Once upon a time in the magical land of Illinois, a state known for its towering skyscrapers, vast cornfields, and the mighty Mississippi River, there existed a group of extraordinary kids with a special passion for gymnastics. They were known as the Twisting Tornadoes of Illinois. Now, these weren’t your regular gymnastics loving munchkins. Oh no, they could be spotted from a mile away by their neon leotards, sparkling hair bobbles, and the sound of their landings that would shake the ground like a stampeding unicorn. They flipped, twirled, and twisted with such an infectious energy that even the gloomy-looking scarecrows in the cornfields couldn’t help but strike a pose. Leading this pack of pint-sized tumbler tots was an imaginary character named Flopsy the Flip-Flopping Flamingo. With his long, bendy legs and a flair for somersaults, Flopsy was the idol of every Twisting Tornado. He taught them the art of balance, the beauty of a perfect dismount, and most importantly, to always stretch before a routine (or risk becoming a knotted pretzel!). Together, they would turn Illinois into their playground, practicing cartwheels in the Windy City of Chicago and flipping off the edges of Starved Rock cliffs. They drew laughter wherever they went, their energetic performances causing local cows to moo in applause and the cornstalks to shimmy in delight. And so, with their imaginary leader Flopsy, the Twisting Tornadoes of Illinois continued to fill their state with the spirit of gymnastics, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of fun. From those blustery Chicago days to the quiet country evenings, Illinois was a state forever made brighter by these tumbling, flipping, laughter-spreading kids.
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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.
The Park District and Park Foundation are collaborating to ensure that all park district residents have access to the recreational programs. To this end, assistance is provided to those facing financial hardship. This program is available to all who live in the park district boundaries and are in need of assistance. Individuals who have special medical, physical, psychological, and/or emotional needs or receive special services from the school district are also encouraged to reach out to the Park District. The staff at Lincolnway Special Recreation Association will work with the Park District to provide reasonable accommodations to participants with disabilities. Participants who would like to request inclusion services are asked to complete the appropriate forms provided by the Park District.