In the heart-shaped land of Illinois, where the corn whispers secrets to the wind and the great city of Chicago sparkles like a crown jewel, there existed a unique breed of talented youngsters. These were not your average ordinary kids, they were the melodious magicians of Illinois, known far and wide as the 'Harmonic Hummingbirds.' Every child in this ensemble was a proud singer, their vocal cords producing melodies as sweet as honey. Some say that when a Harmonic Hummingbird sang, even the mighty Mississippi River would pause its flow to listen. Each Hummingbird had a voice as diverse as the seasons in Illinois; some as soft and gentle as an autumn breeze, others as fierce and powerful as a winter storm. Their leader was Bernie the Beat Bumblebee, a plump, bespectacled insect with an ear for rhythm and a passion for music. Bernie was not just any old bumblebee; he possessed the rare ability to conduct orchestras with his striped antennae, creating symphonies of sound that tickled the ears of every creature in Illinois. With Bernie’s help, the Harmonic Hummingbirds grew bolder and brighter in their vocal abilities, their voices blossoming like the wild prairie flowers. Their songs were as varied as the landscapes of Illinois, from the rolling hills of the south to the bustling city life of the north. Each note they sang was a testament to the spirit of Illinois, their harmonies echoing through the state like a musical beacon, inviting everyone to sing, laugh and embrace the power of their own voices. And so, in the heart-shaped land of Illinois, the Harmonic Hummingbirds and their Beat Bumblebee brought music, joy and the sweet sound of singing to every corner.
Read morebest vocal-singing programs in Northbrook, IL


Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.


Christopher Laughlin’s dream of creating a premier music school became reality in 1996 when he opened the doors to the Christopher Laughlin School of Music. Located in Glenview, IL, the school began as the Christopher Laughlin Classical Guitar Studio in a single room. With years of success as a performing classical guitarist, having toured across North America and in 25 nations on five continents, Christopher Laughlin was already an in-demand guitar teacher. With the founding of the school, he could consolidate most of his teaching into one location. As the school grew, Christopher added more teachers, more lesson programs, and more space. His vision of creating a premier music school came to fruition and today the Christopher Laughlin School of Music is still going strong. With a wide range of lessons and programs for all ages and skill levels, the school strives to be a leader in music education.


We are proud to offer family-friendly programs and tools that promote health and wellness, foster connection and build confidence. Our programs cover topics such as nutrition, physical fitness, mindfulness, stress management and more. We believe that the more connected and engaged we are in our community, the better off we will be. At the YMCA, we strive to make a positive impact in Northbrook and the surrounding areas. We offer programs and tools that help individuals become healthier, more connected and confident. Our goal is to invest in our community and each other so that lasting personal and social change can occur. We understand that everyone needs access to quality resources, so we make sure to be inclusive and welcoming for all members of our community. Our programs are tailored to families, and cover a variety of topics that promote health and wellness, connection and confidence. We are committed to making a difference in Northbrook and beyond. By working together, we can create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the programs and tools the YMCA has to offer.

At Gymboree Play & Music, we understand that play is essential to your child’s development. That’s why we’ve developed classes that are designed to nurture the physical, cognitive, and social development of your little one. Our unique, play-based learning activities challenge your child in a safe and supportive environment. Our teachers are there to guide you and your child as you spend quality time together, and our custom curriculum is built upon the latest early education research and is designed to grow with your child from birth to kindergarten.


Anderson Musik is located in the Northbrook/Deerfield area and has 6 degreed and experienced music instructors on staff. We are proud to have been in business in the same location for over 30 years. We are passionate about helping our students learn and grow. We look forward to you joining our community and discovering the joy and beauty of music.


Ready to get in the spotlight? Bach to Rock Northbrook is here to help you get your music career off the ground! From private lessons to band programs, we have something for everyone. Our students learn the fundamentals of music, play the songs they love, and make friends with their peers. We offer fun and social opportunities to make music, such as live performances and competitions. Plus, we have cutting-edge facilities for those interested in music production and DJing. No matter your age or skill level, Bach to Rock Northbrook has something for you!


At Harmonious Horizons, we understand how important music is in the development of children. Our more than 20 classes held in 8 different locations throughout the North Shore of Chicago are staffed by highly trained and experienced teachers. Our classes provide an opportunity for children to explore and express their musicality in a fun, playful, and supportive environment. Our mission is to make the world a better place by helping children develop their musicality and involving the adults who love them in this magical process. We believe that music is a powerful tool that can help children reach their full potential, and our goal is to provide high-quality music and movement experiences to children everywhere.