Walking in the Northwest and Finding Your Way!

The best part of walking and hiking is that you can go at your own speed. Stop and smell the wildflowers take videos or use your digital camera showing family and friends what they are missing and you are enjoying!

Walking and hiking can be a family affair, travelling with a group of friends, a best buddy or for solitary enjoyment and reflection. Added perks are that walks and hikes can be in the mountains, plains, beaches and even in downtowns and quint cities.
There are no age limits to getting outdoors and breathing in the fresh air; many organized hikes and walks> are accessible to everyone. The most important part of planning your walk or hike is to know how set your way the right way.

Clark College Continuing Education offers classes to help you discover the joys of walking and hiking and how to prepare so you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Each quarter offers a variety of classes lead by our resident outdoors expert Don Hibbs.

SPRING QUARTER OFFERINGS: Registration going on now!

The Essentials of Hiking Together with Map & Compass Reading

Explore the world of hiking and back country travel covering the concepts of physical preparation, planning, proper clothing and equipment.

Ethno-Botany Guided Forest Walk: The Grocery Store in the Woods

Enjoy an easy walk @ LaCamas Round Lake Park studying the relationship between people and plants.
Learn how each plant was used by the Native peoples and early settlers.

COMING SUMMER QUARTER: Registration starting in June!

Downtown Vancouver Photowalk with Your Digital or Film Camera

Learn the tricks of photographing buildings, signs and distractions in Vancouver. Train your eye to see to see points of interest and show them off in their best possible light.

The Essentials of Hiking Together with Map & Compass Reading

Explore the world of hiking and back country travel covering the concepts of physical preparation, planning, proper clothing and equipment.

Photowalking with your Digital Camera

Just you and your camera! Gain tips and tricks from our photographer, Garry Stasiuk, as you walk to and fro around the Fort and meander around our beautiful Clark Campus enjoying the fabulous landscaping.

Heart of the City Historical Walk: A Look at Old Vancouver

A walking lecture on the cultural history of the City of Vancouver. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the city.
Begin at Fort Vancouver, onto the Village, the new Landbridge and the Old Apple Tree.

If you have questions or comments please contact Jo Ann Ames, Continuing Education Manager at 360.992.2742 or james@clark.edu.

GENEALOGY-IT’S AN ADVENTURE

*Curious about where you came from?
*Wondering who’s in your past?
*Want to find a link to the unknown?

Genealogy is your passport helping you connect and discover your roots.

It can be a fascinating and exciting exploration making one discovery after another. You never know where your search will lead you or who it will lead you to –

Genealogy can become a passion for all ages as you learn facts on where your family and relatives came from and what were their stops along the way. Where did those family traditions come from and why?

Don’t think that the process is too complicated or that you don’t have the right tools or computer savvy. You will be surprised at what you can find with just “baby steps”.

Clark College Continuing Education in Vancouver, WA offer classes for both adults and youth and neither require genealogy software or a computer. Start your adventure now!

“How will our children know who they are if they do not know where they came from."

Author unknown

Genealogy-Who's In Your Past?

Genealogy for Youth-Tracking Down the Facts

DANCING – FOR THE FUN OF IT!  

“There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good.”

~Edwin Denby~

Dancing can be practiced and enjoyed all four seasons.

In the spring and summer months we want to get out and do things. Gather at parties, outside ballrooms, wedding receptions, graduations, local pubs or athletic clubs – anywhere we can dance. 

“I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.”
~ Mikhail Baryshnikov~

 During the fall and winter months, when the weather turns dreary and the nights are long, we choose to stay indoors, gathering for holiday parties, enjoy festive occasions in dancehalls, recreational facilities, dance clubs or seasonal home celebrations.

Anytime throughout the year there can be occasions to dance!
*Dance with a partner, dance in a line or dance alone.
*Dance for fitness and agility, dance for exercise
*Dance to learn a new cultural tradition
*Dance to be close to your partner
*Or just dance for the fun of the dance-alone so that only you feels the music coming from the radio, the IPod, the CD or just the music in your head.

“Everything in the universe has rhythm. Everything dances.”
~ Maya Angelou ~

 Dance forms are as individual as the dancers themselves.

Clark College Continuing Education offers a variety of beginning and advanced classes in Social Ballroom Dancing, Latin Style Dance, Line Dancing, Belly Dancing,  Club Dancing, Zumba in the PM and Zumba Dance & Exercise.

We are always ready to offer new dance classes with suggestions from the public.  Is there anything you would like to see?

The best part of dance classes is you can sign up with a friend or partner or sign up by yourself and meet new people. Grab a buddy or buddies and have a fun night out!

Our teachers are professional dance instructors with years of experience and they are eager to teach you the new steps. 

“If you can talk, you can sing. If you can walk, you can dance.”
~ African Proverb ~

 The benefits of dancing are overwhelming. Here are just a few:

*Provide social occasions to meet new people plus offer the chance to learn or practice the social etiquette of dancing. 
*Counteract depression and other health concerns, bring down blood pressure, cholesterol and aid in digestion.
*Present exposure to different cultures and types of dancing.
*An alternative to exercise programs that can be dull and repetitious.
*Build confidence in your skill and ability to dance with a variety of partners (if you choose)
*Gives you a feeling of letting loose and enjoying the moment regardless of the world around you.

 “Lose yourself in the music, the moment - you own it.”
~ Eminem ~

Check out our EXPLORATIONS quarterly schedule of classes for an

up-to-date listing of dance classes offered.

“WE’RE PUTTING THE BAND TOGETHER”
(If the Blues Brothers can do it, so can we!)

There is music in the air as Dr. Jim Rourk assembles a Beginning Community Band.

*Never played an instrument before?

*Never been in a concert or marching band before?

This class is in its third quarter through Clark College Continuing Education and includes a variety of players from beginners and beyond who are enjoying the easy, laid back introduction to playing music and performing with a band. These musicians develop their skills on their own timetable with no stress or expectations other than what they put on themselves. The fun atmosphere makes learning easier as members help each other under the watchful eye of Dr. Jim.

The goal of this on-going class is for participants to eventually move up to the Vancouver Community Concert or Marching Band. So, try it out – for one quarter or continual playtime. Once you start to learn your instrument and play various tunes, you will be hooked. All you need to have is your instrument of choice and a music stand. It doesn’t get any easier to introduce yourself to the joy of making music!
And if you need further convincing -

Here are five reasons to play a musical instrument:

1. Playing a musical instrument makes you smarter!
Adults can benefit from learning to play an instrument because it helps the mind to be alert and remain active eventually helping to sharpen the memory.

2. It teaches Discipline!
Learning to play an instrument is like learning another language. You have to be disciplined in order to master playing your instrument. You need to make yourself practice.

3. Playing a musical instrument relieves stress!
Music is one of life’s simple joys; it helps calm the mind. When you hear soft, soothing music you feel more relaxed; and when you hear peppy music or a band playing, your whole being perks up and your toes start tapping.

4. Sense of achievement!
If you’re a beginner learning to play your first piece, it can be frustrating. But once you’ve mastered it, the satisfaction you’ll feel is priceless. Even if it’s just a simple piece, you’ll never forget the first piece you have mastered.

5. Playing a musical instrument is fun!
Playing an instrument can be hard work, but playing an instrument is fun too. As you get better at it, you will be able to share your newly learned skill with family, friend or just enjoy it yourself.

Spring into a new adventure!

Beginning Community Band