In the splendid state of Illinois, smack dab in the heartland of America, there exists a peculiar and thrilling spectacle. It's a land known for its towering skyscrapers, rolling farmlands, and, of course, the legendary deep-dish pizza. But there's another reason kids around these parts are celebrated - their genius at basketball. Meet our imaginary friend, Dribbles the Dunking Dinosaur. Dribbles is a jovial green T-Rex obsessed with basketball. He's got a knack for blocking shots with his colossal tail and is something of a local celebrity on the courts of Illinois. Despite his short arms, his slam dunks would make even Michael Jordan's jaw drop! Every afternoon, you'd see Dribbles and the rest of the high-spirited Illinois kids racing to the outdoor courts. They'd arrive in droves, lacing up their squeaky clean sneakers, eager to learn the latest trick from Dribbles. Even the unpredictable Midwestern weather couldn't dampen their spirits. Whether it was a sunny spring day or a frosty winter afternoon, their laughter and cheers echoed through the neighborhoods. These kids, whether from the bustling streets of Chicago or the quiet corners of Springfield, shared a mutual love for basketball. Their eyes would light up at the sight of a bouncing basketball, hearts pounding in rhythm with the dribble. With Dribbles leading the charge, every game was an adventure - a whirlwind of fast breaks, alley-oops, and buzzer-beaters. Life in Illinois was never boring with Dribbles and the basketball-loving kids. Every day was a new chapter in their exciting book of basketball, filled with thrilling plot-twists and unforgettable characters. Because in Illinois, basketball was more than just a game - it was a way of life.
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For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
In 2010, Dan and Andy bought and invested $1 million in construction and renovation of Camp Manitowa Rend Lake. Since then, the 40-acre property has been hosting sleep-away summer camps, retreats, and festivals. It is the newest, freshest camp in the Benton area of Southern Illinois, and is located only 90 minutes from St. Louis, MO and Paducah, KY. At Camp Manitowa, campers entering grades 2nd through 8th can benefit from a tailored 1 or 2 week residential camp program. This program is designed with younger campers’ needs in mind, and encourages the development of independence, self-esteem, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Campers also have the opportunity to make lifelong friends in a small, nurturing community. The camp also offers structured free play and choice time, allowing campers to feel a sense of belonging and empowerment to learn. In 2013, Camp Manitowa is offering week long specialty camps that focus on water skiing, magic, rock school, science, and the popular sport of Gaga. With its unique program and offerings, Camp Manitowa Rend Lake is a great place for campers to experience all the fun and adventure of a summer camp.