After School Activities Descriptions

*Clubs are non-refundable after September 11^th, 2026*

1. Art Project Club: Ignite Your Child’s Passion for Art! Are you excited to cultivate your child's artistic abilities? Join our dynamic Art Projects Club, where young artists can dive into a diverse range of artistic activities, including beading, scratch art, collage, painting, drawing, multimedia creations, and much more! Guided by Renee Morhain, a professional artist and seasoned art educator, students will engage in imaginative, age-appropriate projects that spark their creativity. They'll explore various techniques in each medium, learning how to express themselves through intricate beading, innovative collage designs, vibrant paintings, and captivating drawings. Through multimedia creations, they'll discover the joy of combining different materials to bring their artistic visions to life. Encourage your child's creativity and self-expression—enroll them in our Art Projects Club today! Let their imagination soar as they create beautiful artwork and treasured crafts.
2. Beginning Band: Is offered by Paul Bingham and Abigail Spear for 5^th-8^th grade students (4^th grade on approval). We will offer lessons, ensemble skills, masterclass workshops, and a catalogue of historical musicians for the following instruments. Brass: trombone, trumpet, french horn, euphonium, baritone, and tuba. Woodwinds: flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone. Brief Instructor Biography: My name is Paul Bingham. I am a retired Army veteran and current music education major at the University of Alaska Anchorage. I bring over ten years of experience with the White Pine County School District in Ely, Nevada, where I supported students across elementary, middle, and high school settings. My roles included working as a student aide for students with disabilities, leading a “school within a school” program at the middle school level, and serving as an in-school suspension administrator at the high school. In addition to my work in education, I coached middle and high school football and basketball, including three years as head football coach for the Nevada Division II State Championship Bobcats. I am passionate about building strong, supportive teams and look forward to bringing that same energy, structure, and enthusiasm into the band room. Abigail is a music education student at the University of Alaska Anchorage and an accomplished clarinetist. She has performed in a variety of ensembles across Anchorage, including with the Anchorage Civic Orchestra. With over two years of experience teaching private lessons, she is a skilled communicator and dedicated mentor. Abigail is excited to continue developing her craft as she takes the next steps toward her career as a professional educator.
3. Broadway and Jazz Dance: Is offered by Anchorage Classic Ballet Academy. Step into the spotlight! ACBA's Broadway & Jazz Dance Club is all about big smiles, bold moves, and show-stopping fun. Learn upbeat dances to songs from your favorite musicals, build confidence to perform, and shine like a star! Dancers will experience a jazz warmup, work on dance routines that develop and strengthen their dance technique and enjoy learning about jazz and Broadway dance styles. Open to dancers in grades 1–3—no experience needed, just bring your energy and imagination!
4. Chinese Club: Is offered by Rilke Clubs through Frau Sanders. The course is conducted in Mandarin and follows the YCT Singapore curriculum. I cover one lesson every two weeks, incorporating Pinyin and Chinese character writing along the way. During festive seasons, I will also introduce aspects of traditional Chinese culture. I kindly ask parents to ensure that your child has a genuine interest in learning Chinese before enrolling in the club. If your child needs to take leave, please try to inform us at least one week in advance. I will provide some learning materials for home study to help them keep up with the progress.
5. Cub Scouts: Cub Scoutingis a Scouting America program for children in kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5) designed to foster character development, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership through fun, family-centered activities. Pack 409 at Rilke offers weekly den meetings, monthly pack meetings (one Wednesday/month 6pm-7:30pm), and opportunities for overnight camping trips, hikes, swimming outings, pinewood derby racing, and more. Cub Scouts is a yearlong commitment. The cost for this club is $65 per semester plus an annual $170 scout fee paid directly to the Scouting America. Club fees cover den dues, achievement belt loops and patches, activities materials, and more. New to Scouting families must fill out an application with Scouting America (https://my.scouting.org/VES/OnlineReg/1.0.0/?tu=UF-MB-610paa0409) as well as go through a How To Protect Your Children From Child Abuse pamphlet, and a Parent Guide. Renewing families are required to re-confirm they've gone through the HYPYCFCA pamphlet. Parents are asked to commit to volunteering at at least one Den and/or Pack meeting per school semester. We are still seeking Den Leaders to be able to offer the Lion & Tiger Den for Pack 409 for the 2026-27 school year. We supply all materials needed to lead our scouts, but volunteers with enthusiasm are needed! No prior scouting experience needed, but helpful!
