In the spirited and enchanting state of North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains kiss the sky and the Atlantic Ocean whispers to the sandy shores, there exists a bustling community of child nature enthusiasts. They are led by an eccentric and lovable character named Peculiar Pete, a mythical possum with a floppy straw hat and a penchant for belly laughs. His fur, a mix of gray and white, shimmers like stardust under the warm Carolina sun. Pete, is not your typical possum. You see, he doesn't play dead; rather, he plays alive! Peculiar Pete and his gang of enthusiastic young adventurers spend their days engaging in all kinds of fun and educational outdoor activities. From climbing the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to spy on the sky hugging hawks, to snorkeling in the shallow waters of the Outer Banks to say hello to the playful dolphins, these kids are never short on excitement. They investigate every nook and cranny of the Great Smoky Mountains, where they gather around Pete, with eyes wide and hearts ablaze, listening to his tales about the legendary Cherokee warriors. Their laughter rings through the lush forests of Pisgah as they race each other to find the most colorful mushrooms, or tumble down sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge, cackling like mad sandpipers. This isn't just a gang of kids, oh no! They are the young knights and sorceresses of nature, armed with binoculars and butterfly nets, their imaginations their most powerful tool. In the wild lands of North Carolina, they learn, they explore, they laugh, and under the watchful eyes of the twinkling stars and the ever-so-cool Peculiar Pete, they thrive.
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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.
The Newton Parks and Recreation Department is here to provide the best quality of life for all citizens. With a comprehensive selection of recreational, educational and cultural activities, this department works to promote growth in the community through open spaces, parks, and recreational facilities. Additionally, the team is dedicated to improving physical, social and emotional well-being for all citizens. The Parks and Recreation Department of Newton has a mission to ensure that every citizen gains the highest quality of life possible. Offering a broad range of recreational, educational and cultural activities, this department works to contribute to the community’s growth and development. Through open spaces, parks, and recreational facilities, they also strive to improve physical, social and emotional well-being for everyone. The Parks and Recreation Department of Newton is dedicated to improving the quality of life for its citizens. With a diverse and comprehensive program of recreational, educational and cultural opportunities, this department works to assist in the development of the community. Open spaces, parks and recreational facilities are all utilized to contribute to the physical, social and emotional well-being of all citizens.