This class is designed to teach children Ages 6-12 the more advanced skills of the back handspring, round-off back handsprings, and standing back tuck.  Students in this class should have a good round-off and be able to do a back walk-over with a spot.  Drills such as handstands, bridge kick-overs and jump backs will be repeated in this class to help students become a stronger tumbler.

This class will include instruction on fly fishing rods and equipment, fly rod casting, line management, and casting techniques for the Smoky Mountains area. Fly rods provided.

Children will learn gross motor skills needed for Kindergarten readiness and beginner gymnastics skills. Gymnastic skills are taught in proper progressions on bright, colorful preschool equipment, with all equipment designed and sized for young hands and feet.  Participants will learn beginner through intermediate skills on bars, beams, trampolines, and vaulting.

Parks & Rec has partnered with Maryville Isshin-Ryu Karate School to offer the following classes to both youth and adults. MIKS was established in 1967 and is the oldest martial arts school in Blount County. It is accredited by the International Isshin-Ryu Karate Association. There are no contracts or hidden fees. Participants will learn effective self-defense, street fighting techniques, traditional kata, and much more.  Benefits include great workouts, stress management techniques, increased concentration, boosted confidence, flexibility, balance, discipline and respect. For more information, visit the school’s website at maryvilleisshinryu.com

Students will create fun projects as well as learn hand-building techniques such as coiling, pinching and slab work. Each class is unique and small in size. Students receive personal attention from instructor through the step-by-step process of making a pot, decorating, glazing and firing. Each class is project based and students will make a variety of bowls, dishes and sculptural art pieces. All work goes through two kiln firings; the second firing will make the pottery safe for food and drink, as well as use in the microwave and dishwasher. We use only health-approved clays and glaze-materials. Class includes clay and all firing and glaze materials.

The K-POP Dance Party Session is ahigh-energy, confidence-boosting program designed to introduce young dancers to the fun, expressive world of K-POP. Over five weeks, children ages 3-8 explore rhythm, musicality, and movement through kid-friendly choreography inspired by popular K-POP styles. Each class blends upbeat music, easy-to-follow dance steps, and playful activities that keep little bodies moving and big imaginations engaged.

What kids experience: A lively warm-up to build flexibility and coordination. Step-by-step K-POP inspired dance routines tailored for young learners. Games and movement activities encourage creativity and teamwork. Age-appropriate music that keeps the energy high and the smiles big. Positive coaching builds confidence, rhythm, and body awareness. Final Performance: At the end of the 5-week session, dancers show off their new moves in a fun, upbeat performance for families. It’s a celebration of their hard work, growth, and enthusiasm. Complete with cheers, applause, and plenty of sparkle. This session is perfect for young dancers who love music, movement, and a good dance party. It’s energetic, engaging, and designed to help every child shine.

Parents will drop off children for the class time, and they are welcome to sit in the gym, walk the trail that is on-site, or relax in their car while the children are in class.

We will review the basics of acting and use some theater games to loosen up, get our creative juices flowing, and begin to learn how to act as an ensemble. Since children at this age are more comfortable with reading, we will work from actual scenes taken from children's stories like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Anne of Green Gables. Some memorization will be necessary. These scenes will be presented for family and friends on the last night of class.

The Knight School is your official chess team and chess party!  In each of our offerings, The Knight School kids try to earn and collect all 25 colorful tactic-specific TactixBands in order to earn the rare black shirt and be admitted to The Masters. This approach results in kids developing a strong enthusiasm for chess, improved sportsmanship, and newfound academic confidence.  Beginner to Intermediate levels welcome.  If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Coach Hollis at hollis@theknightschool.com

Upon enrollment, new students receive weekly lessons, a TKS T-Shirt, chess set and tote (to keep if complete six months of classes), colorful TactixBands they can earn, admission to the city-wide and semester-ending Chess Tournament/Parties, a custom kid-safe online chess account, weekly online nationwide chess tournaments against other elementary students in The Knight School, and discounted rates on some of the other offerings such as the Varsity Advanced chess program.

This class will teach and enhance skills involving handstands, cartwheels, one-arm cartwheels and bridges for both the very beginner and intermediate student. Intermediate students will also work on round-offs, backbend kick-overs, and front and back handsprings. Classes are taught with proper skill progression for the safety of the child and with enthusiasm and motivation – never intimidation. Children that are 5 years old must have started Kindergarten.

Join us as we introduce you to a new sport! Disc golf is a new and exciting sport taking the world by storm. There will be professional disc golfers on site to teach you how to play the game! You will be able to put your skills to the test afterwards on our temporary 9-hole course.