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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Building Character with Martial Arts. The Black Belt Leadership Academy has a rich history that spans more than ten years, during which it has been pivotal in aiding students to sharpen their concentration, bolster their power, and enhance their self-assurance through exceptional martial arts instruction. Our branch in Wauwatosa is a welcoming space that respects and includes students of every kind, regardless of whether they're novices or seasoned martial artists. Each class that we provide is meticulously planned to challenge students at a personal level, while also creating a positive and rewarding ambiance. This individualized approach guarantees that all our students feel recognized and motivated, which leads to a more successful learning journey. At our academy, we're committed to fostering an environment that brings out the best in each student. Our classes aim to not merely impart martial arts techniques but also to instill qualities such as discipline, respect, and resilience. We are firm believers that the values learned at our academy extend beyond the training hall and will benefit our students in all their future pursuits.
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.