Summer of Service is a service-learning summer program for youth entering grades 5-10. During each two-week session, students will work in teams to perform service projects in our community, witness the missions of local organizations firsthand, and reflect on how their personal talents can be used in service to others. Fridays are designated for Fun Friday activities where we will celebrate our work! Join SOS for two weeks of fun today! We recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of SOS, and we can't wait to continue our mission: “The main reason to begin a Summer of Service program in our community is to show youth that our community values them and challenges them to contribute through service…This Summer of Service program will give our youth the skills and tools necessary to help our community, at the same time allowing them to develop through a structured program.” -Proposal for SOS in 1997 We also will like to welcome our new SOS Coordinator Joe Ingalls If you have any question his contact information: Phone: 507-259-9547 Email: joseph.ingalls@rochesterschools.org SOS Sessions (Monday-Friday) Session 1: June 15-18 and 22-26 No SOS on June 19 Session 2: July 6-10 and 13-17 Session 3: July 20-24 and 27-31 Students are welcome to register for multiple two-week sessions. Similar service projects may be repeated between sessions. Location Summer of Service will be based at John Adams Middle School this year. Students will be dropped off and picked up there. Buses will transport students to and from project sites. Drop-off and Pick-up Supervision and building access will not be available for students before and after the program. We kindly ask all parents/guardians to respect these times to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. Drop-Off: 7:30-8:00 AM Students may NOT be dropped off prior to 7:30 AM. Pick-Up: 3:30-4:00 PM All students MUST be picked up promptly before 4:00 PM. T-Shirts You will see us all over town in our iconic tie-dye t-shirts. Participants must wear an SOS t-shirt each day. One t-shirt is included, and additional t-shirts can be purchased during registration. Returning participants may wear SOS t-shirts from previous years. Community Partners We are proud to serve non-profit organizations in Rochester and the surrounding area. We take buses to their locations, they teach us about their missions, and we help them with whatever projects they have planned for us. Ten students can get a lot done in just a few hours, and over the course of the summer, multiple teams of SOS students can leave a meaningful impact. These are a few of our partners from recent years: Camp Companion Channel One Family Promise Rochester Habitat for Humanity PossAbilities Seasons Hospice High School Students In previous years, the age range for SOS had encompassed grades 5-12. This year, we are tailoring the SOS experience so that high school students can take on new leadership responsibilities. Entering Grades 9-10: Register here as an SOS participant. Part of your team's time together will be separate from younger students. Entering Grades 11-12: By application only. A limited number of students entering grades 11-12 may assist staff in leading SOS activities. Apply online by 4/24/2026. Please contact James Kappes ( james.kappes@rochesterschools.org) for more information. Medications Students must self-carry and self-administer all medications. Keep in Touch Please contact Rochester Community Education with any questions at RochesterCE@rochesterschools.org or 507-328-4000 Ext.1.

This two-day introduction to fishing course will teach the basics of knot tying, equipment, bait, fish species, and outdoor ethics. Students will also assemble a tackle box they can use for their next fishing adventure. Best of all, we will spend a day fishing! Day 1 will be spent in the classroom learning the important details of the basics of fishing.Day 2 will be spent fishing at Chester Woods Park. All fishing equipment and bait will be provided, however, students are welcome to bring their favorite fishing pole if they desire. Parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend this course with their students and do not need to register.

Join the adventure in this camp for kids who are comfortable in the kitchen and ready to explore international flavors! Each day we'll dive into a new country's cuisine—Colombia, Egypt,India and Australia—learning to make and enjoy delicious authentic dishes from each region. Kids will have hands-on experience preparing their own lunches while discovering new cooking techniques and flavors. Closed-toe shoes are required, and long hair must be tied up. Let the culinary journey begin!

Do you have a little one at home who is starting Kindergarten this fall? Is your house full of excitement and wonder about this upcoming milestone? Would your little one benefit from a crash course in everything Kindergarten? If those answers have been yes, we have the summer experience for your child! Community Education, along with your child's school and teachers, have created a course for incoming Kindergarteners to help them feel prepared and excited to come to school at the end of August! Kindergarten Prep Camp is a four day introductory program designed to prepare incoming Kindergarten students for their exciting journey ahead. Through a blend of engaging activities, interactive lessons, and socialization opportunities, children will ease into the Kindergarten experience while fostering essential skills for success. Some of the things we will focus on during this session are: Experience what a regular day in Kindergarten will be like Hands-on learning Art projects Purposeful play The real classroom routine Number games A chance to learn the layout of the school Experience on how classroom materials are used Kindergarten Prep Camp is designed to set a positive tone for the upcoming school year, ensuring that children feel comfortable, supported, and excited about their upcoming Kindergarten experience. This class is for Folwell's incoming Kindergarteners. Classes will meet in your child's school building and classrooms. Please send a sack lunch and a water bottle daily. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from Kindergarten Prep Camp.

Do you have a little one at home who is starting Kindergarten this fall? Is your house full of excitement and wonder about this upcoming milestone? Would your little one benefit from a crash course in everything Kindergarten? If those answers have been yes, we have the summer experience for your child! Community Education, along with your child's school and teachers, have created a course for incoming Kindergarteners to help them feel prepared and excited to come to school at the end of August! Kindergarten Prep Camp is a three day introductory program designed to prepare incoming Kindergarten students for their exciting journey ahead. Through a blend of engaging activities, interactive lessons, and socialization opportunities, children will ease into the Kindergarten experience while fostering essential skills for success. Some of the things we will focus on during this session are: Experience what a regular day in Kindergarten will be like Hands-on learning Art projects Purposeful play The real classroom routine Number games A chance to learn the layout of the school Experience on how classroom materials are used Kindergarten Prep Camp is designed to set a positive tone for the upcoming school year, ensuring that children feel comfortable, supported, and excited about their upcoming Kindergarten experience. This class is for Gibbs' incoming Kindergarteners. Classes will meet in your child's school building and classrooms. Please send a sack lunch and a beverage (or a water bottle) daily. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from Kindergarten Prep Camp.

Young chefs learn essential skills—measuring, mixing, chopping safely, and following recipes—while creating fun, tasty dishes each day! With hands-on activities, simple techniques, and lots of encouragement, this camp builds confidence and curiosity as kids discover the joy of cooking from scratch. Perfect for beginners who are ready to explore, taste, and try something new!

Join the MN DNR's Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN) program for a fun, family-friendly evening of fishing! Designed for ages 5 and up, each youth must be accompanied by an adult. No experience or equipment is needed—we've got you covered! Rain or shine, come dressed for the weather and enjoy a great outdoor adventure close to home! Please Note: Class is limited to only one registration/date per student. Please allow for others to have this opportunity by choosing one of the five dates only. Thank you.