
Welcome to PAC Center
The Mission of the Park Avenue Community Center is to foster creativity, build connections and promote the wellbeing of the community through our inspiring programs, classes and events. We are a vibrant and welcoming intergenerational hub that harnesses the power of arts and ideas to enrich, enlighten and change lives.
Programs
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Health and Wellness
“Health is a state of being, wellness a state of living.”
From Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Yoga and Meditation, to nutrition and cooking classes, we are curating programs geared to keeping our minds, bodies and spirits engaged and cared for. Explore what the PAC Center has to offer.
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Continuing Education
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever” — Mahatma Gandhi
At the PAC Center, we aim to bring you the best of continuing education classes that are fun and informative. Whether pursuing personal interests and passions or chasing professional ambitions, lifelong learning can help us to achieve personal fulfillment and satisfaction.
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Culinary Arts
“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art” — La Rochefoucauld
Here at PAC Center, we love to eat, and we love everything about food — from learning about it, to cooking it, to eating it. We look forward to bringing you cooking classes, food events, workshops, pop up eateries and a space for entrepreneurs to dice, slice, bake, or brew in our (coming soon) commercially-certified kitchen.
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Performing Arts
“When I was a kid…no wait, I still do that”
As part of our “take care” mantra, PAC will be offering classes, workshops and events for adults in theatre, dance, music and the spoken/written word. Staying connected to or reawakening that creative spark is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves.
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Senior Citizens
“Getting older is an extraordinaire process where you become the person you always should have been.” – David Bowie
Senior Citizens thrive at the PAC Center thanks to our Community Partner, The Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association (SSCA). Daily activities include games and crafts, Friday Friends, Lunch and Learn, Walks and Trails and SSCA Travels. Join this vibrant community today!
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Kids
“A person’s a person no matter how small” — Horton the elephant
Children flourish at the PAC Center. Creative Classes, performance opportunities, kid focused events, after school programs, tutoring and homework help. Explore our programs, let us know what you’d like to see and consider ways to share your talents with our young community.
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Teens
COMING SOON
“You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — A.A. Milne
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Summer Camps
Summer Camps are here! We’re rolling out a vibrant and exciting line up of summer camps for all ages. Come see what we’re offering.
Upcoming Events
This fun social dance is easy to learn with live music and professional callers teaching the moves. There's lots of swinging and lots of brisk walking and lots of smiles.
Join us in speaking French about a variety of subjects. Open to any skill level, but may be best suited for intermediate speakers. The primary purpose is for participants to practice speaking French and have fun doing it. Event is free.
Sound Meditation, also known as a Sound Bath, utilizes the therapeutic application of sound frequencies and vibrations to provide a powerful and gentle way to shift consciousness and enhance well-being. It is an opportunity to embrace mindful practices and reconnect with our inner selves.
Tap into the minds of the creative talent in our community!
Martha Hodes is most recently the author of My Hijacking: A Personal History of Forgetting and Remembering, in which she explores her recollections of being held hostage on an airplane in 1970.
Myofascial Release relieves your tension and improve your range of motion with myofascial release! Enjoy 90 minutes of yoga, foam rolling, meditation, and extended relaxation in this workshop designed to leave your muscles and joints with a greater flexibility.
Join us in speaking French about a variety of subjects. Open to any skill level, but may be best suited for intermediate speakers. FREE
Celebrate the literary talent thriving in our own backyard in this reading and open mic event followed by a casual reception with the authors. Event is free.
Myofascial Release relieves your tension and improve your range of motion with myofascial release! Enjoy 90 minutes of yoga, foam rolling, meditation, and extended relaxation in this workshop designed to leave your muscles and joints with a greater flexibility.
Featured Classes & Programs
Health and Wellness
• 8 Mondays
• Sept 8 - Oct 27
• 10:00 - 11:00a.m.
• 8 Classes - $120
Engage all body systems efficiently with this comprehensive movement class. Whether you are recovering from an injury, just out of PT, or simply wanting to move more efficiently, this class is designed for you!
