In the magical heartland of America, nestled between the shimmering skyscrapers of enchanting Chicago and the rolling cornfields that sway in the gentle breeze, lies the magnificent state of Illinois. This land, where the hot dogs never have ketchup and where you can hear the roars of the ferocious T-Rex echoing from the Field Museum, is also home to a group of extraordinary kids. And these kids, my dear friends, are the masterminds behind the most splendid Art & Crafts creations you could ever imagine! Meet Scribble Sam, the leader of this wonderfully wacky world of colors and crafts. Sam, with his paint-splattered overalls and paintbrush always at the ready, is never seen without a dab of paint on his cheek or a twinkle in his eye. From his magic easel, he creates art that dances and leaps off the page, filling the Illinois landscapes with joy and imagination. Then there's Crafty Cathy, the queen of glitter and googly eyes. From her crafty castle, she can weave pipe cleaners into fantastic animals, create dazzling fairy tale crowns out of cardboard, and bring to life the most incredible dreamcatchers that even keep nightmares about the dreaded Chicago winter at bay! These Illinois kids, led by Scribble Sam and Crafty Cathy, are not just artists, they are the imagination warriors. They spend their days battling dullness, spreading color and joy across the state, proving that in Illinois, every day is a magical adventure where creativity knows no bounds. So, grab your scissors, your glue, and your wildest dreams, and join the Art & Crafts brigade because in Illinois, the fun has just begun!
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Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.
At Artful Designs, we understand how important it is for parents to have creative outlets for their children. That is why we are the only paint your own pottery studio in Bloomington-Normal. Our wide selection of pottery ensures that everyone will find something they enjoy painting. We make it easy to create unique pieces by offering water-based and non-toxic paint. Leave your pottery with us and we'll glaze and fire it, and it will be ready for you to pick up a week from the day you painted it. Our studio fee is an additional cost to the price of your pottery. Adults pay $7.00 and children pay $6.00 for the studio fee. Be sure to check our calendar for weekly specials. We also have classes, events, bare-bisque pottery, and custom painting services available. At Artful Designs, we make it easy to explore your creative side and make something unique. Come visit us and start creating today!
At the Y, we are working to ensure that everyone has access to the resources that they need to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. We are dedicated to providing programs for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, which will help our community members to develop essential skills, make healthy choices and give back to our community. We understand that we are stronger as a community when we work together, which is why we are proud to provide opportunities for individuals of all ages, incomes and backgrounds to learn, grow and thrive. We strive to create a lasting impact on the lives of our members and our community. Through our commitment to our core values, we are helping to empower our community and promote lasting personal and social change. We are proud to be a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for everyone in McLean County. With our focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA is the place where you can learn, grow and thrive.
Tinkergarten is the perfect way for Bloomington, Illinois families to make the most of their kids’ early learning years. Through live, weekly sessions, a curriculum to extend the play at home, and a rich learning community, Tinkergarten makes it easy for kids of all ages to get outside and experience the great outdoors during Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. All classes are developed and led by certified, trained, local leaders and designed to help kids develop focus, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, empathy, and communication. Join the other families in Bloomington, Illinois and start learning and playing outdoors today!
At Inside Out: Accessible Art Cooperative, we strive to bring the best of art to our community. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that maintains an art sales gallery and provides art instruction and events and services to the community through the arts. Membership in the cooperative is open to the public, while gallery membership is available through a jury process. Our goal is to provide a platform for artists to display their works, as well as offer art instruction and host community events. We provide classes for all skill levels, from novice to experienced. We want to help everyone to discover their inner artist and bring it to life. We at Inside Out: Accessible Art Cooperative welcome everyone to join us in bringing art to our community. We invite you to join us and unleash the talent inside you!