Chester County Night School

Sports and Games

Sport Pilot Certificate - Fly for Fun!

Michael Floriani, instructor

With the FAA's new Sport Pilot Certificate, you can have your license with 20 hours of training and at a fraction of the cost of traditional flying. This course will introduce you to this exciting new rating that gives you the freedom to safely fly selected airplanes under the use of your driver's license. The second class will include a tour of a local airport.

SP1375   Stetson M.S.                          2 weeks             Thu, 7 to 9 pm, 4/24-5/1                                 $35


Rock Climbing Adventure

Craig Erb, instructor

Climb real 40'-60' high rock cliffs at Ralph Stover State Park near New Hope in Bucks County. Our top rope belay safety system makes climbing fun and safe for both the experienced and inexperienced climbers. Many routes of climbing difficulty are available. All belaying and basic climbing instruction are done by professionally trained facilitators. Bring a lunch, sneakers, wear loose or stretch clothing. Plan a fun evening in New Hope to finish the day. Class meets at Ralph Stover State Park at 9:30 am - directions will be sent.

SP1380   Ralph Stover State Park   1 day                   Sat, 9:30 am to 5 pm, 5/31                              $80


High Ropes Challenge Course

Craig Erb, instructor

Join us for an exciting day of "safe fun" 35-70' high in the trees.  Our "state of the art" high ropes challenge course will provide mental and physical challenges for all levels of participation.  Challenge by Choice governs all participation so  individuals can challenge their "perceived limits" to discover their "true limits" in a safe, supportive atmosphere.  Our belay safety system and climbing instruction is performed by professionally trained facilitators.  Bring a lunch, sneakers, wear loose or stretch clothing.  Class will meet at 9:30 a.m. at Episcopal Academy in Devon -- directions will be provided.

SP1381   Episcopal Academy Devon   1 day               Sat, 9:30 am to 3 pm, 5/10                           $80


Hike the Appalachian Trail

Craig Erb, instructor

Enjoy this 5-hour hike of moderate intensity on the Appalachian Trail leaving from the Hamburg Reservoir near the Hawk Mountain Reserve. You will enjoy the trails and panoramic views of the Pinnacle and Pulpit Rock. Bring your binoculars, a hearty lunch and water. Wear hiking boots or high topped shoes; dress comfortably in layers. Class will meet at 9 am at Target in Exton.

SP1382   Target Exton                            1 day              Sat, 9 am to 5 pm, 4/26                                 $35 SOLD OUT


Brigantine Kayaking

Great Valley Nature Center, instructor

Join us as we kayak our way through the salt marshes of Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge in search of spectacular views and wildlife.  We'll sneak up on Fiddler Crabs and watch the Blue Crabs scurry beneath our boats.  Shorebirds flying overhead and fresh salt air make this a great trip for most skill levels.  Strong winds are a possibility, so either some prior kayaking experience or good upper body strength is recommended.  We will provide transportation from GVNC, kayaks, paddles, and life jackets.  An experienced guide naturalist will provide instruction and natural history.  Please bring your lunch.

SP1383   Great Valley Nature Center   1 day              Wed, 8 am to 6 pm, 5/14                             $65


Kayak The Sassafras River, MD

Great Valley Nature Center, instructor

Join us on this beautiful tidal river off of the Chesapeake Bay.  Great for beginning kayakers and wildlife lovers.  We see tremendous amounts of wildlife including Bald Eagles, Osprey and waterfowl.  Transportation from Great Valley Nature Center is provided, as well as kayaks, paddles and life jackets.  An experienced guide/naturalist will provide instruction as well as the natural history of the Sassafras River.  Please bring lunch.

SP1384   Great Valley Nature Center   1 day              Wed, 8:30 am to 6 pm, 4/16                          $65 SOLD OUT


Kayak Mill Creek and Furnace Bay, MD

Great Valley Nature Center, instructor

This small creek and surrounding small bay border the expansive Upper Chesapeake Bay. We'll paddle this calm/shallow bay where kayaks can easily maneuver and search for wildlife. Past trips have seen Bald Eagles, Osprey and Red-tailed Hawks. We'll explore the calm shallows and try dipping our paddles in the Chesapeake Bay as well as the Susquehanna River. Boats, paddles, lifejackets and transportation all provided. Please bring lunch and appropriate clothing.

SP1386   Great Valley Nature Center   1 day              Tue, 8:30 am to 6 pm, 5/27                           $65


Evening Canoe Trip and Dinner

Great Valley Nature Center, instructor

Join us for a truly unique evening of paddling under the stars and dinner along the edge of the water. Our evening begins on the Schuylkill River as the sun is setting where we will spot wildlife such as Herons, Osprey and Hawks. At our dinner stop, we'll enjoy a buffet dinner watching the sunset and the moon rising. After dinner, we'll paddle in the moonlight and enjoy the evening. Boats, paddles, lifejackets and transportation all provided.

SP1387   Great Valley Nature Center   1 evening      Thu, 4:45 to 10 pm, 5/22                               $70 SOLD OUT

SP1387A   Great Valley Nature Center   1 evening     Mon, 4:45 to 10 pm, 6/16                             $70


Pinelands Kayaking

Great Valley Nature Center, instructor

If you like paddling in moving water that twists and turns through a secluded pine forest, look no further.  We'll wind our way through the Pine Barrens, NJ, looking for plants that eat insects and the elusive Pine Barrens tree frog.  Lunch on a sandy beach and some little known Pine Barrens natural/cultural history make this a wonderful trip for all skill levels.  Transportation from GVNC included, as well as kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets.  An experienced guide and naturalist will provide instruction and natural history.  Bring a lunch.

SP1389      Great Valley Nature Center   1 day              Wed, 8 am to 6 pm, 5/7                                $90 SOLD OUT

SP1389A   Great Valley Nature Center   1 day               Tues, 8 am to 6 pm, 6/10                             $90


New Course!Flyfishing, An Introduction

Gerry Brunner, instructor

This class is designed to introduce participants to "the quiet sport" of flyfishing.  Areas of study will include: choosing the right gear, fishing laws and regulations, casting, fly selection, and where to catch fish.  Participants will need to purchase a PA fishing license and necessary basic gear after the first class.

SP1393   Whiteland Bus. Park, Exton     5 weeks       Mon, 7 to 9 pm, 4/7-4/28 $65  plus field trip Sat 5/3 WAIT LIST


New Course!Women's Horseback Riding

Dawn Bell, instructor

Enjoy the great outdoors on horseback!  This 4-lesson course offered by Out of Reach Farm in West Chester will prepare you for safe ring riding as well as preparation for horse showing.  You will be learning horse safety, handling and grooming, walk, trot, and canter.  Beginners are welcome.  More advanced riders will be placed into a separate group, working on building confidence in the riding ring and advancing to jumping.  All sessions will include ring work and individual practice time.  Riders are required to wear long pants and shoes with a heel.  Helmets are provided by Out of Reach Farms.

SP1394   Out of Reach Farm                      4 weeks        Wed, 12:30 to 2:30 pm, 4/30-5/21                $200


Improve Your Pool

Walter Rohlfs, instructor

Have you been playing pool for months or even years without really improving? Find out why and learn how to move forward. Bring your own cue or use ours. Classes are in a private room at The Billiard Club in West Chester. The class is limited to ten so the instructor has time for individual  attention.

SP1346   Billiard Club                            5 weeks           Tue, 8 to 9:30 pm, 4/15-5/13                           $100