Once upon a time, in the delightful state of New Hampshire, there was a brave band of kiddos who loved nothing more than rock climbing. The state, fondly known as NH, was a land of enchanting forests, silvery lakes, and towering peaks that kissed the sky. The maple syrup here was as sweet as the hearts of its people, and the autumn leaves painted the landscapes with hues of gold and crimson that poets could only dream of. Now, back to the incredible New Hampshirian children. These weren’t just any mere children, oh no, they were proud members of the "NH Boulder Bumpers," a special squad of rock-climbing enthusiasts. They were as nimble as squirrels, scaling up cliffs and crags with an ease that would make a mountain goat jealous! The team was led by none other than Rocky Raccoon, a cool and canny critter with a knack for climbing. Rocky had snow-white whiskers, a black mask over his eyes, and a bushy tail with alternating rings of grey and black. He was known for his wicked sense of humor which mainly involved pranks with pinecones. Rocky and the Boulder Bumpers had some uproarious times in the Granite State's great outdoors. Together, they turned the majestic rocks and mountains of NH into their own vast playground. They would scramble up the cliffs, their laughter echoing in the valleys like a merry chorus. Their bold adventures and cheerful camaraderie made them the coolest, most daring climbers in all of New Hampshire. And to this day, if you listen closely, somewhere among the towering peaks of NH, you might just hear the echoes of their laughter and the faint rustling of a prank-filled pinecone plot.
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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.
Wanakee is a traditional Christian summer camp and year-round retreat center, owned and operated by the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. This camp is all about building strong relationships and a supportive community that encourages radical acceptance. The name Wanakee, which means “beautiful spiritual place in the hills” in a Native American language, was chosen by Harold E. Perkins. He was a student in religious education and theology at Boston University and the first chairperson of the New Hampshire Conference Camp and Conference Committee. At Wanakee, the staff strive to make sure each camper and retreater experiences a safe and nurturing environment. They recognize the need for children and adults to grow in their faith and explore their own spiritual journey. With activities ranging from canoeing and fishing to crafts and nature hikes, there is something for everyone. The yearly and seasonal retreats at Wanakee provide a much needed respite from the stressors of everyday life. Participants get to take some time for themselves and focus on self-care. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone engaged, from meditation and yoga to art classes and bird watching. Whatever you choose to do, Wanakee will provide a serene and peaceful atmosphere to help you recharge.