Creativity and resilience. We use our voices, hands, bodies, and hearts to connect with each other through creativity.
Afterschool Enrichment
Our WonderKids Afterschool Enrichment Program is nature-based and art-focused, and encourages resiliency by sparking children's creativity and confidence. We have a few part time and full time positions still open for the 25/26 school year. If you are interested in working with us, please check out our Employment page.
This school year, WonderKids Afterschool explores “Here, There, and Everywhere”—a journey through theater, visual arts, and global games where kids build creativity, confidence, and connection.
The 10-week Winter Session will start with reading the book “Shelter.” Kids will learn the story of the family of bears that loses their home in a storm. The bears knock on the doors of many of their neighbors, but find that not everyone is willing to help them in their time of need. Until they meet the fox family. The children of the fox family implore their parents to give their new bear friends shelter, and they share their food and the warmth of their wood stove on the cold winter night.
In this session, WonderKids will experience what it is like to be a host and a visitor, both at home, and all over the world, through sharing space, art, and belongings. Just like in the story “Shelter,” we will find all sorts of ways to invite our friends, family, and even those in need, to share some of what we have.
Winter Enrichment Descriptions:
Theater with Taryn Noelle
Theater, music, and movement games that spark confidence and teamwork, leading toward an original piece written and performed by the kids.
Favorite Recipes with Beth Meachem
In this series, we share our favorite recipes. Together, we’ll write, draw, create with our hands, and cook!
Gifts and Gratitude with Beth Meachem
Create traditional gifts from around the world! Across time and across the globe, it has been customary to give a gift to a host when you visit their home. Kids will learn to make their own gifts and party favors, and the story behind the tradition of each one.
Gathering ‘Round with Sherif Alao
Where does your family get together, and why? Do you think that every family has the same traditions and rituals? Let’s share what gathering is like at your house, and learn what it is like for friends and neighbors around the world.
Games with Sherif Alao
The arts and sports have a lot in common: Artists have to practice, receive coaching and feedback, build up their muscles and coordination, all to be able to create whatever they want from any material. Sherif will help young creatives hone those skills through games, strengthening their minds, bodies, and spirits to support their creativity throughout the week.
Staff highlights:
Morgan Lanphere is the Administrative Coordinator at our Hardwick site. Morgan has always known that education is where she belongs. She began working with RAC part-time while serving as an Instructional Assistant for the OSSU, and in April 2025 she joined RAC full-time. Morgan is passionate about supporting students and helping them grow both academically and personally. Outside of work, Morgan enjoys spending time with her two cats, Patches and Peaches, and recently celebrated getting married!
Devon Potwin spent the past two summers working with WonderKids as a Camp Counselor and recently joined the after-school program as the Behavior Coordinator, continuing his passion for creating a positive and engaging environment for kids. Before that, he worked for two years at another school, gaining experience in child development and program support. Outside of work, Devon is an avid snowboarder, guitarist, and skydiver who loves spending time in nature. He brings that same energy and enthusiasm into his work, and is always striving to inspire positivity and confidence in every child he works with.
Palmer Jordon, the Administrative Coordinator for the Wolcott and Craftsbury sites, is new to our program this year, but is not new to the area. Palmer grew up locally here in Hardwick, Vermont, and graduated Hazen Union in 2015. He has spent the last ten years abroad in California working as a personal trainer, professional dancer, and venue lighting designer. Now back in his hometown, he can be found in his off-time rewatching "Harry Potter," "Lord of the Rings", or studying music production techniques.
Winter Afterschool Session
The registration period for the Winter session runs from November 3-14. Applications will be processed through the SchoolsBuddy website and app. If you have an active SchoolsBuddy account, you can apply for your child at any time during the registration period. If you do not have an active SchoolsBuddy account, please reach out to Virginia Lapierre to set one up.
Winter Enrichment Schedule:
Hardwick
Monday: Gathering ‘Round with Sherif Alao
Tuesday: Gifts and Gratitude with Beth Meachem
Wednesday: Favorite Recipes with Beth Meachem
Thursday: Games with Sherif Alao
Wolcott
Monday: Theater with Taryn Noelle
Tuesday: Gathering ‘Round with Sherif Alao
Craftsbury
Monday: Skiing with Julie Higgins at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center
Wednesday: Gathering ‘Round with Sherif Alao
Thursday: Gifts and Gratitude with Beth Meachem
Summer Enrichment 2025: Color Our World!
Our 2025 Summer Enrichment Camp theme was Color our World! Campers spent their days outside on the property of Hazen Union enjoying the beauty and colors of nature. Daily activities included walks near (and in) the river, shared meal times, quiet choice, and community service. Campers also had the opportunity to practice resilience as they tried unfamiliar activities, made new friends, and spent their days surrounded by the joys and challenges of nature.
Camp by the Numbers:
99 different campers participated in at least 1 day of camp
Most days there were an average of 50 campers in attendance
WonderKids provided 5 weeks of summer camp
Campers came from all 6 towns in OSSU
Campers could choose from 50 weekly enrichment activities throughout the summer
Our campers logged over 600 hours of community service!
The cost of this camp to families was $0!
