Once upon a time, in the jazzy, jumbled, jigsaw puzzle of a state named New Jersey, there existed a boisterous bunch of super-groovy kids who twirled their days away in a magical activity known as Dance. They hailed from every corner of the Garden State, from the breezy beaches to the bustling cities, and from the lush farmlands to the towering pine forests. Now, these were not your average, ordinary kids. Oh no, they were led by their fearless, fun-loving, funky footwork leader, a mysterious being known only as Captain Boogie. With a shimmering disco ball for a head, and legs as bendy as a Slinky, Captain Boogie could do the worm like no one's business and moonwalk better than a man on the moon. The kids of New Jersey adored Captain Boogie. They would gather around him every day, their eyes wide with amazement as he showed them new moves, from the Electric Slide to the Floss. He had an uncanny knack of making every movement feel like an adventure, and the kids laughed heartily as they tried to mimic his signature shuffle. Despite their occasional two-left-feet moments, these kids were the heart and soul of New Jersey. They danced in grocery aisles, in school hallways, and even in their sleep. Their laughter echoed through the streets, their joy infused in the air, and their dances painted the sky with vibrant colors of rhythm and rhyme. Yes, the tiny New Jersey, brimming with these spirited jig-jiggers, was indeed a place where every day was a dance party. And it was all thanks to the magnificent, moonwalking, magic-making Captain Boogie!
Read morebest dance programs in Demarest, NJ
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.
Parents Magazine is proud to feature the Holy Angels Dance Team. This nationally recognized and award-winning dance team offers a comprehensive dance study in a variety of genres including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Pom, and Hip Hop. Since 2016, the Varsity Team is ranked 1st in the nation among high school dance teams and the Junior Varsity is ranked 2nd, with remarkable success at the National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida. The team is composed of dancers who share the same passion for success and take a mandatory 8 dance classes a week from leading professionals in the dance industry. They have a partnership with Ballet Hispanico as well as teachers from the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, the 8-time Collegiate National Champion University of Minnesota Dance Team, and the back-to-back National Champion Hofstra University Dance Team. This quality dance instruction, coupled with a beautiful, two-room dance facility equipped with a sprung, marley performance floor, is the key to their success. The Holy Angels Dance Team is also very committed to giving back to their community. In 2012, they were awarded 1st Runner Up in the prestigious American School Spirit Award. Throughout the year, the dancers participate in multiple philanthropic endeavors supporting various organizations. Parents Magazine is proud to recognize and support their inspiring and hardworking commitment to excellence.