In the sunny, surfboard-loving, taco-crunching state of California, there is a peculiar species of kids known as 'Reading Rangers.' They are not your average Californian children who ride on rollerblades, surf on gnarly waves, or invent new ways to eat avocados. No, these Reading Rangers are a special breed. Their leader, Professor Book-a-Lot, is a quirky character with a bushy, multicolored beard that changes hues with his mood. He wears a hat made entirely of bookmark tassels and has twinkling spectacles perched on his nose that he claims can easily spot the juiciest words in a book! Ever seen him? He zooms around in his magical, book-shaped vehicle (naturally called the ‘Book-Mobile’), tossing out exciting novels, comics, and encyclopedias to the Reading Rangers. These kids have a peculiar habit that makes them stand out brilliantly amongst the crowd. They can often be spotted with noses buried in books at the most unusual times. Be it on the swinging hammocks beneath the tall palms, on the sandy beaches with the waves tickling their toes, or even during a wild skateboard dash down the bustling city streets! These Reading Rangers are a giggly, wiggly bunch who plunge into the enchanting world of books, embarking on thrilling adventures, solving mysterious mysteries, and meeting fascinating characters. Their laughter echoes through the valleys, their gasps of surprise ripple across the Pacific Ocean, and their imagination paints the California sky with beautiful stories. By the way, did we mention? Professor Book-a-Lot’s beard turns a delightful shade of rainbow every time a new child joins the Reading Rangers. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into a book and add a dash of color to California with the Reading Rangers!
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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.
For the past few years, the Board of Directors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice (BGCV) have been collaborating to merge two of LA's most tenured Boys & Girls Clubs. In late 2022, the Boards approved the plan and the organizations merged into one entity. The merger of BGCMLA & BGCV will create a platform to scale impact and enable us to serve more youth and families across Metro Los Angeles. By merging our organizations, we aim to strengthen our infrastructure, increase strategic partnerships, create consistent programming across all sites and better leverage fundraising and advocacy resources.
Penmar Recreation Center is situated on the picturesque Lake St near Walgrove Ave, making it the ideal spot for the perfect family day out. Our special features are designed to ensure everyone has a great time, with a Multipurpose Center, Stage, Gymnasium, Picnic Area, Playground, and six tennis courts, two full courts and one half court basketball courts, plus field space and five baseball diamonds. There are also two picnic tables which are available on a first come, first serve basis by our playground. The recreation building, including restrooms, is open during facility hours only, and is locked at all other times. Groups are asked to remain under 100 people and no jumpers, grills or extra equipment are allowed at the recreation center. Our friendly staff, instructors, and volunteers are on hand to offer a variety of programs and activities for the community. Music classes, day camp programs, sports leagues and programs, dance and fitness activities are all available, so everyone can find something to enjoy. With so much to do, Penmar Recreation Center is the perfect place to spend quality time with your family. Penmar Recreation Center is committed to offering a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors, so please remember to adhere to the facility regulations. Group size is limited to 100 people, and no jumpers, grills or extra equipment are allowed. We look forward to welcoming you to the recreation center, and hope you have a wonderful time!