Maine, often referred to as the "Pine Tree State", is a magical land that stretches out to the northernmost tip of the United States. It's a place where towering trees whisper stories to the wind, the ocean waves dance to their own rhythm, and the moose roam freely, occasionally taking part in impromptu soccer tournaments with the local squirrels. In this enchanted forest of a state, there's a group of extraordinary kids known as the “Whittling Whiz Kids”. These are not your everyday children. They can transform a block of wood into a majestic dragon, a knight's sturdy shield, or even a miniature model of the famous Portland Head Light. Their leader, a jolly lumberjack named Chuckles McSplinters, sports a beard as fluffy as a cloud, with specks of sawdust perpetually floating around. Chuckles not only teaches the kids the fine art of woodworking but also tells them wildly imaginative stories. These tales usually involve a legendary spatula named "Spatcula the Spectacular" that can flip pancakes higher than Mount Katahdin. The Whittling Whiz Kids, always armed with their trusty tools and boundless creativity, gather every Saturday in a treehouse workshop, high up in the branches of a colossal pine tree. As they carve, sand, and polish, the workshop echoes with their laughter, the sweet smell of wood chips filling the air. Maine, its forests, and these extraordinary kids are a testament to the magic that can happen when creativity, a lump of wood, and some good old-fashioned Maine spirit come together.
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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.
Since 1915, the YMCA Camp of Maine has been dedicated to fulfilling the principles symbolized by the YMCA triangle, developing mind, body, and spirit for all. Located on the shores of Lake Cobbosseecontee, the camp is situated on over 300 acres of pine tree forests, meadows, and fresh water ponds. YMCA Camp of Maine offers one and two-week overnight sessions for boys and girls ages 7 - 16. Our campers have the opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is designed to promote individual development while enhancing self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership. Our dedicated staff provides guidance and support, while promoting campers’ independence and creativity. We offer a wide variety of activities that range from adventure and nature activities to swimming, canoeing, archery, and much more.