Once upon a time, in the lively state of Illinois, filled with expansive cornfields, towering skyscrapers, and the captivating Lake Michigan, a gang of kids discovered the joyous, sometimes squiggly, activity of fishing. Illinois, known for its pizza, hot dogs, and the legendary Chicago Bulls, was now also home to these young fishing enthusiasts. Our story features a peculiar, but lovable character, named Squiggly Wiggly. Squiggly was not your average boy; he was a talking worm with a passion for fishing. Yes, a worm! Funny, isn't it? Squiggly would wriggle his way around Illinois, teaching kids how to fish and, of course, how to bait the hook without him ending up as dinner for the fishes. These Illinois kids weren't just regular children either. They were little adventurers, always ready to cast their fishing lines and pull out the biggest, most-colorful fish. And with Squiggly Wiggly’s expertise in wormology and fish-tales, they became the best fishermen and fisherwomen in all of Illinois. They would giggle as they got their hands wet and muddy, baiting their hooks under Squiggly's watchful eye. There would be shouts of excitement whenever a fish would take the bait, and the battle of reeling it in would ensue. With each tug of war between kid and fish, the bonds of friendship grew stronger among the gang and their unusual, wriggly mentor. So there they were, the awesome kids of Illinois: fearless, funny, and full of fishing tales, making the most out of their beautiful state’s lakes and rivers, and having the time of their lives with their favorite fishing companion, the ever-squiggly, ever-wiggly, Squiggly Wiggly.
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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.
Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center is an outdoor destination like no other. Located south of Carbondale, IL, on 157 acres of hills and trees, this United Methodist Church Camp and Retreat Center is a piece of nature’s beauty. Bordering a 1,000-acre Little Grassy Lake and set in the Shawnee National Forest, Little Grassy is bounded by a covenant with the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge to exercise careful stewardship of the wildlife, vegetation, and landforms. The camp provides exciting opportunities to explore and reconnect with nature. On the grounds you’ll find a hotel-style lodge with a large meeting room, a year-round youth lodge, and a dining hall with a meeting room furnished with cozy furniture and a fireplace. Plus, there are air-conditioned cabins and an open-air tabernacle, making Little Grassy a great destination for a variety of housing and meeting needs. For visitors looking for outdoor activities, Little Grassy Camp has it all - from hiking and swimming to rock-climbing and rappelling. Plus, the camp offers spiritual formation programs in the Christian tradition for both youth and adults. Little Grassy Camp is also available to rent for special events like reunions, business meetings, or youth camps. Join Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature and Christ.
Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, Camp Little Giant has been a beacon of inclusivity since 1952. It was the first camp in the nation designed specifically to serve campers with disabilities, and was the first camp to be accredited by the American Camp Association. The camp's mission of providing a safe and enriching environment for campers has set the standard for special needs camps across the country, and has even paved the way for the Special Olympics. Camp Little Giant is dedicated to giving campers with disabilities a true camp experience. It offers traditional activities such as outdoor recreation, swimming, arts & crafts, and music & drama, and all activities are adapted to meet the needs of campers with disabilities. Through its commitment to inclusion, Camp Little Giant has been a leader in providing campers with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of a traditional camp experience. For 65 years, Camp Little Giant has been at the forefront of special needs camps, paving the way for the Special Olympics, and bringing joy and inclusivity to campers of all abilities.