Weekend Sessions in Sonora, CA

Our summer sessions are designed to empower students. We focus on awareness of self, others, and the natural environment (mindfulness). In our weekend sessions in Sonora, we will be creating a space for self-exploration and authentic self expression through activities that also incorporate play, strategic thinking, and learning new skills.

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Allison Paradise of The Epicenter was better than amazing with my son, Luke. He is a new 11-year old with a bunch of social cognitive diagnoses, as well as very hyperactive ... Allison was able to help channel that energy into productive, focused, wonderful, imaginative, and inventive play. She created an open container, a canvas with which he could truly explore what's going on in and with Luke.

Jeanette

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We have never met anyone who cares more about sharing the beauties of the world and less about what's going on in the world than Allison. She encourages kids to explore the natural world in a way that feels right to them and not stick to the status quo. She wants kids to take the lead in their learning and explore ideas that fascinate them. She truly is a breath of fresh air for children’s education.

Melissa

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July 9, 10: Obstacle Course

Students will create a six station obstacle course using lasers, sound, LEDs, Arduino, rope, found natural materials, and other found materials (such as wood, tarp, etc). Students will design an obstacle course on the property that involves avoiding touching lasers (imagine a laser security system), LEDs that illuminate when an obstacle is complete, and other elements rooted in their imagination (e.g., climbing trees, creating ladders, making rope swings, etc).
 
Intentions:
Experiencing building and creating using found materials and imagination
Shifting perspectives in transforming a yard into an obstacle course
Experiencing working together as a team to bring a vision to life
Empowering students to create something larger than themselves
 
Learning Objectives:
Learning how to build weight-bearing structures/obstacles
Experiencing customizing and programming LEDs and Arduino micro-controller. Students will
learn the basics of programming structure and logic.
Learning how sensors and lasers work in combination

August 6, 7: Make a Longboard

Students will create and decorate a longboard (skateboard) by laminating several layers of wood together using a vacuum bag. Students will learn the physics behind why a longboard works as well as explore different ways of riding their handmade longboards.
 
Intentions:
Empowering students to trust that they can build something that ‘works’ on their own
Providing students with a piece of equipment that can be used to grow physically and
mentally
Freedom of expression through art and movement
 
Learning Objectives:
Learning about aerodynamics and the physics of motion
Learning how to bend wood over a mold to make complex shapes
Learning what a vacuum is and why it works
Learning how to orient wood grain to make strong objects

Additional Information

Classes are intended for ages 7 - 12. If your child would like to attend but is younger or older, please email or call - we're often able to accommodate a larger age range.

Food will not be provided; we ask that students bring their own lunch/snacks.

The sessions will be held on private property in Sonora. Directions and more information about the property will be emailed to you after registering.

After registering, you will also receive a waiver to be completed prior to the start of the session.

Cost per weekend: $375/student, which includes a material fee.

We welcome your questions! Please feel free to contact us at 831.291.3787 or via email.