Explore, Create, and Play After the School Day
After School in a Box engages and expands young minds with a menu of multi-week, hands-on, virtual learning classes including art, STEM, music, and more - all from the comfort of your own home! Classes are held once a week and include a 75-minute online meeting where your child will complete age-appropriate enrichment projects from their after-school box, collaborate with peers, and play games. Sign up for one or more classes each week to explore, create, and play after your school day!
Session 3 registration closes January 4.
What to Expect
Before the start of each session, you'll pick up your box from your local YMCA filled with everything your child needs to actively participate in their multi-week class including materials and instructions. Classes will be hosted on Zoom with our dynamic leader, Andrew.
A typical class follows this schedule:
4:00 - 4:10pm | Welcome and warm-up activity (brain-teaser, quick game, etc.)
4:10 - 4:20pm | Counselor introduces project
4:20 - 5:00pm | Counselor leads and models projects. Students participate in real time
5:00 - 5:15pm | Sharing out, reflection, sneak peak of next class, and additional activities
Affordable for All
The Y is committed to ensuring all families have access to quality and enriching youth programs. We provide financial assistance and a sliding fee schedule. Please fill our this quick form to learn more about scholarships or financial assistance available for After School in a Box.
Prices vary based on session length.
5-week session | $100 Facility Members | $140 Community Members
4-week session | $80 Facility Members | $115 Community Members
3-week session | $60 Facility Members | $85 Community Members
Session 3 - Grades 1 to 3
Art through the Ages
January 11 - February 8
Mondays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
5-week session
$100 FM | $140 CM
From Leonardo Davinci to Andy Warhol, art has evolved a great deal over the years. Each week, we will explore a different era of artwork as we create our own pieces inspired by the greats!
Magic 101
January 12 - February 9
Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
5-week session
$100 FM | $140 CM
Think you have what it takes to become a magician? Then this class is the class for you! The tricks you’ll learn will impress and baffle your friends and family, as we explore optical illusions, sleight of hand, and maybe even make something disappear completely!
Puppet Making
January 13 - February 10
Wednesdays, 2:30 - 3:45pm
5-week session
$100 FM | $140 CM
From finger puppets to marionettes and beyond, this class is all about the magic of puppet shows! Each week, we’ll learn about and create a new style of puppet, building up to puppet shows and presentations at the end of the session.
Washington Wildlife
January 14 - February 11
Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
5-week session
$100 FM | $140 CM
The Pacific Northwest is full of flora and fauna just waiting to be explored. This class will arm you with the knowledge you need to make the most of our home state as we explore Washington from the comfort of our homes through art, science, and more.
Session 3 - Grades 4 to 6
Forensic Detectives
January 13 - February 10
Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
5-week session
$100 FM | $140 CM
Ready to solve a mystery? Not afraid of getting a little messy in the process? In this class, we’ll explore the science behind the sleuthing as we crack secret codes, dust for fingerprints, and so much more!
Board Game Creation
January 15 - February 12
Fridays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
5-week session
$100 FM | $140 CM
In this class, we’ll explore what makes truly great board and card games. Get ready to dive into some of your favorites, re-imagine some classics, and even create your own board game from scratch.
Session 2 - Grades 1 to 3
Jurassic World
November 24 - December 15
Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
4-week session
$80 FM | $115 CM
Learn about the prehistoric period and all the creatures and plant life that existed before we walked the Earth! Sculpt, paint, and create your way through the age of the dinosaurs!
Spanish 101
November 25 - December 16
Wednesdays, 2:30 - 3:45pm
4-week session
$80 FM | $115 CM
Join us as we begin to explore the Spanish language. We'll learn the basics of the second most spoken language in the world, and have fun doing it!
Spanish 201
November 25 - December 15
Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
4-week session
$80 FM | $115 CM
Ready to take your Spanish speaking to the next level? Join us while we build up our vocabularies and elevate our Español!
Studio Sketch
December 4 - December 18
Fridays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
3-week session
$60 FM | $85 CM
Want to learn how to draw and sketch? This class is for you! We'll explore drawing tricks, tips, and techniques to help advance your sketching skills!
Session 2 - Grades 4 to 6
Jewelry Design
November 23 - December 14
Mondays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
4-week session
$80 FM | $115 CM
Bring out the beads and string to creating all sorts of wearable art! Wear your jewelry home or make it for someone special in this interactive class.
Spanish 101
November 25 - December 16
Wednesdays, 2:30 - 3:45pm
4-week session
$80 FM | $115 CM
Join us as we begin to explore the Spanish language. We'll learn the basics of the second most spoken language in the world, and have fun doing it!
