VIPERs Academy: Learn – Play – Lead – Grow
VIPERs Academy is a welcoming after-school experience designed to help children learn, play, lead, and grow. Our program gives young people a positive place to receive support, stay active, explore creativity, build friendships, and develop confidence after the school day ends.
We believe the hours after school can be some of the most meaningful hours in a child’s day. VIPERs Academy brings together academic support, recreation, enrichment, positive relationships, and leadership development in one engaging experience.
What children experience
What does a VIPERs Academy afternoon include?
Every day is designed to balance structure, encouragement, fun, and opportunities for children to discover what they can do.
| Experience | Website copy |
|---|---|
| Homework and learning support | Time and encouragement for homework, reading, educational activities, problem-solving, and skill-building. |
| Active play and recreation | Games, movement, sports, wellness activities, and opportunities to recharge after the school day. |
| Creative enrichment | Arts, music, STEM, hands-on projects, themed activities, and chances to explore new interests. |
| Friendship and belonging | Positive peer connections, caring adult support, teamwork, and a welcoming community. |
| Leadership and life skills | Activities that help children practice responsibility, communication, collaboration, confidence, and good decision-making. |
The VIPERs pillars
Learn – Play – Lead – Grow
Our program is built around four important pillars that help children develop in and beyond the classroom.
Learn
Children are encouraged to stay curious, build skills, complete homework when needed, read, ask questions, and explore new ideas through engaging activities.
Play
Children have opportunities to move, laugh, create, participate in games, enjoy recreation, and connect with friends in a positive environment.
Lead
Children practice teamwork, communication, responsibility, confidence, problem-solving, and leadership through everyday choices and group activities.
Grow
Children develop character, independence, creativity, friendships, a sense of belonging, and confidence in their own abilities.
Age-group pathway
A place to grow at every stage
VIPERs Academy uses age-appropriate groups so children can participate in activities that fit their developmental stage while growing in confidence, friendships, and leadership.
Program Groups
VIPER Cadets
(Grades 1–2)
A fun and supportive foundation for younger students. Cadets build routines, friendships, confidence, curiosity, and positive learning habits through guided play, creativity, and hands-on activities.
VIPER Operatives
(Grades 3–5)
A hands-on program for children who are ready to explore, create, collaborate, and take on new challenges. Operatives build problem-solving, teamwork, independence, and leadership skills.
VIPER Captains
(Grades 6–8)
A leadership-focused experience for older students. Captains develop responsibility, communication, mentoring, goal-setting, service, and confidence as they take on expanded leadership opportunities.
A typical afternoon
A balanced after-school experience
The exact schedule may vary based on school dismissal times, age group, location, weather, special events, and available enrichment activities. This is a general look at what a VIPERs Academy afternoon may include.
| Part of the day | What children may do |
|---|---|
| Arrival and welcome | Check in, settle in, connect with friends, and transition from the school day. |
| Snack and social time | Take time to recharge, socialize, and prepare for the afternoon. |
| Learn | Complete homework, read, participate in learning activities, or work on projects. |
| Play | Participate in recreation, games, movement, sports, wellness, or outdoor time when available. |
| Lead and create | Take part in clubs, arts, STEM, music, team challenges, leadership activities, or community projects. |
| Reflection and pickup | Clean up, reflect on the day, prepare belongings, and transition safely to pickup. |
Typical after-school programs often organize afternoons around arrival/check-in, a snack, academic support, recreation or physical activity, enrichment, and dismissal. Families should receive final program schedules, pickup procedures, and calendar information once your site, staffing, and operating details are confirmed.slcschools+2
Program information
Program details
| Detail | What to write now |
|---|---|
| Who we serve | Students in grades 1–8. |
| Program groups | VIPER Cadets, VIPER Operatives, and VIPER Captains. |
| Program type | After-school enrichment and youth development. |
| Location | Lancaster/Manheim-area program location details coming soon. |
| Schedule | Program days and hours will be announced before enrollment opens. |
| Enrollment status | Join our interest list to receive opening and enrollment updates. |
| Contact | Info@vipersacademy.org | (717) 467-1852 |
Interested in VIPERs Academy?
Join our interest list to receive enrollment announcements, program updates, family resources, and upcoming VIPERs Academy news.
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Have a question? Contact VIPERs Academy at Info@vipersacademy.org or (223) 346-6015.
What to link from Programs
When a parent clicks the main Programs tab, it should open this Program Overview page. From this page, link to these future subpages only as you create them:
- VIPER Cadets
- VIPER Operatives
- VIPER Captains
- A Day at VIPERs
- Clubs & Enrichment
- School Breaks & Special Programs
