Once upon a time, in the tiny, charming state of Connecticut, known as the "Provision State" for its rich history in helping others, lived a group of extraordinary children. Connecticut, a place of scenic beauty, filled with everything from bustling cities to peaceful woods, and the mysterious, majestic Long Island Sound. It was a place where the seasons danced in vivid colors, winter white, spring green, summer gold, and fall's fantastic rainbow. Now, these weren't just any children, oh no, they were the Reading Rascals of Connecticut! Under the leadership of their quirky, colorful mascot, Wordy the Whimsical Wombat, they boldly ventured into the world of books, gobbling up stories as if it were their favorite ice cream on a hot summer day. Wordy, with his oversized spectacles perched on his snout, led them on reading adventures, diving into tales of daring pirates, enchanted forests, and fantastic beasts. Every day, Wordy would pop out of a book, his fur sparkling with a peculiar kind of magic, causing the kids to burst into giggles, "Time for a reading spree, my rambunctious rascals!" he'd announce, his voice a mixture of a whispering wind and a tickling chuckle. The kids would rush to their cozy reading corner, eyes sparkling with anticipation. The Reading Rascals were famous all over Connecticut. From Stamford to Hartford, everybody knew them as the kids who could turn a page into a stage. Together, they discovered new worlds, solved mysteries, and went on incredible adventures, all without leaving their beloved state. Yes indeed, Connecticut was a lot more than just a place on a map. It was the land of stories, home to the fabulous Reading Rascals, and the whimsical Wordy the Wombat!
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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.
Welcome to Bristol's Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services! Our website is the perfect way to explore the amazing services, facilities, and programs we have to offer. We want to make sure our customers are able to access all of our offerings in an environmentally conscious way, so we now offer a convenient way to register for programs and memberships, as well as request fields, pavilions, and facilities, right through our website! We are always looking for ways to make it easier for our customers to connect with us, and our online registration system is just one example. Whether you're looking for a fun day at the park, a membership for the pool, or a great facility to host a special event, you can now find it all right here on our website. We're committed to providing a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for our community, and our “Go Green” initiative is just another way in which we're striving to do our part. We hope you take advantage of our online services and enjoy all of the great offerings we have available.
Manross Library is the perfect place to stay connected with the Forestville and Greater Bristol area. Its expansive collection of over 200,000 books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and more make it an ideal spot for anyone looking for materials, programs and resources. Manross Library has also become a hub for the homeschooling community in the region, offering a wide variety of educational materials and resources for students and parents alike. Since opening its doors, the Bristol Public Library has come a long way. From its meager beginnings of fewer than 4,000 books, the library’s collection has grown to include over 200,000 items. Manross Library has been a part of the city’s cultural life for generations and continues to fulfill its role as an invaluable resource for the community. At Manross Library, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for educational materials, programs and resources for your family, or just need a place to relax and enjoy some books or videos, Manross Library is the perfect place to find what you need. The library has been serving the public for generations and continues to provide an invaluable service to the Forestville and Greater Bristol area.
At the Bristol Public Library, we are dedicated to ensuring your freedom of access to the information and resources you need. From books to audiobooks, ebooks to DVDs, and even museum passes, we have something for everyone. Open for all library services and programs since 1892, we are proud of our long history of providing the community with vital resources. Our library offers an array of materials and services that are sure to suit all ages. Whether it's books, audiobooks, ebooks, DVDs, or CDs, we have it all. Additionally, we provide access to digital resources and programming so that you can find exactly what you need. At the Bristol Public Library, we are passionate about providing the community with access to the information and resources they need. We are proud of our commitment to your freedom to read, watch, listen, learn, and more, and we look forward to continuing to serve the community for many years to come.