Programs - Fall

• REGISTRATION OPENS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 @ 9:00AM
• IN PERSON REGISTRATION ONLY AT TAM TENNIS
• NO PHONE IN REGISTRATION
• NO EMAIL REGISTRATION
• NO EARLY DROP OFF
• THERE ARE NO MAKE UPS FOR MISSED CLASSES
• DROP CLASS POLICY- Less 15% once registration form is processed
• Click here for REGISTRATION FORM

FALL JUNIOR CLASSES- 10 weeks

October 6-December 20 (No class November 24-29)

Junior Class Descriptions:

Quick Starters (Level 1):  Players just starting to play tennis.
Hot Shots (Level 2):  Player has little experience playing tennis, needs stroke development.  Player is still working on getting the ball into play and is learning game scoring and rules.
Future Stars (Level 3):  Can sustain a short rally at slow pace with other players of similiar ability.  Strokes are still developing, knows game rules of tennis.
Future Stars (Level 3.5):  Can sustain a short rally at slow pace with other players of similiar ability.  Strokes are still developing, knows game rules of tennis.  Has minimial tournament experience or moved from Level 3 by coach.
Future Stars (Level 4):  Tournament level player.  Individual player can sustain a consistent rally and can serve and maintain a higher level of competition.  For players who are not yet in high school.
Challengers (Level 4.5):  Player has improved consistently with medium pace and is developing ability to control directions of the ball.  This level may play lower level tournaments and junior varsity high school.
Champions (Level 5):  Level is required to possess consistent ground strokes with depth and directional control.  Has control of serves, use of lobs, overheads, approach shots, and volleys.  Individual can compete at high school varsity level.

FALL ADULT CLASSES- 10 weeks

October 6-December 20 (No class November 24-29)  
Questions on Adult classes, please contact Lisa Wheeler, lisaw@niles-parks.org.  We do not accept registration via email.  
If registering with a Junior, please use 2 registration forms.

Adult Class Descriptions:

Mixed Beginners (Level 1.0-1.5):  This co-ed class is for players with little or no experience and will focus on basic skills including backhand and forehand ground strokes, serves, and keeping score.
Mixed Advanced Beginner (Level 2.0-2.5):  A co-ed class for players who have already developed some fundamental skills and can keep the ball in play with some consistency.  Designed for players who are ready to learn volleys, strategy and shot placement, and are comfortable keeping score.
Mixed Intermediate Drill & Play (Level 3.5):  A co-ed class for players ready to play matches at a competitive level and who have already mastered ground strokes, volleys and serves with some dependability.  The focus will be on improving court coverage and strategy while working on shot making and ball placement.

Vince Thomas Fall Basketball Clinics
Location:  Golf View Rec Center
Instructor:  Vince Thomas  

Total Player Basketball Camp

Camp is designed to help young athletes become complete, confident, and well-rounded players, both on and off the court.  This dynamic, high-energy camp focuses on developing core fundamentals while teaching players how to apply their skills in live, game-like situations.  This camp meets them where they are.  Players will be grouped by age and/or skill level to ensure a challenging and encouraging experience for all.

Speed & Agility Skills Lab

Ready to get quicker, sharper, and more explosive on the court?  The Speed & Agility Skills Lab is a high-energy basketball camp designed to help young athletes improve their quickness, coordination, foot speed, and overall athletic performance, all while learning to translate those improvements directly into their basketball game.  This camp meets players where they are, whether they're just learning the game or already play competitively.  Each session includes dynamic warm-ups, agility ladders, cone drills, defensive footwork, reaction time challenges, and on-the-move ball handling, followed by fast-paced, small-sided games and team-based challenges that reinforce in-game application.

Player Select Basketball Camp

This class will be INVITE ONLY by Coach Vince for children who have previously attended Vince Thomas Clinics.  Coach will increase reputations and challenge students in this advanced level class.

Position Power Clinic

This clinic is a focused basketball camp where players dive deep into the unique roles of guards, wings, and bigs through tailored, position-specific skill development.  Players will gain clarity on their role, sharpen their positional strengths, and develop a stronger sense of purpose on the court.  This clinic empowers every player, no matter their position, with the tools, identity, and confidence to lead and contribute more effectively to their team.

Parent-Player Basketball Camp
Boys & Girls Grade 3-8 & Adult

Designed for players and their parent, guardian, or trusted adult partner, this camp combines fundamental basketball instruction with fun, relationship-building activities in a supportive and high-energy environment.  This camp welcomes all skill levels.  Players and parents will work side-by-side on drills, challenges, and mini games that focus on the core fundamentals of basketball.  No basketball experience is required for adults, just a willingness to play and support.

