Welcome to the amazingly beautiful, magical state of Maine, or as my friend Silly Sully the Seagull likes to call it, "the Lobster's Paradise." This is a place where sweet smelling pine trees dance with the winds and the sun kisses the Atlantic Ocean every morning. Now let me tell you about the brave, daring young adventurers who take part in boating and canoeing activities in this enchanting state. These are not ordinary kids, oh no! They are the fearless sailors of the Pine Tree State, guided by their trusty Captain, Paddles the Playful Beaver. Paddles is no ordinary beaver. He wears a shiny captain’s hat and uses his big, flat tail as a paddle. He navigates Maine's stunning waterways with a simple rule: "No splash, no fun!" Every day, these gallant sailors and their Captain embark on thrilling journeys, riding glistening waves atop their sleek boats and canoes. They out-paddle the squawking seagulls and race the speedy salmon, their laughter echoing across the water. Sometimes, they even out-row Otis the Old Sea Otter, who forgets where his glasses are and ends up wearing seaweed on his head, thinking it’s his cap! Oh, the fun these kids have! Their cheeks glow pink with excitement and their eyes sparkle brighter than the stars at night. They are the boating champions of Maine, the masters of merriment, and the kings and queens of canoeing. Each wave they ride tells a tale of their bravery and every splash they make echoes their endless joy. So, if you dare to join the adventure, remember the rule: "No splash, no fun!" Just ask Paddles, he'll show you how it’s done!
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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.
At Agassiz Village, we believe in providing an environment that encourages kids to grow and learn. Nestled on 320 scenic acres on the shore of beautiful Thompson Lake in Poland Maine, our summer camp provides a unique opportunity for children to develop and practice leadership and life skills that will positively impact their future. We aim to invest in the future of all children, especially those who may need more support, by offering them the chance to explore new experiences and reach their full potential. At Agassiz Village, our mission is to create a safe, joyful, and welcoming environment that gives all children a chance to thrive. We strive to foster a diverse and collaborative community, where children can feel free to express themselves and engage with their peers. Our core values of having fun, collaborating, exploring, and thriving are integral to the camp experience. We hope that through the camp experience, children will come away with a newfound sense of self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for the natural beauty of Maine. Our vision is for children from Maine to Massachusetts to have access to this unique opportunity, regardless of their economic circumstances. We believe that investing in the future of our children is the best way to ensure a bright and successful future for our communities.
Research has shown that a sense of belonging is essential for the healthy development of self-esteem and resilience in children. Camp provides a unique environment for children to form meaningful bonds and important connections with their peers and counselors. Through the close relationships they build, campers learn the key skills needed for healthy social and emotional development, like communication, teamwork, problem solving, and conflict resolution. At Fernwood, we believe that a sense of belonging is the single most powerful force in life that promotes health, joy and morality. Our camp experience allows and teaches children how to connect on a deeper level, fostering emotional growth and enabling them to live more “joyful” lives. We know that camp is an essential part of a child’s journey to becoming a happy and well-adjusted adult.