Meridian Community College’s College for Kids is the place to be when school is out.

More than 650 area youth have already registered for College for Kids, the program which provides many different opportunities each summer for children ages 6 to 12 in a safe, fun environment.

“The kids have a great time and it’s educational and fun,” program coordinator Joy Smith said. “College for Kids is a great start to the summer.”

Sponsored by the Continuing Education Department at Meridian Community College, College for Kids offers a wide variety of classes and youngsters can choose to attend for one or two weeks: June 3-7 and June 10-14. Cost is $60 for each class and the registration deadline is May 15.

This year’s program features the return of many favorites — such as Lego Mania, All About Animals, and Wacky Sports — while there are new classes this year as well. Several classes meet STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) criteria. For more information call MCC Community and Business Development at 601-482-7445.

A description of MCC’s College for Kids classes follows. Those with an asterisk (*) designate van travel:

All About Animals

Experience the fun of creatures big and small. Learn the care and respect that every animal needs. Make friends with hamsters, kittens, bunnies, ponies and alligators! And if you would like you can even milk a cow. Mooo!

Art Made Easely

Paint a different canvas each day. The instructor will guide you stroke by stroke through each project.

Basketball

Learn the skills to help you dribble, pass, shoot and master offensive and defensive plays. Upgrade your game with the basic fundamentals and enjoy the game of basketball! 8:30 class, ages 6-9; 10:30 class, ages 10 and up.

Cake Decorating

Learn the proper way to frost and decorate a cake. Create borders, flowers and other imaginative designs.

Camp Create

Create many different crafts and enjoy many different art forms. Some examples are self-portraits, painting, picture frames and more.

Cheer USA

Cheer your favorite team to V-I-C-T-O-R-Y with the latest sideline cheers, stunts and pom routines.

Clay Sculpture

Do you like to work with your hands, design, and paint? Let your imagination take off as you mold, build and add detail in this three-dimensional class.

Cooking for Fun*

Let us take you on a culinary adventure. You will learn to be a chef. STEAM class. 8:30 class, ages 6-9; 10:30 class, ages 10 and up.

Crack the Code

Want to have the experience of an escape room? Work with others using learned skills along with communication and leadership to solve a series of puzzles. Once you solve the mystery, you will break INto a locked box. Can you crack the code?

Creepy Crawly Creatures

Explore the world of insects. Learn how insects see, eat and live. Begin your own insect collection and experience the outdoors. STEAM class.

Crowns, Gowns, Runways (Second week only)

Make-up, hair, clothing, the walk, the turn, and more. Get ready to walk the runway or win a crown!

Drama Kids!

Get ready to take the stage. Script reading, auditions, costumes, diction exercises… all of this and more will prepare you for the big performance. Present a short play on the final day of class.

Football 101

Learn the basics of football, offense and defense. Hone the skills needed to play the game with agility and quickness. This class will be non-contact.

Fossils: Dig It!

Fossils, dinosaurs, buried treasure…learn what it’s like to be a paleontologist. STEAM class.

Gaming & Apps  (First week only)

Don’t just play games. Create your own. Explore game design and coding apps. STEAM class. Ages 8 and up.

Go Van Gogh!

Develop your artistry as you learn basic drawing techniques and painting skills. Create your masterpiece.

Guitar

Learn the parts of the guitar, finger boarding, the use of strings and tuning keys. You will learn to play several songs. Tuned guitar required. Ages 8 and up.

Garden Delights*

Learn the joy of working with your hands and developing a beautiful garden. Paint pots, plant seeds and bulbs and learn basic gardening techniques. Class sponsored by VanZyverden.

Golf*

Learn golf skills, strategies, ways to enhance stance, swing and proper use of woods and irons.

Hair, Nails & More!

Learn about hair care, basic manicures and pedicures, and the proper shades of make-up.

Hip Hop/Contemporary Dance

Learn all the latest dance moves performed in all your favorite music videos.

Jewelry Just For Fun

Learn to make friendship bracelets and necklaces, hair wraps, beaded bracelets, earrings, chokers and anklets for yourself or a friend.

Jr. Firefighter Academy*

Learn the duties and responsibilities of a fireman or a firewoman. Sponsored by the Meridian Fire Department.

Jr. Police Academy*

Learn the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcement officer. Class sponsored by Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department.

LEGO® Mania!

Do you want to build a skyscraper or an entire village? All of you aspiring engineers and contractors should join the fun of building with LEGOs and your imagination. STEAM class.

Mad Science Meet me in the lab!

Experiment with making lots of crazy concoctions. Make gruesome goo, monster bubbles, and an active volcano. Learn that science is fun. STEAM class. First week, ages 6-9 Second week, ages 10 and up.

Magic Show/Balloon Art Abracadabra!

Learn clever and mind-boggling magic tricks. Be creative and enjoy the fun of balloon creativity.

Electronics

Build a project while discussing and explaining the operation of the robot. Learn how to solder components on a printed circuit board. Ages 8 and up.

Energy Zone: Off to the Races

Explore force, energy, and motion. Hands-on activities. Build K’nex® cars and race. Special visit from Mississippi Power lineman and power truck. STEAM class.

Making It! Radical Home Ec

Make cool decor for your room. Learn it all- sewing, cooking, etiquette and more!

Marine Biology: Under the Sea

First week only. Immerse yourself in the excitement of discovery and exploration of the sea and all its creatures. Ready to take the plunge? STEAM class.

Nursing

Experience hands-on fun using models and hospital equipment while learning the everyday practices of a nurse. STEAM class.

Pony Tales

This is horses 101. Learn everything that there is to know about horses. Grooming, tack and riding.

SPA-LA-LA

Make and package bath and body products using all-natural recipes. Make body scrub, bath balls, lip gloss, lotion and hand salve from scratch. Enjoy a spa experience. STEAM class. Ages 8 and up.

Taekwondo

Training in martial arts. Improve focus, fitness and flexibility. Learn life skills to build confidence and character.

Tech Kids

Want to learn about computers and programming? Have fun building your own Raspberry PI computer and learn about other projects with Raspberry PIs. STEAM class.

Tennis

Learn and practice basic grips, forehand and backhand strokes, how to serve and volley. Bring your own racket and wear tennis shoes.

Wacky Sports

Be a part of fun physical activities that teach individual and team-building skills. Not your regular sports-these are all WACKY!

Woodworking

Students will build a project while learning skills in carpentry and using the various tools required of carpenters. STEAM class.

ZOOM: Rocket Science

Build your very own rocket. Learn scientific facts about rockets and how they work. You will LAUNCH your rocket! STEAM class.