The Community Classroom

Cryptid Club
2026-04-09 15:30 - 2026-06-11 17:00 (America/New_York) | High Five Books, 141 N Main Street, Florence, MA, 01062, United States
👣 Cryptid Club
Thursdays, 3:30–5:00 PM
April 2, 9, 16, 30 · May 7, 14, 21, 28 · June 4, 11
$275
Ages 6–9 | Ages 10+ as Counselors-in-Training (CITs)
Grab your field notebook, it’s time to investigate! Cryptid Club invites curious kids to explore legendary creatures from around the world through stories, science, writing, art, and imaginative play. From Bigfoot to the Loch Ness Monster (and plenty of lesser-known local legends), children will dive into the mysteries of cryptids in a way that’s playful, thoughtful, and age-appropriate.
Each session will begin with rich literature and storytelling, setting the stage for discussion about what makes a story believable, how legends are created, and why humans love mysteries. Together, we’ll ask big questions: What’s fact? What’s folklore? How do we look for evidence?
Club activities will blend creativity and critical thinking, including:

✍️ Writing & storytelling (cryptid journals, eyewitness accounts, creature profiles)
🎨 Art & design (create-your-own cryptid, maps, posters, and field sketches)
🔍 Science & inquiry (habitats, camouflage, animal adaptations, and observation skills)
🧠 Social-emotional learning through teamwork, curiosity, and respectful discussion

Children ages 10 and up may join as Counselors-in-Training (CITs), building leadership skills by helping younger members with reading, investigations, and group activities while modeling curiosity, kindness, and collaboration.
Cryptid Club is perfect for kids who love:

Mysterious creatures and legends
Science, nature, and asking “what if?”
Drawing, writing, and creative world-building
Learning through exploration and teamwork

And don’t worry, caregivers. It’s not too spooky. Just the right amount of mystery!
Please register using the calendar with links below. If you have attended a Community Classroom event or are a current or former client, please log in with your Tutorbird access and register. Lastly, please make sure you are choosing the right month, date, and time on the calendar below.

National Unicorn Day Celebration
2026-04-09 16:00 - 18:00 | High Five Books, 141 N Main Street, Florence, MA, 01062, United States
Bring your family and meet a REAL. LIVE. UNICORN! On the patio at High Five Books and brought to you by High Five Books, A2Z Science and Learning Toy Store, and The Community Classroom. I
Also! Learn about spring & summer learning opportunities for Northampton-area families.

Spring Egg-Stravaganza Science Camp
2026-05-06 12:00 - 16:00 | High Five Books, 141 N Main Street, Florence, MA, 01062, United States
🥚🌼 Spring Egg-Stravaganza Science Camp
A Cracking Good Half-Day Adventure | 12–4 PM, May 6th
Get ready for a shell-shocking afternoon of hands-on science! In this spring-themed camp, kids explore the amazing science of eggs—how they work, how strong they really are, and the surprising creatures that lay them.
Campers will dive into:
🔬 Egg Drop Engineering Challenge
Kids design their own protective contraptions to keep an egg safe from a big drop! They’ll test, redesign, and compete to see which structure stands up to gravity.
💥 Eggshell Strength Lab
Why can’t you crush an egg in your hand? Kids investigate the surprising physics behind nature’s perfect little engineering marvel, testing pressure, force, and shape.
🧪 Egg Experiments (No Heat Needed!)
Try a classic: make a bouncy “naked egg” using a simple chemical reaction that dissolves the shell but leaves the egg intact and jiggly!
🐣 Who Lays Eggs? (Hint: Not Just Birds!)
Explore the wild world of oviparous animals—reptiles, amphibians, insects, fish, and even a few mammals (hello, platypus!). Kids match creatures to their eggs and learn how different species protect their young.
🎨 Egg Art & Decorating Station
Wrap up with a creative, mess-friendly decorating project—marbled eggs, watercolor patterns, or eco-friendly natural dyes.
Each camper goes home with:
✔️ Their bouncy egg experiment (in a sealed container)
✔️ Egg art creations
✔️ A Spring Science Explorer mini-zine
An egg-cellent mix of engineering, biology, chemistry, and creativity—all in one exciting half-day! Plus, lots of puns. 🙂

