In the sun-kissed state of California, where palm trees sway in the breeze and the Pacific Ocean sparkles under the sunlight, a group of adventure-loving kids craves the thrill of outdoor escapades. Known as the 'Nature Navigators,' they explore the jagged mountain peaks, the tranquil forest trails, and the mysterious depths of the sea, all under the guidance of their magical mentor, Captain Kookaburra. Ah, Captain Kookaburra! He's not your regular guide. A bird with a surfer dude's spirit and the wisdom of a forest elder, he sports rainbow-colored feathers and a tail that transforms into a boogie board! With his hilarious jokes that make the squirrels chortle, and his tall tales that even the wise old owl finds amusing, he is the coolest bird in all of California. These 'Nature Navigators' are no ordinary kids either. With their sun-kissed faces, sand-filled shoes, and hearts full of courage, they dive into every adventure with rambunctious enthusiasm. They are the ones who would high-five a grizzly bear in Yosemite, take a selfie with a sea lion on the beaches of Santa Monica or race against a roadrunner in the Mojave Desert. Every day with the Nature Navigators and Captain Kookaburra is a whirlwind of laughter, learning, and leg-pulling. They may get mud on their clothes, but they also get stars in their eyes, learning to respect and protect the vibrant natural world around them. Because in California, it's not just about the golden sun or the crimson sunsets - it's about the golden-hearted kids whose laughter rings out over the rustling leaves, embodying the true spirit of this beautiful state.
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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.
Camp del Corazon is a beacon of hope for children living with heart disease, providing a medically supervised, residential summer camp experience free of charge for children ages 7-17. Since 1995, we have served approximately 300 children each year, and grown from a volunteer staff of two and a minimal budget to a thriving community of support and growth. Our camp on Catalina Island, 22 miles off the California coast, is dedicated to providing resources and services for these children and their families, who already incur incredible financial burdens from medical bills and often have to seek private or home schooling due to the numerous doctors' appointments and hospital stays. By supporting Camp del Corazon, we give these children the chance to experience the joy of summer camp and connect with other kids who understand what it's like to live with heart disease.
At CIC, we are proud to provide an environment that encourages diversity and embraces all. We are committed to creating a camp experience where everyone is treated with respect and has equal opportunities to participate. Our nondiscrimination policy ensures that all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, national origin, or disability, are welcome and respected.