Once upon a time, in the sunny state of Florida, where the orange trees stretch their branches towards the azure sky and the dolphins dance their merry way through radiant waves, a gang of word-slinging whiz kids gathered. They dubbed themselves "The Scribble Squad." Every day, after school, they would meet under the shade of a giant palm tree, their pencils sharp and ideas sharper. At the helm of these curious and creative Scribblers was Captain Thesaurus, a parrot with rainbow feathers and a vocabulary as colorful as his plumage. Despite having a wingspan no larger than a ruler, his love for language was as vast as the Florida Everglades. And oh boy, was he funny! He could crack a joke about an alligator and a flamingo that made even the grumpiest crocodiles chuckle. The Scribble Squad members were a lively bunch, each with their unique writing style. Some loved crafting tales about space-traveling manatees, while others spun stories about magical key limes. Within the pages of their notebooks, pink flamingos wore sunglasses, Miami buildings danced salsa, and the Florida panthers played detective. No matter how wild their stories got, Captain Thesaurus was always there, ready to offer a new word or a hearty chuckle. Through their adventures in writing, these Florida kids learned that the power of imagination was as vast as the Atlantic Ocean lapping against their sandy shores. And so, they wrote, filling their sunny state with tales as bright and brilliant as the Florida sunshine itself.
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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.
CoreSRQ is proud of its role in the Sarasota community. The grassroots movement has brought back the programs and services that have been enjoyed by the community for generations. Their innovative and comprehensive wellness and community outreach programs offer people the opportunity to make the most of their fitness, wellness, and community engagement. CoreSRQ is committed to broadening its reach to underserved members of the community to increase their physical, mental, and social health. Being a member of CoreSRQ is a great way to support the community, and there are many volunteer opportunities to contribute to the cause.
For over 45 years, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) has been a leader in the American theatre scene. Founded in 1973, FST has developed into a vibrant village of five theatres in the heart of Downtown Sarasota. Each theatre is small in size, but the impact they have is large – providing engaging and intimate settings for professional performances. FST is known for its diverse range of programming, including Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, Children’s Theatre, FST School, New Play Development, and FST Improv. In fact, FST is the largest subscription theatre in Florida and one of the largest in the country,* serving over 230,000 live attendees annually. It’s no wonder why FST is such a popular destination for theatre-goers!
We strive to create an inclusive and inviting atmosphere for music lovers and those who appreciate community. At Fogartyville, we believe that music is best experienced in an intimate setting. Our live concerts provide a unique opportunity to interact with the performers and have a memorable experience. We provide a space for people to come together, appreciate music, and build relationships with their community. We also provide a platform for local and national musicians to showcase their work. We recognize how important music and community are to so many, and we strive to create an inclusive atmosphere for everyone. At Fogartyville, we take pride in providing a safe and inviting environment for our guests. Our events are always full of joy, laughter, and inspiring music. Come join us and experience music and community in a unique and meaningful way.
The Sarasota Music Conservatory was established in 2008 by husband and wife violinists Sean O'Neil and Lena Cambis. Both were members of the Sarasota Orchestra and wanted to offer their students a more comprehensive musical education. The founders believed in the European Music Conservatory format and so adopted it for their own school. In 2012, the conservatory achieved its non-profit status, and at this point the couple decided to change the name to better represent their vision: Sarasota Music Conservatory. Located in downtown Sarasota, the conservatory provides a comprehensive musical education and a faculty made up of professional performing artists from some of the world's most prestigious music institutions. The Sarasota Music Conservatory offers students the opportunity to learn from highly qualified, experienced professionals. Each faculty member is trained at a world-renowned music school such as Juilliard, Colburn, CIM, Curtis, or the Royal College of Music. With the conservatory's unique curriculum, students have the chance to learn from experienced instructors and develop their musical skills to the highest level.
At our martial arts school, we are proud to offer more than just self-defense and physical training. We are committed to cultivating a safe and supportive community and giving back to our local area. Our 7,100 square foot facility is located on 5 acres of land and includes plenty of parking. We also have an outdoor training area and obstacle course. Our year-round programs include an after-school program and summer/day camp. We provide a unique opportunity for our students to learn and grow in a fun and healthy environment.
Parents Magazine is proud to recognize ALSO Youth, an organization that has been working to support the mental health of LGBTQ+ teens since 1992. The organization was created in response to the alarming suicide rates among these youth, and has worked in cooperation with other local organizations such as PFLAG, Planned Parenthood, and YMCA Youth and Family Services. Volunteers were recruited to conduct a support group for Sarasota area youth and contact with school officials was initiated to create training programs for educators. Since then, the types of services and numbers of people served by ALSO have steadily increased. We recognize their dedication to the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth and applaud their efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for them in the community.