Once upon a time, in the splendid, sun-kissed state of Alabama (or AL, as our cool imaginary character, Buzzy the Bumblebee likes to call it), there lived an energetic group of kids with a shared passion for everything nature. AL is a wonderland of lush forests, meandering rivers, and towering mountains, with a sky so blue, it makes Buzzy think someone spilled a giant bucket of blueberry ice cream on it! Now, these kids were not your ordinary youngsters. Oh no! They were daring explorers, brave adventurers, and nature detectives. They could talk to birds, decipher squirrel chatter, and even knew how to placate a grumpy old tortoise named Terrence. And they loved nothing more than to dash outdoors every morning to meet their best buddy, Buzzy. Each day, Buzzy, with his bright yellow and black stripes and wings that buzzed like a mini helicopter, would lead the kids on a wild adventure. Marvelling at the dexterity of the spiders spinning their intricate webs, they'd chuckle as Buzzy tried to spin his own web, ending up in a tangle of silk and laughter. They would trek up the majestic Appalachian Mountains, panting and giggling, with Buzzy often mistaking pine cones for weird, brown flowers. At the end of each day, tired but thrilled, they would lay under the star-studded AL sky, listening to Buzzy’s absurdly funny tales about his chats with a posh-sounding porcupine or a bashful beetle. Their laughter would echo across the valley, mingling with the melodious night sounds. Buzzy and the kids of AL, through their fun-filled nature adventures, truly knew the heartbeat of the earth. They show us that every day can be an exciting journey, where all you need is a curious mind and a buzzing companion!
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At Valhallan Naperville, your child’s love for gaming becomes something bigger than just play — it becomes a path for growth and connection. We turn that passion into purpose, helping kids build confidence, teamwork, and real-world skills while doing what they love most. Our experienced coaches lead in-person sessions that blend skill-building with life lessons. Through guided practice, strategy discussions, and collaboration, players learn how to communicate, lead, and grow — both in and out of the game. More than anything, Valhallan Naperville is a community. A place where young gamers belong, make friends, and challenge themselves to reach new levels — not just as players, but as people. Here, every child has a chance to shine and become a true legend in their own way.


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.