In a tiny speck of the United States, nestled between the boisterous Big Apple and the historic charm of Boston, lies the quirky and wonderfully small state of Connecticut. Imagine a state where buildings are not just buildings, but giant puzzle pieces of history, and the trees whisper secrets of the past. This is a place where squirrels are so plucky, they're practically honorary citizens. But the most magical thing about Connecticut isn't the singing seashells or the dancing deer, oh no! It's the extraordinary gang of Connecticut kids with an enchanting ability: glasswork! Have you heard of the Glass-working Giggling Gurus of Connecticut, or GGGC for short? Well, you're in for a treat. Their leader is a jolly chap named Speckle, an imaginary character as bright and shining as the glass he works with. Speckle is a plump, cheery fellow with a laugh that sounds like a dolphin singing opera. His hair is a wild mass of orange curls, bouncing around like popcorn every time he giggles...which is a lot! In Speckle's magical hands, glass doesn’t just stay glass. It twists, turns, and transforms into the most spectacular shapes you could ever imagine. A boring bottle? Not anymore - it's a sparkling spaceship zooming to Mars! A dull windowpane? Nope - it's a shimmering mermaid's tail! The GGGC kids are just as talented. With a flick of their wrists and a twinkle in their eyes, they turn everyday glass into extraordinary masterpieces. They're not just kids; they're wizards of glass, turning their small state into a big world of laughter, creativity, and awe. So the next time you come across a shiny, giggling piece of glass, you can bet it’s the handiwork of the Glass-working Giggling Gurus of Connecticut!
Read morebest glass-work programs in Middletown, CT
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.
Wesleyan Potters, Inc. has been promoting and teaching the skill of craftsmanship to generations of students since 1948. Wesleyan Potters, Inc. is an incredible non-profit school and cooperative guild that provides parents and their children with an opportunity to learn and develop the skills of craftsmanship. Founded in 1948, the school offers classes in a variety of media such as weaving, metalsmithing, and ceramics, as well as Youth Pottery, Jewelry, Weaving, and Sewing classes for students ranging from grade school up to high school. Additionally, they offer workshops featuring demonstrations and hands-on experiences with nationally known craftspeople. Classes typically run 9 weeks and are offered year-round in Winter (Jan-Feb), Spring (Mar-May), Summer(Jun-July), and Fall(Sept-Oct). Qualified instructors design classes to accommodate all levels of experience and skill. The school is supported by the Connecticut Office of the Arts, which also receives funding from the National Endowment of the Arts, a federal agency. Through this support, Wesleyan Potters, Inc. has been teaching the skill of craftsmanship to generations of students since 1948.