Announcing Fall/Winter Programs

News Post

Patio Hangout & Popsicles

Program

It’s YOUR happy place! The Bridge Patio is a fun space that was created just for you. We want you to feel welcome and of course happy because you can never have enough of that! Grab a board game from our stash and don’t forget a popsicle on your way…

Handyman: Wooden Potting Counter w/ The Maker's Hands

Program

Build a potting counter from scratch to keep in The Bridge garden! The friendly gentlemen from The Maker’s Hands will take you through the whole construction process from start to finish. Measure the space, create a blueprint with precise calculations (dig into those math skills!), cut the wood with a…

Beginning Improv

Program

Do you have an energetic, dramatic personality? If so, you may find yourself bursting to unleash that inner flare. We’ve got just the thing - try unrehearsed acting! Improvisational theatre (“improv” for short) is a form of theatre when most of the performing is done spontaneously without a script. Build…

Self Defense w/ Strictly Self Defense

Program

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Spend some time with Lindsey, the Founder of Strictly Self Defense, an organization that teaches people of all ages how to plan and be alert in all situations. She’s a martial arts instructor and a third degree black belt in Tang…

Project Serve: Take Care of The Bridge Garden

Program

We love The Bridge garden, so let’s keep it looking alluring and colorful! Water plants, pull weeds, keep pests away, and learn growing tips. Develop an eye for thriving greenery and discover the warning signs of a struggling plant, such as droopy or spotted leaves and dry soil. Hand-pick fresh,…

Beginning Electric Guitar w/ Down Home Guitars

Program

Let that rock star out! Receive guidance from a young musician who’s been a part of several bands. Practice holding this 6-stringed instrument and pick correctly. Then, start to play chords and use a 5-finger scale. By the end you’ll be more comfortable and excited to keep honing in on…

Soul Café: HULK SMASH! w/ Platt Professional Counseling

Program

Want to punch something or feel like you’re turning into the Hulk sometimes? You may have what seems like a whole mess of anger, energy, or even happiness. But it seems like everyone’s telling you to keep it bottled up. (Not helpful.) What if we said you could deal with…

Food Science: Flavor Tripping w/ Olivet Nazarene University

Program

Who doesn’t love ice cream made from liquid nitrogen?! Watch a safe demo of mixing normal baking ingredients with this cryogenic liquid. Discover if it really tastes like the sweet treat you buy at the grocery store. Then, experience the science of perception with Synsepalum dulcificum or the miracle fruit.…

Project Give: Sock Bundles For Dad

Program

Give the Father’s Day gift that keeps on giving - cozy and comfy socks! Assemble sock bundles for your Dad or Father Figure in your life. Attach a meaningful note to it and share a few reasons why you appreciate him. Choose to honor him on this special day (and…

Café & Art Studio Hangout

Program

Buy yourself a root beer and snack at the Cafe, play Chess with a friend, or create something cool in the Art Studio. You could also draw a sweet picture on the chalkboard or use some “Chit Chat Cards” to get to know a new student or volunteer at The…

Culinary: Smoked Chicken and Corn on the Cob w/ City Barbeque

Program

Got plans for the 4th of July yet? This program might steer you to make some suggestions to the party planners in your family. Absorb culinary wisdom from the friendly chefs from City Barbeque, an Orland Park favorite! They bring barbecue to a whole new level with award-winning recipes. Gain…

#SKILLS SPORTS: Pickleball

Program

Explore this paddle sport that’s similar to tennis! Pickleball has been around for almost 60 years, but it made a comeback during the pandemic because it’s fairly easy to learn and fun to play in teams. But if you want to get really good and strategic, there are elevated skills…

Gearheads: Electric Cars w/ Tesla

Program

Electric cars are becoming more and more popular. Tesla is coming to The Bridge, and they’re bringing not one but TWO of their cars for you to check out. These cars can go from 0-60 MPH in 1.99 seconds! You’ll get to hear about how that’s possible as well as…

STEM: Build Your Own Microgrid w/ ComEd

Program

Design and build your own take-home microgrid! Every time you flip a light switch, a chain reaction of high voltage equipment and infrastructure brings power to your fingertips. This grid allows ComEd to power your life through electrical transmission. You and your Bridge buds will become a physical part of…

Graphic Design: Paper Icons

Program

Think creatively without a computer! Experience the beginning of graphic design as a career when professionals didn’t have computers to produce logos, icons, and typography (i.e. fonts). Design a paper icon of an animal with limited shapes and only black and white paper. Attach your icon to a heavier piece…

Sewing: T-Shirt Pillowcases

Program

Repurpose a t-shirt into a cozy pillowcase! Bring your own or one will be provided. First off, determine what kind of pillow you want. Will it be your new fav sleeping pillow or will it be a cute decoration? Measure and cut the fabric to the size you desire. Then,…

Logic Puzzles & Brain Games w/ Moraine Valley Community College

Program

Keep your brain power going through summer! Tackle a variety of puzzles together before moving on to more challenging ones. Did you know that logic skills can be beneficial for not only problem-solving life’s issues, but also for future careers? (Talking to you, future lawyers and computer programmers!) It’s kind…

Drawing & Shading Hairstyles w/ Doria, Bridge Alumna

Program

Embrace your inner artist and get inspired! Under the guidance of our very own Bridge Alumnae, Doria, elevate your creativity by drawing realistic, diverse human hairstyles. Refine your drawing skills like texturizing, shading, blending, and creating correct proportions. It’s never too late to establish a foundation of drawing techniques. “Hair”…

Drawing Hands

Program

Get inspired! Unleash your inner artiste by drawing and refining an anatomical human hand. Hands are one of the most difficult things to draw of the human figure. They are so intricate because of the sheer number of movements of which they are capable. However for this same reason, hands…