Experience a Summer of Exploration at The Hardy Center
Summer Program
At The Hardy Center, our free Summer Program is more than just a way to keep kids active during the break, it's an engaging experience that fosters creativity, personal growth, and hands-on learning!
Designed for children in the Linden community, our program provides an exciting mix of creative & performing arts, enrichment & skill-building, and STEM exploration to help students thrive academically and socially.
Creative & Performing Arts
From stage lights to paintbrushes, our arts programming gives students a stage to express themselves. Whether they’re dancing, acting, singing, or creating visual art, children gain confidence, teamwork skills, and a sense of pride in their unique voice.
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Through our arts & crafts program, children express themselves through creativity and share their work in community exhibits and Hardy Center displays.
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The Hardy Center’s knitting, sewing, and crocheting programs teach students practical skills, creativity, and patience while encouraging focus, self-expression, and the satisfaction of making something with their own hands.
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Our Music program gives students the opportunity to explore rhythm, melody, and creativity while building confidence and teamwork. Through singing, instruments, and interactive lessons, students develop musical skills, express themselves, and connect with peers in a fun, supportive environment.
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The Hardy Center’s African drum and dance program immerses students in cultural traditions while building rhythm, coordination, teamwork, and confidence through dynamic, hands-on performance.
Enrichment & Skill-Building
We believe learning doesn’t stop when school lets out. Our enrichment programs build essential life skills—like leadership, communication, and critical thinking—through fun, hands-on activities. Students develop focus, discipline, and real-world readiness that stays with them long after summer ends.
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More than just a fun activity, unicycling teaches balance, perseverance, and self-confidence. Children ages 5-12 showcase their skills at community events, inspiring others.
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In partnership with The Ohio State University Fencing Team, our fencing program introduces students to the exciting world of this Olympic sport. More than just learning footwork and technique, children build discipline, confidence, agility, and focus. Students are engaged through mentorship, physical activity, and a chance to explore a sport that’s both mentally and physically engaging.
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Our martial arts program teaches discipline, respect, focus, and inner confidence. Through structured instruction and positive reinforcement, students develop both physical coordination and emotional resilience. The program culminates in our Summer Showcase, where participants proudly demonstrate their progress and celebrate their hard work with friends, family, and community.
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In partnership with the YMCA, our summer swimming program is all about fun, safety, and confidence in the water. Kids learn essential swim skills from floating and kicking to full strokes in a supportive, supervised environment. More than just lessons, it's a chance to cool off, stay active, and make lasting summer memories with friends.
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The Hardy Center’s futsal program, in partnership with Columbus Futsal, helps students develop soccer skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship through a fast-paced, five-a-side game experience.
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Local college sports teams visit The Hardy Center to host camp days, giving students hands-on opportunities to learn new sports, build skills, and experience teamwork and mentorship from collegiate athletes.
STEM & Hands-On Learning
Curiosity comes to life in our STEM sessions! Students dive into engaging projects that explore science, technology, engineering, and math in creative, approachable ways. Whether designing with LEGO™, conducting experiments, or solving real-world problems, our students build problem-solving skills and discover just how exciting learning can be.
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Our K–8 STEM and STEAM program gives students hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math in creative and meaningful ways. Each grade level tackles different projects, from engineering challenges and coding activities to art-infused experiments, allowing students to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Our award-winning HOPE Garden is fully integrated into the program. Students use the garden to explore plant biology, environmental science, and sustainable practices while connecting their learning to real-world applications. By combining STEM, STEAM, and hands-on gardening, students see how science, creativity, and community impact come together, inspiring curiosity, innovation, and a love of learning.
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Our Career Exploration and Workforce Development program introduces students to a wide range of careers and helps them develop the skills needed for future success. Students learn professional habits, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through hands-on activities and classroom projects.
They also get to connect learning to real-world experience through field trips to local businesses, where they see careers in action and explore potential paths for their own futures.
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Our Lifeskills class equips students with essential skills for daily life and long-term success. Younger students in K–3 focus on foundational skills like tying shoes, following routines, and understanding basic financial concepts. Older students in grades 4–8 build on these foundations with lessons in budgeting, goal-setting, time management, and problem-solving.
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Our Responsible AI program for students in grades 4–8 introduces the fundamentals of artificial intelligence while emphasizing ethics, safety, and responsible use. Students learn how AI impacts daily life, explore real-world applications, and discuss issues like privacy, fairness, and bias.
Through hands-on projects and guided discussions, students develop critical thinking and digital literacy skills, learning not just how AI works, but how to use technology thoughtfully and responsibly. This program empowers students to become informed, ethical creators and users of technology.
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LEGO™ Learning inspires creativity and innovation by challenging kids to build themed projects that solve real-world problems.
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Chess teaches strategy, problem-solving, and patience—helping kids make smarter decisions on the board and in life.
Nutrition & Gardening Initiatives
Growing More Than Food: The Hardy HOPE Garden
Recognized by The Columbus Dispatch as a top community garden, the Hardy HOPE Garden is a lively space where learning takes root—literally!
Students and families work side by side to plant, tend, and harvest fresh produce, while cultivating essential life skills like responsibility, patience, and teamwork. The garden is a source of pride and a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together.
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Our award-winning HOPE Garden teaches students urban agriculture, sustainability, and nutrition while helping them grow fresh produce for their community. During the spring, students plant seeds in our afterschool program and learn the foundations of soil health, food systems, and responsibility. Throughout the summer, they tend the garden daily, watering, weeding, harvesting, and tracking growth.
The garden becomes a living classroom where students see the results of their consistency and care. They learn where food comes from, how healthy choices impact their bodies, and how their work can serve others. Students not only help provide fresh produce to the community, they also get to enjoy and take home food they helped grow, building pride, ownership, and a deeper connection to healthy living.
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Healthy habits start with understanding where food comes from and why it matters. Through hands-on activities like gardening, harvesting, and meal planning, students learn the basics of nutrition and the value of balanced meals.
They’re introduced to new foods, encouraged to make smart choices, and develop lifelong habits that support wellness inside and outside the classroom.
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Mealtime at The Hardy Center is a learning experience. In addition to receiving free breakfast and lunch each day, students gain practical skills in cooking, kitchen safety, and hygiene.
From proper handwashing to safely using kitchen tools, our young chefs build confidence and independence in a supportive environment. These lessons help them feel empowered in the kitchen while reinforcing responsibility and self-care.
Get Involved & Support Our Mission
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Get Involved & Support Our Mission ⁎
Be part of something life-changing. Your support helps provide meals, education, and opportunities for kids in need. Donate, volunteer, and make a lasting impact today.
Stay Connected, Make an Impact!
Our newsletter shares real stories of growth from right here in Linden—highlighting the children we serve, the families we walk alongside, and the programs making a difference every day. You’ll get updates on after-school and summer opportunities, family resources, community events, and ways our supporters are helping build a brighter future for every child. Whether you’re a parent, neighbor, volunteer, or donor—this is your inside look at the impact we’re creating together.