In the bustling corn-covered kingdom of Illinois, a distinctive group of pint-sized warriors, called the Rock-A-Locka Climbers, scale the rocky terrain, with grins as wide as the mighty Mississippi River. Illinois, a broad and beautiful land with skyscrapers touching the heavens and forests that stretch further than the eye can see, becomes a playground for these brave hearted kids. Our Rock-A-Locka Climbers are led by their fearless leader, Captain Cliffhanger. With curly orange hair flaming brighter than a prairie sunset and muscles as sturdy as the Chicago Bears, Captain Cliffhanger inspires the young warriors with his legendary stories and cliffhanging adventures. These pint-sized warriors are not your average cheese puffs and video games kind of kids. No siree! They can scale a rock wall faster than a squirrel running from the neighbor’s dog. But it's not all about muscles and swift moves, these kids have minds as sharp as the eagle's eye. They can solve rock climbing puzzles faster than a computer beats a human at tic-tac-toe, and they're braver than a lone cardinal singing in the winter snow. The Rock-A-Locka Climbers of Illinois are the heart of the land, conquering cliffs and boulders with a spirit as untamed as the Illinois prairie wind. With Captain Cliffhanger leading them on daring adventures, they challenge the rocks and themselves, laughing in the face of gravity. They are the future, the spirit, and the joy of the Land of Lincoln, proving that size isn't an obstacle when you're born to climb.
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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 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.