Cadet Care.
Before & after school.
Fully staffed, enrichment-based programming — zero overhead for your school. We bring trained staff, equipment, and structured enrichment directly to your building.
What makes it work.
Enrichment included, not upsold
Sports clinics & enrichment clubs are included with Cadet Care — the more days you enroll, the more you get.
Staff-guided growth
Every session ends with a structured debrief. Our staff are trained facilitators, not just supervisors.
High-engagement activities
Drone racing, basketball clinics, creative arts — activities kids actually want to do. No screen time. No sitting around.
Social-emotional learning built in
Communication, self-reflection, perspective-taking and feedback are woven into every activity.
Safe & structured
Background-checked, CPR/First Aid certified staff. Clear safety protocols. 1:15 staff-to-child ratios.
Priority access to camps
Cadet Care families get first dibs on school break camps, half-day programs and day-off events.
The basics.
5–14 years old
Grouped within 3-year age brackets.
Before & After
Morning and afternoon sessions available.
1–5 days/week
Flexible — pick the days that work for your family.
Includes enrichment
More days enrolled = bigger discounts on enrichment.
Our proven method.
Every session follows a structured approach that turns casual play into meaningful learning.
Set clear expectations
Every session starts with clarity. Kids know what's expected so they can focus on playing well.
Identify teachable moments
We listen before we lead. We model empathy and reinforce values in real time.
Learn from challenges
We don't rescue kids from struggle. Frustration and conflict become our classroom.
Get participant feedback
After each activity we pause and reflect: what went well, what to improve, how we showed up.
Frontload → Experience → Debrief → Repeat
8 enrichment adventures a year. Zero extra cost.
Two different clubs or clinics per 6-week session · four sessions per school year. Real curriculum, trained facilitators, structured skill-building. Other providers charge $125+ per program — we include them for families enrolled 4–5 days a week, and discount them for everyone else.
STEM Based
Drone racing, RC racing, chess, trading cards, comic creation, and domino engineering packaged as hands-on problem solving kids actually want to do.
- Drone Racing 101
- RC Racing 101
- Chess Masters
- Trading Card Clubs
- Comic Book Maker Club
- Domino Mega Builders Club
Phys-Ed
Dodgeball, kickball, foam-tipped archery, 9-square, ga ga ball, and Challenge Games that feel like minute-to-win-it fun while building coordination, confidence, and teamwork.
- Dodgeball
- Kickball
- Foam-Tipped Archery
- 9-Square in the Air
- Ga Ga Ball
- Challenge Games
Sports Clinics
Basketball, flag football, and backyard baseball / wiffle ball clinics with real instruction, progression, and game-speed reps.
- Basketball
- Flag Football
- Backyard Baseball / Wiffle Ball
Sample the lineup
Rotating menu each sessionDrone Racing 101
Ages 8–12
RC Racing 101
Ages 8–12
Domino Mega Builders
Ages 6–12
Chess Masters
Ages 8–12
Comic Book Maker
Ages 7–12
Trading Card Clubs
Ages 7–12
Foam-Tipped Archery
Ages 8–12
Kickball
Ages 7–12
9-Square in the Air
Ages 7–12
Ga Ga Ball
Ages 5–12
Dodgeball
Ages 8–12
Challenge Games
Ages 5–12
Flag Football
Ages 8–12
Basketball
Ages 7–12
Backyard Baseball
Ages 8–12
What a typical day looks like.
Morning session
- ›Arrival & check-in
- ›Free play & social time
- ›Structured morning activity
- ›Snack & homework help
- ›Walk to class
Their school day
- ›Regular school classes
- ›We handle the before & after — they handle the middle
Afternoon session
- ›Pickup from class & check-in
- ›Snack & decompression
- ›Enrichment block (sports, STEM, arts, games)
- ›Staff-guided debrief
- ›Free play & pickup window
See the adventures included.
The same program includes STEM builds, creative wins, active-play stations, and true sports clinic reps throughout the year.
What sets us apart.
Most before & after school programs are glorified babysitting. We built Cadet Care to be the highlight of your child's day — where growth happens naturally through play.
One partner. Complete coverage.
Schools get a single, trusted partner that handles daily care, enrichment programming and school break coverage — built on the Cadet identity and growth-mindset method.
Built around families
Consistent staff, consistent schedule, transparent pricing — peace of mind for parents. We believe quality youth programming shouldn't cost an arm and a leg, so families get real enrichment without the premium price tag.
Trusted by communities all over
We partner with park districts, school districts, private schools, universities, and more — bringing background-checked staff, written safety protocols, and a proven operating model wherever we go.
Not just another
kid's program.
Most programs keep kids busy. We keep them growing.
The fun is intentional.
RC racing, foam archery, drones, and 20+ activities aren't just crowd-pleasers — high engagement is what makes kids fully present, willing to take risks, and open to learning. You can't coach a kid who's checked out.
Every session has a debrief.
