Belleville, Illinois, is a wonderful city for families, offering a diverse range of educational and entertainment opportunities for children. Located in St. Clair County, just a short drive from downtown St. Louis, Belleville combines the charm of a small town with the conveniences and amenities of a larger city. For parents looking to raise their children in a safe and supportive environment, Belleville offers excellent school districts known for their commitment to quality education. The city boasts a variety of public and private schools, providing parents with plenty of options to choose from. The educational institutions are well-resourced and staffed by dedicated teachers who strive to provide a well-rounded education to their students. In addition to exceptional educational institutions, Belleville offers a wide range of entertainment opportunities for children of all ages. The city is home to several public parks and recreational facilities, offering a plethora of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking. Moreover, the parks often host community events, festivals, and concerts, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for families. For those seeking indoor entertainment, Belleville boasts an array of museums, libraries, and cultural centers that cater specifically to children. The Children's Museum, for instance, is a popular destination where kids can engage in interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences. The local library hosts regular storytimes, book clubs, and educational workshops, fostering a love for reading and learning from an early age. Overall, Belleville, Illinois, is a city that provides an excellent environment for raising children. With its strong educational system, diverse entertainment options, and family-friendly communities, Belleville is a place where families can thrive and children can grow into well-rounded individuals.
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Building Character with Martial Arts. The Black Belt Leadership Academy has a rich history that spans more than ten years, during which it has been pivotal in aiding students to sharpen their concentration, bolster their power, and enhance their self-assurance through exceptional martial arts instruction. Our branch in Wauwatosa is a welcoming space that respects and includes students of every kind, regardless of whether they're novices or seasoned martial artists. Each class that we provide is meticulously planned to challenge students at a personal level, while also creating a positive and rewarding ambiance. This individualized approach guarantees that all our students feel recognized and motivated, which leads to a more successful learning journey. At our academy, we're committed to fostering an environment that brings out the best in each student. Our classes aim to not merely impart martial arts techniques but also to instill qualities such as discipline, respect, and resilience. We are firm believers that the values learned at our academy extend beyond the training hall and will benefit our students in all their future pursuits.

At Camp Ben Frankel, we focus on creating a lifetime of memories for Jewish children of all backgrounds. Our leadership and staff are experienced and highly trained in providing a safe, welcoming camp environment, and we’re proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. We strive to meet and exceed the expectations of our campers, parents, and staff. During the summer of 2021, we reopened our in-person camp and experienced no cases of Covid. In 2020, we launched CBF Online, our virtual summer camp program. It quickly gained recognition from the Jewish Telegraph Agency, The Forward, The Telegraph (UK), the St. Louis Jewish Light, and eJewishPhilanthropy. We partner with organizations like the Foundation For Jewish Camp, JCamp180, Jewish Camps USA, Life and Legacy, and Jewish Federations across the country to better serve our community. We are proud to have been presented with the JCamp180 Outstanding Board Leadership Award in October 2020. At Camp Ben Frankel, our mission is to provide a lifetime of memories to Jewish children from all backgrounds. We create an inclusive and welcoming environment that invites exploration of identity. Our staff are trained in safety protocols, and we use best-practices, strategic partnerships, and an open-minded approach to develop programs and activities that meet our high standards. We are thrilled to have been able to offer both in-person and virtual camp in 2021 and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality programming for years to come.