Explore exciting community ed classes this July at CC

Casper College’s community education department announced its July line-up of noncredit courses, including sessions on photography, ceramics, needlepoint, and outdoor recreation. (Casper College/Adobe Stock photo)

Explore exciting community ed classes this July at Casper College. Classes include Natural Light Portrait Photography, Needlepoint FUNdamentals, Tail-Wag Treats, Kayaking Adventure, Creative Summer Ceramics, Polymer Clay Adornments, and more.

“Cool down your summer with some fun and refreshing community education classes at Casper College — the perfect way to beat the heat and learn something new,” said Zhanna Gallegos, community education coordinator.

Learn outdoor portrait photography techniques in Natural Light Portrait Photography, taught by Karen VandeKieft. Students will learn to use natural light, meaningful environments, and strong composition to create expressive portraits in changing outdoor conditions through brief demonstrations and guided practice. Students are asked to bring a DSLR, mirrorless DSLR, or advanced phone camera to the first session. Natural Light Portrait Photography will run Wednesday, July 1, 8, and 15, from 5:30-8 p.m. and is open to all levels.

Students in Needlepoint FUNdamentals will learn how to start and finish needlepoint projects while practicing essential techniques, including threading a needle, starting and stopping threads, and working continental and basket weave stitches. Instructor Teresa Gutwein will lead students through step-by-step demonstrations of the fundamentals. Stitching guides will be provided for this class, which is suitable for beginners and those wanting to refresh their skills. Needlepoint FUNdamentals will be held Thursday, July 9 and 16, from noon to 2 p.m.

For those who want to give their furry friend treats without preservatives or strange-sounding ingredients, Tail-Wag Treats is for them. Participants will learn which foods are safe and beneficial for dogs while exploring the nutritional needs of different breeds and sizes, according to instructor Jennifer Baker. Baker will show participants how to combine healthy ingredients for maximum nutritional value and create delicious seasonal treats their dogs will love. All supplies are provided for this class on Wednesday, July 15, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Students will enjoy scenic views as they travel down the Wind River during Kayaking Adventure. Rent Adventure staff will help students acquire or improve their skills in a relaxed, fun atmosphere as they practice kayaking, paddle strokes, boat control, and river-running safety with an expert guide. Students are asked to bring a sack lunch, water, snacks, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Kayaking Adventure will take place Friday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Vans will transport students to Thermopolis.

In Creative Summer Ceramics, participants will have fun creating their own projects or expanding on past class projects, using colorful slips and glazes to bring their clay creations to life. Each participant will have plenty of opportunities to refine their hand-building skills over the four clay-work evenings and to enjoy a day of glazing experiments. Basic knowledge of clay building is required, and everyone is encouraged to bring their favorite clay tools to class. Creative Summer Ceramics, taught by Rachel Savage, will be held Monday and Wednesday, July 20 through Aug. 3, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Finally, students will enjoy working with polymer clay in Polymer Clay Adornments. According to instructor Gina Stephens, polymer clay is colorful and easy to mold. During the first session, students will condition, blend, and shape at least three clay colors into trinkets, figurines, and flowers, then design 3D adornments for a small diorama on a keepsake box. During the second session, students will take their previously baked pieces and assemble and complete the diorama. All supplies are provided. Polymer Clay Adornments is suitable for all levels and runs Saturday, July 25, and Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Community education at Casper College offers noncredit courses for personal enrichment and lifelong learning to adults 18 and older. Call 307-268-3401 or visit the community education website to learn more about these courses.

At a Glance:

• Event Focus: A diverse series of noncredit personal enrichment and lifelong learning community education courses. Featured subjects include natural light portrait photography, needlepoint fundamentals, healthy dog treat preparation, a guided Wind River kayaking excursion, creative summer ceramics, and polymer clay diorama crafting.
• Details: Courses are open to adults aged 18 and older of all skill levels. Instruction is led by expert coordinators and regional experts, including Karen VandeKieft, Teresa Gutwein, Jennifer Baker, Rachel Savage, and Gina Stephens.
• Schedule — July 2026:
  • Photography: Wed., July 1, 8, 15, 5:30-8 p.m.
  • Needlepoint: Thurs., July 9, 16, noon-2 p.m.
  • Dog Treats: Wed., July 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Kayaking: Fri., July 17, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
  • Ceramics: Mon. and Wed., July 2-Aug 3, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Polymer Clay: Sat., July 25 and Aug. 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Registration: Registration is open to the public; courses are noncredit. For tuition, material fees, and to claim a seat, call 307-268-3401 or visit the official community education website.