Once upon a time, in the dazzling state of Illinois, a group of wild and wacky kids found the most splashing fun in waterskiing. Illinois, you know, is a magical place where the rivers gently careen through lush forests, the city skyscrapers reach for the stars, and the cornfields sway like ocean waves in the heartland. A glorious state, where summer sunsets paint the sky with colors too beautiful for a crayon box. Now, these kids were not your average bunch. They were the Illinois Water Dragons, a gang of waterskiing whizzes! They were notorious for their epic splashes and dazzling trickery, with every flip and spin sparking a round of applause from the shimmering lake itself! Leading the gang was their fearless leader, a ten-year-old dynamo named "Ducky." Don't let the name fool you! Ducky was as fierce as a shark when it came to waterskiing. He was known for his signature move, the "Quack Flip," where he spun in the air like a duck doing cartwheels, and came down with a splash that sent fish flying for cover! Then there was "Flipper", the girl who could do a backflip while eating a sandwich, and "Barnacles," a kid so quick on his skis that he was often mistaken for a speedboat. Last but not least, was "Splash," the youngest of the gang, who, despite his small size, could create splashes that would soak anyone daring enough to watch from the shore. These kids and their waterskiing adventures were as integral to Illinois as deep-dish pizza or the Chicago Bears. They embodied the spirit of their state – wild, fun, and always ready for a good splash!
Read morebest waterskiing programs in Benton, IL
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.