In the bustling, popcorn-shaped state of Illinois, there exists a unique breed of fun-loving, volleyball-playing kiddos fondly known as the "Spike Squad." This squad consists of young, energetic champions from the towering buildings of Chicago to the corn-filled fields of Springfield, who serve, spike, and dig their way into the heart of the Prairie State. Our cool imaginary character, Volley Van, is the lifeblood of this squad. Imagine a friendly giant with a volleyball-shaped head, noodle-like arms for those powerful spikes, and a pair of swift roller skate shoes to zoom around the court. With his goofy grin and mismatched neon socks, Volley Van rallies the Spike Squad with his infectious positivity. Wherever there's a volleyball net, you'll find Volley Van and his Spike Squad, whether on the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan, in the gymnasiums of Rockford, or in the backyards of Peoria. Volley Van might have hands as big as frying pans, but he serves the volleyball as gently as if it's a floating bubble. His spikes, however, are a different story. They are as fast as a shooting star! If you blink, you might miss the ball whizzing past you. Whether the Spike Squad is playing under the radiant Illinois sun or the twinkling night stars, the laughter, cheers, and playful jests resonate across the state. But remember, in Illinois, volleyball isn't just a game; it's a way of life. And Volley Van and his Spike Squad are there to ensure every game is filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a whole lot of fun! So, whenever you hear the roar of "Spike!" echo across the Illinois skyline, you know it's Volley Van and the Spike Squad, leaving their volley-mark one game at a time.
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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.
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.