Courses

Babysitting Bootcamp

 If you want to become an in-demand babysitter, this exciting and interactive course is for you! Participants will learn the ins and outs of starting a babysitting business including babysitter responsibilities, the basics of childcare, how to keep kids engaged and how to react responsibly to emergencies. Participants will complete First Aid and American Heart Association Family and Friends CPR and will receive a CPR course participation card.During the class, students will also make first aid kits and babysitter busy bags filled with activities and games to use while babysitting. This class is open to students 13-15 years of age. Enrollment is limited so register early to secure a spot. This class is open to students 13-15 years of age. If you have a mature and responsible 12-year-old, he or she can attend. A pizza lunch will be provided.

Saturday, November 14, 2026, Rosenman Center - Room 126 - AHA Classroom

Baking Pies for the Holidays

Get ready for holiday baking season! Join us for a fun, hands-on class and learn the secrets to creating beautiful, delicious pies from scratch.We'll cover everything you need to know, including:?Making a flaky, tender pie crust?Preparing flavorful pie fillings?Baking techniques for picture-perfect results?Tips and tricks to help you achieve pie-making success every timeBy the end of class, you'll head home with two different pies, new recipes, and the confidence to tackle any pie recipe for your holiday gatherings.Classes will be held in the IHCC Culinary Department with Chef Jesse Juran. Space is limited for all classes, so reserve your spot today!Questions? Contact Cathy Stahl at 641-683-5281 or cathy.stahl@indianhills.eduPlease bring an apron.

Saturday, October 17, 2026, Food Service Complex - Room B85 - Baking Lab

Basic Handgun Safety Course

This basic handgun safety course will serve as an introductory course for new shooters and as an excellent refresher for anyone that has experience with handguns. The various topics addressed will ensure that by the end of the course students will have a working knowledge of firearms safety, the operation of the handgun including disassembly and maintenance, fundamentals of shooting and drills that they can take with them to continue practicing and improving.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026, North Campus - Room 129B - Criminal Justice Classroom
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, North Campus - Room 129B - Criminal Justice Classroom

CardioPower

Join Jennifer Hess, ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, for our Cardio Power Exercise class. This class is a fusion of weight training and cardio. No two sessions will be the same!

September 28, 2026 to November 4, 2026, Wellness Center - Room 100

Culinary

Various culinary classes offered to the general public through the Indian Hills Culinary Services Department.   

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Dog Training: Canine Scent Detection

Designed for dogs and handlers at all levels of canine scent detection. Beginners will learn how to introduce dogs to a target scent (the thing you want them to find). This skill has so many applications, from trialing in AKC Canine Scent Detection competitions, to shed antler hunting, to diabetic alert. Advanced teams will work on multiple hides, all clear signals, outdoor searches, and introducing new odors including "find this person" games. No previous training experience is needed to join this class, but dogs should be friendly towards other dogs and people. Dogs who bark continuously or have bitten humans or other dogs will not be allowed in this class. Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and be up to date on vaccines for parvo and rabies.

September 24, 2026 to October 29, 2026, Boxx Training Center - Room SITE

Dog Training: Foundations of Agility

Build confidence and cooperation in your dog as you introduce them to agility obstacles including jumps, weaves, a frame, tunnel, and pause table. Dogs will learn to follow directions off leash and demonstrate self-control in the midst of play. Humans will learn to better communicate with their dogs from a distance and help them build resilience by overcoming training challenges. Dogs must be comfortable being approached by unfamiliar people and dogs as they will be working off leash for portions of this class. Some obstacles may be limited for puppies less than one year of age to prevent damage to their joints.

This course contains no sessions
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Dog Training: Manners on the Go-Advanced Skills

Improve your dog's focus and manners around increasing distractions. Practice loose leash walking in challenging environments. Teach your dog to greet people politely and welcome petting from new friends. Learn how to understand and respond to subtle signs of stress and discomfort in your dog. Teams in this class will learn to maintain good manners in public environments such as visiting the farmer's market, outdoor dining, or while serving as a therapy team. At the end of this class, teams will have the opportunity to take either the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test or the Handling Test for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Dogs do not need to have taken a previous class at Indian Hills in order to take this class, but should have a solid beginner level understanding of core cues like sit, down, stay, and come and be friendly to other dogs and people.

This course contains no sessions
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Dog Training: Tricks and Games

Learn the core techniques you'll need to teach your dog hundreds of tricks, plus dip a paw into agility and scent detection. During our final class, teams will have the opportunity to test for AKC Trick Dog titles. Dogs should be introduced to basic commands like sit, down, stay, and come before taking this class. This class is not appropriate for reactive dogs (dogs who bark, growl, or lunge at other dogs or people) or dogs who've shown a history of aggressive or predatory behaviors towards people or other dogs. Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and be up to date on vaccines for parvo and rabies.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Generational Estate Planning

This course focuses on Estate and Legacy planning discussing ways to help assure your intentions are met. Ensure the next generation is cared for by learning how to choose the best options for transferring assets.     

