McHenry County College (MCC) recently released their Q2 Community Education schedule for classes that run April – June 2024. The new schedule can be viewed here.
Whether you want to explore a new activity, learn a new hobby, or connect with others who have similar interests, MCC has something for everyone. The offerings include a wide variety of personal development courses, engaging courses for senior interests, career training programs, and workforce development classes.
Some of the featured personal development classes include sessions on indoor rowing, birding, sailing, candle making, maximizing retirement, maintaining vinyl record collections, mushroom hunting, and more.
Back by popular demand is the two-part class “Mushroom Mission,” which first includes a lecture about mushroom varieties and growing areas, then moves to an outdoor search for mushrooms right here in McHenry County. Classes are held May 9 from 7–8:30 p.m. and May 11 from 8:30–10 a.m.
Interested in a summer at sea? Join Captain Lar for “Introduction to Sailing” and learn the basics of sailboat types, proper knot tying, docking, points of the sail, rigging, boat and water safety, and seamanship. The class is offered Saturdays, April 20 – May 18 in a remote or in-person format.
Take up another popular warm-weather activity with “Beyond Backyard Birding” May 16 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. and May 18 from 7 – 9:30 a.m. The first class is in-person lecture which covers the biology, traits, and behaviors of local birds and an overview of the best places in the area to go birding. The second class will be a bird walk at McHenry Dam.
Designed for individuals ages 55+ is the new course “Maximizing Your Retirement” where attendees will discover effective strategies for tax planning, Social Security, healthcare, and pensions. The class is May 9 from 6–8 p.m.
The College has also been adding more community connection classes in partnership with local businesses.
In “Introduction to Candle Making” with Seleta Scents, attendees will explore a variety of clean fragrance oils to blend a scented candle that mirrors their own individual style and scent preferences. The class is offered April 25, May 23, or June 27 from 6–8 p.m.
Another unique course, “Mastering Vinyl Records,” will take attendees to The Records Department in Woodstock to learn about building a quality record collection, properly caring for records, and selecting the right record player. Classes are available April 24, May 22, and June 26 from 6–8 p.m.
“RowFit: Indoor Rowing Fitness” and “Rowing: Adult Discover Rowing Clinics” are fun ways to increase your activity year-round. Classes are held at a variety of times at Sweeps & Sculls Indoor Rowing in Crystal Lake.
The schedule also includes classes in American Sign Language, beekeeping, watercolor and acrylic painting, fused glass, photography, cookie decorating, private music lessons and ensembles, and more.
To view all of MCC’s Community Education programs or register for any class, visit the Community Education website or call (815) 455-8588.
Registration is also currently open for MCC’s Kids and College Program, which offers hands-on classes in art, culinary, Minecraft, STEM, welding, and more for students entering grades 1–9. The Summer program offers weekly classes from June 3 – August 9. Camp Invention® classes presented by the National Inventors Hall of Fame® for grades K–6 are also available June 24–27. Register and explore Kids and College classes.