In the magical land of Illinois, where skyscrapers touch the clouds and cornfields stretch as far as the eye can see, there lived a group of extraordinary kids. These were not your average, run-of-the-mill, garden variety children. Oh, no! These girls and boys were the Sensory Play Squad, and they knew how to have fun! Led by their fearless leader, Splatter Sparkle Pop, a cool imaginary character who wore rainbow roller skates and had bubble gum for hair, they embarked on wild adventures. Splatter had the most extraordinary superpower - whatever he touched turned into an exciting sensory playground. Cornfields became crunchy popcorn pits, and skyscrapers turned into giant Lego towers! The Sensory Play Squad kids were experts at squishing and squashing, swirling and twirling. They could make a musical symphony from a pile of jelly, create a painting with just their feet, or build a castle out of spaghetti! They loved the feel of cool, squelchy mud between their toes, the tickle of feathers on their cheeks, and the pop of bubble wrap under their fingers. Their laughter filled the air, and their smiles were as wide as the Mississippi River that flowed beside their beautiful state. Every day was filled with new textures, sounds, sights, and smells, all enhancing their learning and spreading uncontainable joy. Squishy sponges, clattering cans, twinkling lights, and fragrant flowers. These sensory superstars knew that there's no better way to learn about the world than to dive in and experience it headfirst - whether it's a pile of leaves or a mountain of whipped cream! And so, in their cool, touching, and tasty ways, the Sensory Play Squad turned Illinois into the funniest, most giggly place to be. No kid could resist the charm of the Sensory Play Squad!
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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.
At Hubbard Street Dance, we are always looking for ways to inspire and innovate. This year, we proudly present our first-ever virtual season of dance films. A stellar lineup of acclaimed and emerging choreographers, all of whom are former Hubbard Street dancers, have created contemporary dance that reflects our current moment with incredible power. We invite you to join us in celebrating this season of innovation and inspiration. Our lineup of choreographers have pushed boundaries and embraced the unknown to create pieces that are sure to move and inspire you. Experience this powerful collection of contemporary dance and explore the artistry of these amazing former Hubbard Street dancers.
For the sports-minded, there's a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and gymnasium at Gill Park. Plus, the park is equipped with a t-ball field and playground, offering plenty of outdoor fun. Families can also take advantage of the park's assembly hall, which has a portable stage, as well as its kitchen and several clubrooms for rental.
At our early childhood arts, enrichment and parent resource center, located in the Bucktown and Gold Coast neighborhoods of Chicago, we are dedicated to igniting wonder and compassion in the classroom and beyond. We provide a unique combination of art, play and child development best practices that will help your child explore new heights of creativity and development. Our center is the perfect place for your child to develop and explore. We offer an environment that encourages creativity, exploration and learning. Our goal is to provide children with an opportunity to express themselves artistically and to build an understanding of the world around them. Our staff is highly trained in child development best practices and can provide resources to help parents and caregivers ensure their child is getting the best possible start in life.
Dr Lin Day is a go-to parenting expert in the UK, with an impressive resume of qualifications and over 40 years of experience working with parents and children. To support and empower parents, she founded Baby Sensory and Hello Baby to offer the best possible service for the most important year of a baby's life. Dr Day has also been a regular feature writer and speaker in the field of childcare and education, and personally ran classes for 9 years. Through her innovative programs, she seeks to foster a lifelong love of learning and development for babies and toddlers.