This course contains no sessions
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Hot Off the Press: The Latest in Economic & Tax News for 2022

A discussion regarding the current US and global economy that may affect your financial planning in the future. Topics such as tax changes, inflation, COVID-19, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions have changed the economic landscape. Learn how these topics can impact your financial planning strategies.   

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Introduction to Good Manners

Puppies, adult dogs, and adolescents are all welcome - no previous training required! This class focuses on helping you build a strong foundation for the behaviors you want to see from your dog. Besides teaching basic commands like sit, down, stay, and come, you'll learn how to improve your dog's focus, self-control, understanding of boundaries, and bond with you. Classes will use positive training methods that help you understand why your dog does what they do and make sure it's the behaviors YOU like that are rewarded and increased. This class is not appropriate for dogs who are aggressive or defensive (barking, growling, lunging, snapping, or biting) towards other dogs or strangers. Handlers of dogs who are fearful of other dogs or people should reach out to the instructor at pawsibilitiesottumwa@gmail.com to discuss their dog's temperament before signing up. Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and be up to date on vaccines for parvo and rabies. (Puppies must have had at least 2 rounds of vaccines but are not required to have their rabies vaccine until 16 weeks of age.) Pitt Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers cannot be accepted in this class due to city ordinances.  The first week is a handlers-only informational session, please bring vaccination records to this class.   

September 17, 2026 to October 15, 2026, Boxx Training Center - Room SITE
October 29, 2026 to December 17, 2026, Boxx Training Center - Room SITE

Living the Tea Life

Forget boring brews-tea is a flavor-packed adventure and the second most enjoyed drink in the world, right after water! You'll get the scoop on the different types of tea and how little tweaks in water temperature and steeping time can turn a good cup into a "wow" cup.This isn't just talk-you'll be sipping, comparing, and discovering flavors you didn't even know tea could have. By the end, you'll walk away with brewing skills, flavor know-how, and maybe a new favorite tea (or two, or maybe even three). Join instructor Valarie Banks from TeaLight Teas for a morning of flavor, fun, and tea know-how. You'll leave with tips, tricks, and a happy caffeine (or herbal) buzz-plus the chance to shop teas and accessories.

Saturday, November 14, 2026, Food Service Complex - Room B87 - The Studio

Mastering Sourdough & Poolish

Discover the secrets behind exceptional artisan bread in this hands-on baking class focused on two essential preferments: sourdough and poolish.You'll gain practical experience mixing, shaping, proofing, and baking beautiful loaves while learning what truly goes into creating great bread. You'll learn:?How sourdough and poolish work?Proper feeding and maintenance techniques?Mixing, shaping, and proofing methods?Tips for achieving consistent baking results?How to recognize when your preferments are ready to useYou'll leave with valuable knowledge, delicious bread, tried-and-true recipes, and your own starter to continue baking at home.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Retirement Planning & Estate Planning

Explore how to strategically manage your finances to support your retirement goals and how "One Big Beautiful Bill" may impact retirement planning

Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Advanced Technology Center - Room 112
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, Advanced Technology Center - Room 112

Self-Defense Techniques for Everyday People

This four-hour class is designed to promote awareness and self-defense skills to build confidence and help enhance personal safety for people of all ages. Hour 1:  Introduction, self-defense mindset, awareness Hour 2:  Recognizing danger, avoiding confrontation Hours 3 & 4:  Combative skills including basic strikes, attack defense and disengagement skills. (How and where to strike, defending against being attacked, and how to get out of a physical confrontation). *Participants must sign a waiver as there will be moderate physical activity during practices. Please wear comfortable clothing.   

This course contains no sessions
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Taxes in Retirement

Explore how to take tax-efficient distributions in retirement and how to strategically manage your tax bracket year by year and how "One Big Beautiful Bill" may impact retirement planning

Tuesday, November 17, 2026, Advanced Technology Center - Room 112

The Art of Mixology

Explore the fundamentals of crafting great cocktails while learning about the essential tools, ingredients, spirits, and basic techniques that every home bartender should know.Enjoy three expertly curated cocktails, two which you will make yourself! Cocktails will be served with a small plate pairing.Register online at www.indianhills.edu/mixology * Must be 21 or olderFor more information, contact cathy.stahl@indianhills.edu or call 641-683-5281Space is limited so sign up early!

This course contains no sessions
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Wealth Accumulation & Retirement Planning for Market Uncertainty

You may be concerned about how these uncertain economic times will affect you and your financial planning. Our goal is to help you discover a path to financial peace of mind and help your financial plan is last for the long-term.       

This course contains no sessions
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Working with Laminated Dough

Ready to master the art of flaky, buttery pastries? Join us for a hands-on weekend workshop. You will learn: ?Proper dough lamination techniques?How to recognize perfectly proofed dough?Shaping methods for a variety of croissants and Danish pastries?Troubleshooting tips and solutions to common baking challengesWhether you're a home baker looking to sharpen your skills or simply love fresh pastries, this class will give you the confidence to create bakery-quality results at home.Plus, you'll leave with delicious recipes and an assortment of freshly baked treats to share with family and friends.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.