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!
Read morebest rope-course programs in Makanda, IL

The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.

Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, Camp Little Giant has been a beacon of inclusivity since 1952. It was the first camp in the nation designed specifically to serve campers with disabilities, and was the first camp to be accredited by the American Camp Association. The camp's mission of providing a safe and enriching environment for campers has set the standard for special needs camps across the country, and has even paved the way for the Special Olympics. Camp Little Giant is dedicated to giving campers with disabilities a true camp experience. It offers traditional activities such as outdoor recreation, swimming, arts & crafts, and music & drama, and all activities are adapted to meet the needs of campers with disabilities. Through its commitment to inclusion, Camp Little Giant has been a leader in providing campers with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of a traditional camp experience. For 65 years, Camp Little Giant has been at the forefront of special needs camps, paving the way for the Special Olympics, and bringing joy and inclusivity to campers of all abilities.