Sprout Squad: The Science of Gardening
2026-05-27 12:00 - 16:00 | The Community Classroom, 86 Maple Street, Florence, Massachusetts, 01062
Sprout Squad: The Science of Gardening
A Hands-on Half-Day Adventure | 12–4 PM on May 27th
Roll up your sleeves, t’s time to dig into spring! In this special camp, kids become real Junior Garden Helpers, learning how gardens grow, why compost matters, and how they can care for the earth right in their own community.
We’ll kick things off with a fun, kid-friendly composting lesson where campers explore what happens to food scraps, why decomposition is amazing, and how soil gets built. Kids are invited to bring a small container of food scraps from home—banana peels, veggie ends, eggshells, and more—to investigate, sort, and add to a real compost pile. (Gross… but extremely fun!). And yes, we’ll be playing with and learning about worms as well.
Then we’ll head outdoors to help with real spring garden tasks. Activities could include:
🌱 Planting early spring seeds
🪣 Spreading compost or mulch
🧹 Tidying beds for the growing season
🌼 Learning about pollinators and soil critters
🪴 Helping prep the community garden for visitors
Back indoors, campers create their own take-home projects, which may include:
🌿 Seed-starting pots (using recycled materials)
🎨 Garden marker art for home gardens
📘 “My Spring Garden Plan” mini booklet
This camp blends science, sustainability, teamwork, and outdoor fun. It’s perfect for curious kids who love to get their hands dirty and make a real impact in their community garden.

Sew Magical: Fairy Hand Sewing Camp
2026-07-06 09:00 - 2026-07-10 12:00 | The Community Classroom, 86 Maple Street, Florence, Massachusetts, 01062
Sew Magical: Fairy Hand Sewing Camp
July 6-10th from 9 am-12 pm with Stella
Ages 6-9 (CIT 10+)
Step into a world of imagination, creativity, and stitches! In this camp, fairy tailors will begin the week by creating their very own magical pouch—a special place to collect treasures, notes, and fairy-sized surprises as the week unfolds.
Through hands-on sewing projects, campers will strengthen fine motor skills, build patience and focus, and gain confidence working with real tools and materials. Each day blends storytelling, design, and practical sewing techniques, emphasizing lifelong art skills and creative problem-solving. Fairy tailors will leave with both beautiful creations and a sense of pride in what they can make.
If caregivers are looking for a full day, we offer a Lunch Bunch for a small additional fee ($10) and then a second half day program (Unicorn Academy).
CIT Program (Ages 10+)
Older students can join as Counselors-in-Training, gaining leadership skills while helping younger kids write, build circuits, explore materials, and contribute to a calm, joyful club community.
How to register:

If you are an existing client or have attended a camp previously, please log in and register on the Tutorbird platform.
New clients and students: Please find the correct date and time of the event on the calendar below, then click “Book and Sign Up” for registration.

If you are wanting to register for multiple camp and/or afterschool club opportunities, you can email megan@thecommunityclassroom.com and you will be sent an invoice. Please note your child is not registered until the invoice is paid.

Unicorn Academy Camp
2026-07-06 13:00 - 2026-07-10 16:00 | The Community Classroom, 86 Maple Street, Florence, Massachusetts, 01062
🦄 Unicorn Academy
July 6-10th | 1:00–4:00 PM | with Kali
Ages 6–9 | CITs ages 10+
Calling all dreamers and believers! This summer camp invites kids into an enchanting world filled with magic, creativity, and adventure. Each camper adopts their own plush unicorn, names it, accessorizes for it, and learns how to care for it throughout the week. All the while our unicorn parents are learning social skills and building confidence.
From unicorn training school and magical art projects to literacy time in the “Story Meadow” and outdoor adventures around Florence, this camp blends imagination, responsibility, and joy. Highlights include unicorn habitat building, scavenger hunts, cupcake decorating, and a grand Unicorn Parade for families at the end of the week.
To register, use the calendar below. please make sure you forward the calendar to the right month, start date, and start time.

Young Authors & Illustrators: A Bookmaking Camp (Section A)
2026-07-13 13:00 - 2026-07-17 17:00 | The Community Classroom, 86 Maple Street, Florence, Massachusetts, 01062
✍️ Young Authors & Illustrators: A Bookmaking Camp (Section A)
Section A: July 13-17th | 1:00–5:00 PM | with Shari
Ages 8–11 | CITs ages 12+
A camp for storytellers, doodlers, and big imaginations. Young Authors and Illustrators will write, illustrate, and bring their own stories to life through researching their community, creative exploration, and collaborative sharing. We’ll partner with the David Ruggles Center to research the history of Florence, learn research skills from the librarians at Lilly Library, and get writing advice from a renown author (we’ve had Grace Lin and Heidi Stemple the past few years!). Authors will learn about the history of the silk industry in Florence and hand dye their own silk end papers. This camp culminates with an optional Meet the Author event at the Florence Farmers Market and then their books are on exhibit (if the author would like) at Lilly Library. Perfect for kids who love books, art, and expressing their ideas on the page.
CIT Program (Ages 12+)
Older students can join as Counselors-in-Training, gaining leadership skills while helping younger kids write, build circuits, explore materials, and contribute to a calm, joyful club community.
How to register:

If you are an existing client or have attended a camp previously, please log in and register on the Tutorbird platform.
New clients and students: Please find the correct date and time of the event on the calendar below, then click “Book and Sign Up” for registration.

