Once upon a time, in the sparkling sunshine of California, where the palm trees sway gently to the rhythm of the ocean breeze and the mountains stand tall with their majestic beauty, was a vibrant tribe of tiny artists known as the 'Sketching Sunchasers'. These weren't your run-of-the-mill kiddos! No sir-ee, they were a lively bunch of little Picassos, with pencils for wands and papers for magic carpets. Their drawings would come alive with vibrant colors that would put the most exquisite sunset to shame. They weren't just drawing; they were sketching their dreams on a canvas of infinite possibilities. Heading this extraordinary brigade was an imaginary character named Doodle Dude, a pencil with a cowboy hat and a bewitching grin. Doodle Dude was no ordinary pencil, his graphite tip was sharpened not just to sketch, but also to tickle out giggles and laughter from everyone. He had a contagious and a spontaneous sense of humor so powerful that even the grumpiest of grizzly bears couldn’t resist chuckling. With his unmatchable wit, Doodle Dude would often entertain the Sunchasers with puns and silly jokes. "Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything! Got it? They 'make up' everything!" he'd chuckle at his own joke while the children laughed, rolling around in the California grass. And so, in the golden state of California, under the ever-watchful eye of the sun, the Sketching Sunchasers and their beloved Doodle Dude painted their dreams, giggled, and made memories that were as warm and radiant as the Californian sun itself. Life was one big, beautiful sketchpad!
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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.
In 2006, the Addison Family made a generous gift to create Bell Arts Factory, a non-profit, community-based organization. This organization uses the power of the arts to send positive messages and to inspire people to do good things for their community. The mural on the side of the building reads a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. This quote serves as a reminder of Bell Arts Factory’s mission to make a positive impact in the community through the beauty of art. At Bell Arts Factory, it’s our hope that we can make a lasting contribution to our community through creative expression and help to make the world a better place. We are thankful for the Addison Family’s generous gift that allowed us to pursue this mission.
At the Office of Cultural Affairs, we are deeply committed to building a better Ventura for all. Located within the Community Partnerships Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships, we strive to create a thriving cultural environment in Ventura by promoting an understanding and appreciation of the arts, historic resources, and culture. Our team works diligently to give Ventura artists and arts organizations the resources and support they need to thrive, while also fostering cross-cultural understanding. We also recognize the importance of stimulating economic development and tourism. We are particularly focused on helping downtown Ventura grow and prosper. Through our work, we hope to ensure that the city of Ventura is a vibrant and exciting place to live and visit. At the Office of Cultural Affairs, we are passionate about preserving and celebrating the culture of Ventura. With our dedication to providing resources and support for local artists and organizations, cross-cultural understanding, and stimulating economic development and tourism, we are committed to making Ventura a better place for all.
Founded in 2016, Creative Art Center, was the brainchild of a number of Ventura art enthusiasts. Our mission at Creative Art Center is to make art accessible and enjoyable to both kids and adults alike. We provide quality art experiences that are designed to be both educational and fun. Our workshops are created to challenge our participants to explore their creative potential and to develop a lasting appreciation for art. We are proud to have been founded in the summer of 2016 by a group of passionate Ventura art enthusiasts.
Located at the Pacific View Mall in Ventura, the VC Arts Collective is a retail space generously provided to the VCAC by MaceRich Corporation. This partnership has enabled VCAC to bring a range of arts programming to the public, from art exhibitions and receptions, to poetry readings, performances and informative seminars. VCAC has also been awarded four separate grants from the California Arts Council for projects based in this space, providing valuable opportunities to local artists and creative individuals. Additionally, the VC Arts Collective offers workforce training opportunities to those who have had difficulty exhibiting their work.
Kids in the Ventura and LA County area can take advantage of Young Rembrandts art classes. Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Malibu offer after-school drawing classes that are designed to be enjoyable and foster improvement in academic ability, fine motor skills, social skills, hand-eye coordination, and confidence. Young Rembrandts is an excellent choice for preschoolers and elementary school students looking for fun and educational fall and winter activities. We collaborate with local schools and community facilities to provide convenient after-school clubs and activities.
At Vita Art Center, your little ones can explore their creative side! Our high-quality art classes are designed to provide an enriching experience in the visual arts for children and teens. Our experienced professional artists and instructors create fun and educational projects that are taught in a hands-on studio environment. With classes limited to 10 students, your child can receive personalized attention and get the most out of their art education. For families in need, Vita Art Center offers scholarships to ensure that all children have the opportunity to explore the transformative power of art.