After-School Activities
GWCS is excited to offer a variety of no-cost after-school activities for our students in grades K-8 beginning on September 29th. This year we will run three ten-week sessions to provide more students the opportunity to participate in our after-school activities. Please find all descriptions below. 
Session Dates:
Session 1- 9/29/25-12/4/25
Session 1- 9/29/25-12/4/25
Session 2- 12/8/25-2/26/26
Session 3- 3/2/26-5/14/26
If your student is interested in participating in one of our after-school activities, please fill the appropriate form below by 3pm on September 9th. Families will be notified the week of September 15th if their student got into an activity. When an activity surpasses their maximum participation, we will use a randomizer to fill the spots. The goal is to try and have each student who signs up participate in at least one activity. Please reach out to Chris Hunsberger at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Elementary School: Grades K-4
Sign up form
Middle School: Grades 5-8
Sign up form
Sign up form
Middle School: Grades 5-8
Sign up form
Elementary Activities:
ARTS and CRAFTS CLUB for Grades K-3
This club allows for students to be creative and work on creating different crafts throughout the year. Students will work on all different types of arts and crafts, including some that will be holiday/seasonal themed.
This club allows for students to be creative and work on creating different crafts throughout the year. Students will work on all different types of arts and crafts, including some that will be holiday/seasonal themed.
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS for Grades 3-4 (Runs February-May)
The Battle of the Books program is designed to encourage children to read more by helping them discover the joy and excitement of reading and talking about books. Using a team format, students get to share with their friends the challenge of growing the quantity of books they read as well as increasing their exposure to a variety of writing styles and topics. During the program students will train for the annual in-house reading competition, Battle of the Books. More information for this club will be sent out in January.
The Battle of the Books program is designed to encourage children to read more by helping them discover the joy and excitement of reading and talking about books. Using a team format, students get to share with their friends the challenge of growing the quantity of books they read as well as increasing their exposure to a variety of writing styles and topics. During the program students will train for the annual in-house reading competition, Battle of the Books. More information for this club will be sent out in January.
BIRD WATCHING for Grades 3-4
The Green Woods Birding Club will teach students about birds and how to responsibly bird-watch outdoors. Participating students will split their time between the classroom and outdoors in the field. Classroom time will be spent on various lessons and activities related to bird identification. Students will learn about different bird species and their habitats, as well as ethical practices relating to bird watching and respecting wildlife and the environment. Field guides and games will be utilized to reinforce active and enjoyable learning in these topics. Particular focus will be placed on bird species local to the Philadelphia region. Outdoor time will be spent learning how to use binoculars, identifying birds, and creating a comprehensive Green Woods bird list, which would include all the birds seen by students on the Green Woods campus. Students will also be encouraged to start a bird “life list” of their own.
The Green Woods Birding Club will teach students about birds and how to responsibly bird-watch outdoors. Participating students will split their time between the classroom and outdoors in the field. Classroom time will be spent on various lessons and activities related to bird identification. Students will learn about different bird species and their habitats, as well as ethical practices relating to bird watching and respecting wildlife and the environment. Field guides and games will be utilized to reinforce active and enjoyable learning in these topics. Particular focus will be placed on bird species local to the Philadelphia region. Outdoor time will be spent learning how to use binoculars, identifying birds, and creating a comprehensive Green Woods bird list, which would include all the birds seen by students on the Green Woods campus. Students will also be encouraged to start a bird “life list” of their own.
BOARD GAMES Grades 1-4
Board games, trivia games, logic games, card games, memory games – not only are they fun; they are also an opportunity to stretch thinking, apply logic and reasoning skills, and boost memory. Board games originated in Egypt over 5,000 years ago and have evolved throughout time and cultures ever since. While games have changed in the modern day, they still provide their players the opportunity to strategize and apply their knowledge to a set of rules with the ultimate goal of winning. During board game club students will play a variety of games . The goal of the board game club is to work with elementary students to foster community, screen free play, sportsmanship, SEL, and socialization.