If you are wanting to register for multiple camp and/or afterschool club opportunities, you can email megan@thecommunityclassroom.com and you will be sent an invoice. Please note you are not officially registered until the invoice is paid.

Sparkle Science Camp: The Science of Shine
2026-07-20 09:00 - 2026-07-24 12:00 | The Community Classroom, 86 Maple Street, Florence, Massachusetts, 01062
✨ Sparkle Science Camp: The Science of Shine
July 20-24 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | with Kali
Ages 6–9 | 10+ CITs
Why do things shimmer, glow, and sparkle? In Sparkle Science Camp, kids explore the science behind light and color through wow-worthy experiments. Campers will grow sugar crystals, test UV-reactive bracelets in sunlight, play with prisms and mirrors, make sparkle slime, and build kaleidoscopes to take home.
This camp blends real science with serious dazzle—perfect for curious makers who love learning and a little sparkle.
CIT Program (Ages 10+)
Older students can join as Counselors-in-Training, gaining leadership skills while helping younger kids write, build circuits, explore materials, and contribute to a calm, joyful club community.
How to register:

If you are an existing client or have attended a camp previously, please log in and register on the Tutorbird platform.
New clients and students: Please find the correct date and time of the event on the calendar below, then click “Book and Sign Up” for registration.

If you are wanting to register for multiple camp and/or afterschool club opportunities, you can email megan@thecommunityclassroom.com and you will be sent an invoice. Please note you are not officially registered until the invoice is paid.

Young Authors & Illustrators: A Bookmaking Camp (Section B)
2026-07-20 13:00 - 2026-07-24 17:00 | High Five Books, 141 N Main Street, Florence, MA, 01062, United States
✍️ Young Authors & Illustrators: A Bookmaking Camp
Section B: July 20-24th | 1:00–5:00 PM | with Shari
Ages 8–11, CITs 12+
A camp for storytellers, doodlers, and big imaginations. Young Authors and Illustrators will write, illustrate, and bring their own stories to life through researching their community, creative exploration, and collaborative sharing. We’ll partner with the David Ruggles Center to research the history of Florence, learn research skills from the librarians at Lilly Library, and get writing advice from a renown author (we’ve had Grace Lin and Heidi Stemple the past few years!). Authors will learn about the history of the silk industry in Florence and hand dye their own silk end papers. This camp culminates with an optional Meet the Author event at the Florence Farmers Market and then their books are on exhibit (if the author would like) at Lilly Library. Perfect for kids who love books, art, and expressing their ideas on the page.
CIT Program (Ages 12+)
Older students can join as Counselors-in-Training, gaining leadership skills while helping younger kids write, build circuits, explore materials, and contribute to a calm, joyful club community.
How to register:

If you are an existing client or have attended a camp previously, please log in and register on the Tutorbird platform.
New clients and students: Please find the correct date and time of the event on the calendar below, then click “Book and Sign Up” for registration.

If you are wanting to register for multiple camp and/or afterschool club opportunities, you can email megan@thecommunityclassroom.com and you will be sent an invoice. Please note you are not officially registered until the invoice is paid.

Leadership Lab Camp
2026-07-27 13:00 - 2026-07-31 17:00 | High Five Books, 141 N Main Street, Florence, MA, 01062, United States
🌱 Leadership Lab
July 27-31 | 1:00–5:00 PM | with Stella |
Ages 8-11, CIT 12+ | 📍 High Five Books
Leadership Lab is a field-trip–based camp designed to help young leaders blossom. Campers take on short internships within the Florence and Northampton community, learning how their voices and actions can make a difference.
Along the way, they’ll practice public speaking, teamwork, and community engagement, while also learning how to lead games and icebreakers. This camp is ideal for kids ready to grow their confidence, take on responsibility, and lead with purpose—without it ever feeling like “just school.”
CIT Program (Ages 12+)
Older students can join as Counselors-in-Training, gaining leadership skills while helping younger kids write, build circuits, explore materials, and contribute to a calm, joyful club community.
How to register:

If you are an existing client or have attended a camp previously, please log in and register on the Tutorbird platform.
New clients and students: Please find the correct date and time of the event on the calendar below, then click “Book and Sign Up” for registration.

If you are wanting to register for multiple camp and/or afterschool club opportunities, you can email megan@thecommunityclassroom.com and you will be sent an invoice. Please note you are not officially registered until the invoice is paid.

