Bridgeport Roman Catholic Diocesan Corp Catholic Center

CARDINAL SHEHAN CENTER AFTER SCHOOL & SATURDAY OPEN RECREATION PROGRAM Art & Crafts: The children love creating, drawing and painting and they love to bring work home, many times as gifts, art classes are also offered. Computer Classes: The Center has brought computer technology to the community by teaching a variety of skills on state of the art multimedia computers. Fifteen Pentium computers, a laser printer, a color printer and a variety of software packages are housed in the room. Classes are held daily allowing the children to learn word processing and typing skills. Cooking: Twice a week the cooking classes offer members an opportunity to learn about different ethnic groups through food. Golf: Through a collaborative effort with National Fairways Inc., the Center implemented a golf program for its members. The program exposes the children to the history, object, etiquette and safety of the game through hands on instruction at the driving range and at the putting area. Twice a week in the spring and fall members travel to Fairchild Wheeler to work with the golf pro at the course and with several volunteers. When the children reach a certain level of awareness about the game, they will have the opportunity to play a few holes with one of the adult volunteers. Hiking: Once a week in the fall and spring children venture to Lake Mohegan. Discussions concentrate on types of trees, wildlife and camouflage, and how animals use it for protection. Homework Help: Members receive help with their daily homework assignments in our newly renovated library. High school students, college students and adult volunteers are on hand to assist members with basic math, language arts and writing problems. Our library has additional children's literature encouraging members to read their favorite authors. Intergenerational: This programs helps establish a better understanding between the two age groups, the elderly and our children. Once a week, members from the Center walk across the street to the Clifford House to participate in activities like arts & crafts, dancing, singing and baking cookies. Photography: The Center began offering Photography to its members on January 4, 2000 in our darkroom. This program meets twice a week and learn how to use a 35mm camera, and also how to load, unload, and develop film. Other topics include film speed, indoor and outdoor lighting. Science: Experiments and hands-on activities encompass 90% of this class since most children learn better while doing rather than when reading or listening. Our staff will encourage every child to participate in this program but particularly our female members. Historically, female students often fall behind their male classmates in this subject. The Science program takes place once a month and will is specifically designed for children ages eight and ufrom pre-school ages all the way to adult, beginner to advanced levels. All lessons are taught by certified instructors and trained lifegaurds. Money Skills for Life, Sewing, dance, D.A.R.E., tennis, track and field, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, flag football