Once upon a time, in the magical state of Michigan, nestled between four gigantic freshwater seas, there existed a group of kids known as the Green Thumb Brigade. This sprightly bunch, with an age range as varied as the state's weather, were known far and wide for their love for gardening. Imagine a troop of mini farmers, their overalls filled with seeds and their hats tipped to shield the sun, all armed with shovels and watering cans! Their leader was none other than Captain Compost, a funny character who could make a plant grow out of even a rock. The Captain had a beard as green as spinach, eyes the hue of ripe tomatoes, and a laugh that sounded like a babbling brook. He was always ready with a gardening tip or a plant pun that could make even a sunflower giggle! Every morning, the kids, under the Captain's watchful gaze, would march towards their beloved garden, located right in Michigan’s mitt-shaped heart. They would plant everything from apples to zinnias, and they had a knack for turning the gloomiest winter days into a springy delight. One day, young Billy asked, "Captain, why do we garden?" The captain gave his green beard a thoughtful stroke, and with a twinkle in his tomato-colored eyes, he replied, "Billy, my boy, we garden not just to grow plants, but to grow happiness, hope, and hearty friendships. And remember, every time you plant a seed, you're telling Mother Earth that you believe in tomorrow." And that, my friends, is the tale of the Green Thumb Brigade, the mini gardeners of Michigan, who continue to plant seeds of joy in their magical state.
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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.
At Mystic Lake YMCA Camp, we are committed to helping children and families grow. Our character development program focuses on the values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. Through this program, we strive to build social responsibility, self-confidence, and a sense of connection and belonging. Our highly trained staff are committed to the mission of the camp and have been thoroughly background checked and certified in CPR and First Aid. Our staff members are also enthusiastic and fun-loving making sure that your child has an amazing experience with us.