Crackling with an energy as lively as a popped bag of popcorn, the state of New York was a bustling hive of activity where skyscrapers kissed the sky, taxicabs honked rhythmically and people from all walks of life buzzed around like busy bees. From the misty veil enveloping the Niagara Falls to the towering peaks of the Adirondacks, New York was a magical realm of adventure, waiting to be explored. Among the hustle and bustle were the Mud Monsters, a bunch of kids who loved nothing more than to squish, squash, and squeeze clay into wondrous creations at their favourite pottery studio, "The Mystical Wheel". You see, these were no ordinary kids, and their magical clay creations would often erupt with life and personality. Big Benny, the tallest of the Mud Monsters, had hands as gentle as a butterfly's wings, crafting delicate vases and bowls as exquisite as a peacock's tail. Then there was Chatty Charlie, who could talk the hind legs off a donkey, but when it came to pottery, he could shape the most majestic animals you could ever lay your eyes upon. The smallest, but the naughtiest amongst them was Giggly Grace. She had a laugh as infectious as the common cold, and her pots often ended up looking like colourful marshmallows, sporting big goofy grins just like hers! Every weekend, the studio would echo with laughter, chitter-chatter, and the squelch-squelch of wet clay being molded into various shapes. Each piece, a testament to their imagination and creativity, was as zany and unique as the Mud Monsters themselves. Indeed, in the heart of New York, amongst the skyscrapers and the thrumming city, this motley crew of pottery-loving kids made magic happen, one squishy blob of clay 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.
Camp Hilltop has been a part of the Hancock, New York community since 1924. This beautiful camp is situated on 600 acres of woodlands and fields, with a private lake, in the picturesque Catskill Mountains, just two and a half hours from New York City. This summer camp offers a variety of activities, including water skiing, wakeboarding, trapeze, hiking, horses, climbing tower, high ropes, and many sports, performing arts and arts and crafts. We strive to provide a safe, nurturing and non-competitive environment, with a four to one camper to counselor ratio, overseen by a mature, skilled and caring staff. Camp Hilltop is more than just a summer camp; it’s a place where children and young adults can find a friendly and fun community and explore the wondrous possibilities in their lives. Whether it be for two weeks or eight, we provide a safe and supportive environment that encourages campers to develop their skills, build relationships, and grow in confidence.