Community interest classes in the areas of 'Fitness', 'Feel Great', 'Cook', 'Create', 'Gain Skills', 'Raise Great Kids', 'Manage Your Money', and Ed2Go - online learning available 24/7.
Swimming lessons, open swim, lap swim, certifications and safety, water exercise, lifeguard training, pool rentals, diving lessons, events and more.
On-site parent/child classes from birth-5 as well as home based services and support.
Early Childhood screening is a free and simple check of how your child is growing, developing and learning. Please bring a copy of your child's birth certificate and immunization record to the screening appointment or email to: screening@sowashco.org
High quality care programs before and after school, full day during release days and throughout the summer for students grades K-5.
Located in most elementary schools and the District Program Center. Educational classes for ages 3-4 in math, language, literacy, music, art and science.
We offer classes after school, in evenings and on non-school days for students ages 3-18 in a variety of subject areas, as well as sports and recreation offerings.
Create classes for Adults - Paint Your Pet
Card playing
Create classes for Youth
We offer classes for girls and boys ages 18 months -18 years old. It is our goal to teach in a positive, fun and safe environment.
Music, Theater and more
Located in most elementary schools, Central Park, and the District Program Center (DPC). Educational classes for ages 3-5 in math, language, literacy, music, art and science. Tuition based on a sliding fee scale.
SoWashCo Online offers part or full-time online learning experience for students in grades 9-12.
Monday-Wednesday, July 14-16, 2025
Travel with Community Education as we visit Starved Rock State Park. Established as the state's second state park in 1911, it boasts 18 canyons with striking vertical walls of moss-laden St.Peter Sandstone, shaped by glacial meltwater over 14,000 years ago. With over 13 miles of trails, visitors can explore rain-fed waterfalls, sandstone overhangs, and breathtaking viewpoints. We will stay in the beautiful Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center. This trip includes deluxe motor coach transportation, lodging for 2 nights, meals as indicated in below itinerary and tickets for the included attractions. This three-day motor coach tour is $850 per person (double occupancy) or $1,070 per person (single-occupancy).
Includes:
Deluxe motor coach transportation
Lodging for 2 nights
Meals: As indicated C-Coffee, B - Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Attractions outlined in below itinerary
Hosted by trip leader from Hastings/South Washington
Gratuities on included meals and attractions
Itinerary:
DAY 1 – Monday, July 14, 2025 (Eat before you come)
7:30 a.m. Leave South Washington Sr. Ctr., 8400 E. Point Douglas Rd. So., Cottage Grove. Load in front of Senior Center. Make comfort stops and have lunch (included) near Wisconsin Dells. This afternoon arrive in Oglesby, IL to check into the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center. Tucked away in the heart of Starved Rock State Park are delightful accommodations. The park is nestled among tall pines, towering oaks, hiking trails and canyons. Enjoy adventure and comfort in the breathtaking landscape. Have dinner (included) in the dining room. [L,D]
DAY 2 – Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Have breakfast (included) at the Lodge and take time to relax, visit the gift store, stroll along the trails and enjoy the many aspect of Starved Rock State Park. At lunchtime, be seated in the historic ambiance of the Great Hall for a buffet (included). After lunch, enjoy a performance - WWII Radio: Featuring favorites such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “In the Mood”, and “Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree”, this talented trio reenacts a 1940’s radio hour. While answering musical requests from soldiers and loved ones during wartime, the group will entertain the “studio audience” with Andrews Sisters-style tunes and choreography, Abbott and Costello comedy sketches, and a touching tribute to Veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Later this afternoon, take a sightseeing cruise on the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat in Ottawa, IL. See the historic Illinois River Valley Area like never before! Discover the region’s charm, on this journey along the waterways of Illinois. Have dinner (included) in the dining room. [B,L,D]
DAY 3 – Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Have breakfast (included) at the Lodge. Take a morning sightseeing Trolley Tour. Enjoy the 90-minute excursion with stops at the Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center, the IL Waterway Visitor Center and tour through downtown Utica. It is a perfect conclusion to our visit to the area. Leave Starved Rock Lodge and stop for lunch (included) near Madison. Visit the Menomonie Creamery to purchase a snack, some tasty refreshments and cheese products. Return to Cottage Grove and Hastings by early evening. [B,L]
A $175 per person deposit is due by Friday, May 16, 2025. Final payment is due Friday, June 6, 2025. Payments are not refundable after registration deadline unless a replacement can be found and minus a $5 processing fee. Travelers can gift their trip to a friend. Travel insurance can be purchased by individual passengers on their own. Get rates and purchase coverage from one of these companies:
Plan to get dropped off at the District Program Center by 7:15am and board the bus on Monday, July 14th for a 7:30a.m. departure from the District Program Center, 8400 E. Point Douglas Rd. So., Cottage Grove. Bus is estimated to return to the Twin Cities early evening on Wednesday, July 14th.
Call 651-425-6650 with any questions. The trip will be dependent on getting a minimum of 30 passengers. A full refund will be issued if trip does not fill.
