In the effervescent state of Illinois, nestled between the thunderous roars of the Chicago skyscrapers and the whispering prairies, you'll find a bunch of adventurous kids with hearts as wild as the mighty Mississippi River. They are the Kayak Kapers, a group of fun-loving friends who've turned the calm, azure waters of Lake Michigan into their playground, conquering waves with glistening paddles and smiles brighter than midday sun. Now, the Kayak Kapers aren't your ordinary kids. Nope! They are led by the charismatic Captain Quackers, a lovable and goofy duck with shades cooler than a snowman's bellybutton. With a beak as sharp as his wit, Captain Quackers' quack of command sends ripples of laughter across the water. With a flick of his feathery tail, he guides his human buddies through whirlpools of fun and waves of laughter. The Kayak Kapers' journeys are filled with the thrilling twists and turns of the Illinois River, the laughter echoing through the lush riverbanks. Every paddle stroke brings a new story, a new adventure, and a whole lotta splashes! Whether they're racing under the cotton candy clouds or having a picnic on a secluded island, these kids know how to turn any day into an extraordinary escapade. One moment they're mighty pirates, chasing the lost treasure in the belly of the lake, the next they're explorers, discovering uncharted corners of their beloved state. So, if you ever find yourself in the Land of Lincoln, make sure to keep an ear out for the quacking of a certain duck and the infectious laughter of the Kayak Kapers, the coolest kids in Illinois.
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The New England Academy of Gymnastics (NEAG) is the perfect place for your little gymnast to level up their skills and make new friends this summer! With a 14,000 square foot facility that boasts both men’s and women’s Olympic equipment and plenty of training systems for each event, NEAG has everything your child needs to reach their goals. No matter what level of experience your child has, from beginner to advanced, NEAG has something to offer them.
In 2010, Dan and Andy bought and invested $1 million in construction and renovation of Camp Manitowa Rend Lake. Since then, the 40-acre property has been hosting sleep-away summer camps, retreats, and festivals. It is the newest, freshest camp in the Benton area of Southern Illinois, and is located only 90 minutes from St. Louis, MO and Paducah, KY. At Camp Manitowa, campers entering grades 2nd through 8th can benefit from a tailored 1 or 2 week residential camp program. This program is designed with younger campers’ needs in mind, and encourages the development of independence, self-esteem, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Campers also have the opportunity to make lifelong friends in a small, nurturing community. The camp also offers structured free play and choice time, allowing campers to feel a sense of belonging and empowerment to learn. In 2013, Camp Manitowa is offering week long specialty camps that focus on water skiing, magic, rock school, science, and the popular sport of Gaga. With its unique program and offerings, Camp Manitowa Rend Lake is a great place for campers to experience all the fun and adventure of a summer camp.