In the lively state of Louisiana, where the mighty Mississippi River meets the boisterous blues, there's a mirthful gang of kids known as the Giddy-Up Gang. From the bustling streets of New Orleans to the sleepy bayous of Cajun country, the whole state buzzes with their adventurous tales. Now, these aren't your ordinary kids, oh no! These youngsters look at life from a taller perspective, quite literally, as they spend their days horseback riding. Their leader, a quirky character named Lulu 'Lasso' Lafitte, is a 10-year-old with pigtails that dart out like a crawfish's antennae. Lulu, with her high-spirited maroon mare, Jambalaya, leads the Giddy-Up Gang in their thrilling horseback escapades. Lulu's laugh is as infectious as a Mardi Gras parade, and she has a funny knack of misplacing her glasses, often finding them on Jambalaya's snout! Riding through the marshy swamps, the sunflower fields, or along the sandy Mississippi banks, these kids create a ruckus that even the alligators can't ignore. They play pranks, like putting Tabasco sauce in the horse's water (don't worry, the horses seem to love the spicy kick!), or hosting hilarious jousting tournaments with baguettes instead of lances. In Louisiana, life is a blend of vibrant cultures, spicy foods, and foot-tapping music. And for the Giddy-Up Gang, this rich, lively setting becomes their playground. Every day is a new adventure in the saddle, exploring their beloved state, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a whole lot of horseplay. So, if you hear the sound of galloping hooves and children's laughter floating on the warm southern breeze, you know the Giddy-Up Gang is nearby, off on another joyful jaunt.
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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.
Summer camp is the perfect way for heart children ages 7 - 16 to have an unforgettable experience. Each June, about 45 campers from across the state and nation come together to explore the best that camp has to offer, including horseback riding, swimming, heart class, sports, art, canoeing, and archery. Campers can make lifelong friends while having a blast in a safe and supportive environment. Parents, if you’re looking for a great way to bond with your family, consider attending Family Camp with other families of children with CHDs. Held each January, Family Camp is a CBC favorite, and provides an opportunity for families to meet others in similar situations, create a support network, and enjoy family bonding and fun. Summer camp and Family Camp are a great way for heart children and their families to make memories, create connections, and enjoy the great outdoors. CBC offers these opportunities each June and January, respectively, so be sure to check them out!