Down in the Sunshine State of Florida, where oranges grow as big as your head and alligators are considered neighborhood pets, there was a group of amazing kids with green thumbs who loved nothing more than to frolic in the soil. These were not your typical children, oh no, they were the members of the Florida Fantastical Gardening Squad. They could grow a beanstalk faster than you can say 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'! Their leader was a cool imaginary character named Señor Greenbeard, an old pirate with a beard made of ferns and eyebrows like Spanish moss. His laugh was as loud as a crowing rooster, and his eyes twinkled like the morning dew on the leaves. Greenbeard had sailed all seven seas but found his true calling in the sunny lands of Florida, teaching kids the magic of gardening. Every morning, Greenbeard and his team of dirt divas would gather in their gigantic garden, surrounded by vine-covered trellises and towering sunflower sentinels. They would then plunge their hands into the rich Florida soil, wriggling their fingers as if playing a piano concerto. Tomatoes would blush, cucumbers would curtsy, and the corn would grow so tall it tickled the clouds! Whatever they planted grew bigger, better, and funnier. They had carrots the color of rainbows, strawberries shaped like stars, and watermelons that would burst into a shower of confetti when ripe. It was the funniest garden anyone had ever seen, and the giggles of the gardener kids echoed across Florida. They weren’t just growing plants; they were growing laughter, proving that with a little imagination, even the most ordinary activity could turn into an extraordinary adventure.
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Nestled in 178 acres of lush woodland is a serene escape from the city, a place fondly known as Camp Swamp. This overnight Christian camp, located just two hours east of bustling Atlanta, has been serving as a peaceful retreat since 1992. We like to think of it as our own "little slice of heaven," offering a respite from the daily hustle and bustle, and inviting people to reconnect with nature and their spirituality. Our primary offering is a week-long summer camp, but we've expanded over the years to include more than just summer fun. As part of our mission to support families and churches, we now also host three family camps throughout the year, as well as four parent/child retreats. These events offer a chance for families to bond, parents to connect with their children, and individuals to grow in their faith. Moreover, our facilities are not exclusive to our organized events. Camp Swamp also offers rentals to schools, churches, universities, sports teams, and even business groups. Whether you're planning a camp, a retreat, or a team-building excursion, our serene setting and well-equipped facilities provide the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable experience.
At our university, the Field House was recently completed in October 2015 as a total renovation of the Aquatic Center. The $5.1 million, 26,000 sq. ft. facility is located conveniently between the Student Wellness Complex and Arena on the north end of campus. The Field House provides an excellent space for our university's Intramural Sports program, where all indoor sports take place. It is also the hub for informal recreation such as basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, badminton and pickleball. Students can take advantage of the Field House and its many recreational activities for hours of fun and enjoyment. Our university's Field House is a great resource for students and the community. It is a place for both competitive sports and recreational activities. With the completion of the renovation, the Field House has become a true asset to our university and a great addition to the campus.