6. Creative Puppets and Marionettes Club: Is offered by The Batty Puppeteers troupe. This is an introduction to the vast world of puppetry, by exploring different types of puppets, such as hand, shadow, and marionettes. Students will learn to tell stories through creation and use of puppets, culminating in their own end-of-semester performance for family and friends.
7. D&D and Board Games Club: Is offered by Rilke Clubs through Frau Wolfe. Students will either play in a D&D campaign or participate in playing board games. Campaigns will be grouped into 3-6 students. Each meeting will allow for two campaigns to be played. Club length is 2 hrs to provide time for campaigns, 3:15-5:30pm.
8. Discover! Natural and Social Sciences - auf Deutsch: Is offered by SamstagsSchule through Frau Jacobs. Curious minds, come explore! In this easy-going science and discovery club, students will dive into exciting topics from the world around us — all in German! We’ll start with “Jahreszeiten” (Seasons) through differentiated (depending on German language level) reading, discussion, and projects. As the weeks go on, students will help choose at least two more topics from a wide range of fascinating themes — such as volcanoes, ancient Egypt, planets and stars, continents, the seasons, energy and more. Through reading, group activities, and exploration, students will build vocabulary, practice scientific thinking, and deepen their connection to the natural world — all while learning and collaborating in German. This club is perfect for young explorers who love to ask questions, make discoveries, and learn together in a fun, language-rich environment!
9. Drama Llamas!: Is offered by Janet Stoneburner. Come explore a variety of theatre activities including acting in scenes and monologues, improvisation, creating your own skits, writing scenes, stage combat and more!
10. Drawing Club: Ignite Your Child’s Passion for Drawing! Are you eager to nurture your child's artistic talents? Join our vibrant art club, where young artists will explore the fundamentals of drawing in a fun and engaging environment. Under the guidance of Renee Morhain, a professional artist and experienced art teacher, students will embark on exciting, age-appropriate projects. They will learn essential techniques in form, shadow, texture, and color mixing while drawing a variety of subjects, including animals, people, and intriguing objects. Encourage your child's creativity and self-expression—enroll them in our drawing club.
11. Free Choice Club: Is offered by Rilke Clubs through Herr Helgesen & Herr Koch. During this time students will have the opportunity to free play in the gym or outside depending on the weather. Students’ 3^rd grade and up can play school appropriate games or activities on computers.
12. Future Pokémon Masters: Is offered by Paul Rodriguez. Welcome to the Future Pokémon Masters Club, where students can learn, play, and explore the world of Pokémon in a fun and supportive environment. Each student will receive their own official Pokémon battle deck to use throughout the club. Throughout the session, students will: Learn about Pokémon, deck structure, basic strategy, and the history of the Trading Card Game (TCG), Take part in group discussions about favorite Pokémon, card types, and collecting, Practice building and improving their own decks, Learn how to battle using official rules, Learn how to make fair and appropriate trades, with the option to verify trades using the Pokémon TCG app for fairness, Enjoy occasional activities such as a Pokémon movie day. About the Instructor: My name is Paul Rodriguez. I’m a longtime Alaska resident and a parent of a student at Rilke Schule German School of Arts & Sciences. I first started collecting Pokémon cards in 1998 when all my friends had them, and I’ve enjoyed them ever since. Now I get to share that excitement with my son and with students who are discovering the game for the first time. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where students can share what they love, learn new skills, and build their own teams of Pokémon. Whether your child is brand new to the game or already a seasoned collector, this club will guide them as they take their first steps toward becoming a true Pokémon Master.
