In the sunny, surf-loving state of California, where palm trees sway under vast blue skies and the smell of fresh oranges wafts through the air, there lies a group of cool kids with a unique hobby. They're not your average skateboard flipping, video game playing, taco truck chasing Californian youngsters. Nope, they are the Spectacular Glass Guild of California or as they prefer to be called, the Glass Gurus. The leader of the Gurus is a spunky, freckle-faced 10-year-old named Beanie, with a head full of wild curls that dance just as wildly as the sparks from her glassblowing torch. Beanie seemed ordinary until you noticed her mismatched socks - one striped, one polka-dotted - a silent proclamation of her fun, fiery spirit. The Glass Gurus aren't just artists, they're magicians. They take plain, boring lumps of glass and, with a puff of their torches and a sprinkle of their laughter, they turn them into glowing, dazzling masterpieces. They make dragons that seem to breathe fire, dolphins that appear to leap out of waves, and even glasses that make your lemonade taste like a California sunset. The weird thing? Their creativity seems to surge with the weirdest things. A pelican doing a belly flop? Boom! Inspiration for a wavy glass vase. A surfer wiping out? Pow! The perfect idea for a sloshy glass sculpture. The Glass Gurus, with Beanie at the helm, are the champions of turning the ordinary into extraordinary, making California even more exciting, one molten masterpiece at a time. They're proof that in the Golden State, even your hobby can be as cool as the Pacific Ocean!
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Dear Families, 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.
The Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI) is an educational resource for our local community, providing high-quality hands-on experiences in a variety of glass art techniques. BAGI offers instruction, events, and rentals in furnace glass, flameworking, fusing, casting, and cold working. Through its Scholarship Fund, Summer Camp, and Visiting Artist Series, BAGI provides people access to glass art education. To generate the funds they need to operate and re-invest in programs, BAGI earns revenue through classes and events, grants from the City of San Jose and other arts and science organizations, and generous contributions from annual patrons.
If you’re looking for something unique, inspiring, educational and a great time, look no further than Fire Glass Studio Canoga Park. Founded in 2012 by owner Michal Hasson, Fire Glass Studio has grown from just a few classes for close friends and family to a seven-day-a-week operation with custom-tailored offerings for private parties, corporate events, and special date-night events. Additionally, the studio provides ongoing curriculum at local schools. Fire Glass Studio has become one of the most popular offerings on Groupon, with offerings generally selling out within days. It also serves as the Open Lab for many of the San Fernando Valley’s top glass artists, providing them with the tools and expertise they need to create their artwork.