Welcome, dear adventurers, to the grand state of Illinois, a magical land nestled right in the heart of America! This enchanting state is fondly known as the "Prairie State" for its vast, sweeping grasslands that stretch out as far as the eye can see. Illinois is also a realm of towering skyscrapers, delicious deep-dish pizzas, and bustling ball games, but today, we’ll be diving into a different kind of fun - pottery! In every corner of Illinois, from the bustling city of Chicago to the smallest, sleepiest farm towns, you’ll find a merry band of kids with clay-smeared faces and twinkling eyes. These are the Pottery Pranksters, a legendary group of imaginative kids who transform lumps of earth into masterpieces with just their bare hands and sparkling imaginations. The leader of this group is a charming, mischievous sprite known as Clayface Charlie. Charlie, a native of Illinois, is not your average pottery enthusiast. He’s a clay-whisperer! With a flick of his fingers, he can shape clay into any form - a soaring eagle, a laughing gnome, a spaceship, or even a replica of the towering Willis Tower! Under Charlie’s guidance, the Pottery Pranksters turn Illinois into a wonderland of wacky creations. They host pottery battles in backyards, hold clay sculpture contests in parks, and even transform school art rooms into pottery paradise. The Pranksters' laughter echoes through the streets, their hands always a little muddy, their hearts brimming with joy. So, folks, next time you visit Illinois, keep an eye out for these pottery prodigies. Because in this state, there’s no telling what enchanting clay creation you might stumble upon next!
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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.