Once upon a time, in the colorful state of North Carolina, a bunch of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed kids lived. This wasn't your ordinary bunch though; they were the Crafty Clan, known far and wide for their unmatched talent in Art & Crafts! The state of NC, as their friends called it, was as diverse as a painter's palette, with its majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, lush green forests, sun-kissed beaches, and bustling cities. And right smack in the middle, you'd find the Crafty Clan, painting, gluing, cutting, and creating! Leading the pack was Billy the Brush, a cheeky little character who could paint a masterpiece faster than a squirrel eating a nut. If you thought his hair was wild, you should see his creations! One day it's a life-sized, rainbow-colored unicorn, the next it's a model of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, with blinking lights and all. Next, meet the terrific twins, Gluey Gertie and Scissors Sid. Give Gertie a bottle of glue and she can make a sculpture that looks like it's straight out of the North Carolina Museum of Art. Sid, on the other hand, could cut shapes so perfect and precise, even the most finicky Geometry teacher would be beaming with pride. And let's not forget Popsicle Patty, the queen of crafting with anything and everything. Whether it's popsicle sticks, pine cones, or pebbles, Patty could turn them into adorable little creations that everyone in NC adored. Together, these kids filled North Carolina with color, creativity, and so much laughter. And between you and me, they were only just getting started. So, if you're ready for adventure, grab your paintbrushes and glue guns, and let's join the Crafty Clan in their next grand creation!
Read morebest art-crafts programs in Matthews, NC


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.

At Tinkergarten, we believe that outdoor play is the best way for kids to learn and develop. Our classes, held in Matthews, North Carolina throughout the year, are designed to help children explore and discover nature and the environment. With the help of our curriculum and our experienced educators, children can learn about the world around them while having fun. We understand that it can be difficult for parents and caregivers to find the time and resources to make outdoor play a part of their children’s early learning experience. That’s why Tinkergarten offers year-round classes to ensure that families can get outside and make the most of their kids’ early learning years. With our live sessions, our curriculum to extend the play at home, and an engaging learning community, we make it easy for families to get outside and explore the world around them.


The Center is currently open for paid programming and some meeting groups. November's gallery display will feature the work of Cynthia Howard's adult artist students. This is a great opportunity for art lovers to come and explore the work of these talented students. The McDowell Arts Center offers an array of experiences for parents and children alike. From paid programming and meetings to gallery displays, the Center is a great place to explore and appreciate the arts. November's gallery show will showcase the work of Cynthia Howard's adult artist students. The display is sure to be a treat for art enthusiasts and a learning experience for all. The McDowell Arts Center is a great resource for parents and children alike. This November, visitors will have the opportunity to check out Cynthia Howard's adult artist students' work in the gallery. The Center is currently open for paid programming and some meeting groups, providing further opportunities for art appreciation. This is a great chance to explore the artistic talent of the local community.


The Brace Family YMCA was founded with the goal of strengthening communities and bringing families together. The Harris YMCA in Charlotte is a shining example of this mission in action, offering assistance to Latino immigrant families as they settle into their new home. We are proud to see our YMCA living out these values. The Harris YMCA is helping to make a lasting impact in our community by providing resources to Latino immigrant families. By connecting them with the support they need to adjust to their new home, the YMCA is helping to create a safe and welcoming environment for these families. The Brace Family YMCA is proud to have a branch that is living out our mission of bringing families together and strengthening our community. At the Brace Family YMCA, we are passionate about making a difference in the lives of families across the country. The Harris YMCA in Charlotte is a testament to this commitment, providing resources and support to Latino immigrant families as they settle into their new home. We are proud to see our YMCA bringing families together and strengthening our community in this meaningful way.

Are you looking to give your little one the gift of music? Look no further than Kindermusik at the Matthews Community Center! Our innovative music-based educational program is designed to help children learn and grow during the most important years of their brain development. We offer classes for children as young as 3 months all the way up to 3 years old. Each class is accompanied by a caregiver, and multi-week sessions are offered throughout the year. Kindermusik at Matthews Community Center is the perfect way to give your child the joy of music! Our educational program focuses on helping children learn and grow during the most critical stage for brain development. Classes are available for children from 3 months to 3 years old, with an accompanying caregiver each class. We offer multi-week sessions throughout the year, so you can give your little one the gift of music for longer.

Introducing Fun Arts Afterschool Online Series, the perfect way to help your child learn and have fun at the same time! From Health and Fitness to American History, Math and Science, this series covers all the primary school subjects that are essential for your child’s development. And the best part is, the show is designed to provide summer learning for those who may not be as academically on grade level as others, so there’s something for everyone! Each episode of Fun Arts Afterschool Online Series is packed full of fun and educational content, with 5-6 comedic segments and 2-3 comedic commercials. Each episode is around 25 minutes long, and is suitable for both children and adolescents. With Fun Arts Afterschool Online Series, your child will have an increased desire to learn and will learn important morals along the way! So why not get your child involved today and see the difference it makes?