In the magical heartland of America, nestled between the shimmering skyscrapers of enchanting Chicago and the rolling cornfields that sway in the gentle breeze, lies the magnificent state of Illinois. This land, where the hot dogs never have ketchup and where you can hear the roars of the ferocious T-Rex echoing from the Field Museum, is also home to a group of extraordinary kids. And these kids, my dear friends, are the masterminds behind the most splendid Art & Crafts creations you could ever imagine! Meet Scribble Sam, the leader of this wonderfully wacky world of colors and crafts. Sam, with his paint-splattered overalls and paintbrush always at the ready, is never seen without a dab of paint on his cheek or a twinkle in his eye. From his magic easel, he creates art that dances and leaps off the page, filling the Illinois landscapes with joy and imagination. Then there's Crafty Cathy, the queen of glitter and googly eyes. From her crafty castle, she can weave pipe cleaners into fantastic animals, create dazzling fairy tale crowns out of cardboard, and bring to life the most incredible dreamcatchers that even keep nightmares about the dreaded Chicago winter at bay! These Illinois kids, led by Scribble Sam and Crafty Cathy, are not just artists, they are the imagination warriors. They spend their days battling dullness, spreading color and joy across the state, proving that in Illinois, every day is a magical adventure where creativity knows no bounds. So, grab your scissors, your glue, and your wildest dreams, and join the Art & Crafts brigade because in Illinois, the fun has just begun!
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Stemtree is a top-tier K-12 enrichment center that has been acknowledged with multiple awards for its outstanding contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education. The center provides a unique platform for students to delve into exciting subjects such as Science, Coding, Robotics, Electronics, and Math. This exploration is facilitated through interactive, hands-on learning that allows each student to progress at their own pace. At Stemtree, we believe that personalization is key to effective learning. That's why we tailor our approach to suit each learner's unique needs, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in their chosen area of interest. We understand that every child is different and requires a customized learning path to thrive. We're here to guide them on their journey, providing them with the tools and support they need to excel. Moreover, we're passionate about making learning enjoyable for our students. We don't believe education should be a chore. Instead, we work to create an environment that boosts confidence and fosters a love of learning. At Stemtree, we make education fun and exciting, inspiring a lifelong thirst for knowledge in our students.

At Camp Carew, we provide a setting where children and young adults can experience the Christian faith in fellowship with others. We strive to help people deepen their understanding of God, each other, and the natural world. Our goal is to help build campers’ sense of personal worth and their relationship to Jesus Christ and their peers. Camp Carew is proud to be a member of the American Camp Association and has achieved accreditation status. Our activities and programs are designed to promote Christian community and help campers build relationships with each other. Campers and leaders work, plan, play, study, sing, and worship together in the small group living units. We offer Christian summer camps for children and young adults, and host retreats for people of all ages throughout the year. Camp Carew has been serving the community since 1952. The camp is nestled on sixty acres in the beautiful woods of Little Grassy Lake, located inside the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge near Carbondale, Illinois. With this unique setting, Camp Carew provides the perfect atmosphere for strengthening faith and creating lifelong memories.

Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center is an outdoor destination like no other. Located south of Carbondale, IL, on 157 acres of hills and trees, this United Methodist Church Camp and Retreat Center is a piece of nature’s beauty. Bordering a 1,000-acre Little Grassy Lake and set in the Shawnee National Forest, Little Grassy is bounded by a covenant with the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge to exercise careful stewardship of the wildlife, vegetation, and landforms. The camp provides exciting opportunities to explore and reconnect with nature. On the grounds you’ll find a hotel-style lodge with a large meeting room, a year-round youth lodge, and a dining hall with a meeting room furnished with cozy furniture and a fireplace. Plus, there are air-conditioned cabins and an open-air tabernacle, making Little Grassy a great destination for a variety of housing and meeting needs. For visitors looking for outdoor activities, Little Grassy Camp has it all - from hiking and swimming to rock-climbing and rappelling. Plus, the camp offers spiritual formation programs in the Christian tradition for both youth and adults. Little Grassy Camp is also available to rent for special events like reunions, business meetings, or youth camps. Join Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature and Christ.