On the eastern coast of the United States stretches the long and lovely land named North Carolina, or as our whimsical friend Wally the Walrus likes to call it, "The Land of Oodles of Doodles!" Wally, wearing his twirly mustache and paint-splattered beret, is the unofficial ambassador of the artsy kids of North Carolina. Every corner of the state, from the high peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Outer Banks, echoes with the sound of pencils scratching on paper, brushes swishing against canvas, and the soft click-clack of clay being molded into fantastical shapes. Wally often jokes that you can't throw a paintbrush in North Carolina without hitting a creative kiddo hard at work! Kids here are as varied as the state’s landscapes. There's Maggie from Maggie Valley, who paints stunning sunsets while munching on her favorite hickory-smoked barbeque. Then there's Hank from Hatteras Island, who loves to sculpt sand during low tide, and Patty from Piedmont, with her incredible knack for sketching the critters she spies in her backyard. Wally loves to visit each of them, sharing ridiculous jokes that make them laugh until their sides ache. "Why don't artists ever play hide and seek?" Wally would ask, with a twinkle in his eye. After the inevitable shrugs and shakes of the head, he'd guffaw and slap his walrus belly. "Because good luck hiding when your hands are covered in paint!" So, whether you wander through the whimsical waterfalls of the western part of the state or decide to dip your toes in the salty sea on the eastern shores, you'll find the kids of North Carolina happily immersed in the world of visual arts, inspired by their marvelous surroundings and their jolly friend, Wally the Walrus.
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Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.
Susannah Sloan opened a unique paint-it-yourself ceramic and sculpture studio on W. Main Street in Carrboro in 1999. Here, parents and kids alike can explore their creative sides with a wide variety of activities such as summer camps, after-school classes, birthday parties, corporate events, baby showers, engagement and bachelorette parties, graduation, or any special occasion. Susannah’s studio offers a wide array of activities, making it a great option for parents looking for an unforgettable experience for their family. Susannah Sloan’s locally owned and operated paint-it-yourself ceramic and sculpture studio is an ideal option for parents who want to create a special experience for their family. Located on W. Main Street in Carrboro, the studio offers a wide selection of activities, from summer camps and after-school classes to birthday parties, corporate events, baby showers, engagement and bachelorette parties, graduation, and more. Since 1999, Susannah’s studio has provided a creative outlet for parents and kids alike with its fun and engaging activities. Susannah Sloan opened her locally owned and operated paint-it-yourself ceramic and sculpture studio in Carrboro in 1999. The studio has become a popular destination for parents looking for an unforgettable experience for their family. With a wide array of activities such as summer camps, after-school classes, birthday parties, corporate events, baby showers, engagement and bachelorette parties, graduation, and more, Susannah’s studio is the perfect place to explore creativity and have fun.
At Parents Magazine, we believe in the power of art therapy to build a healthier, stronger society. Art therapy is an accessible way to help diverse communities build resilience and foster positive mental health. We advocate for a strengths-based, culturally-responsive approach to art therapy, education, and research. This research-based approach has been proven to help individuals, families, and entire communities reach their greatest potential. Art therapy is a powerful tool for improving mental health, emotional regulation, and communication. It can be used to reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and help individuals recognize their own strengths and potential. Through art therapy, individuals can learn to trust their own unique creative process and discover their voice. Parents Magazine is committed to advancing the well-being of diverse communities through art therapy. We believe that with the right resources and support, individuals can form a more positive relationship with themselves and their environment. We are proud to support research and education initiatives that promote access to culturally-responsive art therapy and help build healthier societies.
The ArtsCenter provides opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to participate in the arts. Through our programs, we strive to inspire artistic creativity and to enrich the lives of those in our community. Through our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are able to create an environment that is welcoming and open to everyone. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and respect for everyone, regardless of their background. We believe that artistic expression is a powerful force that has the ability to transform lives and our community. At The ArtsCenter, we strive to create an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. We are committed to providing access to resources and programming that will help to empower individuals to explore and develop their artistic talents. We look forward to continuing to be part of the movement to foster an environment of creativity and inclusion.