In the golden land of California, where the sun always shines and the ocean waves kiss the coastline, there's a large group of enthusiastic kids known as the Green Giants. Every Saturday, these Green Giants, under the loving guidance of their mentor, Mr. Plantington, embark on a magical adventure — a Tree Planting activity! Now, Mr. Plantington is no ordinary man! He's a tall and jolly fellow with a big bushy mustache that moves whenever he laughs, which is quite often. With his magic shovel, he can dig a hole in seconds, making it perfect for a baby tree to snuggle in. And boy, do these Green Giants love their trees! They care for them as if they were cuddly little kittens, watering them, talking to them, and even singing soothing lullabies to help them grow. This motley crew of young eco-warriors come from all corners of California. Some are surf-loving kids from San Diego, who swear their trees grow faster when they tell them tales of their ocean escapades. Others are tech-savvy youngsters from Silicon Valley, who invented a tree-friendly app to monitor their plant's growth. Then there are those Hollywood youngsters, who believe their little trees long to become famous palm trees lining the glamorous streets of L.A. In the land of the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood stars, and tech gurus, these kids are the real superheroes. Armed with their watering cans and Mr. Plantington's magic shovel, they are on a mission to paint California green. So, if you're in California on a Saturday, look out for the merry Green Giants and their bushy-mustached leader. They're making a difference, one tree at a time!
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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.


In 1978, Ruth Lansford formed Friends of Ballona Wetlands to protect what remained of the 2,000 acres of wetlands that had been drastically affected by housing and development during the 20th century. With their nonprofit status in place, Friends of Ballona Wetlands took up a battle against a series of developers, using litigation and activism to push for preservation of the area. Finally, in 2003, the State of California, the developer of Playa Vista, and the Friends reached an agreement to save 600 acres of the wetlands. Through their relentless efforts, the Friends of Ballona Wetlands have become a leading voice in the struggle to protect the wetlands, working with other NGOs, creating community restoration and educational programs, and advocating for the environment.


The Pythian Youth Foundation of California, Inc. is a well-established 501(c)(3) Public Nonprofit Corporation. Established in 1946, the organization developed and operates the 19-acre Pythian Youth Camp nestled in the heart of the Sequoia National Forest. The camp was founded under the signature of President Harry S. Truman, making it the first and only land-grant camp in the United States. The mission of the Pythian Youth Camp is to enhance the growth and development of disadvantaged children between 9 and 11 both at camp and in the communities where they live. The camp is managed by Executive Director Donna, who can be reached at 909 553-4069. The Pythian Youth Camp is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for America’s youth. Its programs are designed to help children explore and develop their interests, hone their skills, and build strong relationships with their peers and mentors. It is a place where children can have fun, learn, and gain confidence in themselves.

Explore Ecology offers students hands-on experiences to help them understand and appreciate the environment. Through visual arts, field trips, and garden activities, students learn the importance of protecting and preserving the natural world. At Explore Ecology, we believe that children need access to the natural world to develop a healthy sense of self and a strong connection to the environment. Our mission is to provide students with the opportunity to learn about the environment and express their understanding creatively. We strive to create an environment that encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, and an appreciation of the natural world.