Once upon a time in the quaint and charming state of Connecticut, also known as the Nutmeg State, nestled between the bustling cities of New York and Boston, there was a lively bunch of kids. Now, these kids were not your everyday, run-of-the-mill kids. Oh no! They were a spectacular crew, known far and wide as the "STEM Squad." This squad was a special group of kids who loved to tinker, experiment, and delve deep into the wonderful world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. That's right! Those big words were their playground, and they couldn't get enough of it! Now, let me introduce you to their fearless leader, Professor Quarky. Professor Quarky was an odd character with wild hair that stood up like he'd been electrocuted. He wore thick glasses that magnified his eyes to the size of saucers, and he always had a funny, crooked smile on his face. But what made him extraordinarily peculiar was his preference for polka-dot bow ties and neon socks that never matched! Under the eccentric leadership of Professor Quarky, the Connecticut "STEM Squad" constructed crazy machines, conducted explosive science experiments, and even created their own video games. They explored the depths of the Long Island Sound to study marine life and the heights of the Litchfield Hills to understand the science behind weather patterns. And they had enough fun to light up the whole state. The "STEM Squad" used to say, "In Connecticut, we don't just observe the world, we understand it!" And so, amidst the beautiful landscapes of Connecticut, the Nutmeg State, the curious minds of the "STEM Squad" continued to shape a brighter and fun-filled future.
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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.
The Darien YMCA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. We strive to create an environment of connectedness and belonging, which in turn grows our families and communities. Through our programs, services, and relationships we work to create a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Darien YMCA has been part of our community for over 60 years and we’re committed to continuing our legacy of providing resources and encouraging healthy, productive lifestyles for generations to come. We believe that by fostering meaningful relationships, we can build a better world for our families and future generations.
The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is part of a larger network of associations that span the nation. These associations are divided by regions, which allows us to combine our resources and provide additional services to our clients in the Darien and Norwalk communities. By pooling our resources, we can also combine our voices for change at the local and national levels. At the YWCA Darien/Norwalk, we are committed to providing support and advocacy-focused programs, events, and resources to our local community. We are passionate about empowering women and girls and advocating for their rights. Our organization is devoted to creating a better future for all women and girls.