Mini-Detectives Forensic Science Camp
2026-08-03 09:00 - 2026-08-07 12:00 | The Community Classroom, 86 Maple Street, Florence, Massachusetts, 01062
🕵️‍♀️ Mini-Detectives Forensic Science Camp
August 3-7th | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | with Kali
Ages 6–9, CITs 10+
Calling all curious kids and sharp-eyed sleuths! Mini-Detectives Forensic Science Camp invites young investigators to solve mysteries using kid-friendly forensic techniques. Campers will analyze fingerprints, decode secret messages, examine “evidence,” and use observation and teamwork to crack daily cases.
This camp blends STEM learning with imaginative play, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration in a fun, supportive environment.
CIT Program (Ages 10+)
Older students can join as Counselors-in-Training, gaining leadership skills while helping younger kids write, build circuits, explore materials, and contribute to a calm, joyful club community.
How to register:

If you are an existing client or have attended a camp previously, please log in and register on the Tutorbird platform.
New clients and students: Please find the correct date and time of the event on the calendar below, then click “Book and Sign Up” for registration.

If you are wanting to register for multiple camp and/or afterschool club opportunities, you can email megan@thecommunityclassroom.com and you will be sent an invoice. Please note you are not officially registered until the invoice is paid.

(FULL) BakeLab: The Science of Sweet and Savory
2026-08-10 09:00 - 2026-08-14 12:00 | Florence Civic Center, 90 Park Street, Florence, MA, 01062, United States
FULL 🍰 BakeLab: The Science of Sweet & Savory
August 10-14 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | 📍Florence Civic Center
Ages 8-11, CIT 12+
In BakeLab, kids become food scientists! Campers experiment with leavening agents, emulsions, fermentation, and heat as they bake cookies, quick breads, sourdough, brownies, and more. They’ll explore ingredient swaps, texture experiments, and how science transforms food. Taught by an AP science teacher who loves the combination of baking + chemistry! This is her 3rd year teaching a science + baking camp and folks! It fills up quickly.
The big idea? Understanding how ingredients interact—and how curiosity makes everything better.
CIT Program (Ages 12+)
Older students can join as Counselors-in-Training, gaining leadership skills while helping younger kids write, build circuits, explore materials, and contribute to a calm, joyful club community.
How to register:

If you are an existing client or have attended a camp previously, please log in and register on the Tutorbird platform.
New clients and students: Please find the correct date and time of the event on the calendar below, then click “Book and Sign Up” for registration.

If you are wanting to register for multiple camp and/or afterschool club opportunities, you can email megan@thecommunityclassroom.com and you will be sent an invoice. Please note you are not officially registered until the invoice is paid.

College Essay and Self-Discovery Camp
2026-08-10 13:00 - 2026-08-14 16:00 | The Community Classroom, 86 Maple Street, Florence, Massachusetts, 01062
✍️ College Essay & Self-Discovery
August 10–14 | 1:00–4:00 PM | with Kali
For high school students (especially rising seniors)
This supportive, reflective writing experience helps teens uncover their authentic voice—whether they’re preparing for college applications or simply strengthening their writing skills. Through guided prompts, discussion, and one-on-one feedback, students explore personal values, experiences, and stories that matter to them.
Students leave with strong ideas, clearer direction, and tools that extend far beyond a single essay.
How to register:

If you are an existing client or have attended a camp previously, please log in and register on the Tutorbird platform.
New clients and students: Please find the correct date and time of the event on the calendar below, then click “Book and Sign Up” for registration.

If you are wanting to register for multiple camp and/or afterschool club opportunities, you can email megan@thecommunityclassroom.com and you will be sent an invoice. Please note you are not officially registered until the invoice is paid.

Camp Swiftie
2026-08-17 09:00 - 2026-08-21 12:00 | The Community Classroom, 86 Maple Street, Florence, Massachusetts, 01062
🎤✨ Camp Swiftie
August 17 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | with Kali
Ages 6–9, CITs 10+
Camp Swiftie is a creative, confidence-boosting experience inspired by Taylor Swift’s eras, storytelling, and friendship. Campers design their own Era outfits, create mini album covers with track lists, make and trade friendship bracelets, and play Swiftie Trivia Bingo.
It’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and self-expression—with plenty of sparkle.
CIT Program (Ages 10+)
Older students can join as Counselors-in-Training, gaining leadership skills while helping younger kids write, build circuits, explore materials, and contribute to a calm, joyful club community.
How to register:

If you are an existing client or have attended a camp previously, please log in and register on the Tutorbird platform.
New clients and students: Please find the correct date and time of the event on the calendar below, then click “Book and Sign Up” for registration.

If you are wanting to register for multiple camp and/or afterschool club opportunities, you can email megan@thecommunityclassroom.com and you will be sent an invoice. Please note you are not officially registered until the invoice is paid.