After each activity, our coaches pause and guide kids through what happened — what worked, what was hard, how they showed up as teammates. Kids don't sit through a lesson. They process something they just lived.
Coaches who guide, not rescue.
Our staff let kids work through frustration, conflict, and challenge — then help them make sense of it. That's the rep that builds confidence for when parents aren't in the room.
Safe, structured environment.
1:14 staff-to-kid ratio, background-checked and CPR-certified coaches, and clear safety protocols at every site.
Don't just take our word for it.
Verified reviews from Google, Facebook, Indeed, and LinkedIn — the parents who trust us, the partners who host us, and the coaches who work here.
"Wow! Our 9 yr. old son attended a Pokémon card game/trading week long workshop. Fabian, the instructor was terrific. He has great awareness and made the week amazing."
Douglas Bram
Parent, St. Louis
"We have had such a great experience with Recreation Academy at Kirkwood Park. Our kids have attended several weeks of extreme sports summer camp and have always had a great time. Staff and management are accessible and wonderful to work with."
Amanda Penick Brauer
Parent
"The Recreation Academy has helped us add so much variety to our weekly end-of-day enrichment programs — tons of sessions have been a hit with our families. Their staff are professional, prompt, and always super engaged. Truly a fantastic company to work with."
Eve R.
The Community School
"I have absolutely loved my time at The Rec Academy and can't wait to come back and see all of my Cadets again next summer! It's really refreshing to be at a youth organization that promotes a healthy environment for everyone and supports their staff so well."
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor (Seasonal) · St. Louis, MO
"I worked here through college and it was easily the most rewarding job I've had. The team is supportive, the schedule works around classes, and you get real coaching experience with elementary-age kids. Highly recommend for anyone in education."
Jordan P.
Former Enrichment Facilitator
"Highly recommend Rec Academy for your kid camp needs! Great staff! Awesome activity games my super active 7 year old. Naps will ensue!"
Gary Stewart
Parent, St. Louis
"My son loves the Extreme Sports camp. Great experience!"
Lindsay Schultz Wessels
Parent
"Fantastic program with excellent staff! Kids have so much fun!!"
Katrina Paumier
Parent, St. Louis
"Our kiddo loved the sports camp. The teachers were very helpful. What a great week."
Jen Kaesberg
Parent
"Fun and supportive environment with a lot of room for personal and professional growth! Working for The Recreation Academy has truly been a fulfilling experience."
Area Manager
Area Manager · St. Louis, MO
"My son attended their Summer camps and had a blast! The staff was great and caring. Highly recommend!"
Kelli Jaeger
Parent, St. Louis
"I have an uncoordinated six year old who loves running around. I was worried he might not be able to follow all the rules or would get out right away, but that wasn't the case with the playground games camp. The counselors did a great job of making sure everyone was included. His only complaint was that I picked him up… he wanted to stay all day."
Rebecca Zide
Parent, St. Louis
"Both of my boys have loved The Recreation Academy. They've done both Spring Break camps and Summer Camps. Each day they are excited to participate!"
Tiffany Whelehon
Parent, St. Louis
"Wow! Our 9 yr. old son attended a Pokémon card game/trading week long workshop. Fabian, the instructor was terrific. He has great awareness and made the week amazing."
Douglas Bram
Parent, St. Louis
"We have had such a great experience with Recreation Academy at Kirkwood Park. Our kids have attended several weeks of extreme sports summer camp and have always had a great time. Staff and management are accessible and wonderful to work with."
Amanda Penick Brauer
Parent
"The Recreation Academy has helped us add so much variety to our weekly end-of-day enrichment programs — tons of sessions have been a hit with our families. Their staff are professional, prompt, and always super engaged. Truly a fantastic company to work with."
Eve R.
The Community School
"I have absolutely loved my time at The Rec Academy and can't wait to come back and see all of my Cadets again next summer! It's really refreshing to be at a youth organization that promotes a healthy environment for everyone and supports their staff so well."
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor (Seasonal) · St. Louis, MO
"I worked here through college and it was easily the most rewarding job I've had. The team is supportive, the schedule works around classes, and you get real coaching experience with elementary-age kids. Highly recommend for anyone in education."
Jordan P.
Former Enrichment Facilitator
"Highly recommend Rec Academy for your kid camp needs! Great staff! Awesome activity games my super active 7 year old. Naps will ensue!"
Gary Stewart
Parent, St. Louis
"My son loves the Extreme Sports camp. Great experience!"
Lindsay Schultz Wessels
Parent
"Fantastic program with excellent staff! Kids have so much fun!!"
Katrina Paumier
Parent, St. Louis
"Our kiddo loved the sports camp. The teachers were very helpful. What a great week."
Jen Kaesberg
Parent
"Fun and supportive environment with a lot of room for personal and professional growth! Working for The Recreation Academy has truly been a fulfilling experience."
Area Manager
Area Manager · St. Louis, MO
"My son attended their Summer camps and had a blast! The staff was great and caring. Highly recommend!"
