In the magical land of Massachusetts, a place fondly known as "MA" by the locals, a unique tribe of kids known as the "Paint-splatter Pipsqueaks" live, breathe, and dream art. They are a fun-loving bunch, who, instead of building snowmen, paint murals on the snow using food color! And when it's not snowing, they chase rainbows across the sky, trying to capture all the colors for their next masterpiece. They are led by their zany, paint-splattered leader, Brushy Bob. Brushy Bob is no ordinary kid. He has an imaginary pet, a rainbow-striped squirrel named Squiggles. Squiggles has a magical bushy tail that can turn into any kind of paintbrush. With a flick of his tail, he can splash colors of joy on any canvas, or even the giant pumpkins that grow in the local farms. These kids don't just play with their paints; they dive headfirst into them. Literally! They are often found covered from head to toe in splotches of paint, looking like walking rainbows themselves. Do you know how kittens look after they've dived into a pile of yarn? That’s what our Paint-splatter Pipsqueaks look like after a day of painting. Their laughter can be heard ringing through the crisp Massachusetts air, as they embark on their color-filled adventures. It's a common sight to see the kids of MA, their faces smeared in vibrant hues, running around with their paintbrushes, making the world their canvas. Every day is a riot of colors in Massachusetts, thanks to our paint-loving Pipsqueaks and their hilarious escapades.
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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.
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 are dedicated to supporting the well-being and strengths of children, youth, and families in Western Massachusetts. Through our comprehensive range of programs, we are striving to build stronger and healthier communities. We focus on providing education, parenting skills and support, prevention and intervention, advocacy, and life skills to children, young people, individuals, and families. Our services are tailored to the needs of four distinct areas: early education and care, foster care and adoption, child and family well-being, and youth and community development. We understand the importance of building strong foundations from an early age to ensure life-long stability and success, which is why we strive to ensure that all children, young people, individuals, and families have access to the best possible care and support. At 18 Degrees, we are passionate about providing the highest quality of care and support to ensure that children, youth, and families in Western Massachusetts have the best chance of achieving success. We firmly believe that through our range of programs and services, we can help to build better communities and more positive futures.
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 Parents Magazine, we understand the importance of helping children develop and grow. We believe that the best way to do this is to work with families to help children develop socially, cognitively, physically, and emotionally. By fostering a positive self-image and a love for learning, we can ensure that children will have the necessary skills to succeed in our program, in public school, and in life. Our goal is to help children succeed in all aspects of life. We strive to provide an environment that encourages children to develop socially, cognitively, physically, and emotionally. We also believe that fostering a strong sense of self-worth and a love for learning can equip children with the skills and tools they need to be successful. At Parents Magazine, we strive to provide support and guidance to families as they help children develop and grow. We understand that creating a positive atmosphere where children can learn and grow is essential. We believe that by helping to foster a strong self-image and a love for learning, children will be better prepared to succeed in our program, in public school, and later in life.
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.
This summer, visitors can look forward to a safe, enriching experience that encourages exploration, growth, creation, and play. Our camps, activities, and special programs are designed to provide a safe, in-person learning experience for campers of all ages. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the museum for an epic summer of discovery!