In the magical heartland of America, nestling between farms of corn and towering skyscrapers, is the state of Illinois. Here, in its bustling classrooms and lively workshops, a crew of courageous kids are diving headfirst into the world of robots. Meet our hero, Bolt-Bot Billy, a charming 13-year-old with a knack for nuts and bolts. Billy has a special superpower - he can make friends with any robot. Whether it's a tiny toy droid or a mega machine, they all love Billy. With his trusty toolkit and his mismatched socks, he leads the Illinois Robot Rangers into uncharted territories of technology. You might think the Illinois Robot Rangers are just another group of nerdy kids, but they're so much more. They are brave explorers, venturing into the future, one gear at a time. They've turned school cafeterias into inventors' labs, school buses into moving workshops, and even gymnasiums into robot dance floors (robot breakdancing is a thing now, didn't you know?) The Robot Rangers laugh in the face of danger. Once, when a popcorn machine went rogue at the state fair, they quickly fashioned a popcorn-loving robot named "Kernel Hulk". In no time, Kernel Hulk was gobbling up errant popcorn like a kid with an unending candy bar. In Illinois, robots are not just machines; they are quirky companions, partners in crime, and sometimes even the life of the party. So, if you see a toaster doing the tango or a vacuum cleaner playing the violin, don't be shocked. You're just in Illinois, where the Robot Rangers and Bolt-Bot Billy are making the world a funnier, more robot-friendly place.
Read morebest robotics programs in Monticello, IL


The New England Academy of Gymnastics (NEAG) is the perfect place for your little gymnast to level up their skills and make new friends this summer! With a 14,000 square foot facility that boasts both men’s and women’s Olympic equipment and plenty of training systems for each event, NEAG has everything your child needs to reach their goals. No matter what level of experience your child has, from beginner to advanced, NEAG has something to offer them.


Through 4-H, Illinois youth are being prepared to become the leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, stewards and builders of tomorrow that our state needs. 4-H provides a safe and encouraging environment for youth to practice the skills needed to become successful leaders. Youth engage in activities such as public speaking, problem solving, goal setting and decision making that help them develop leadership qualities. 4-H also encourages youth to become engaged in their local communities and take action to make a difference. Through service learning and community service projects, youth learn valuable lessons in civics, citizenship, communication, and collaboration that will help them become successful, responsible citizens.