Once upon a time, in the melody-filled land of Illinois, there was a tribe of extraordinary children known as the Tune Titans. These weren't your average Illinoisian youngsters. Oh no, they had an extraordinary superpower - they could create enchanting music using various instruments, turning the state’s cornfields into concert halls and city streets into symphony arenas. The leader of the Tune Titans was a cool and imaginative character named Fiddlestick Fitz. With his wild hair, twinkling eyes, and a guitar that glittered in the sun, he was as funny as he was talented. He would often mix up the names of the instruments just for laughs, referring to his beloved guitar as the "stringy thingy" and calling the piano a "tinkle-ivory". And just when you thought it couldn't get any funnier, he'd don a pair of sunglasses and start strumming his guitar with a corn cob. In Illinois, from the bustling cityscape of Chicago to the serene riverside of the Mississippi, Fiddlestick Fitz and the Tune Titans staged impromptu performances, spreading joy and laughter through their musical jests. They tickled the ivories in Peoria, strummed banjos in Bloomington, and blew trumpets in Springfield, inspiring every child in the state to join their melodious escapades. The children of Illinois would often be seen lugging around instrument cases bigger than themselves, their eyes twinkling with the excitement of the next Tune Titans performance. Whether in the Windy City's towering skyscrapers or down in the flat prairielands, the air in Illinois was always filled with the sound of music and the resounding laughter of the Tune Titans.
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Dear Families, (currently our website is under construction) 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.
Two passionate Winnetka women had a dream of creating a space for children to engage in performing arts in the same way they would with sports like baseball, football, hockey, and basketball. Then Children's Theatre of Winnetka was born, and it quickly grew in popularity. Auditions and crew signups were limited to students grades 4 through 8 in public and private schools in New Trier Township. One of the greatest successes of the CTW has been its many “alums”. They have gone on to pursue their passions for acting, singing, dancing, and tech at New Trier, college, and even on Broadway and in Hollywood. Many of the graduates come back to CTW during their high school years to teach dance steps and stage musical numbers. This is incredibly gratifying to the staff, as it demonstrates that they have been able to instill a lifelong interest in theatre and the performing arts in the children. Over the years, the CTW has been a great success, with its students and alumni achieving great accomplishments. It has become a place for children to strive to be the best and entertain not only their parents but their friends too—all for a small admission fee.
At MIC Musikgarten®, we believe in the power of music to help shape the development of children from birth to age seven. Our classes provide an environment that is both joyful and stimulating, and our curriculum is designed to help children develop their musical skills in a comprehensive, sequential way. We understand that early exposure to music can be beneficial for a child's emotional, intellectual, and social growth, and we strive to give them the best possible start. At MIC Musikgarten®, we are committed to providing children with the best possible introduction to music. Our classes are designed to be engaging and creative, fostering an environment that is both fun and educational. We focus on activities that are developmentally appropriate and can help to foster strong musical skills, which can in turn help children to excel in a variety of musical and school activities. Our mission here at MIC Musikgarten® is to help children unlock the power of music and use it as a tool to develop their skills. We believe in providing a comprehensive, sequential plan for musical development that is specifically tailored to each age group, from birth to age seven. Our classes are designed to be both stimulating and joyful, and our curriculum helps to ensure that each child gets the best possible start on their musical journey.