Deep in the heart of the United States, nestled between the bustling cities and sprawling farmland, lays the hearty state of Illinois. A land known for its towering skyscrapers, vast cornfields, and a gigantic lake that's so enormous, you'd swear it was an ocean! But the most adventurous secret Illinois holds is its legendary Rope Course activity, a test of skill, courage, and sheer unadulterated fun, eagerly participated in by the bravest of Illinois kids. Meet our coolest friend, Benny the Bumbling Bumblebee. Benny is a goofy, comical character with a buzzing laughter that echoes throughout the state. He's not the most graceful flyer, often bumbling into things, but he's the heartiest cheerleader for the young rope courser. He wears a helmet (for all his bumbling, of course) and sports a pair of chunky, safety goggles that are perpetually lopsided - adding to his charming clumsiness. The kids in Illinois, a motley bunch of daredevils, are known not just for their love of deep-dish pizza or their unmatched ability to tolerate cold winters, but for their remarkable rope course skills. Benny often watches in awe as these kids, young and fearless, navigate the rope courses with the grace of soaring eagles and the agility of cheeky squirrels. It's a sight to behold when they leap, swing, climb, and zip-line, turning the air electric with their shouts of glee and triumphant high-fives. While Benny is often seen tumbling and fumbling, he is never deterred. Every day, he musters up all his bumblebee bravado and attempts the rope course. And every day, without fail, the Illinois kids would cheer him on, their laughter and encouragement ringing out as loud as Benny's buzzing. Because in the heart of Illinois, whether you're a kid or a bumbling bumblebee, there's always room for a good old-fashioned adventure and a heap load of fun!
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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.
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.