The governing board of any school district maintaining secondary schools is authorized without the approval of the department to establish and maintain community service classes in civic, vocational, literacy, health, family and consumer sciences, technical, and general education, including, but not limited to, classes in the fields of dance, music, theater, visual arts, handicraft, science, literature, nature study, nature contacting, aquatic sports, and athletics. These classes shall be designed to provide instruction and to contribute to the physical, mental, moral, economic, or civic development of the individuals or groups enrolled in the classes.