Explore Academic Enrichment for Youth

Engaging minds since 1980! Whiz Kids classes are designed to provide enrichment activities for youth, cleverly disguised as fun, where students learn by doing and supporting each other in the learning process. Kids are inspired to try new things, build independence, gain social skills, face challenges, learn the value of work, and build character.

Search & Register Online

You can search for classes online through RVC's Self Service: Instant Enrollment. To make searching easier, find the course code(s) noted below. Note: STEM Saturdays and Black Rocket classes follow a separate registration process.

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View the Latest Schedule

If you prefer to view the full schedule of offerings, download the latest Community & Continuing Education schedule here.

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Whiz Kids by Topic

The following classes may be found through our online search. Explore by topic:

Arts & Ceramics

Find your creativity with our arts and ceramics classes! We have classes geared toward little ones as well as classes for older children and adults. Explore ceramics, watercolors, and (new this spring) the art pyrography – or woodburning. Required supplies vary by class, please review the class descriptions.

Search online using course code prefix WIZ and ART.

 

young student wearing safety gear in lab setting

Additional Options

In addition to our lineup of Whiz Kids classes, we also offer STEM Saturdays, Starlight Theatre Camps, and online options through Black Rocket.

STEM Saturdays

We also offer "STEM Saturdays" classes. To explore options, expand the sections below for each date. These classes are not available for online registration. Instead, register today by calling (815) 921-3900. Note: limited seating. We encourage younger students to be accompanied by a parent/adult as some projects may be more difficult to navigate.

Take advantage of our special offer – one FREE STEM Saturday (per person)! To secure your free workshop, please call (815) 921-3900.

STEM Saturday program funding provided by the Kjellstrom Family Foundation. Thank you for your generosity!

Ever wonder how food gets digested or how our lungs work to get air into our bodies? During this class students will get the chance to build a human lung model and a joint-articulated hand device (that really works to pick things up)! We will also be running a hands-on demonstration of how food moves through the digestive system to absorb the nutrients NOTE: will be messy, bring an extra shirt.

  • Class Time: Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 9-11:30 a.m.
  • Location: RVC Main Campus in the Jacobs Center for Science and Math (JCSM) Building

Interested in learning how design and build working models of large-scale structures such as flag pulleys, catapults, and a Ferris wheel? This is the class for you! Students get the chance to work hands-on to build fun devices that show off the amazing abilities of human innovation.

  • Class Time: Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 9-11:30 a.m.
  • Location: RVC Main Campus in the Jacobs Center for Science and Math (JCSM) Building

Most things we do in our lives are linked to electronics, but most people don’t really know how they work. In this class we will explore how simple circuits work and how to  determine if an item is wired correctly. Students will make a buzz wire game, circuit bugs, and a simple motor. All ages are welcome, but younger students are encouraged to be escorted by a parent/adult as some projects may be more difficult to navigate alone.

  • Class Time: Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 9-11:30 a.m.
  • Location: RVC Main Campus in the Jacobs Center for Science and Math (JCSM) Building

Music is a critical component of our society and the ability to understand how an instrument makes each unique sound is truly a scientific wonder. In this class students will build different types of musical instrument models and test them to see the different types of sound they create. Included will be a tambourine, maracas, a panpipe, spin drum and more! All ages are welcome, but younger students are encouraged to be escorted by a parent/adult as some projects may be more difficult to navigate alone.

  • Class Time: Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 9-11:30 a.m.
  • Location: RVC Main Campus in the Jacobs Center for Science and Math (JCSM) Building

 

Stars of Tomorrow

Led by RVC Starlight Theatre teaching artists, Stars of Tomorrow is a one-week summer theatre camp designed to guide young stars through the process of creating theatre. Registration opens Wednesday, February 28 at 2 p.m.

  • Early Bird Special: $160 – Deadline April 15, 2024
  • Registration after April 15: $175 – Deadline May 15, 2024