13. German Learning Games (K-2): Is offered by SamstagsSchule through Frau Jacobs. This afterschool club offers our youngest students an engaging and playful way to strengthen their language skills. Through a variety of age-appropriate games and activities all conducted in or involving German, children will continue to build vocabulary, practice listening and speaking, and deepen their connection to the language while developing communication and collaboration skills. The club provides a supportive and enjoyable environment to use German naturally, build confidence, and have fun with peers while reinforcing what they learn in class. Activities also highlight aspects of German culture and everyday life, helping students make meaningful language connections beyond the club and the classroom.
14. German Learning Games (3-6): Is offered by SamstagsSchule through Frau Jacobs. Description- This afterschool club offers students in grades 3–6 a chance to practice and strengthen their German through games and collaborative activities. Designed for a range of learners, the club focuses on building vocabulary, reinforcing basic grammar, and encouraging spoken language in a low-pressure setting. Of course, German culture and European geography is covered as well. Activities may include board games, memory and matching games, team challenges, and language-based puzzles—all conducted in or involving German. Students will work in small groups or pairs to complete tasks, and build confidence using the language. Games may be collaborative or competitive, and are designed for everyone to be involved. No matter the level of German already achieved, the club provides a supportive environment to use the language in a fun and interactive way.Play your way to better German!
15. Improv!: Is offered by Janet Stoneburner. Come learn the basics of comedy improvisation in the style of Whose Line is it Anyway?! Students will learn a variety of improv warmups, games and scenes. This class is great for beginners and seasoned actors alike.
16. Improv! The Next Generation: Is offered by Janet Stoneburner. Come learn more advanced comedy improvisation in the style of Who's Line is it Anyway?! Students’ 3rd grade and up will learn a variety of improv warmups, games and scenes. This class does not require any previous improv classes or experience.
17. Kino Club: Is offered by Cassidy Daniel. Our Kino Club is a fun and cozy space where students can enjoy G-rated films, from classic Disney favorites to newer releases. Kids will be treated to popcorn while they watch, and have the option to engage in quiet games, puzzles, or movie-themed crafts during the club. After each movie, students will participate in a fun, interactive game that helps them recall the story and key moments, building comprehension and memory skills. It’s a relaxed, engaging environment where kids can unwind, be creative, and connect with friends.
18. Lego Engineering: Is offered by Rilke Teacher Frau Squier. Join Frau Squier in creating LEGO machines and robotics. Work in teams to create machines using motors, gears, and remote controls to perform tasks, solve puzzles, or navigate obstacles.
19. Legos, Puzzles, & Games: Is offered by Frau Becky Blankenship. Join Frau Becky as we build Legos, solve challenging puzzles, and play a variety of classic board and card games.
20. ORFF: Is a music program that follows the ORFF teaching method, offered through Rilke Clubs by Rilke music instructor, Herr Downie. The ORFF approach is a method of teaching children about music that engages their minds and bodies through a mixture of singing, dancing, acting, as well as the use of percussion instruments. This club is for 6^th-8^th grade students. Days and times for ORFF for Fall 2026 are TBD pending a decision with Herr Downie and Rilke’s new Music Instructor.
21. Painting Club: Are you eager to nurture your child's artistic talents? Join our vibrant painting club, where young artists will explore the exciting world of watercolor, acrylics, tempera paints and pastels in a fun and engaging environment. Under the guidance of Renee Morhain, a professional artist and experienced art teacher, students will embark on thrilling, age-appropriate projects. They will learn essential painting techniques such as color mixing, layering, additives, and resistance painting, enabling them to create beautiful and expressive artwork. Encourage your child's creativity and self-expression—enroll them in our painting club.
22. Performance Band: Is offered by Rilke Clubs through Frau Hilde. This is for intermediate 6-8th grade band students who are already in Performance Band or who have instructor recommendation to move up from beginner band. Band is a full year club. Students are required to participate in a winter and spring concert, as well as perform a spring solo. Performance Band students will have additional opportunities to perform throughout the year. Please contact Frau Hilde with any questions: 907-720-1060 or alishahilde@gmail.com
23. Performance Rhythm, Movement & Ballet: Is offered by Beatriz Lavagnino. This club is by invitation only for student that are interested in practicing and preforming in a dance production. Students must be able to commit to staying for the entire club time to practice for performance.
24. Production Workshop: Is offered by Janet Stoneburner. Come be in a show! This class learn acting skills and rehearse a short play with a performance for friends and families at the end.
