If you were to flap open the gigantic atlas, situated somewhere between the hustle and bustle of New York and the historic charm of Pennsylvania, you would find a little jewel named New Jersey. Often affectionately referred to as the "Garden State," it's not just famous for its juicy tomatoes or the taste-bud tingling corn, but it's also a big splash in the world of swimming! The kids of New Jersey, or as our imaginary character, Captain Flipper likes to call them – the "Jersey Water Wizards," are quite the aquatic aficionados. With a backstroke as smooth as butter sliding down a hot ear of corn, they swoop through the water, leaving a trail of bubbles and awestruck onlookers. In the morning, as the sun peeks over the Atlantic Ocean, Captain Flipper, a funny, oversized dolphin with sunglasses and a neon swim cap, rallies his team. With a hearty "Flippity, floppity, let's get hoppity!" they dive into the pristine pools that dot the state, from Hoboken to Hackensack. These wizards are not just swimming for gold medals, but for the golden rays of the sun and the cheer of the crowd. Captain Flipper, with his blowhole that sounds like a laughing trombone, instills in them a spirit of fun, friendship, and a love for the magical dance between water and body. He often tells them, "In New Jersey, we don't just swim; we glide, we play, we make the water our stage." And so, from the tiniest of tots to the tallest of teens, the swimming pools of New Jersey echo with laughter, splashes, and the occasional trombone-like blowhole sound - a tribute to the watery wonderland they call home. And the "Jersey Water Wizards" continue to swim, following the flipper-steps of their funny and lovable mentor, Captain Flipper.
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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 Star Lake summer camp, campers can make lasting memories and gain a unique connection with nature. The Salvation Army has been providing this camp experience to children from the Greater New York area since 1923, giving thousands of youngsters the opportunity to explore the 400-acre property in Bloomingdale, New Jersey. Here, kids can enjoy activities such as boating, swimming and fishing in the three lakes and two waterfalls. Star Lake camp offers the chance for children to have a meaningful and fun vacation. Programs are tailored to provide campers with a sense of worship and reverence, as well as to help them discover their place in a larger world. Through these activities, children can gain confidence, learn new skills and form lifelong friendships. The Salvation Army has been providing joy and adventure to kids at Star Lake summer camp for nearly a century. With its stunning natural beauty, campers can be sure to come away with incredible memories and experiences that will stay with them for years to come.
For almost a century, The Salvation Army's Star Lake summer camp has provided a safe haven and lifelong memories for thousands of youngsters from the Greater New York area. Situated in the beautiful foothills of the Ramapo Mountains in Bloomingdale, New Jersey, the 400-acre camp features three lakes and two waterfalls, offering campers the chance to experience fishing, boating and swimming. The camp's programs are designed to nurture the potential good within each child and encourage a sense of reverence and appreciation for God. These programs also help campers make a connection with a larger world outside of their own. At Star Lake camp, children are provided with a unique opportunity to experience joy and make memories that will last a lifetime. The Salvation Army is committed to providing a safe environment for campers to grow, explore and discover the world around them.