Once upon a time, in the fantastic frosty wilderness of Alaska, known to locals as AK, there existed a boisterous bunch of kids who were the most adventurous water activity aficionados you ever did see. These little daredevils would surf on crystal glaciers, paddle in rivers that raced like speedy stallions, and swim in lakes as big as a blue whale's bathtub. Leading this tribe of water warriors was a vivacious, ice-loving penguin named Paddle Paul. He was no ordinary penguin. This tuxedoed maestro was a transplant from Antarctica, drawn to AK by tales of its fascinating waterways. Paul was as cool as a cucumber in a snowstorm, wearing a pair of bright red sunglasses that never slipped off his beak, even during his most daring water stunts. Now, these AK kids were as slippery as fresh-caught salmon, as wild as a pack of laughing huskies, and as brave as mighty grizzlies when it came to water activities. In the morning, they would kayak through the misty fjords, making waves that danced in the early light. By afternoon, they'd be splashing around in icy waterfalls or making whirlpools in the sparkling creeks. Even in the evening, under the magical Northern Lights, they'd linger by the water's edge, sharing tales of their watery escapades. Life was a never-ending water carnival in AK, especially with Paddle Paul leading the charge. Together, they were a celebration of laughter, resilience, and soaking wet fun. And though they might have been a bit soggy all the time, they were the happiest, splashiest kids you’d find in the whole of Alaska.
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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.
Located in Wasilla, Alaska, LaVerne Griffin Camp is blessed to be situated on 58 acres next to the 125 acre Kalmbach Lake. The lake is fully stocked with rainbow trout and silver salmon, and the camp’s rolling terrain and large birch trees make it a peaceful and picturesque retreat. On top of this, visitors are treated to breathtaking sunsets across the lake. We offer a variety of camps and retreats for children, youth, and adults, as well as mission trip opportunities all year round. LaVerne Griffin Camp is overseen by the Chugach Baptist Association and is supported by the Alaska Baptist Convention, which shares similar beliefs and doctrine with the camp. The camp is grateful for the financial support of the Cooperative Program, which is funded by Baptist churches. We are thankful for the churches’ commitment to our ministry and are excited for what the future holds.