CHOIR for Grades 3-4
Join the GWCS Choir and make music with your friends! You'll learn how to use your voice, sing in harmony, and perform fun songs as a group. Whether you're a confident singer or just getting started, choir is all about having fun, building your skills, and sharing your voice with others. Get ready to sing your heart out and shine on stage!
Join the GWCS Choir and make music with your friends! You'll learn how to use your voice, sing in harmony, and perform fun songs as a group. Whether you're a confident singer or just getting started, choir is all about having fun, building your skills, and sharing your voice with others. Get ready to sing your heart out and shine on stage!
Girl Scouts for Grades K-2
Girl Scouts is where curiosity meets community. Whether they’re exploring the outdoors, leading service projects, trying new creative adventures, or simply sharing laughs with friends, our Girl Scouts learn to take risks, trust their instincts, and work together to make a difference.
JUNIOR RUNNING CLUB 3-5
We are excited to offer a new running club for our younger students this year! Modeled after our middle school running club, students in 3rd - 5th grade will get to tie up their running shoes and learn the mechanics of running while having fun with their friends. During the fall season, students will play games, learn proper stretches, and work up to a steady one mile run before conquering a 5K in the spring season. All runs will take place on campus on Thursday from 3:30-4:30 with the Junior Running Club coaches. Student participants will have the option to participate in two runs off campus - a one mile fun run in the fall and a 5K in the spring.
Settlement Music School Drum Program for Grades 3-4
Students will bring music to life using interactive drum pads, exploring rhythm in a fun and collaborative way. Together, they’ll dive into group percussion activities, practice call-and-response patterns, and experiment with basic improvisation. Along the way, students will strengthen their musical literacy by learning to read and play rhythms with confidence and creativity.
Note: Spots in the Drum Program are limited. Students selected will have the exciting opportunity to participate in all three sessions of the program. If interest exceeds the number of available openings, we’ll use a fair random selection process to determine which students will join the club.
Students will bring music to life using interactive drum pads, exploring rhythm in a fun and collaborative way. Together, they’ll dive into group percussion activities, practice call-and-response patterns, and experiment with basic improvisation. Along the way, students will strengthen their musical literacy by learning to read and play rhythms with confidence and creativity.
Note: Spots in the Drum Program are limited. Students selected will have the exciting opportunity to participate in all three sessions of the program. If interest exceeds the number of available openings, we’ll use a fair random selection process to determine which students will join the club.
SEWING CLUB for Grade 4
Sewing club is a skills-based club where students will learn the basics of sewing, and create some fun sewing projects, like stuffed animals! If your student loves arts and crafts and having fun with their friends this is the club for them.
Sewing club is a skills-based club where students will learn the basics of sewing, and create some fun sewing projects, like stuffed animals! If your student loves arts and crafts and having fun with their friends this is the club for them.
STEM CLUB for Grades 3-4
The 3/4 STEM Club will teach students how the Engineering Design Process works, and have them experience working on STEM challenges with their peers. Each week, club members will be given a new stem challenge that they will complete. Each challenge will have club members designing, building, reflecting and sharing their project with the group.
The 3/4 STEM Club will teach students how the Engineering Design Process works, and have them experience working on STEM challenges with their peers. Each week, club members will be given a new stem challenge that they will complete. Each challenge will have club members designing, building, reflecting and sharing their project with the group.
STORYBOOK STEM for Grades K-2
We are excited to be offering a new after-school club for our K-2 students. This club will focus on a different storybook and stem activity to accompany it during each meeting. With the guidance of Mrs. Durso the students will be working hands-on with the components of S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math). They will engage in activities, crafts, and experiments.
We are excited to be offering a new after-school club for our K-2 students. This club will focus on a different storybook and stem activity to accompany it during each meeting. With the guidance of Mrs. Durso the students will be working hands-on with the components of S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math). They will engage in activities, crafts, and experiments.
