Chapter 17: The Lively State of LA and the Nature Nutters Long ago, in Louisiana - the state fondly called LA, the land was bursting with rivers that giggled, marshes that whispered, and forests that sang lullabies. The residents included sassy alligators, chatty pelicans, and countless critters that played hide and seek. The kids, oh they were all part of a bunch called the "Nature Nutters." The Nature Nutters were a wild, happy bunch. They were known to run faster than the Mississippi River, jump higher than the tallest cypress tree, and were as curious as Sherlock Holmes on a Sunday afternoon. Every day was a new adventure, with a new mystery to solve, a new creature to discover, and new laughs to be had. One of the Nutters was a kid named Bayou Billy. Billy owned a pet crawfish named Crawley, who wore a tiny top hat and claimed to be the king of all crawfish. He'd whisper secret tales of the swamp to Billy, who'd then gather the Nutters for a thrilling search for hidden treasure or a mysterious creature. Most days ended with hearty laughter, muddy clothes, and a sense of satisfaction that could only come from a day well spent in the heart of nature. In the state of LA, the sunsets were a sight to behold. As the sun began to hide behind the horizon, the air would fill with the chorus of the night. The crickets would strum their legs, the owls would hoot their goodnight song, and the Nutters would head home, dreaming of the next day’s adventure. But not before Crawley enacted a dramatic reading of his ‘royal decree’ under the silvery moonlight, causing peals of laughter to echo in the quiet night.
Read moremore nature programs near Kenner, LA
DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.
Nestled in the piney woods of Louisiana, Camp Hardtner is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana.This camp provides a safe and nurturing environment for individuals of all ages to come and explore the outdoors and build meaningful relationships with one another. By immersing themselves in the beauty of nature, campers are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zone and discover what it means to be part of a community. At Camp Hardtner, campers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, from swimming and canoeing to team sports and campfires. This camp encourages campers to challenge themselves and build confidence by trying something new and pushing their boundaries. Campers also have the chance to learn about the environment and the importance of taking care of it through activities like nature walks and outdoor exploration. Camp Hardtner has something for everyone. They offer a variety of programs for children, teens, and adults, ranging from day trips to week-long residential programs. All camps are led by trained counselors who are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for all campers. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled family getaway or a place to make lasting memories with friends, Camp Hardtner is the perfect place to discover the beauty of nature and create lifelong friendships.