Spanish 201
November 25 - December 16
Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
4-week session
$80 FM | $115 CM
Ready to take your Spanish speaking to the next level? Join us while we build up our vocabularies and elevate our Español!
Fantastic Physics
December 3 - December 17
Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
3-week session
$60 FM | $85 CM
How far can you make a pom-pom fly? Can you cook s'mores with the energy of the sun? What attracts goo to balloons? We'll answer these questions, and more, in this Fantastic Physics class.
Current & Past Sessions
Session 1 - Grades 1 to 3
Book Art
October 19 - November 16
Mondays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
5-week session
$100 FM | $140 CM
Your love of literacy and art collide in this fun, creativity-filled class! Each week will feature a different book which will inspire a creative art activity.
Registration ended October 12.
Science Time
October 21 - November 18
Wednesdays, 2:30 - 3:45pm
5-week session
$100 FM | $140 CM
Dive head first into science with a class that explores a variety of the science disciplines! Get ready for some Biology, Physics, an introduction to STEM, and more!
Registration ended October 12.
Music Makers
October 22 - November 19
Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
5-week session
$100 FM | $140 CM
Let’s jam! In this class we will plan, design, and create our own instruments…and then we’ll play!
Registration ended October 12.
Session 1 - Grades 4 to 6
Rocket Science
October 20 - November 17
Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
5-week session
$100 FM | $140 CM
3…2…1….Blast off! We’ll have tons of out-of-this-world-fun activities to help us learn about our Solar System!
Registration ended October 12.
Comic Book Club
October 21 - November 18
Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
5-week session
$100 FM | $140 CM
Comic books are a great way to explore illustration, character development, and plot! We will be reading classics and making our own comic books to share.
Registration ended October 12.
Stamping & Printmaking
October 23 - November 20
Fridays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
5-week session
$100 FM | $140 CM
Learn how create your own stamps and cool creations with them in this awesome exploration of printmaking! Get stamping!
Registration ended October 12.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the fees for After School in a Box?
Class prices depending on session length.
5-week session | $100 Facility Members | $140 Community Members
4-week session | $80 Facility Members | $115 Community Members
3-week session | $60 Facility Members | $85 Community Members
2. I cannot afford the full cost of After School in a Box, are there financial aid or scholarship options?
Yes, the Y is committed to ensuring all of our programs are affordable for all. Please fill our this quick form to learn more about scholarships or financial assistance available for After School in a Box.
3. Do I qualify for Facility Member pricing if my membership is on hold while facilities are not up to full operations?
You must be an active member to qualify for Facility Member pricing. If you would like to remove your hold status, please email us.
4. When are fees due for After School in a Box?
Full payment is due upon registration for the program.
5. What is the deadline to register for After School in a Box?
Registration close dates vary by session.
- Session one closes on October 12, 2020.
- Session two closes closes on November 16, 2020.
- Session three closes on January 4, 2020.
6. Will there be more sessions of After School in a Box?
Yes, we will have a total of 6 sessions. Registration opens about one month before programming starts.
- Session 4 | March 1 to April 2, 2021
- Session 5 | April 19 to May 21, 2021
- Session 6 | May 24 to June 18, 2021
7. Do I have to sign up for all classes of After School in a Box?
No, you can choose to sign up for any or all classes!
8. What virtual options do you have for school breaks?
During school break weeks, we offer our popular Camp in a Box which brings the magic of summer camp home.
9. What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made seven (7) days before the start of After School in a Box by emailing us at virtualyouthprograms@seattleymca.org. Less than 7 days notice prior to the first day of the program will result in a forfeit of fees paid.
10. Where and when do I pick up my box?
Boxes can be picked up at your local YMCA on the Thursday or Friday before each new session starts during specified times. When registering, you will choose your preferred pick-up location. More information will be sent out after registration.
11. What supplies are included in the box?
Boxes will include everything needed to complete activities for the entire sessions of each class, except for basic items like scissors, markers, crayons, glue, or basic household items.
12. How do I log on to my Zoom meeting?
We will email detailed instructions for Zoom meetings at least one day before the start of your class session.
13. What time is my Zoom meeting?
Zoom meetings are daily at 4:00 - 5:15pm, except for Wednesday when there is an additional time at 2:30 - 3:45pm.
14. If I can't make a Zoom meeting, is there a make-up time?
No, there are not make-up Zoom meetings but your box will include all supplies and instructions to complete projects independently.
15. I have a question not listed, who can I contact?
Please email us.
Stay Engaged with the Y
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Family Room
Bring the Y's education and enrichment activities into your home. Add variety and creativity into days without school, child care, or work through our virtual family room.
Branches Are Now Open!
We are so excited to welcome you back to the Y. Learn more about our current hours, reservation information, and safety protocols. See you soon!
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