Once upon a time, in the sprawling cornfields and towering skyscrapers of Illinois, lived a group of adventurous kids known as the Zip Line Zealots. Every Saturday, they traded in their video games and homework for helmets and harnesses. Guided by their trusty, four-winged squirrel named "Zippy the Zip-line Master," they embraced the winds of the Midwest and took flight. Illinois, or "Illie" as Zippy fondly called it, was a land of contrasts. It had big bustling cities where skyscrapers touched the sky and quiet country sides where corn towers ruled. It was where Lake Michigan met Mississippi River, altogether creating a landscape perfect for their zip-lining adventures. Swinging from the skyscrapers of Chicago to the tall oaks in Shawnee National Forest, they filled the air with their laughter and fearless shouts of joy. Zippy, with his goggles strapped on, would lead the pack. He was a squirrel like no other, with an extra pair of wings and a sense of humor that made even the cornfields giggle. He would often say, "Why walk when you can fly, and why fly when you can zip-line?" He taught the kids everything they needed to know about zip-lining and made sure they were safe and sound while having a blast. The Zip Line Zealots were not ordinary kids; they were brave, they were daring, they were the flying adventurers of Illinois. Together with Zippy, they soared across their beloved state, leaving trails of laughter in the wind. Their zip-lining adventures were not just about the thrill, but also about friendship, teamwork, and the joy of exploring their diverse and enchanting home, Illinois.
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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.
Every summer, campers and staff from all around the globe, and from a variety of backgrounds, return to their own special home away from home. At our camp in Central Wisconsin, situated on an 80-acre lakefront compound, there’s never a shortage of activities and experiences for everyone to enjoy. From biking around Stratton Lake to water skiing, drama, rock climbing, and arts & crafts, our campers can stay busy for hours on end. At our camp, campers can explore, take on new challenges, and make lifelong friendships. Our campers and staff come from all walks of life, and every year they return to our camp to enjoy new experiences, make memories, and have the time of their lives. The beautiful lakefront facility in Central Wisconsin provides the perfect place for campers to explore, challenge themselves, and make lasting friendships.
Our daily operations are guided by the goals and dreams we have for our organization. We are inspired and energized by our mission and vision, which serve as our “North Star”. This provides our passionate staff and volunteers with the clarity and direction to commit their time and efforts to the Y. At the YMCA of Metro Chicago, we firmly believe in the power of community. We strive to empower individuals to reach their potential and to come together as a collective to transform lives. Each and every day, our team is driven by our mission and vision to make this mission a reality. Our “North Star” provides us with the direction we need to remain focused on our goals and dreams for the YMCA of Metro Chicago. We are dedicated to creating a culture of purpose, inclusivity, and belonging. We are dedicated to creating a sense of hope and optimism for the future. We are dedicated to creating positive change in our community. The YMCA of Metro Chicago is focused on making a difference, and our mission and vision serve as the shining beacon to guide us along the way.