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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For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
Susan Paino is a dance arts educator who has been inspiring children and families with her creative classes since 1982. Despite the lockdown and pandemic, she has used her time in Hillsborough, NC to engage in online dance and movement classes, study a secular form of yoga instruction for children, and practice Spanish to build up her conversational skills. With over 20 years of experience, she is passionate about helping children and families find joy and connection through creative activities.