekly Lakesider newspaper for more details.

Fun with Nature Program

The Fun with Nature program engages young children to explore nature topics with stories and crafts. Children ages 4-6 meet from 9-10 am Friday in the Lower Pavilion Room with Gretchen S. Curtis as the leader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Music Programs

Fun with Music

Led by Connie Dieterich, Fun with Music welcomes children ages 4-8 to learn about musical performance and instruments. The program meets from 10:30-11:10 am Tuesday-Thursday at Bradley Temple. There is a live performance for families and friends at 11 am Friday at Bradley Temple.

Ring & Sing

Led by Connie Dieterich, Ring & Sing welcomes children ages 8+ to learn about musical performance and instruments. The program meets from 11:15 am-12 pm Tuesday-Thursday at Bradley Temple. There is a live performance for families and friends at 11 am Friday at Bradley Temple.

Where in the World?

Children have the opportunity to travel the globe through projection slides, stories and crafts. This program, led by teachers Bev Bartczak and Joan Price, meets 9-9:45 am for ages 3-6 and 10-11 am for ages 7-10 at the Lakeside Women’s Club, 161 Walnut Avenue.

Intergenerational Learning Seminars

This program for intergenerational learning will be offered on six Fridays during the summer season from 10:30 a.m.-12 pm in the Fountain Inn Green Room.  Designed for ages 10 to 100, the sessions will explore a variety of nature, history and playful topics in a relaxed, interactive environment. Proceeding the summer regular schedule, a preview program will be presented on Memorial Day weekend.

Lakeside Chautauqua Young Readers Program (YRP)

In addition to operating The Fine Print bookstore, Bev Bartczak and Joan Price are collaborating with Lakeside on a project called the “Lakeside Chautauqua Young Readers Program.” Similar to a summer reading club at the Chautauqua Institution in New York, youth ages 9-13 are encouraged to read six books over the summer from an identified list. View the 2012 reading list.

Weekly programs highlighting the books’ themes are schedueld at 1:30 pm on Wednesdays in the Upper Room. For more information on the program, please visit The Fine Print bookstore or email Bartczak at bevbartczak@gmail.com.

Lakeside Laboratory

Take part in a hands-on science experiment. There will be a different experiment each week. Sign up will be at the Rhein Center from 1-3 p.m. on Sundays, for children ages 7-12.

Bicycle Rodeo & Safety Inspection

Children are invited to this safety class to learn about basic bicycle skills. Participants will practice starting and stopping, the safe way to exit a driveway, how to look for traffic and other safety precautions. The program is sponsored by Lakeside Chautauqua, Lakeside Security & Recreation Departments and Danbury Police.

The class meets from 1-3 pm on Mondays, in Bradley Temple. Please bring a bicycle, helmet and a parent or gaurdian to sign the permission slip. Youth ages 4-12 years are encouraged to attend.

Preschool Story Time

Children ages 3-6 are invited to listen to stories and participate in interactive activities at 3 pm Thursday in the Upper Room, located on Second Street above World Next Door.

Lakeside Girls’ Club

The Lakeside Girls’ Club is for girls ages 5-11 years. The cost is $2 per event, and girls are to make their reservations before the event at the Lakeside Women’s Club, 161 Walnut Ave., also known as “Green Gables.” All events are scheduled for 2 p.m.

July 2:           

Lakeside Girls’ Club Beach Party: Girls will create their own flip flops, make sand art masterpieces and feast on tropical flavored sno-cones.

July 16:        

Lakeside Girls’ Club Science Lab: Girls will become scientists as they conduct experiments that include making a delicious treat.

July 30:         

Lakeside Girls’ Club Garden Party: Girls will join others in our garden for punch and cookies, a garden inspired craft and activities.

Aug. 13:    

Lakeside Girls’ Club Princess Party: Wear your PJs and join other girls in a princess movie, complete with movie treats and a princess trivia game.

Story Time for Kids

The Lakeside Women’s Club offers story time for kids ages 4-10 at 9:30 am Saturday at the Lakeside Women's Club, 161 Walnut Ave., near the basketball court.