Deep in the heart of the Great Lakes State, a place some folks like to call Michigan, lives a lovable, lumbering, imaginary character named Mitty the Moose. Now, Mitty is not your typical moose, oh no! He wears a bright red backpack, sports a snazzy pair of hiking boots, and has an insatiable love for adventure. In Michigan, he has plenty of places to roam, with its rolling hills, pristine lakes, dense forests, and miles upon miles of hiking trails. Mitty loves this state, nestled snugly between the four Great Lakes, like a marshmallow in a s'more sandwich, with its diverse landscapes from sleeping sand dunes to bustling cityscapes. The kids of Michigan, much like Mitty, are adventurous and curious. They join him on his many hiking trips, exploring the state's exquisite beauty together. These young adventurers, bundled up in warm jackets during the nippy winters, and dressed in vibrant shorts and t-shirts in the balmy summers, are always ready to explore the great outdoors. They laugh as Mitty tries to squeeze through narrow passages or when he gets his giant antlers stuck in the bushes. These Michigan kids are as varied and unique as the picturesque landscapes they hike through. Some are as quiet as the tranquil lakes at dawn, while others are as lively as the squirrels darting through the trees. They share a special bond with Mitty, their giggles echoing through the woods as they embark on another entertaining expedition. In Michigan, Mitty, and his crew of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed kids, find endless adventures awaiting them at every corner. Whether it's the rustling of leaves under their boots, spotting a rare bird, or sharing stories around a campfire, every hike is a riot of fun and discovery.
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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.
Nissokone is a magical destination that offers something for everyone. Located at the intersection of the AuSable River and Lake Huron, this idyllic spot has been a part of the YMCA for over 100 years. It's a place where young people can explore, learn, and grow in a safe and supportive environment. The experienced and caring staff ensures that everyone has a positive experience, and the ACA accreditation ensures that the facilities are top-notch. Families and groups will find plenty to keep them occupied in this beautiful outdoor setting. Enjoy the lake and the thousand acres of national forest that are part of the camp. With age-appropriate activities, everyone can find something that interests them. Whether you're looking for an adventurous getaway or a place to relax and connect with nature, YMCA Camp Nissokone has something for everyone.
The Huron National Forest is an incredible backdrop for an unforgettable summer experience. Since 1941, Camp Cedar Ridge has been providing campers with the opportunity to grow closer to Christ, explore new experiences, and form strong, lasting friendships. This camp's mission is to invest in the lives of its campers and facilitate their personal and spiritual growth. To make the camp accessible to families of all backgrounds, tuition costs are kept low. Camp Cedar Ridge is not supported by any denomination, so it depends on the generosity of donors who give to the Send a Kid to Camp campaign. All donations given to this campaign are directly applied to the tuition of campers. Camp Cedar Ridge is a wonderful way for children to gain an enriching summer experience, without breaking the bank. Donations to the Send a Kid to Camp campaign help make this possible, and are greatly appreciated.