Teamwork & Trust Tournament

A high-energy basketball camp focused on bulding chemistry through team-based drills, creative passing games, and competitive 3v3 tournaments.  Designed for all skill levels, this camp fosters trust, communication, and unselfish play, helping players bond on and off the court.  By emphasizing inclusion and collaboration, players not only sharpen their game IQ but also learn the true value of teamwork.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION- FLAG FOOTBALL SESSION 1:
- NILES RESIDENT REGISTRATION (WALK IN @ HLC, OVER THE PHONE (847) 967-6633, OR ONLINE)
Opens Monday, September 29 @ 9:00am
Kids can not play up to an older league.  If you register incorrectly, we will refund you and you will have to re-register if spots are open.

- NON-RESIDENT REGISTRATION (ONLINE ONLY)
Opens Wednesday, October 1 @ 9:00am
Kids can not play up to an older league.  If you register incorrectly, we will refund you and you will have to re-register if spots are open. 

Families should verify with our registration department prior to Sept. 29 that their online household account is all set.  Call 847-967-6633.
Waiting list will be taken via the Athleic Dept once registration hits max enrollment.

INDOOR FLAG FOOTBALL- Session 1
Grades 1-6, Co-Ed
For those who enjoy the game of football, but may not want the tackling, flag football is a great alternative.  Play will consist of 7 on 7.  Teams will have practices available every other week throughout the season. Practices will be at coaches discretion Mon-Fri 4:00-8:30 pm.  No games November 30 & December 28.  Registration will be taken until we fufill max enrollment for each division. 

Location:  LoVerde Sports & Rec Center Soccer Field

Flag Football session 2 registration information will be released in early December.  Our website will have more information at that time. 

Intro to Acting/Theatre Fundamentals
Ages 8-11

Actors will learn about the rehearsal process, stage directions, voice and diction, warm-ups, and scene/character analysis, through exercises, games, discussion and improvisation.  Please no open toed shoes.   Instructor- Trisha
Location:  Howard Leisure Center

Acting 2/Elements of Theatre Creation
Ages 8-12

Continued concepts from Intro to Acting/Theatre Fundamentals, diving deeper into genre study (drama, comedy, murder mystery, mime, etc) the various roles within theatre (acting, directing, designing, etc.) and the role of collaboraion.
Location:  Howard Leisure Center 

Robot Academy
Ages 8-12

Explore the world of robotics and coding in this hands on environment, full of experiments, exploration and collaboration as we meet different robots and learn the challenges of programming and problem solving.  Min 6/Max 10.
Location:  Howard Leisure Center

Reading with Robots
Ages 4.5-6

It's story time with a twist!  Once upon a time..."Pete the Cat" meets our robot Bee Bot, "Give a Mouse a Cookie" with Colby the robot, and many more adventures.  This fun hands-on class will feature a different story and robot every week.  Children will learn to program and code a robot to create their own exciting adventure!  Min 6/Max 8.  No class November 26.
Location:  Howard Leisure Center

Sticky Fingers Cooking
Grade K-5

Your kids can have a blast every week discovering how easy and fun it is to cook tasty, healthy, globally inspired recipes!  Our interactive cooking clases incorporate STEAM, culture, language, geography, history, and more.  Sticky Fingers Cooking offers young chefs the chance to explore exciting tastes, master culinary skills that can be used at home and nourish their bodies and minds.  The talented and experienced chef instructors bring all the ingredients, district approved equipment, and supplies to lead an engaging, fun, and interactive cooking class.  All allergies are accommodated, and our recipes are nut free.  Recipes are subject to change.  Min 8/Max 12.
Location:  LoVerde Sports & Rec Center

• Location:  LoVerde Sports & Rec Center Dance Studio, 7847 Caldwell Ave.
• Questions on dance program, please contact Lizzi: lwood@niles-parks.org  
• No classes Monday October 13, Tuesday November 11, Monday November 24, Tuesday November 25 and Saturday November 29.
• Meet Our Dance Teachers~ Lizzi, Trisha, Angel!