Register for Stars of Tomorrow

  • About the Camps: All camps will be held at Starlight Theatre (1-5 p.m.) with light snacks provided. (Note: transportation is not provided.) Each camp will end with a theatrical presentation, showcasing the hard work of our young stars! There are three camp options – elementary, middle school, and high school – based on grade level. Explore the sections that follow to learn more.
  • Camp Experiences: Participants will be exposed to both performance and technical elements of establishing a world within a play. They will gain confidence in expressing ideas while building skills in speaking, acting, movement, and listening and responding to others. Instructors teach new techniques, while encouraging campers to build on existing strengths and natural abilities. Participants will be split into three different groups and will participate in three sessions per day to experience:
    • Discovering skills (achievement). Campers experience achievement when they try different activities, learn what they like, and discover what they are good at.
    • Building friendships (relationships). Campers have the opportunity to form healthy relationships with other children, caring adults, and role models, which helps them feel good about themselves and learn to get along with others.
    • Finding a place to belong (belonging). Campers connect through significant camp activities that create a sense of belonging, so they feel included, accepted, and part of a community.
  • Electronics Policy: The concept of an unplugged summer may make some kids, and even some parents, a bit anxious. RVC Starlight Theatre's Summer Camps have a NO electronics policy because it promotes genuine communication and interaction among all. 

Starlight Theatre acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

The Elementary Camp is for students entering grades 3-5 in Fall 2024. The camp will run July 8-12, 2024.

Led by RVC Starlight Theatre teaching artists, the program uses dramatic play, singing and choreography to teach and enhance musical theatre performance. All of these build confidence, experience and friendships. The program culminates in a theatrical presentation put on by participants for friends and family in a showcase of excerpts from musicals.

Camp covers all things related to musical theatre performing – acting scenes, acting through song, dance and more! Participants will be grouped to showcase their personal strengths and learn from one another. Show excerpts may include, but are not limited to: SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK!, ANNIE, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, JOSEPH…, HONK! and more!

The Middle School Camp is for students entering grades 6-8 in Fall 2024. The camp will run July 15-19, 2024.

Led by RVC Starlight Theatre teaching artists, the program uses theatre games, improvisation, dramatic play, creative design and visual art techniques to guide students through the process of creating a production. All of these build confidence, experience and friendships. The program culminates in a theatrical presentation put on by participants for friends and family in a showcase of scenes, dance, and technical design.

Camp covers all things related to musical theatre performing – acting scenes, acting through song, dance and more! Participants will be grouped to showcase their personal strengths and learn from one another. Show excerpts may include, but are not limited to: INTO THE WOODS, HAIRSPRAY, LES MISERABLES, SISTER ACT, THE WEDDING SINGER, and more!

The High School Camp is for students entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2024. The camp will run July 22-26, 2024.

Led by RVC Starlight Theatre teaching artists, the program uses theatre games, improvisation, dramatic play, creative design and visual art techniques to guide students through the process of creating a production. All of these build confidence, experience and friendships. The program culminates in a theatrical presentation put on by participants for friends and family in a showcase of scenes, dance, and technical design.

The High School Camp features two tracks:

  • Acting Track: It’s GO time! These performance Stars of Tomorrow will work on audition techniques, acting through song, scenes, monologues, and a variety of dance genres. This session is for the passionate high school student who wants to improve confidence and to build their audition repertoire. Participants should be prepared to bring (sheet music) an up-tempo and ballad vocal piece to work on. The week will culminate in a showcase for family and friends.
  • Tech Theatre Track: Always wondered what it’s like to work backstage OR have had the chance to work backstage, want to sharpen your skills, and learn more? These technical Stars of Tomorrow will learn Scene Painting techniques, Sound operation, and Stage Management. Go back to school this fall and chief a crew! Participants will showcase work at the end of the week that could include: Script Scoring, Call Sheet, Sound Cues, Scene Paint texture variations.

 

Black Rocket Online Camps

Can't make it to our campus or are looking for an extra activity while on vacation? Check out our live virtual camps! From 3D Design & Games, Classic Video Games, Digital Arts, Coding to so much more. Classes are offered virtually from June 5 to August 25. View the full schedule and registration information online.

Visit Black Rocket's Website

About Whiz Kids

Rock Valley College Whiz Kids Engages Young Minds

Since 1980, Whiz Kids has been engaging young minds and providing youth with a variety of educational enrichment opportunities.

Whiz Kids classes are designed to provide enrichment activities for youth, cleverly disguised as fun, where students learn by doing and supporting each other in the learning process. Kids are inspired to try new things, build independence, gain social skills, face challenges, learn the value of work, and build character. Whiz Kids classes are taught by experienced educators who have a passion for inspiring kids.

The goal of Whiz Kids will always be the same. We are about making sure youth have the time of their lives and create ever-lasting memories. It’s a much needed break from the rigor of the academic year, where we can make creativity, adventure, thrills, smiles, & plain old good times happen.