Outdoor Recreation, Exercise, and Movement courses - Central Oregon Community College

3 Days to Better Golf Essentials

Revisit or learn for the first time the basic techniques you need to enjoy golf as recreation and sport. Solidify the essentials of set up, grip, posture, and alignment. These courses are designed to be repeated, so students can continue to improve their technique through practice and experience.

3 Days to Better Golf Intermediate

For golfers with some experience who would like to take their game to the next level. This class will focus on the most beneficial fundamentals of the full-swing and the short game with an emphasis on understanding why the ball does what it does. These courses are designed to be repeated, so students can continue to improve their technique through practice and experience.

Beginning Ballet

Embrace the world of ballet with experienced dance instructor Hilary Crockett. This beginning ballet class is suitable for the absolute beginner as well as those with more experience who wish to improve their dance conditioning. Practice proper warm-up techniques and center work using a chair as your barre. Learn ballet terminology while increasing flexibility, strength, and coordination in an encouraging environment.

April 10, 2025 to May 8, 2025 | 6:15pm-7:15pm PDT | Bend

Better Bones and Balance�

The Better Bones and Balance program, developed by researchers at the Bone Research Lab at Oregon State University, uses targeted exercises that reduce the rate of bone loss, improve strength and balance, and reduce the risk of falls.

Bird Identification: Sights and Sounds

Want to know more about our winged friends living their lives around us? This course is for beginning birders or birders with some experience who wish to improve their visual and/or aural identification skills. We will focus on common residents and migrants in Central Oregon. There will be one indoor classroom session in which we'll begin to learn our focal bird species. Then, there will be one outdoor birding session in the field (at a Bend area park) in which we'll practice observing birds with binoculars and detecting their vocalizations with our ears. Students must provide binoculars, and self-transport to field session location, a local Bend park, to be determined.

May 15-18, 2025 | 6:00pm-8:00pm PDT | Bend

Bird Watching For Beginners

Birds are some of the easiest wildlife to observe, even in urban areas. But how can you tell which is which? Join certified Oregon Master Naturalist, Rebecca Lexa, to learn how to tell your thrushes from your warblers, hawks from eagles, waterfowl from wading birds, and more. Whether you are a backyard bird watcher or a more adventurous bird watcher, this is a great course to get you started.

Monday, June 30, 2025 | 6:00pm-8:30pm PDT | Online

Central Oregon River Hikes

Get some exercise, fresh air, and have fun nature! In this course, you will enjoy hiking in a social group along several of Central Oregon's beautiful rivers, and learn about river ecology and the flora and fauna found along the river. Engage with other participants in an outdoor setting. Hikes are conducted at a relaxed pace, with varied distances, from 5-7 miles in length, with minimal elevation gain. Students are responsible for transportation to hiking locations.

June 25, 2025 to July 9, 2025 | 8:30am-12:30pm PDT | Bend

Golf Psychology: A Good Walk Enjoyed!

In the world of golf, so much emphasis is placed on your score, but are you truly enjoying the game of golf? Do a couple of bad shots ruin your day? Do you define your golf identity by your score or handicap? If so, this is the course for you. We will help you improve your golf score by learning to enjoy the game more. The first day takes place in a classroom setting. You will learn techniques to lose attachment to your score, play in the present moment, and become your own mental and emotional caddy on the course. The second day we will be on the golf course, putting what you learned to practice. Stop stressing over shots, and enhance your enjoyment of the game and course while improving your score. Students will be responsible for self-transporting to Widgi Creek Golf Club. Tuition includes all golf fees and balls. Please plan to bring clubs.

June 13-14, 2025 | 5:00pm-7:00pm PDT | Bend
June 20-21, 2025 | 5:00pm-7:00pm PDT | Bend

Golf Short Game

If you are a golfer looking to lower your score by improving your short game, this class is for you. Develop your putting, chipping, and pitching. Gain an understanding about which shot to use in various situations during a round. These courses are designed to be repeated, so students can continue to improve their technique through practice and experience.

HHPA 145 : Pickleball I

This course focuses on skill development for beginning pickleball players. Students will learn through various drills and court games. This is a non-credit Community Education class. You will not receive college credit.

