Deep in the heartland of the United States, nestled between four magnificent Great Lakes, lies the enchanting state of Michigan. This state, shaped like a mitten, is a magical land filled with laughing lakes, frolicking forests, and the most peculiar kids you could ever hope to meet. These kids aren't just ordinary kids, oh no! They're special, gifted with an extraordinary passion for Visual Arts. They splash colors around with the freedom of wild mustangs, creating masterpieces that would put the Mona Lisa to blush. Our story begins with a quirky, cool character named Doodle-McNoodle, who is as eccentric as his name. Doodle-McNoodle isn't your typical Michigan kiddo; he's got paint-stained overalls, a hat decorated with dried-up brushes, and a laugh that sounds like a hiccuping hyena. Doodle-McNoodle and his gang of artistic misfits are the heart and soul of Michigan's Visual Arts scene. They create mind-boggling murals, dreamy drawings, and sculptures that even the pigeons mistake for real people. These kids could turn a gloomy day into a vibrant painting that bursts with life, laughter, and lots of noodle-shaped clouds (Doodle-McNoodle's signature touch, of course!). You see, in Michigan, these kids don't just create art; they live it! They breathe in inspiration from the state's beautiful landscapes, from the cherries of Traverse City to the towering lighthouses of Lake Michigan. Then, with a wild twinkle in their eyes and a riot of colors at their fingertips, they transform this inspiration into art that tells the story of Michigan in the most magical way. So, if you ever find yourself wandering through this mitten-shaped wonderland, look around. You might just spot a kid with paint-stained fingers and a twinkle in their eye, ready to create the next Michigan masterpiece.
Read morebest visual-arts programs in Flint, MI
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.
The FIA is passionate about making art available, approachable, and accessible to everyone. To do so, they offer a wide variety of interpretive programs. Guided tours, lectures, and community dialogues are among the programs available to help people connect with the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Art classes, workshops, and studio demonstrations offered by the FIA provide an opportunity for hands-on learning. There are also various gallery, studio, and outreach programs designed for PreK-12, Head Start, and homeschool students. In addition, the FIA offers films and videos, print, audio, and multimedia resources to enrich the experience. The FIA is dedicated to making art accessible to everyone and provides many programs and resources to help facilitate this goal. Through its interpretive programs, the FIA is striving to bring art to the lives of all.
We are committed to increasing awareness of the vast number of artistic/cultural offerings in our area and providing education opportunities to all members of the community, from children to adults. We also strive to foster a positive image of the greater Flint community by showcasing Flint’s beauty and livability to the nation. Our programs and services are designed to get the community involved in the creative process and to develop sustainability in arts agencies throughout Genesee County and bordering communities. We have also made it our mission to help create new programs and new careers in the arts to promote the growth of the local economy. The Greater Flint Arts Council is dedicated to making our community a vibrant place to live and work by engaging the community in creative processes, supporting Michigan artists, and providing education opportunities to all members of the community. We are committed to increasing awareness of the many artistic/cultural offerings in our area, developing sustainability in arts agencies, creating new programs and new careers in the arts, and showcasing Flint’s beauty and livability to the nation.