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.
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Dear Families, (currently our website is under construction) Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.
. Those are the three main goals of the Livermore Native American Cultural Center in Livermore, California. The Center offers many resources to the community. They have a library with over 500 books available for check out to the public. Through the center’s educational programs, teachers are invited to bring their students to the Center for educational and cultural programs. Native American consultants are also available to visit classrooms or speak at assemblies. Field trips include excursions to local museums, historical sites such as Alcatraz, and Indian Events like powwows. In addition to their educational resources, the Center also has a variety of American Indian artifacts and crafts. They are open to the public and invite everyone to come and explore the culture and history of the American Indian. They also provide scholarships to American Indian students in the Tri-Valley area, to help them reach their educational goals. The Center is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to the families of American Indians.
For the past two decades, Shakespeare's Associates, Inc, dba Shakespeare & Performing Arts Regional Company (SPARC) has been creating a sense of community throughout the region. Through its production of high quality theatrical experiences in vineyards, public establishments, performing arts venues, schools, colleges and universities, SPARC has made a lasting impact. In 2020, that impact was celebrated in a big way when SPARC was named the "Best Live Theater" in the East Bay by the readers of the East Bay Times for a third consecutive year. This incredible achievement is due in part to the hard work of Founding Artistic Director Lisa A. Tromovitch, who has been leading the organization since 2002. Additionally, a restructuring to incorporate as a nonprofit organization in 2006 gave rise to a new board of active community leaders, an artistic council of Bay Area professional artists, and a solid foundation of donors.