In the quirky, shape-shifting state of New Jersey, crammed between the bustling Big Apple and the historic heart of Philly, a peculiar phenomenon occurs. This magical state, known for its sandy shores, mouth-watering diners, and being the birthplace of juicy blueberries, is also home to a unique breed of kids. Kids who transform into magnificent maestros and cool conductors when they pick up a musical instrument. Meet Jammin’ Jersey, a magical musical genie, who lives in an old-school jukebox and wears a suit made of vinyl records. He has a rather odd diet; he munches on music notes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and guzzles down melodies like lemonade. Jammin’ Jersey has a mission. He travels around the state, sprinkling magical music dust on the kids, inspiring them to play instruments. The moment the music dust settles on them, something incredible happens. The kids of New Jersey, who were just moments ago playing hopscotch or munching on a delicious Taylor ham sandwich, morph into mini-Mozarts, baby-Beethovens, and junior-Joplins. They strum guitars with confidence, beat drums with gusto, and flute melodies flow as naturally as the Passaic river. The "Garden State" then becomes the "Groovy State". Houses resonate with the warm hum of cellos, open fields echo with the chirpy tunes of piccolos, and even the busy boardwalks by the beach pulsate with the rhythmic beats of bongos. The air throughout New Jersey is filled with sweet symphonies, all thanks to Jammin’ Jersey and his band of musical munchkins. So, if you’re journeying through New Jersey, tune your ears to the magical music, and you might just spot Jammin’ Jersey and his orchestra of incredible kids.
Read morebest playing-instrument programs in Elmer, 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.
At Appel Farm Arts & Music Center, we believe artmaking is a powerful tool for healing and connecting with others. We have been serving our community as a non-profit since 1978, providing a place for people of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds to appreciate, study and actively participate in the visual and performing arts. Throughout our seven decades of service, we have continued to expand our programs to include a wide range of arts activities, from local to national and even international projects. We strive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy that comes with artmaking. Our programs reach over 32,000 children and adults each year, proving that the power of the arts can truly make a difference in people’s lives. At Appel Farm, we are proud to be part of a vibrant and diverse community of art makers, and we are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone to express themselves and explore their creativity. We are passionate about continuing to make artmaking a healing, joyous, and fulfilling experience for our community.