Teach Them Diligently Pigeon Forge 2026

Do you have a teen who loves technology—or one who’s curious about how apps and websites really work? What if they could spend a day in the life of a developer and discover what really happens behind the screen? In this unique workshop, they’ll have the chance to do exactly that.
Students will explore the modern process of building software and gain hands-on experience in the core practices of DevOps—the same approach today’s top companies use to create and deliver apps—working directly in GitHub, the world’s #1 developer platform with over 180 million users. They’ll learn how to:

• Plan work like real software teams do
• Write and share code as part of a collaborative project
• Use AI as a coding copilot to boost creativity and problem-solving
• Build, test, and deploy software in a safe, guided environment
• Document and monitor their work to support ongoing improvement

 By the end of the workshop, students will understand how ideas turn into working apps, develop valuable teamwork and problem-solving skills, and take their first steps into a field that offers both creativity and career opportunities.
This class is for 9th – 12th grade students and will take place on Thursday May 7th from 10:30am – 12:40pm

Perfect for newer art students, this fun and accessible class guides you step-by-step in crafting an adorable baby duck using vibrant NU Pastels. Learn essential pastel techniques, explore color blending, and build confidence as you bring your fluffy friend to life. Whether you’re just starting your artistic journey or looking for a light, creative challenge, this lesson is designed to inspire and encourage. This is for 7-18 year olds.
THIS WORKSHOP WILL TAKE PLACE THURSDAY MAY 7TH IN SOUTH 4 FROM 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Enjoy taking photos?! The Photo Class is a series of two interactive classroom sessions centered around learning practical photography skills regardless of what camera you have. Bring any digital camera! For any skill level. Let’s go in-depth and more hands-on than a regular convention presentation. With the theme of “Deeper Than Snapshots”, we’ll explore the 5 distinct times of day in the natural world so we can take full advantage of whatever lighting situation we are shooting under. Students will then be assigned a specific photo assignment which they will have until the second session to fulfil. For conclusion, parents are invited to join us as we review the class submissions, learn what we can from the assignment experience, and leave with practical tips for growing in photography in the future. If you love snapping photos, you won’t want to miss these sessions! God has given us a love for art and beautiful things . . . let’s hone our photography skills for His glory!

Session 1
Have you ever taken time to simply observe what the light was like in the natural world around you? Would you have guessed that there are 5 distinct times of day? And each one offers a host of unique opportunities for the photographer to explore! With the insights discussed in this session, you’ll be equipped with the tools you need to get out and enjoy the outdoors, prepared to make the most of every photo op regardless of the time of day.
THIS WORKSHOP WILL TAKE PLACE THURSDAY MAY 7TH IN SOUTH 3 FROM 1:20pm-2:30pm

Learn how to write great stories from award-winning novelists!
Do you have a teen who enjoys writing fiction? Or maybe one that doesn’t like writing at all? We’re here to help them ignite their love of storytelling.
Many teens fall in love with writing when they can choose their own story ideas and write about concepts that matter to them. In this workshop, students will not only learn how to craft a standout novel from Kara Swanson and Sarina Louise, but also receive personal feedback on their story concept.
In addition to receiving individualized feedback, students will emerge from the workshop with a solid novel concept that carries deeper truths they’re genuinely excited to write.
THERE WILL BE TWO IDENTICAL SECTIONS OF THIS CLASS: ONE ON THURSDAY AND ONE ON FRIDAY

The Impressionism period, AD 1870s-1880s, was a period of art where people were fascinated with form and color. In this project Sharon will teach students how to paint and think as an impressionist painter would have. This project is a Level 1 in difficulty and all students will love it! This workshop will take place in two segments. This is for 13-18 year olds.THE FIRST SEGMENT IS THURSDAY MAY 7TH IN SOUTH 4 FROM 4:20pm – 5:20pm.
THE SECOND SEGMENT IS FRIDAY MAY 8TH IN THE HOLIDAY INN WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE LECONTE CENTER PARKING LOT BY A BRIDGE FROM 5:20pm – 6:20pm

Enjoy taking photos?! The Photo Class is a series of two interactive classroom sessions centered around learning practical photography skills regardless of what camera you have. Bring any digital camera! For any skill level. Let’s go in-depth and more hands-on than a regular convention presentation. With the theme of “Deeper Than Snapshots”, we’ll explore the 5 distinct times of day in the natural world so we can take full advantage of whatever lighting situation we are shooting under. Students will then be assigned a specific photo assignment which they will have until the second session to fulfil. For conclusion, parents are invited to join us as we review the class submissions, learn what we can from the assignment experience, and leave with practical tips for growing in photography in the future. If you love snapping photos, you won’t want to miss these sessions! God has given us a love for art and beautiful things . . . let’s hone our photography skills for His glory!

Session 1
After students have photographed the Class Assignment given in the first session, parents are invited to join us for one of the best parts of the whole Class: a live review of the photos everyone has submitted for the assignments! Not only is observing everyone’s creative perspective on the same assignments totally fun, it can be deeply insightful making it a perfect springboard for gathering practical tips for helping budding photographers grow and excel in their photography beyond the classroom.

Learn how to write great stories from award-winning novelists!
Do you have a teen who enjoys writing fiction? Or maybe one that doesn’t like writing at all? We’re here to help them ignite their love of storytelling.
Many teens fall in love with writing when they can choose their own story ideas and write about concepts that matter to them. In this workshop, students will not only learn how to craft a standout novel from Kara Swanson and Sarina Louise, but also receive personal feedback on their story concept.
In addition to receiving individualized feedback, students will emerge from the workshop with a solid novel concept that carries deeper truths they’re genuinely excited to write.

THERE WILL BE TWO IDENTICAL SECTIONS OF THIS CLASS: ONE ON THURSDAY AND ONE ON FRIDAY

The Impressionism period, AD 1870s-1880s, was a period of art where people were fascinated with form and color. In this project Sharon will teach students how to paint and think as an impressionist painter would have. This project is a Level 1 in difficulty and all students will love it! This workshop will take place in two segments. This is for 13-18 year olds.THE FIRST SEGMENT IS THURSDAY MAY 7TH IN SOUTH 4 FROM 4:20pm – 5:20pm.
THE SECOND SEGMENT IS FRIDAY MAY 8TH IN THE HOLIDAY INN WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE LECONTE CENTER PARKING LOT BY A BRIDGE FROM 5:20pm – 6:20pm

Ready to level up your coding skills? Join us for this year’s programming workshop where we’ll be building a classic Memory Match game in Scratch! Designed for rising 5th graders through high school, students will learn to code the logic behind card-flipping and pair-matching. We provide the computers and the expertise—you just bring your creativity! Space is limited to 20 students, so be sure to secure your spot in this high-demand, hands-on session.

The pilots flying the Blue Angels are some of the most skilled fighter pilots in the world. They push their bodies and their planes to the edge every day. The Blue Angel is a modified F/A-18 aircraft that has been painted with striking, unmistakable colors. Create your own Blue Angel with Sharon as she leads you step by step through the process of drawing detailed architecture with colored pencils. Students will test their skills as the create the motion effects of the clouds and wind on the aircraft and the three dimensional, transparent canopy of the aircraft. This is for 12-18 year olds.  
THIS WORKSHOP WILL TAKE PLACE SATURDAY MAY 9TH IN THE HOLIDAY INN WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE LECONTE CENTER PARKING LOT BY A BRIDGE FROM 3:00pm – 5:00pm