April 1, 2025 to June 5, 2025 | 10:00am-11:20am PDT | Bend

HHPA 177: Swimming Fundamentals

This course focuses on basic swim instruction for individuals with limited to no swim experience. Learn basic swim skills (floating, breathing techniques, and flutter kicking), swimming theory concepts, and strokes (front and back crawl and breaststroke) at your own pace. This is a non-credit Community Education class. You will not receive college credit.

April 1, 2025 to June 12, 2025 | 2:30pm-3:50pm PDT | Bend

HHPA 199 : Pickleball II

This course is for students with a basic knowledge of pickleball who want to improve their skills and understanding of the game. The focus is refining shot techniques, learning more advanced strategies, and improving overall court awareness. Students will work on shot accuracy and power and apply more complex tactics for singles and doubles. Game analysis and feedback will help students enhance their competitive edge, preparing them for more advanced play. This is a non-credit Community Education course. You will not receive college credit.

April 1, 2025 to June 5, 2025 | 1:00pm-2:20pm PDT | Bend

HHPA 199 : Pickleball III

This advanced-level pickleball course is designed for students who have mastered scoring, fundamental strategies, and a variety of shots. The course emphasizes competitive play and focuses on game analysis, strategic decision-making, and refining shot selection under different game conditions. Students will enhance their ability to anticipate opponents' moves, improve consistency, and execute advanced tactics through drills, match play, and structured feedback. By the end of the course, students will develop a deeper understanding of competitive play dynamics, positioning, and shot precision, preparing them for higher-level recreational or tournament play. This is a non-credit Community Education course. You will no receive college credit.

April 1, 2025 to June 5, 2025 | 3:00pm-4:20pm PDT | Bend

Introduction to Contemporary Dance

This beginning adult contemporary class will introduce students to the basic skills of contemporary dance technique. Contemporary dance is influenced by the foundations of modern dance and fused with contemporary practices (release technique, GAGA, Countertechnique, etc.). Students will learn the fundamentals of contemporary floor work, traveling steps, and simple choreography. Classical training, Pilates, and yoga are important tools that will be used to help students gain an understanding of healthy alignment. Not only will students learn the basics of contemporary dance, but they will also get a great workout, build strength and flexibility, and most of all have fun!

March 20, 2025 to June 19, 2025 | 10:00am-11:00am PDT | Bend

Introduction to Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga is a powerful sequence of supported therapeutic postures to turn on the body's natural healing capacity. This is an experience of holding shapes while being supported with bolsters, blankets and sandbags to add traction, grounding and increased range of motion. Props support the body to open and lengthen gradually.

March 31, 2025 to May 21, 2025 | 12:15pm-1:00pm PDT | Online
April 10, 2025 to May 15, 2025 | 11:00am-12:15pm PDT | Bend

Metolius River Watershed Speaker Series: Learn About Your Home Waters

The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is coordinating a six-part informational speaker series about the Metolius River and its watershed. Learn about the Metolius River and its history, hydrology, water quality, habitat conditions, native fish, recreation and conservation, and stream restoration. There are five classroom sessions, and one full-day field trip.

February 4, 2025 to April 11, 2025 | 5:30pm-7:30pm PST | Sister

Mountain Biking: Beginners

Discover the thrill of mountain biking in a fun and supportive environment! This beginner-friendly course covers essential biking skills, trail safety, and basic bike maintenance to help you ride with confidence. Learn proper body positioning, braking techniques, and how to navigate different terrains while practicing on beginner-friendly trails. Whether you're new to the sport or looking to improve your skills, this course will get you ready for your next adventure on two wheels! Students are responsible for self-transport to the field. All sessions are held at Phil's Mountain Bike Trailhead.

May 21, 2025 to June 11, 2025 | 10:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend
May 24, 2025 to June 14, 2025 | 10:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend

Mushroom Foraging for Beginners

Mushroom foraging is a popular pursuit in the Northwest. Learn where to search for edible mushrooms and how to identify common wild mushrooms and poisonous species. Discover more facts about fungi in your backyard! Please note this class has some crossover material with the general foraging class.

