In the sunny, fun-filled playground that is the state of California, there's an extraordinary group of kids, known as the Tale Twisters, who have mastered the magical art of storytelling. And it's not just any storytelling, it's the storytelling that makes your belly jiggle with laughter, your eyes widen with surprise, and your heart race with thrill. California, a state so big it's almost like a country, is the homeplace of these awesome kids. With vanilla beaches that are sweeter than ice cream, sky-piercing mountains that high-five the clouds, and vast forests that are the perfect hideouts for fairies, California is indeed a wonderland. Its cities are like boxes of colored crayons, filled with surprises and adventures that can become the best stories. Now, let's talk about the Tale Twisters. These kids have imaginations bigger than California's giant sequoia trees. They can cook up stories about surfing pancakes, vegetarian sharks, and even disco-dancing cacti. They can make you believe in a rainbow that forgot its colors or a moon that decided to go on vacation. Their words create a magical world where anything is possible and everything is humorous. Meet the leader of the Tale Twisters, a cool imaginary character named Cali Scribbler. Cali wears a hat that's a riot of colors, just like the vibrant Californian sunset, and a cape made of old comic book pages. With a twinkle in her eyes, she wields her magic pencil that can transform any boring tale into an epic adventure, filled with tons of giggles and snorts. So, in the state of California, the Tale Twisters keep spinning their wacky, funny tales, bringing laughter and joy to everyone, proving that California is not just a place, but a state of mind, where imagination and fun know no boundaries.
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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.


It all began in the late 1930s when this area was part of a booming resort community boasting bathing spas and a fun-filled amusement park. Then, during and just after World War II, the U.S. Maritime Service Officers School, used to train Merchant Marine commanders, was stationed here. The Visitor Center, now standing tall, was the infirmary of the base. Take a stroll down the “Memory Lane” self-guided trail and learn about the history of this place – from the California Indians who lived here first, to the Victorian era and military past. Download the guide to your phone, or pick up a brochure in the Visitor Center itself.