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, (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.
At Hartford Stage, we strive to provide innovative, quality theatrical opportunities and education programs, tailored to the needs of Connecticut students. Our programs are designed to build community and citizenship, promote a passion for literacy, and create expression, as well as encourage life-long learning. Each year, our education programs serve more than 21,000 students and adults. We offer student matinees, in-school theatre residencies, teen performance opportunities, theatre classes for students and adults, after-school programs, and professional development courses. Our goal is to help young people develop an appreciation for the arts, while also teaching them important life skills. We believe that theatre techniques can foster creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, and our programs are designed to help students gain these skills. We also strive to nurture the next generation of artists and theatre professionals, develop a new audience of theatre-goers, and be a leader in providing in-school, theatre-based programs.
At the Hartt School Community Division, we’re proud to offer an engaging and enriching learning environment for aspiring artists of all ages, from pre-k to adult. Our curriculum is designed to foster the development of the entire artist through a combination of instruction, collaboration, performance, outreach, and creative exploration. We’re also proud to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and the National Association of Schools of Dance. So come join us and be a part of our vibrant community! Our mission is to provide a safe and inspiring learning environment that empowers students to grow and expand their creative potential. We strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance and collaboration, where all members of our community are respected and encouraged to reach their full potential. So if you’re looking for a place to explore your artistry and grow as an artist, look no further than the Hartt School Community Division!