What is School Age After Care?
Our School Age After Care program runs from September through June and coincides with the Bellingham School District schedule. We provide pick-up options for our students attending both Happy Valley Elementary as well as Lowell Elementary. Once at our facility, students will be given a snack and enjoy a variety of activities. From board games, to art, to courtyard free play, kids get to play in a safe and loving environment.
What is Smooth Sailors?
Smooth Sailors is our K – 5 program that runs during the summer. Fantastic field trips include: hiking, berry picking, a trip to the theater, and exploring Bellingham City Parks. We also plan a variety of on–campus activities such as water wars, art shows, plays, music, academic challenges and leadership opportunities. Your child will enjoy the close friendships they will build with our loving staff and the rest of the Smooth Sailors.
Activities and events take place from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Children are expected to arrive no later than 9:30a.m., as arriving later can disrupt the flow of the program. Field trip schedules may dictate that children arrive earlier or be picked up later. Field trips include bowling, berry picking, exploring at Birch Bay and other area parks.
Clubs are held on a weekly basis and offer a variety of experiences for your child. Children rotate their club participation every one to two weeks, so each child will enjoy many different clubs. Teachers plan clubs based on areas of knowledge and interest, along with children’s current interests. Past clubs have included but are not limited to soccer, cheerleading, baking, dance, photography, woodworking and science exploration.
Smooth Sailors Typical Daily Schedule:
Hillcrest Kids opens at 7:15 a.m. and closes at 5:45 p.m. Here is what a “typical” day might look like during the Summer Smooth Sailors Program
(Please note that each group has a slightly different schedule when it comes to meal times, field trips, and other special events and all times are subject to change. For actual schedules, please see the Events page.)
