Once upon a time, in the splendid land of Illinois, with its glittering skyline of Chicago and vast acres of cornfields, there existed a bunch of bright-eyed, merry kids. They were not your average, everyday children, oh no, these kids were part of a magical religious service activity, and boy, did they love it! Now, you must be wondering, "What's so magical about religious service activities?" Ah, that's where our friend, Jiggly Joggle, steps in. You see, Jiggly Joggle is a hilarious, wiggly, giggly jester with a jazzy jingle! He's got a blue hat that jiggles whenever he moves, an orange nose that joggles whenever he laughs, and he always, always, always carries his magic joke book. In Illinois, the kids and Jiggly Joggle would gather under the grand old oak tree on Sundays. With a flick of his joke book, Jiggly Joggle could turn any religious activity into a fun adventure. Bible studies? More like "Bible Treasure Hunts!" Charity work? That's "Kindness Quests," my friend! These kids, they weren't just reading scriptures, they were decoding ancient treasure maps. They weren't just helping others; they were on noble quests. Jiggly Joggle made sure of that. His laughter echoed through the prairies, bounced off the skyscrapers, and traveled across the Mississippi, spreading the spirit of joy, unity, and love that these Illinois kids held in their hearts. Through their religious service activities, they discovered not just the power of faith but also the power of fun, friendship, and of course, a good old Jiggly Joggle giggle!
Read morebest religious-service programs in Skokie, 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.
Do you ever feel like you don't belong? At Lubavitch Chabad of Skokie, all the Jewish residents of the town have a place to fit in. People who come to Chabad are just like you - they shop where you shop, dine where you dine, and come from a variety of different Jewish backgrounds. The synagogue provides educational and recreational programs for people of all ages, from Hebrew school to Camp Gan Israel, Jewish Learning Institute, Women's Classes, CTeen, and the Community Shul. Come and join us for a spectacular Jewish experience. We are always striving to improve and upgrade our programs and activities to create a welcoming environment for everyone. And no matter what, we are here to help every Jewish person in any way we can.