Hidden between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean lies the Tar Heel State, North Carolina, and it's downright bonkers about basketball! Here, the kids don't just play basketball, they breathe it! They dribble and shoot hoops under the carolina blue sky, as if each shot could reach the moon. Enter our hero, a cool imaginary character named Bouncing Benny. Benny is a basketball with a mind of his own and a heart full of spunk. The kids love Benny, he's like their bouncy best bud. Benny isn't your ordinary basketball though, oh no! He has a wicked sense of humor and the ability to speak. He's been known to shout "Swish!" when a kid makes a perfect shot, and "Whoopsie daisy!" when the ball slips away. From the bustling city courts of Charlotte to the humble backyard hoops of Asheville, Benny and the kids play morning till night, their laughter echoing throughout the state. They celebrate every shot made, console each other for every miss, and are always ready for a rematch. The spirit of teamwork is as strong as the scent of hickory smoked barbecue in the air. The kids of North Carolina are not just teammates; they're friends, learning life's greatest lessons on the basketball court. They understand that winning isn't everything, but trying your best is. Through their love of basketball, the kids of North Carolina and Bouncing Benny have created a world full of fun, friendship and the simple joy of a game well played. And to quote Benny, "That's what hoops are all about!"
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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.


At Island Montessori Charter School, this approach is taken to heart. Here, children of diverse backgrounds are given the opportunity to learn and grow at their own pace in a developmentally appropriate and challenging Montessori environment. The school also models grace and courtesy, creating a peaceful community of lifelong learners. Parents looking to provide their children with the best educational experience will find it at Island Montessori Charter School. This unique institution helps children reach their full potential – physically, intellectually, and emotionally – by offering an environment that stimulates their interests and learning capacities. With grace and courtesy models in place, the school fosters a peaceful community of lifelong learners.

Wilmington’s Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to helping city residents live their best lives. By offering high-quality programming and maintaining its parks and facilities, the department provides a range of opportunities for recreational, social, cultural, employment, and educational activities. The Department of Parks and Recreation is dedicated to promoting holistic well-being for its residents. From offering parks and recreational facilities to providing educational and employment opportunities, the department is working to ensure all city residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. The City of Wilmington Department of Parks and Recreation is an invaluable asset in the community, providing a wide variety of services that support the health and wellbeing of its residents. From maintaining parks and facilities to offering recreational, social, cultural, employment, and educational activities, the department is committed to helping city residents live their best lives.