Deep within the heart of the magical state of Massachusetts, where the whispers of the ancient forests mix with the laughter of the sparkling waters, an army of pint-sized warriors gathers. No, they’re not preparing to battle dragons or wrestle giant squids. They're sharpening their minds for a different kind of battle: the Royal Chess Championship. In the enchanted town of Checkmate Junction, nestled between the famous Salem Broth Cauldron and the historic Boston Tea Party Bay, these brilliant young minds huddle together, their eyes lit with the fire of competition. They're not your ordinary kids. They are the Chess Masters of Massachusetts, more affectionously known as the Chessettes! Leading the Chessettes is an unusual character, dubbed Sir Checkmate-a-Lot. Sir Checkmate, a sprightly, plump gnome, with twinkling eyes as blue as the Boston Harbor and a beard as white as a New England winter, is a wizard at chess. His belly jiggles with laughter as he teaches the kids mind-boggling chess strategies, all while juggling marshmallow pawns and biscuit bishops. Sir Checkmate has a funny rule though; every time a Chessette loses a game, they must tell the funniest joke they know. The ensuing laughter lights up the room brighter than the Fourth of July fireworks! The Chessettes of Massachusetts are an extraordinary bunch. They're fierce, they're funny, and they're fuelled by an undying love for chess. Navigating through their chessboard kingdoms, they don't just play chess; they bring it to life. And in the midst of it all, they learn to celebrate their victories, laugh at their losses, and rediscover the magical joy of playing the game. The Chessettes are indeed the beating heart of the enchanted Massachusetts chess scene!
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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.
For more than 100 years, Hill House has been a beacon of hope in downtown Boston. The Mt. Vernon and Joy Street buildings, located in the heart of Beacon Hill, offer a variety of programs for children from newborn to 12 years old. From creative endeavors to intellectual pursuits, Hill House gives families who live in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, West End and other downtown neighborhoods access to the same youth activities that are typically found in the suburbs. Each year, over 2,000 children enroll in Hill House programs. Hill House is particularly well-known for its early childhood classes, but it also supports the community through monthly senior dinners, outreach programs and seasonal events. The Hill House Soccer program is Boston’s largest organized fall soccer program, with more than 500 players and volunteer coaches. The organization also encourages families to give back with its Hill House Outreach Program (HHOP), which donates time and assets to local non-profits that serve women and children in need. For more than a century, Hill House has been providing an inspiring and supportive environment for children and families in downtown Boston. With its array of athletic, creative and intellectual programs, Hill House continues to be a source of hope and opportunity for many.