Once upon a time, in the small but mighty state of Connecticut, nestled between the hustle and bustle of New York and the historic charm of Massachusetts, there lived a bunch of super artistic and incredibly imaginative kids. These weren’t your regular paintbrush-wielding kids, oh no! These were the CT Art Wizards, and they had the magical power of turning ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art. The leader of these Art Wizards was a cool, quirky character named Doodly Dabster. With sparkling green eyes and hair as orange as a sunset, Doodly was always ready with his magic paintbrush that could create anything he imagined! With a twirl and a swish, he could paint from the colors of the rainbow or even from shades that didn't exist yet. Connecticut, with its vibrant autumn leaves, sparkling snow-covered landscapes, and sunny seaside views, served as the perfect inspiration for these young artists. They turned the stunning state parks into detailed landscape paintings, the historic buildings into charming watercolor illustrations, and the colorful birds into goofy caricatures that always brought out a chuckle. Just like the state itself, which beautifully blends the traditional with the modern, these kids could create a fusion of art styles in a snap. One moment they'd be channeling their inner Picassos with abstract art, the next, they'd be creating vibrant graffiti like modern street artists. With the CT Art Wizards around, every day in the state of Connecticut was like a magical art adventure! After all, in the world of art, anything is possible!
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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.
At the Farmington Valley Arts Center, we believe art is for everyone. We encourage creativity and self-expression through a variety of classes and workshops designed to foster the growth of artists of all ages and skill levels. Our commitment to making art accessible to all has resulted in a vibrant and diverse community of students, teachers and artists. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment where everyone is supported and encouraged to develop their own creative voice. Our wide range of activities, from ceramics to painting to printmaking, allows everyone to explore, express and discover something special about themselves. We invite you to join us and discover the power of art!