Kelli Jaeger
Parent, St. Louis
"I have an uncoordinated six year old who loves running around. I was worried he might not be able to follow all the rules or would get out right away, but that wasn't the case with the playground games camp. The counselors did a great job of making sure everyone was included. His only complaint was that I picked him up… he wanted to stay all day."
Rebecca Zide
Parent, St. Louis
"Both of my boys have loved The Recreation Academy. They've done both Spring Break camps and Summer Camps. Each day they are excited to participate!"
Tiffany Whelehon
Parent, St. Louis
"Good place to work while being active and having fun with the kiddos. If you work in education and are off during the summer months, this is the best way to make some extra cash."
Coach
Coach · St. Louis, MO
"One of the best side gigs I've had. The Rec Academy trusts you to run your own class, gives you real curriculum to work from, and pays well for the hours. The kids genuinely look forward to it every week."
Marissa T.
Former Enrichment Facilitator
"My sons (5 and 9) had a great week of camp at Kirkwood Park with the Rec. Academy. They came home happy and excited to go back the next day."
Nora Schweighart
Parent, St. Louis
"My daughter Corinne loved it, highly recommend!"
Caroline Tee
Parent
"Working with The Recreation Academy has allowed our school to increase summer revenue, expand programming availability, and has been an absolute pleasure to work with. We love the Rec Academy and look forward to continuing to work with them."
Adam H.
New City School
"Management and team are great! They truly care about you and your personal & professional development. The work/life balance is for you to create. You choose your hours and what activities you work. I love the flexibility."
Area Manager
Area Manager · Chicago, IL
"Great organization to grow with. I started as an Enrichment Facilitator running after-school programs and left with real experience leading groups of kids. Management actually listens and invests in staff development."
Alicia R.
Former Enrichment Facilitator
"Very fun place to work if you're looking for something to keep you active and with kids. You are supplied with the materials needed for each class. You make your own schedule and the pay is great."
Assistant Manager
Assistant Manager · St. Louis, MO
"My son loves after school kickball! It's a great way to interact with kids from other grades and have fun!"
Liz Pratt
Parent, St. Louis
"My son loves all classes through the Rec Academy! He has fun and stays active. The instructors play with the kids and seem to be having a great time."
Beth Hausner
Parent, St. Louis
"My son did a Recreation Academy summer camp through his elementary school and had a great time doing all the fun activities, such as dodgeball, games, and sports."
Julia Maranan
Parent, St. Louis
"My son started camp this week at Kirkwood park and has absolutely loved it! He's getting three straight hours of energy out playing different sports and connecting with friends. Thanks for a great start to the summer!"
Chad Lembach
Parent, St. Louis
"Good place to work while being active and having fun with the kiddos. If you work in education and are off during the summer months, this is the best way to make some extra cash."
Coach
Coach · St. Louis, MO
"One of the best side gigs I've had. The Rec Academy trusts you to run your own class, gives you real curriculum to work from, and pays well for the hours. The kids genuinely look forward to it every week."
Marissa T.
Former Enrichment Facilitator
"My sons (5 and 9) had a great week of camp at Kirkwood Park with the Rec. Academy. They came home happy and excited to go back the next day."
Nora Schweighart
Parent, St. Louis
"My daughter Corinne loved it, highly recommend!"
Caroline Tee
Parent
"Working with The Recreation Academy has allowed our school to increase summer revenue, expand programming availability, and has been an absolute pleasure to work with. We love the Rec Academy and look forward to continuing to work with them."
Adam H.
New City School
"Management and team are great! They truly care about you and your personal & professional development. The work/life balance is for you to create. You choose your hours and what activities you work. I love the flexibility."
Area Manager
Area Manager · Chicago, IL
"Great organization to grow with. I started as an Enrichment Facilitator running after-school programs and left with real experience leading groups of kids. Management actually listens and invests in staff development."
Alicia R.
Former Enrichment Facilitator
"Very fun place to work if you're looking for something to keep you active and with kids. You are supplied with the materials needed for each class. You make your own schedule and the pay is great."
Assistant Manager
Assistant Manager · St. Louis, MO
"My son loves after school kickball! It's a great way to interact with kids from other grades and have fun!"
Liz Pratt
Parent, St. Louis
"My son loves all classes through the Rec Academy! He has fun and stays active. The instructors play with the kids and seem to be having a great time."
Beth Hausner
Parent, St. Louis
"My son did a Recreation Academy summer camp through his elementary school and had a great time doing all the fun activities, such as dodgeball, games, and sports."
Julia Maranan
Parent, St. Louis
"My son started camp this week at Kirkwood park and has absolutely loved it! He's getting three straight hours of energy out playing different sports and connecting with friends. Thanks for a great start to the summer!"
Chad Lembach
Parent, St. Louis
Got questions? We've got answers.
Don't see your question? Email info@therecreationacademy.com.