In the vibrant state of Michigan, where the air smells like fresh apple pie and the Great Lakes glitter like sapphires under the sun, a crew of rad kids - the 'Lake Lizards' - have found an exciting way to celebrate their love for water. These kids aren't just splashing around like little ducklings. Nope! They're wakeboarding, zipping across the water's surface with the grace of a swan and the speed of a cheetah! Leading the Lake Lizards is a boy named Billy, who, with his electric green hair and goofy smile, looks like he tumbled out of a box of Crayola crayons. Billy isn't much for sitting still. He’s the kind of kid who'd rather try to ride a raccoon (don't worry, he didn't actually do that) than sit through a game of checkers. Billy discovered wakeboarding on a sunny Michigan afternoon and immediately fell in love, faster than a moose slipping on a banana peel. Now every day, after they finish their homework and chores (and after Billy has his daily spoonful of pickles and peanut butter - yuck!), the Lake Lizards hit the lake, their wakeboards creating an aquatic ballet. There are flips, spins, and plenty of splashes. The kids laugh, holler, and cheer each other on, their voices echoing across the Michigan landscape. And when the sun sets, painting the Michigan sky with shades of orange and purple, the Lake Lizards pack up their gear, their hearts pounding with the day's thrills. As Billy once said, “Wakeboarding in Michigan isn’t just a hobby, it's a way of life, as exciting as eating a triple scoop ice cream cone...while riding a roller coaster...backwards!"
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The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
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.