• 8 Wednesdays
• Sept 10 - Oct 29
• 1:30 - 2:45 pm
• 8 Classes - $80
Got stress? Experience T’ai Chi Chih! This “user friendly” moving meditation has 19 movements, doesn’t require physical fitness or coordination, and can be adapted to be done seated or for physical limitations.
• 6 Tuesdays
• July 15 - Aug 19
• 6:30am - 7:15am
• 6 Classes - $90
A full body class using multiple types of bands to add tension and resistance to movements to fully engage more muscles for stability and strength. Movements are easily modifiable so class moves quickly and efficiently. All fitness levels welcome!
KIDS
• Thursday
• Sept 11 - Dec 11 (no class 10/2 and 11/27)
• 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
• 12 Classes - $300
Young actors will explore both scripted scenes and improv games that encourage teamwork, self-expression, and quick thinking. Along the way, they’ll build stage presence, storytelling skills, and confidence in a playful, supportive environment. Grades K-2.
• Fridays
• Sept 12 - Dec 12 (no class 11/28)
• 4:00-5:30 pm
• 13 Weeks - $325
Think you have what it takes to be a LEGO Master? Join us as we come together to creatively take on and complete a wide range of build challenges. Teamwork, collaboration, creativity and ingenuity will be emphasized as we explore different methods and approaches to rebuilding our world in brick form. Grades K-3.
• Fridays
• Sept 12 - Nov 21
• 6:00 - 9:00 pm
• 10 Classes - $250
Step into the world of Dungeons & Dragons! Whether you’re brand new to the game or a seasoned adventurer, our Dungeon Masters will guide you through epic quests, daring battles, and unexpected twists. Learn the basics, sharpen your skills, and join us for our Fall campaign. Ages 12–17.
• Monday
• Aug 11
• 9:30 - 10:15 am
• 1 Class - $15 kid/caregiver
• $5 additional children
Dive into the ocean for a watery yoga journey! In this summer YogAmi class, kids will stretch their imaginations, move, and breathe like many of their favorite sea creatures — dolphins, starfish, whales, and more — learning yoga poses that increase strength, balance, and flexibility. Ages 3-5 years.
• Thursday
• Aug 14
• 9:30 - 10:15 am
• 1 Class - $15 kid/caregiver
• $5 additional children
Come dance, sing and play music with Ms. Bethanne. For toddlers and their caregivers, this is an interactive movement and music workshop that uses stories, props and instruments to engage the busiest of little bodies! Ages 18 months-3 years.
• Thursday
• Aug 14
• 9:30 - 10:15 am
• 1 Class - $15 kid/caregiver
• $5 additional children
Join Ms. Bethanne and her magic movement trunk! Tap, flap, sauté and bourée! This class is designed to teach students basic dance vocabulary while exploring movement through improvisation, storytelling and individual creativity. Ages 3-5 years.
• Thursdays
• September 11 - November 20
• 10:30-11:15 am
• 11 classes - $198
Join us as we use songs, books, props and imagination to learn about dance, creative movement and ballet. Each week, we will peek into Miss Bethanne’s magic trunk to see what our theme is, and what special books and props we’ll be using for our class. Ages 2.5-3.5 years.
Fridays
Apr 5 - May 31 (no class 5/24)
6:00 - 9:00 pm
8 Classes - $200
Calling all Dungeons & Dragons... the role-playing game that can go on forever! Our Dungeon Masters are ready to teach new players the basics of the game and keep seasoned players on their toes! Head into our Spring campaign!
Ages 12-17
Senior Citizens
Monday
Aug 18
12:00-1:30 p.m
Tom Lehrer, a social and political satirist, amassed a devoted following in the 50's and 60's for routines featuring subversive subjects with a humorous approach. Join us to watch a video made live in 1967 for an appreciative audience in Copenhagen.
Wednesday
Aug 13
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
This week is all about exploring our creativity with air dry clay. Mold and shape the clay into anything your imagination can conjure up. Work the clay while caring for your body and spirit. In just one day, after it's fully dried, you'll have a one-of-a-kind creation to proudly display.