In the wild and adventurous state of Michigan, where the lakes glow like sapphire gems and the trees sway like gentle giants, a peculiar, enchanting phenomenon takes place. A merry band of children, with eyes as sharp as an eagle's, gather from the farthest corners of the state - from Detroit's bustling streets, Traverse City's cherry orchards, to the quiet, picturesque towns of the Upper Peninsula. Their mission? Archery - but not your everyday, run-of-the-mill, hit-the-bullseye kind of archery, oh no! This is a spectacle watched by the bemused deer, the chattering squirrels, and the chirping birds, for these Michigan kids have a coach quite unlike any other - a cool and zany character known as Sir Squinty Quivers. Now, Sir Squinty Quivers, named aptly for his signature squint and the quiver full of arrows he carries, is a character to behold. With a belly that jiggles like jell-o with each laugh and a mustache that twitches whenever an arrow sails straight, he's a sight that would tickle your funny bone. He's a tale-teller, a riddle-master, and a joker, all rolled into one. But, he's also the best darned archery instructor this side of the Mississippi! Under his watchful, albeit slightly squinted eyes, the kids of Michigan are transformed into superb archers. They aim, they laugh, they miss, and they try again, their faces lit up brighter than the Mackinac Bridge at sunset. Michigan may be known for its lakes and automobiles, but among the playful whispers that rustle through the state's forests, everyone knows who the true heroes are - the unflinching, unstoppable, uproariously funny kids of Sir Squinty Quivers' archery brigade!
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DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.
At YMCA Storer Camps, we are dedicated to providing an immersive outdoor experience for our campers. Our 1300 acres of beautiful landscape in the Irish Hills region of southeast Michigan create the perfect environment for campers to explore, discover and grow. YMCA Storer Camps have been offering Outdoor Education programs since the late 1960s, making us one of the earliest programs of its kind in the United States. Our two centers, located on both sides of Stony Lake, offer a variety of programs for our campers. The North Center offers Outdoor School, Youth and Teen Camps, while the South Center hosts Specialty and Day Camps during the summer months. At YMCA Storer Camps, we believe in providing a safe and exciting outdoor experience for our campers.
At YMCA Storer Camps, we understand the unique challenges faced by children dealing with the difficulties of cancer. That is why we offer Camp Catch-A-Rainbow (CCAR) for free. This camp is specifically designed for children between the ages of four and seventeen who are fighting or have fought cancer. At CCAR, kids can enjoy a variety of activities including swimming, archery, and horseback riding. They can also challenge themselves with high adventure ropes courses and explore their creative side through arts and crafts. We also offer canoeing as an activity at no cost to campers. At YMCA Storer Camps, we believe in the power of play to help children with cancer. Thanks to the generosity of donors and grants, Camp Catch-A-Rainbow is free for all campers. Our goal is to provide a safe and fun environment for kids to simply have a good time and build lifelong memories.