The great state of Massachusetts, often called 'Mass' by its friendly inhabitants, is as vibrant and colorful as a giant paint palette left out in the rain by a forgetful elephant named Edgar. It’s where the Atlantic Ocean gushes enthusiastically over the sandy beaches, where the quaint townhouses smile like warm chocolate chip cookies, and where the kids are as creative as Picasso’s paintbrush on a sugar rush! These kids are not your ordinary children. Oh, no! They’re magical engineers of paper, glitter, and glue – the Art & Craft Virtuosos of Mass! They can turn an egg carton into an elegant castle, a sock into a swooning puppet princess, or a handful of macaroni into a thrift store-worthy necklace. They're like wizards, with paintbrushes instead of magic wands, creating worlds out of popsicle sticks and dreams. Their leader is a whimsical character named Doodle McSpray, an old sea captain with a beard as wild as a porcupine’s dream and a hat decorated with glittering bottle caps. Doodle loves to tell stories about his adventures on the high seas, each one more wildly exaggerated than the last. Once, he claimed to have seen a rainbow-colored whale that spat out colorful water jets, which he used to paint his ship! But what Doodle loves most is inspiring the kids. He teaches them how to see the fantastic in the ordinary, how a simple box could be a rocket to the moon, or a paper plate could be a warrior's mighty shield. The kids of Massachusetts, with their art & craft creations, bring a splash of joy and whimsy to their lovely state; a testament to their creativity, imagination, and Doodle McSpray's tall tales!
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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.
In 1986, the NBCCC became the Child Care of the Berkshires (CCB). For the next 30 years, CCB worked diligently to provide quality child care and early education programs, support for family child care providers, and referrals to families in need. In 2017, CCB moved to its current location, located in a beautiful, renovated building in downtown North Adams. This move allowed CCB to expand the services it provides to families, providers, and the community. For over 50 years, the Northern Berkshire Child Care Committee and Child Care of the Berkshires have been serving the families of Northern Berkshire County. Founded in 1969 by a group of committed women, NBCCC was born out of the need for daycare in the area. They temporarily took up residence in a church on Monument Square before eventually relocating to the Haskins Elementary School. During these early years, they managed to build a network of family child care providers, funded through donations, the Northern Berkshire United Way, and a contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In 1986, the NBCCC rebranded as the Child Care of the Berkshires (CCB). For the last three decades, CCB has worked tirelessly to provide quality child care and early education programs, in addition to support for family child care providers and referrals for those in need. In 2017, CCB moved to its current location in North Adams. This move enabled CCB to increase their services to families, providers, and the surrounding community. For the last 50 years, the Northern Berkshire Child Care Committee and Child Care of the Berkshires have been an integral part of the Northern Berkshire County community. Through their dedication and commitment to providing quality child care and early education programs, they have been able to make a positive impact on countless families in the area.
Camp Winadu is located in the heart of the beautiful Berkshire Mountains, and it is the perfect place for your child to make lifelong memories. Our campers are treated to dark night skies filled with stars and they can take in stunning views of the mountains. Every summer brings a new set of exciting activities and opportunities to make friends who feel like family. At Camp Winadu, we strive to provide a safe and encouraging environment for our campers. We believe in teaching children the importance of having a great attitude and sportsmanship, while also showing them that it is okay to make mistakes. Our campers learn to have fun, work hard, and to be a good sport. We want our campers to experience the joy of making positive memories, and to take with them a newfound sense of confidence and self-esteem.
At our center, we recognize that young children are active learners. That's why our curriculum is designed to foster exploration and play, while also helping children to become independent and to develop positive attitudes toward learning and interacting with their peers. Our activities are tailored to the developmental level of each group of kids, and include language activities, art experiences, manipulative activities, gross motor skills, and creative expression. We understand that experience is also an important part of learning. That's why we offer field trips, planned activities, and special events held at school that give children the chance to extend their learning in exciting ways. Our center provides services for children from 4 weeks through 13 years of age. At our center, we strive to create a positive and enriching learning environment for young children. Activities are geared toward helping children develop cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically, while fostering good self-esteem and positive attitudes towards learning. We provide a variety of activities and experiences that give children the opportunity to explore and grow.
Since its inception in 1969, the Northern Berkshire Child Care Committee has been a vital resource for day care in Northern Berkshire County. It began as a group of passionate and dedicated women, meeting in a church on Monument Square in North Adams, and although it took a decade to move to its current home at the Haskins Elementary School, its programming has grown to include a network of family child care providers for in-home care. The NBCCC is funded by a variety of sources, such as the Northern Berkshire United Way, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, churches, and generous private donors. Thanks to these dedicated individuals, families in Northern Berkshire County have access to quality day care for their children.
At KidZone Child Care, we believe that a child’s early years are vital for their development. Our family-run child care center opened in September of 2000 with the mission to provide a safe and caring environment for children to learn and explore. We have had the honor of serving over 1,000 families throughout Berkshire County, providing our unique philosophy that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploring and discovery. Our 8 classrooms accommodate children from 6 weeks to 6th grade. We are proud to be nationally accredited and have been voted BEST OF THE BERKSHIRES since 2011. We are also a part of the Child & Adult Food Program, providing breakfast, lunch, and a PM snack to your child at no extra cost. At KidZone Child Care, we strive to nurture and encourage the qualities we believe are essential for a child’s development. We are dedicated to providing a safe and caring environment for your child to learn, explore, and experience the joys of childhood.
At 18 Degrees, no matter what the circumstances, we are here to help. We strive to help individuals and families shine brighter as the light grows with each day. Our services bring hope, and a better tomorrow, to those in need. We work together to create an environment of education, support, and safety, so that each individual can reach their full potential. We believe in the power of a brighter future, and we are here to help make it a reality.
At 18 Degrees, we strive to meet the needs of children, young people, and families in Western Massachusetts. As the sun rises just below the horizon, we know that it is our mission and privilege to be a part of the promise that the light will grow from the start of each new day. We offer a variety of programs and services that promote the well-being and strengths of children, youth, and families to build better communities. Our programs cover early education and care, foster care and adoption, child and family well-being, and youth and community development. We believe that by providing education, parenting skills and support, prevention and intervention, advocacy, and life skills, we can help to create brighter futures for those we serve.
At 18 Degrees, we take seriously the responsibility to meet people at their point of need. We believe in the power of relationships to build strong, vibrant communities. That’s why we work hard to provide essential services to those in need, and why we’re committed to building brighter futures for children and families in our region. With the sun just below the horizon at daybreak, our promise is that together, we will find the light.
Their mission is to provide a safe, stimulating and educational atmosphere for your child. At KidZone Child Care, children can experience a nurturing, supportive environment that encourages exploration and discovery. The school has 8 classrooms, ranging from infants aged 6 weeks to 6th grade students, and is nationally accredited. KidZone has also been voted BEST OF THE BERKSHIRES since 2011. The school is also part of the Child & Adult Food Program, meaning that breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are provided at no extra cost. This provides a safe and secure environment for your little one, while also promoting fun and learning. KidZone Child Care has been providing quality child care for over 1000 families in Berkshire County since 2000. The school believes that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth and security, and seeks to foster these qualities in each of its children.