Monday, March 24, 2025 | 6:00pm-8:00pm PDT | Online
Monday, May 5, 2025 | 6:00pm-8:00pm PDT | Online

OL 194AA: Avalanche Level l & Rescue

This course introduces the various factors that contribute to avalanche hazard including terrain, weather, snowpack, and the human component (good vs. bad decision making). Avalanche safety equipment such as transceivers, probes and shovels are also presented, with instruction on how to use each of these critical pieces of safety gear. Field time is spent on: 1) developing rescue skills, including transceiver search techniques (single and multiple burial), probing and shoveling; 2) snowpack assessment; and 3) safe travel practices / group travel skills. Upon successful completion of our courses, students receive a certificate of completion in accordance with the American Avalanche Association. This is a non-credit Community Education class. You will not receive college credit.

April 3-20, 2025 | 5:00pm-8:00pm PDT | Bend

OL 251: Wilderness First Aid

This course is designed to provide the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to care for an injured or suddenly ill person in a remote location. The methods and protocols presented follow the Wilderness Medical Society guidelines for a 16 hour certification and are specific to a wilderness setting. The Wilderness Medical Society defines wilderness as a remote geographical location more than one hour from definitive care. This is a non-credit Community Education class. You will not receive college credit.

April 17-20, 2025 | 6:00pm-8:00pm PDT | Bend

OL 253: Wilderness Advanced First Aid

This course is designed to provide the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to care for an injured or suddenly ill person in a remote location. The methods and protocols presented in this class follow the Wilderness Medical Society guidelines for a 36 hour certification and are specific to a wilderness setting. The Wilderness Medical Society defines wilderness as a remote geographical location more than one hour from definitive care. This is a non-credit Community Education class. You will not receive college credit.

April 1, 2025 to June 5, 2025 | 3:15pm-5:05pm PDT |

Oula for Everyone

Oula merges high-intensity cardio with easy-to-follow choreography, mindfulness practices, and a culture of inclusivity - all to an energetic pop soundtrack. Every Oula class empowers participants to challenge their bodies and process their emotions through music, movement, and most importantly, community connection. The focus is on "how you feel" rather than "how you look" so participants experience the freedom of a non-judgmental (of self and others) environment and community, rather than competition. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable athletic shoes.

March 31, 2025 to May 19, 2025 | 6:15pm-7:15pm PDT | Bend

PNW Geology

What are you standing on? The Pacific Northwest is full of geological history of all sorts, from volcanoes to floods to ancient islands from far off in the ocean. Learn about some of the forces that created our region's landforms, and resources to go exploring on your own!

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Taekwondo

Learn Taekwondo! Master Jung offers expert training in traditional martial arts, focusing on discipline, respect, and physical fitness. Taekwondo gives a total body workout while providing stress relief, practical self-defense skills, and increased self-confidence. Classes are taught at Master Jung's studio, Deschutes Jung's Taekwondo, and are open to community members 16 and above. This 8-week class is held once per week and leads up to optional belt testing. Master Jung is 4th-degree black belt in Taekwondo, 1st-degree blackbelt in Judo and Hapkido, and a professional boxer.

Tai Chi

International Tai Chi Champion Master JianFeng Chen will help you start your journey of internal energy movement with the 8 and 24 Yang styles using humor, Eastern philosophy, and practical application. The benefits of Tai Chi include increased flexibility, balance, and strength.

March 18, 2025 to April 15, 2025 | 10:00am-10:45am PDT | Bend
March 18, 2025 to April 15, 2025 | 6:30pm-7:15pm PDT | Bend

The East Cascades Ecoregion

The dry side of Oregon offers incredible opportunities to learn about the animals, plants, and other beings that have adapted to living there. Join certified Oregon Master Naturalist, Rebecca Lexa, to learn how geology, hydrology, and climate come together to create a unique set of challenges and resources for living beings on the east side of the Cascade range.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 | 6:00pm-7:30pm PDT | Online

Upper Deschutes Watershed Speaker Series: Learn About Your Home Waters

The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is coordinating a six-part informational speaker series about the Upper Deschutes watershed. Learn about your watershed, water use, water conservation efforts, and fish and wildlife in the Upper Deschutes watershed. There are five classroom sessions, and one full-day field trip.

April 10, 2025 to June 13, 2025 | 5:30pm-7:30pm PDT | Sunriver

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