Middle School Activities:
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS for Grades 5-8 (Runs February-May)
The Battle of the Books program is designed to encourage children to read more by helping them discover the joy and excitement of reading and talking about books. Using a team format, students get to share with their friends the challenge of growing the quantity of books they read as well as increasing their exposure to a variety of writing styles and topics. During the program students will train for the annual in-house reading competition, Battle of the Books. More information for this club will be sent out in January.
The Battle of the Books program is designed to encourage children to read more by helping them discover the joy and excitement of reading and talking about books. Using a team format, students get to share with their friends the challenge of growing the quantity of books they read as well as increasing their exposure to a variety of writing styles and topics. During the program students will train for the annual in-house reading competition, Battle of the Books. More information for this club will be sent out in January.
BIRD WATCHING for Grades 5-8 (Session One & Three)
The Green Woods Birding Club will take place during session one and session three. Students will learn about birds and how to responsibly bird-watch outdoors. Participating students will split their time between the classroom and outdoors in the field. Classroom time will be spent on various lessons and activities related to bird identification. Students will learn about different bird species and their habitats, as well as ethical practices relating to bird watching and respecting wildlife and the environment. Field guides and games will be utilized to reinforce active and enjoyable learning in these topics. Particular focus will be placed on bird species local to the Philadelphia region. Outdoor time will be spent learning how to use binoculars, identifying birds, and creating a comprehensive Green Woods bird list, which would include all the birds seen by students on the Green Woods campus. Students will also be encouraged to start a bird “life list” of their own.
The Green Woods Birding Club will take place during session one and session three. Students will learn about birds and how to responsibly bird-watch outdoors. Participating students will split their time between the classroom and outdoors in the field. Classroom time will be spent on various lessons and activities related to bird identification. Students will learn about different bird species and their habitats, as well as ethical practices relating to bird watching and respecting wildlife and the environment. Field guides and games will be utilized to reinforce active and enjoyable learning in these topics. Particular focus will be placed on bird species local to the Philadelphia region. Outdoor time will be spent learning how to use binoculars, identifying birds, and creating a comprehensive Green Woods bird list, which would include all the birds seen by students on the Green Woods campus. Students will also be encouraged to start a bird “life list” of their own.
CHOIR for grades 5-8
Limited spots will be available for the middle school choir. If your student is interested in joining if a spot becomes available please sign them up. There will be auditions for these limited spots.
Limited spots will be available for the middle school choir. If your student is interested in joining if a spot becomes available please sign them up. There will be auditions for these limited spots.
CHEER for GRADES 5-8
Teamwork Development: Working with others is essential in all areas of life. Working with teammates from different backgrounds and skill levels in competitive dance helps our dancers to see themselves as part of a team, not just an individual, which helps them strive for success as a team. Increased Skills Acquisition: When you are part of competitive dance, steps, movements and methods are at a faster pace. With the practice and dedication needed, you can watch your dancer dramatically increase their abilities in a shorter time. Valuable Life Lessons: Competitions for dance teach valuable life lessons. You can expect your child to learn about teamwork, resolving differences, how to be a polite winner or loser, professional networking, and much more all within the sport of competitive dance. Creative Expression: Expressing yourself is something that many people struggle with. When your child is in competitive dance, they can enjoy a creative and active outlet. Performance Skills. Students will perform for home basketball games and different school events.
Teamwork Development: Working with others is essential in all areas of life. Working with teammates from different backgrounds and skill levels in competitive dance helps our dancers to see themselves as part of a team, not just an individual, which helps them strive for success as a team. Increased Skills Acquisition: When you are part of competitive dance, steps, movements and methods are at a faster pace. With the practice and dedication needed, you can watch your dancer dramatically increase their abilities in a shorter time. Valuable Life Lessons: Competitions for dance teach valuable life lessons. You can expect your child to learn about teamwork, resolving differences, how to be a polite winner or loser, professional networking, and much more all within the sport of competitive dance. Creative Expression: Expressing yourself is something that many people struggle with. When your child is in competitive dance, they can enjoy a creative and active outlet. Performance Skills. Students will perform for home basketball games and different school events.
