Good, Affordable Classes

If you want affordable, interesting classes for your 6-12 year old, check out The Essex County Environmental Center (www.essexcounty.nj.org). The Boy went to a Geology class there and came out begging for more. Today he studied rocks and how stones are smoothed, by Mother Nature and technology, to become jewelry. Upcoming classes include digging for gold, “Chocolate-Chip Cookie Mining,” butterflies, Native American Lore, Predator-Prey Relations, and paper making. The latter four classes are for kids 9-14 years old. The cost is only $5 per child, per class. For more info, call 973/228-8776. Considering how much after-school classes can cost and based on how enthusiastic my kid was after taking today’s class, these are bargains.