"In the balmy state of Alabama, where the Southern sun shines brighter than a firefly's rump on a pitch-black night, exists an extraordinary bunch of kids fondly known as the "Melodic Sneezeworts". Don't let the name fool you! These aren't your average run-of-the-mill, cabbage-smelling, goblin-like creatures. No, these are young, bubbly, and downright talented humans who have an uncanny affection for all things musical. They live in a magical slice of Alabama, where the cottonwood trees hum country tunes, and the rivers occasionally belch out bluesy rhythms. If you listen closely, you might even hear the wind whistling a sweet, jazzy melody through the Spanish moss. This special place is not found on any map; you'd need a pinch of imagination, a sprinkle of curiosity, and a big dollop of love for music to get there. Our Melodic Sneezeworts are led by their quirky guide, an enchanting fella named Beauregard Banjo. With his ten-gallon hat, a bumblebee striped suit, and a banjo that doubles as a magical time-traveling device, Beauregard is the heart, soul, and funny bone of this group. He's always known to break into a dance, with movements as smooth as butter sliding off a hot biscuit, making the kids giggle till their sides hurt. These young Alabamians are just like you and me, only they communicate in beats, rhythms, and harmonies. They'll strum a guitar instead of saying 'hello', drum a rhythm instead of tapping a text message, or blow a trumpet toot to announce lunchtime. It's a world filled with music, laughter, and a whole lot of southern charm, where every day is a new, exciting symphony waiting to be composed."
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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.
McDowell is a place of inclusion and connection. We foster an environment of exploration and discovery, and our mission is to create an enriching experience for all who visit. McDowell is the largest Episcopal camp and conference center in the United States. With 834 beds, it is a ministry of the Episcopal churches in the Diocese of Alabama and has been welcoming people from all faiths and backgrounds since 1947. This 1200-acre campground features canyons, trails, streams, rivers, and waterfalls, and includes the McDowell Environmental Center, McDowell Farm School, the Alabama Folk School, Summer Camp on Clear Creek, Bethany Village, and the Conference Center. At McDowell, we strive to create a supportive environment of exploration and discovery. Our goal is to provide an enriching and inclusive experience for everyone who visits.