In the sun-kissed state of California, where palm trees sway in the breeze and the Pacific Ocean sparkles under the sunlight, a group of adventure-loving kids craves the thrill of outdoor escapades. Known as the 'Nature Navigators,' they explore the jagged mountain peaks, the tranquil forest trails, and the mysterious depths of the sea, all under the guidance of their magical mentor, Captain Kookaburra. Ah, Captain Kookaburra! He's not your regular guide. A bird with a surfer dude's spirit and the wisdom of a forest elder, he sports rainbow-colored feathers and a tail that transforms into a boogie board! With his hilarious jokes that make the squirrels chortle, and his tall tales that even the wise old owl finds amusing, he is the coolest bird in all of California. These 'Nature Navigators' are no ordinary kids either. With their sun-kissed faces, sand-filled shoes, and hearts full of courage, they dive into every adventure with rambunctious enthusiasm. They are the ones who would high-five a grizzly bear in Yosemite, take a selfie with a sea lion on the beaches of Santa Monica or race against a roadrunner in the Mojave Desert. Every day with the Nature Navigators and Captain Kookaburra is a whirlwind of laughter, learning, and leg-pulling. They may get mud on their clothes, but they also get stars in their eyes, learning to respect and protect the vibrant natural world around them. Because in California, it's not just about the golden sun or the crimson sunsets - it's about the golden-hearted kids whose laughter rings out over the rustling leaves, embodying the true spirit of this beautiful state.
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The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
Camp del Corazon is a beacon of hope for children living with heart disease, providing a medically supervised, residential summer camp experience free of charge for children ages 7-17. Since 1995, we have served approximately 300 children each year, and grown from a volunteer staff of two and a minimal budget to a thriving community of support and growth. Our camp on Catalina Island, 22 miles off the California coast, is dedicated to providing resources and services for these children and their families, who already incur incredible financial burdens from medical bills and often have to seek private or home schooling due to the numerous doctors' appointments and hospital stays. By supporting Camp del Corazon, we give these children the chance to experience the joy of summer camp and connect with other kids who understand what it's like to live with heart disease.
At CIC, we are proud to provide an environment that encourages diversity and embraces all. We are committed to creating a camp experience where everyone is treated with respect and has equal opportunities to participate. Our nondiscrimination policy ensures that all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, national origin, or disability, are welcome and respected.