Once upon a time in the corn-speckled heartlands of Illinois, there existed a bustling tribe of high-spirited youngsters who were not just ordinary kids. They were cheerleaders, the energetic, cartwheeling champions of enthusiasm. Now these weren't your everyday cheerleaders; they were under the watchful supervision of none other than Flip-Flop McGee, a magical tumbleweed from Springfield. With a twang in his voice and a flip in his step, Flip-Flop McGee was a retired circus tumbleweed, who'd rolled into town one August afternoon. He had been part of the most daring acrobatic acts around the globe, but had settled in Illinois to coach these young cheerleaders. He had a belly full of giggles, a breeze of silliness, and an uncanny knack for turning frowns upside down. Under Flip-Flop's guidance, the cheerleading squad of Illinois consisted of boys and girls, short and tall, loud and quiet, all united by their love for spreading cheer. From the windy city of Chicago to the quaint little town of Naperville, these kids had a reputation for cartwheeling their way into people's hearts! They would vault through the air, tumble in the grass, and even somersault over the occasional cow - all while chanting motivating cheers that would make even the grumpiest corn stalk sway with joy. Be it at a basketball game or a corn-husking competition, the cheerleading squad of Illinois was always there, pompoms in hand, ready to cheer on their team. Under the twinkling Illinois sky, they danced, they joked, they laughed, and most importantly, they cheered. Because in the fantastic world of Flip-Flop McGee, cheerleading was so much more than just an activity; it was a lifestyle of fun, laughter, and energetic flips that kept the spirit of Illinois alive!
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Dear Families, (currently our website is under construction) 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.
In 2000, Victory Academy Lions opened its doors and became one of the first All Star cheer teams in the state of Illinois. With just two teams in the beginning, the program quickly grew in popularity and added more and more teams to meet the demand. After 13 successful seasons at Victory Academy, the organization moved to Gymnastics Etc. in Bloomington and the Lions Cheer Company name was born. In December 2017, Jen Nettleton, the program director for over 16 years, retired and Amanda Wait, a former athlete, took her place. The Lions Cheer Company continues to grow and provide quality All Star cheer teams and class programs to the Central Illinois community. After 20 years of service, the Lions Cheer Company is now the longest running All Star program in the entire state of Illinois.
Gymnastics Etc. is the perfect place for your child to explore the world of gymnastics. Our experienced coaches are dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable learning experience for every child. We understand that children have different levels of ability, and our mission is to ensure that all kids have the chance to have fun while learning the basics and even more complex skills. At Gymnastics Etc., our coaches strive to help children gain self-worth and confidence through small successes. With over 150+ years of gym life and working with young children, our coaches are passionate about instilling a strong foundation of athleticism and positive reinforcement. We want every child to reach their potential and to feel proud of themselves as they work to exceed their personal goals. Your child’s safety and well-being is our top priority, and we strive to create a fun and welcoming environment that encourages growth and success. With the help of our coaches, your child can enjoy all the benefits of gymnastics and make lasting memories.
Are you ready to give your child the BEST After School Programs and Summer Camps in Bloomington-Normal? CMA is here to serve families just like yours! Our after school programs offer FREE transportation from Colene Hoose, Grove, Prairieland, and Stevenson Elementary, giving your child access to a range of activities, from homework assistance to Karate, Dance, and outdoor sports. Plus, our summer camp program is a great way to teach your child important life skills such as developing integrity, telling the truth, and improving behavior at home and school. Our mission is to help your child succeed in school, sports, and in life! Get started today and give your child the BEST after-school and summer camp experience in Bloomington-Normal!
The Bloomington Cardinals are proud to be part of the Bloomington-Normal Youth Football League, providing a safe, fun and educational program for children in the Bloomington community. Established in 1972, the Cardinals have a long history of providing tackle, cheer and flag football for young athletes. The Cardinals are a volunteer-run, charitable organization, with a 501(c) not-for-profit status. The Cardinals compete against other teams in the Central Illinois area, making them one of the oldest and finest programs in the BNYFL. The Bloomington Cardinals are dedicated to providing a safe and fun environment for kids in the Bloomington area. Established in 1972, the Cardinals offer tackle, cheer and flag football for young athletes. The Cardinals are a community-based, volunteer-run, 501(c) not-for-profit charitable organization. The Cardinals compete in the Bloomington-Normal Youth Football League, known as one of the oldest and finest competing programs within the league. The Cardinals also compete with other teams throughout Central Illinois, giving them the opportunity to hone their skills and grow as athletes. The Bloomington Cardinals are committed to helping young athletes develop and grow. With a 501(c) non-profit status and a volunteer-run charitable organization, the Cardinals provide tackle, cheer and flag football for young athletes in the Bloomington area. Established in 1972, the Cardinals have been a part of the Bloomington-Normal Youth Football League for almost five decades. Competing against other teams in Central Illinois, the Cardinals are one of the oldest and most successful programs in the league. With their commitment to providing a safe and fun environment, the Cardinals are dedicated to helping young athletes reach their potential.