By Holly Desrosier
Craven Community College’s (Craven CC) Adult Enrichment Program (AEP) is continuing to serve the community with new programs and rescheduled classes after severe winter weather wreaked havoc on the area during the first week of January.
The AEP is a branch of the Workforce Development department at Craven CC. It offers a diverse array of non-credit, short-term and affordable courses. And perhaps most importantly, it encourages members of the community to discover new things and grow together.
The program was relaunched in fall 2016 after a five-year hiatus, and the reception and results exceeded expectations. Over twice as many classes were offered than originally planned.
Courses are organized into nine categories: arts, crafts, music and language, recreation and wellness, kitchen/cuisine, home and garden, enrichment/special interests, money matters and technical and devices. The wide range of classes can take place in one session or span several weeks.
Among the most popular hands-on classes are painting, landscaping, knitting and crocheting. For those tech-savvy people (or those who would like to be), iPhone and iPad courses are offered, as well as Photoshop. And for those interested in staying active, popular courses include hiking, backpacking, boating and golf.
Another class that has recently garnered attention is Geocaching. Participants use a GPS receiver to hide and seek containers, called geocaches, at locations specified by GPS coordinates anywhere in the world.
“Geocaching is like a technology-enhanced treasure hunt,” said Phil Swain, retired professor and geocaching expert. “There are over 6 million caches hidden worldwide, including hundreds in the New Bern area, sought after by over 2 million registered geocachers.”
Swain has been geocaching for 10 years and has discovered nearly 3,000 caches in 19 states and 11 countries. This fun-filled course is offered from 7-9 p.m. every Wednesday, Feb. 28-March 24.
All AEP courses are self-supporting and prepaid. Fees vary based on class duration and materials. Classes are held at Craven CC’s New Bern and Havelock campuses, as well as various community locations. Course topics are based on community input, and many are taught by local residents.
“The students love being able to participate in a program that allows them to socialize and be active. They realize how important it is to never stop learning,” said Susan Moffat-Thomas, Craven CC’s adult enrichment program coordinator. “Since the community decides what classes should be offered, it guarantees participants stay engaged and interested in what they learn.”
AEP is offering a variety of upcoming classes for all ages and skill levels. A popular one is Landscaping Your Home, a six-week course taught by a team of Craven Extension Service Master Gardeners who have been educated according to the NC State University guidelines for horticulture practices. Each week highlights a different aspect of landscaping. It will prove inspiring for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Classes are from 2-4 p.m. every Tuesday, Feb. 27-April 3.
For the creative-minded, there is Pretty Embossed Cupcakes from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20; Painting with Acrylics from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday, March 6-27; Wilton Cake Design-Course One from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday, March 7-28; Wilton Cake Design-Course Two from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Monday, March 5-26; and Wilton Borders & Embellishments from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3.
For the technology-minded, there is Basic Computers from 6:15-8:15 p.m. every Tuesday, March 6-13; Excel Spreadsheets for Beginners from 6:15-8:15 p.m. every Tuesday, March 20-April 3; Excel Spreadsheets for Intermediates from 4-6 p.m. every Tuesday, March 20-April 3; Mastering Your iPhone from 10 a.m.-12 noon every Tuesday and Thursday, March 20-27; PowerPoint for Beginners from 4-6 p.m. every Tuesday, March 6-13; and PowerPoint for Intermediates from 6:15-8:15 p.m. every Tuesday, April 10-May 1.
For those who want to get up and move, a Shag Basics class is offered from 6:30-7:45 p.m. or 8-9:15 p.m. every Monday, March 5-26. Other courses include Metaphysics Made Easy from 9:30-11:30 a.m. every Tuesday, March 9-30 and Paper Organization: Attack the Stacks from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday, March 6-13.
The classes listed above, and many more, are available for registration now with two easy ways to sign up. Stop by the New Bern campus to register in person, or visit www.CravenCC.edu/AEP, select a class and click the “Register Now” button. Supplies needed are also listed on this page. Staff will contact registrants to confirm information.
Classes coming soon include Hiking in Eastern NC, Party Platter Clay Workshop, Planning Your Dream Vacation and Watercolor Painting.
To learn more about Craven CC’s Adult Enrichment Program, contact Susan Moffat-Thomas at 252-638-7248 or aep@cravencc.edu.