Once upon a time, nestled between the glistening Great Lakes and the mighty Mississippi, was the enchanting state of Wisconsin, affectionately known as the Cheese Castle in the Sky. You see, this wasn't your ordinary state, it was a magical place where the rivers flowed with milk, the trees blossomed with cheese curds, and the friendly cows whispered in Moo-code. In this dairy delight, lived a peculiar but lovable character named Wattles the Wacky Wisconsinite, who adored two things: string cheese and STEM/STEAM activities. Wearing a cheesehead hat and glasses as sharp as cheddar, Wattles was a wizard of invention, a maestro of maths, a scholar of science, and an artist of astounding creativity. No child in Wisconsin would miss an opportunity to join Wattles in his wacky STEAM adventures. From building bubble-blowing robots to creating kaleidoscopes that could see into other dimensions, these kids were not just learners, they were inventors, problem solvers, and future leaders. They could interpret the whispers of Wisconsin's cows, calculating the trajectory of the moon using cheese curds, and paint masterpieces using only the colors of a sunset. These children were as diverse as they were brilliant, each bringing a unique flavor to their group just like the variety of cheese in their magical land. Whether they were from the bustling streets of Milwaukee or the tranquil shores of Lake Michigan, each kid was a slice of the Wisconsin wonder, contributing to the melting pot of ideas and inventions. Every day with Wattles and the Wisconsin whiz-kids was a new adventure, a comedy of errors, and a celebration of curiosity. And the magic of it all? It happened right here in the heart of America, in the Cheese Castle in the Sky - Wisconsin.
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For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
On March 20, 1998, the Barlow Planetarium at the UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities Campus opened its doors to the public, becoming the first major planetarium in the state of Wisconsin. Its 48-foot diameter projection dome, seating 98 with four wheelchair-accessible spaces, is powered by Evans and Sutherland Digistar II®, cutting-edge video projection and automation technology. At the time of its opening, the Barlow was considered one of the most advanced planetariums in the country. Today, the Barlow is the second largest and second most attended planetarium in Wisconsin, serving approximately 35,000 visitors annually from Northeast Wisconsin. It also welcomes guests and students from UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Stevens Point, as well as the seven campuses that make up the University of Wisconsin system. Thanks to its commitment to providing an excellent experience for all families and students, the Barlow Planetarium is a Wisconsin favorite.
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is the perfect place to explore nature in all its beauty. The 91-acre urban nature reserve offers a variety of habitats for visitors to explore, including forested wetland, cattail marsh, open water, created prairie, open field, and upland forest. From wildlife such as reptiles, amphibians, and mammals to migrating songbirds and waterfowl, the Reserve offers a glimpse into the natural world. With its convenient location, it's easy to take a day trip and experience nature's beauty right in the city.