DRAMA CLUB for GRADES 5-8
Calling all thespians! Green Woods Drama Club is back! All interested 4th through 8th graders are invited to audition for this year's musical. All students will need to audition, additional information will be sent to interested students the week of 9/27. Students will be assigned a time, and must memorize a short dialogue or monologue, which will be provided, for the audition.
Robotic Club: Grades 5-8 Thursday
Innovate, Create, and Share! Robotics club students will be immersed in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering curriculum and engaged in a range of rigorous and relevant learning experiences. Students will develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, and design, build, and code to solve themed challenge missions!
Innovate, Create, and Share! Robotics club students will be immersed in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering curriculum and engaged in a range of rigorous and relevant learning experiences. Students will develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, and design, build, and code to solve themed challenge missions!
PHILADELPHIA BALLET JUST DANCE for Grades 5-8
Philadelphia Ballet’s after-school program offers an in-depth arts experience for middle school students in Philadelphia, aiming to increase accessibility to dance while helping students discover new creative interests and explore future possibilities. Throughout the school year, participants receive instruction in a variety of dance styles—including ballet, jazz, Latin, African dance, and hip-hop—providing a broad understanding of the diversity within the art form. Beyond technical training, the program offers meaningful cultural experiences that positively influence student behavior and foster greater self-confidence.
Philadelphia Ballet’s after-school program offers an in-depth arts experience for middle school students in Philadelphia, aiming to increase accessibility to dance while helping students discover new creative interests and explore future possibilities. Throughout the school year, participants receive instruction in a variety of dance styles—including ballet, jazz, Latin, African dance, and hip-hop—providing a broad understanding of the diversity within the art form. Beyond technical training, the program offers meaningful cultural experiences that positively influence student behavior and foster greater self-confidence.
SETTLEMENT MUSIC SCHOOL DRUM PROGRAM for Grade 5
Students will bring music to life using interactive drum pads, exploring rhythm in a fun and collaborative way. Together, they’ll dive into group percussion activities, practice call-and-response patterns, and experiment with basic improvisation. Along the way, students will strengthen their musical literacy by learning to read and play rhythms with confidence and creativity.
SETTLEMENT MUSIC SCHOOL BEGINNER PIANO PROGRAM for Grades 6-8 Tuesday
In this group piano class, students will embark on their musical journey by learning the essentials of beginning piano in a fun, collaborative setting. They’ll build a strong foundation through hands-on practice with basic techniques, discover how to read pitch and rhythm, and work together as a class to play songs. Along the way, students will develop both their musical skills and confidence while experiencing the joy of making music together.
In this group piano class, students will embark on their musical journey by learning the essentials of beginning piano in a fun, collaborative setting. They’ll build a strong foundation through hands-on practice with basic techniques, discover how to read pitch and rhythm, and work together as a class to play songs. Along the way, students will develop both their musical skills and confidence while experiencing the joy of making music together.
SEWING CLUB for Grade 5-6
Sewing club is a skills-based club where students will learn the basics of sewing, and create some fun sewing projects, like stuffed animals! If your student loves arts and crafts and having fun with their friends this is the club for them.
Sewing club is a skills-based club where students will learn the basics of sewing, and create some fun sewing projects, like stuffed animals! If your student loves arts and crafts and having fun with their friends this is the club for them.
YEARBOOK for GRADES 7-8
Yearbook will be open to 7th and 8th grade students who will take photos of school events including those held after school hours. Students will also be in charge of organizing and tagging photos in the online yearbook software. Additionally students will design the yearbook pages, which includes choosing photos and artwork.
Yearbook will be open to 7th and 8th grade students who will take photos of school events including those held after school hours. Students will also be in charge of organizing and tagging photos in the online yearbook software. Additionally students will design the yearbook pages, which includes choosing photos and artwork.
