Once upon a time, in the wonderfully wild state of California, a troop of imaginative kids congregated under the sheltering arms of giant sequoia trees. These weren’t just your average, everyday kids. Oh no, these were the 'Cali Quill Kids', the most creative children in the whole wide world! They congregated every Saturday, and sometimes on the odd Wednesday, to participate in an enchanting writing activity that was more magical than a Disneyland roller coaster ride. Now you see, California is a state that’s as diverse as a jigsaw puzzle. It has golden beaches where the surfers ride waves like rodeo cowboys, towering forests where trees touch the clouds, buzzing cities where dreams are born, and arid deserts where cacti wear sombreros. Yes, you heard it right, in California, cacti wear sombreros! As for the Cali Quill Kids, they used this diversity as ink for their pens. Their stories were as varied as the landscape, from heroic lifeguards saving whales to talking Redwoods solving crime, each tale was as unique as a unicorn's hiccup. Leading these incredible children was Scribble, a blue octopus with a pen in each of his eight hands, who had swum all the way from the Pacific Ocean to inspire these children. Scribble was very funny. He would often forget which pen he was writing with and end up with eight different stories at once. But the Cali Quill Kids didn't mind. They loved their eight-legged, ink-squirting, story-juggling companion and knew that with Scribble around, their Saturdays (and the odd Wednesday) would never be dull.
Read morebest writing programs in Irvine, CA
DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.
4-H Youth Development Programs (YDP) provide a unique environment for children to learn and grow. The in-school clubs are a popular option for families looking for year-round opportunities for their children. Each club is organized and supervised by a team of school staff or 4-H adult volunteers. This supportive environment encourages children to explore their interests and develop their skills. The in-school clubs have elected officers and approved operating procedures to ensure the safety and success of the program. For younger members, age-appropriate structures and procedures are also introduced. This helps them to learn and develop in a safe and secure environment. The 4-H YDP in-school clubs provide a great opportunity to foster a sense of self-confidence and independence. By learning within the structure of a supportive group, members gain the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in their lives. It’s a great way to help children grow and develop in a positive environment.