Once upon a time, in the majestic, frost-kissed state of Alaska, lived a tenacious group of kids who were not only known for their love of snowball fights and husky races, but also their absolute dedication to STEM/STEAM activities. The state, draped in a stunning cape of pure white snow and embroidered with glittering ice crystals, was their icy playground, their laboratory under the Northern Lights. Let me introduce you to their team leader, Sammy the Spectacled Snowman. Sammy, with his carrot nose and twiggy arms, was unlike any ordinary snowman. He was the brains behind all the STEM/Steam activities and the one who sparked curiosity in the kids' hearts and minds. With Sammy’s help, they built snow igloos using principles of geometry, tracked the shimmering aurora borealis using astronomical observations, and even built their own dog sleds using principles of physics and engineering. No day was dull with him around. "Why don’t we transform snow into steam today?" he would animate, shaking his snowflake spectacles with enthusiasm. And off they would go, little scientists on a mission, turning the whole of Alaska into a magical science experiment. As they learned and explored, they became the masters of teamwork, creativity and innovation, winning every local STEM/Steam competition that came their way. They didn't just live in Alaska; they were a part of it, understanding it by dissecting its beauty through the lens of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. They were not just Alaskan kids anymore; they were the pioneering Polar Protégés, following the lead of Sammy the Spectacled Snowman, one snowflake at a time.
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
Our 5 acre private property provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, from hiking trails to playgrounds. No matter the season or weather, the Joy Greisen JEC provides an outdoor learning experience to all of our students. The Joy Greisen JEC is a non-profit early education center that offers a unique blend of secular and Judaic learning. Our 5 acre private property is complete with trees, hiking trails, and playgrounds, making it a perfect location for outdoor learning experiences. Through our curriculum, we focus on teaching Jewish values and social emotional learning alongside academics. We invite families of all faiths to explore our center and appreciate the values we put into practice. No matter the season or weather, the Joy Greisen JEC provides an outdoor learning experience to all of our students.