25. Quiet Homework Club: Is offered by Rilke Clubs through Frau Rinehart. Students are given the opportunity to work on homework in a quiet study environment.
26. Reading Club: Is offered by Rilke Clubs through Frau Robertson for 3rd & 4th graders (Wednesday), and Frau Wolfe 5th & 6th graders (Thursday). Students will read and discuss the books on the Battle of the Books lists for their respective grades. After Battle of the Books concludes, students will continue to explore and foster a love of reading.
27. Rhythm, Movement & Ballet: Is offered by Beatriz Lavagnino. This club is an introduction to rhythm, movement, and ballet.
28. Smart Start: Is offered by Rilke Clubs through Herr Helgesen before school. The club is housed in the gym and provides an opportunity for students to exercise, work on homework, and engage in cooperative play.
29. Social Club: Is offered by Rilke Clubs through various Rilke Schule teachers and Rilke Clubs staff. Social Club is a wonderful opportunity for students to continue their social/emotional development through playing games, drawing, and reading with their friends! This will help students learn how to communicate with others, how to share, and how to manage their emotions during social activities. Students will also be able to complete their homework with the help of a teacher and/or engage in other academic activities. Students will be grouped by age and grade level.
30. The Game Room- Board games, Card games, and Puzzles: Is offered by SamstagsSchule through Frau Jacobs. Come on in! This is the club for students who love to play, connect, strategize and solve puzzles. A welcoming space to enjoy a variety of games with friends and make new ones. From the classics to modern favorites- each session is packed with opportunities to learn and expand teamwork, collaboration and critical thinking skills — and have fun! Speaking German is encouraged and supported! What to expect: a variety and continually changing games, friendly competition and teamwork, creative problem-solving and challenges, a fun, inclusive environment for all skill levels. Let’s meet in the Game Room!
31. Textile Arts Club: Is offered by SamstagsSchule through Frau Jacobs. In this creative after-school club, students will explore the world of textile arts through hands-on projects in crochet, knitting, felting, and needlework. Whether your child is a complete beginner or already has experience with yarn and thread, this club offers opportunities to learn new skills and grow existing ones. Students will build foundational techniques and develop their abilities as they work on individual and group projects. The club fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills while encouraging artistic expression through fibers and textures. All basic materials are provided, but families may choose to supply their own yarn, needles, or tools if they prefer specific colors or qualities. Open to all skill levels—from curious beginners to experienced crafters—this club is perfect for students who love making things with their hands and want to expand their textile art skills in a supportive, social environment.
32. Table Tennis: Is offered by Rilke Clubs through Frau Sanders. Students should be between 7 and 12 years old. If the student is over 12 but has prior tennis experience, they are also welcome to join. Students are required to bring their own paddle. Students should wear sports shoes and bring their own water bottle. The course includes warm-ups, systematic balance and coordination training, and exercises to improve ball control and feel. The training emphasizes proper form and body coordination. We also focus on developing sportsmanship and respect for coaches, teammates, and opponents. To the parents——If you're considering signing up, please note that some practice time at home will be required each week. Most importantly, please respect your child’s willingness to participate.
33. Theatre Games: Is offered by Janet Stoneburner. Perfect for younger actors, students will learn basic acting skills through storytelling, theatre games, puppets and improvisation.
34. Wu Tan Kung Fu: (K-6) Is offered by Sifu Kevin Walle from Wu Tan Kung Fu and Tai Chi Institute. Students will be taught basic movements and exercises from various traditional Chinese Martial Arts (including Praying Mantis, Tsung I, and Tai Chi). The class is designed to be a fun introduction into the arts as well as a good way to develop body awareness and self-confidence. No special gear is needed but indoor shoes that are not restrictive of the ankles are recommended (no boots). It will be a very physically active class - please give your children extra snacks to eat first 5 minutes of club time. Sifu Kevin has been training in Traditional Chinese Martial Arts since 1988; ran a kung fu school for 11 years in Darwin Australia; currently is senior Instructor at Wu Tan Kung Fu and Tai Chi Institute here in Anchorage.

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