YOUTH CLASSES

Class Descriptions
Ballet/Tap:  This combination class introduces age-appropriate basics in ballet and tap.  Students learn correct technique and terminology, while building coordination, confidence, and poise.
Jazz/Contemporary:  This beginner level class introduces both Jazz and Contemporary techniques.  Through technical exercises and learning choreography, dancers will grow in their musicality, storytelling and stage presence.
Musical Theatre Dance:  Musical Theatre is an upbeat movement class focusing on both performance quality and storytelling in coordination with music.  Dancers will learn both dance technique and terminology, as well as theatrical performance skills, stage blocking, and acting.
Creative Movement:  Creative Movement is the perfect place for your little one to spark their love of dance!  Students will gain an introduction to ballet steps and positions, as well as build gross motor skills and coordination.  This class will include dance, music, and storytelling activities while incorporating various props.
Ballet/Hip Hop:  This class is the best of both worlds!  Dancers will learn ballet alignment, technique, and vocabulary, as well as the fun upbeat grooves and isolations of Hip Hop.
Jazz/Hip Hop:  This beginner level combo class focuses equally on the alignment, balance, and technique of Jazz and the self-expression and musicality of Hip Hop.  These styles will be introduced through warm up and across the floor exercises, and each class will end by learning a weekly choreographic combination of either jazz or hip hop.
Ballet Basics:  This beginner-level class introduces dancers to the fundamentals of ballet techinque.  Dancers will gain awareness of alignment, balance, and flexibility through barre, center, and across the floor exercises.  In addition to technique, they'll explore fun creative movement and musical awareness exercises!
Hip Hop:  Hip hop is a high-energy style rooted in street and social dance.  Dancers will learn dynamic movements like isolations and grooves, while also exploring their own style through freestyle exercises.  They will focus on rhythm, musicality, and performance quality through learning choreographic combinations.
Poms:  While learning this precision dance style, dancers will explore elements of jazz, hip hop, and cheer dance.  Students will build their technique and body awareness through conditioning and technical exercises, as well as build their performance quality through choreographic combinations.  Pom dance is upbeat and incorporates the use of pom poms during the performance.

DRESS CODE
Attire- All dancers should come to class wearing comfortable clothing for movement, jeans are not permitted.  Hair should be pulled back neatly away from the face.  Please see below for further details:
Ballet/Tap, Ballet/Hip Hop, Creative Movement & Ballet Basics:  Leotard, tights and optional skirt OR black pants with white t-shirt.
Hip Hop, Poms, Jazz/Hip Hop, Musical Theatre & Jazz/Contemporary:  Any color leotard or shirt with any color leggings, shorts, or pants.

Shoes- For combo classes, shoes should be in a labeled dance bag.
Ballet/Tap:  Pink ballet shoes and black tap shoes.  Shoes without laces are recommended.
Ballet/Hip Hop:  Pink ballet shoes and clean, dance only sneakers.  Shoes without laces are recommended.
Creative Movement & Ballet Basics:  Pink ballet shoes.  Shoes without laces are recommended.
Jazz/Hip Hop & Musical Theatre Dance:  Black or tan dance shoes preferred, socks are acceptable.
Hip Hop & Poms:  Jazz shoes or clean, dance only sneakers.
Jazz/Contemporary:  Black or tan jazz shoes or contemporary half shoes.

ADULT CLASSES- Ages 18+

 
Class Descriptions
Adult Ballet/Jazz:  Combination class where dancer will learn Ballet and Jazz technique and terminology, work on balance, stamina and momentum, play with improvisation and learn choreography.  No prior dance experience required, just a fun way to exercise.
Parent Body Care & Recovery:  Parents are hardworking rockstars who deserve to take some time taking care of themselves.  Come learn about movement practices such as Bartenieff and Feldenkrais, developed and designed to relieve tension, prevent injury and build strength.  This class is taught in low light, with soothing music to provide a relaxing ambiance. 

Ages: 5 to Adult
Private, one on one drum lessons at Niles Park District with Tom Corrao!  All styles of music and technique are taught.  All equipment and teaching materials for lesson are provided by the instructor for a fee.  Each lesson is 30 minutes.  Lessons are by appointment, call 847-967-6633.  Prior to the start of the session, the instructor will contact you with the time of your lesson.

Location:  Howard Leisure Center 
Time:  Lessons are by appointment.  Please call (847) 967-6633 to register.

 

Meet our Drum Instructor- Tom Corrao
Tom Corrao has 23 years’ experience as a professional drummer, percussionist, and teacher. Tom teaches drums and percussion throughout the northwest suburban park districts and music schools. Tom teaches all ages and level of students from beginning to advance. Tom is an enthusiastic highly experienced teacher and performer. Tom has extensive experience in regular performances both locally and on national tours. He offers each student an individualized lesson plan and curriculum and the best musical experience based on student’s special interests.