In the splendid state of Illinois, smack dab in the heartland of America, there exists a peculiar and thrilling spectacle. It's a land known for its towering skyscrapers, rolling farmlands, and, of course, the legendary deep-dish pizza. But there's another reason kids around these parts are celebrated - their genius at basketball. Meet our imaginary friend, Dribbles the Dunking Dinosaur. Dribbles is a jovial green T-Rex obsessed with basketball. He's got a knack for blocking shots with his colossal tail and is something of a local celebrity on the courts of Illinois. Despite his short arms, his slam dunks would make even Michael Jordan's jaw drop! Every afternoon, you'd see Dribbles and the rest of the high-spirited Illinois kids racing to the outdoor courts. They'd arrive in droves, lacing up their squeaky clean sneakers, eager to learn the latest trick from Dribbles. Even the unpredictable Midwestern weather couldn't dampen their spirits. Whether it was a sunny spring day or a frosty winter afternoon, their laughter and cheers echoed through the neighborhoods. These kids, whether from the bustling streets of Chicago or the quiet corners of Springfield, shared a mutual love for basketball. Their eyes would light up at the sight of a bouncing basketball, hearts pounding in rhythm with the dribble. With Dribbles leading the charge, every game was an adventure - a whirlwind of fast breaks, alley-oops, and buzzer-beaters. Life in Illinois was never boring with Dribbles and the basketball-loving kids. Every day was a new chapter in their exciting book of basketball, filled with thrilling plot-twists and unforgettable characters. Because in Illinois, basketball was more than just a game - it was a way of life.
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Hello, craft aficionados, and welcome to Crafts Zone! This is your portal into a realm where imagination and education intertwine. Our bespoke crafting workshops are designed to engage both your creative flair and your thirst for knowledge. To keep you abreast with the latest trends and techniques in crafting, we've devoted a fifth of our sessions entirely to learning. Prepare yourself for an exciting journey of creating and connecting as these constitute the major portion of our workshops, a staggering 70% to be precise! You'll be offered ample opportunities to convert your innovative concepts into tangible creations and also get to know other art enthusiasts. Embrace the joy of crafting something magnificent along with forging friendships with like-minded individuals. And we certainly can't overlook the aspect of relaxation! Here at Crafts Zone, we set aside 10% of our time to simply unwind and recharge. We fully endorse the therapeutic effects of crafting and are firm believers in the stress-relieving properties of creative expression. So, come and soak in the serene, artistic ambiance. Be sure to keep an eye out for our forthcoming workshops. At Crafts Zone, your creative voyage is just getting started!


In 2010, Dan and Andy bought and invested $1 million in construction and renovation of Camp Manitowa Rend Lake. Since then, the 40-acre property has been hosting sleep-away summer camps, retreats, and festivals. It is the newest, freshest camp in the Benton area of Southern Illinois, and is located only 90 minutes from St. Louis, MO and Paducah, KY. At Camp Manitowa, campers entering grades 2nd through 8th can benefit from a tailored 1 or 2 week residential camp program. This program is designed with younger campers’ needs in mind, and encourages the development of independence, self-esteem, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Campers also have the opportunity to make lifelong friends in a small, nurturing community. The camp also offers structured free play and choice time, allowing campers to feel a sense of belonging and empowerment to learn. In 2013, Camp Manitowa is offering week long specialty camps that focus on water skiing, magic, rock school, science, and the popular sport of Gaga. With its unique program and offerings, Camp Manitowa Rend Lake is a great place for campers to experience all the fun and adventure of a summer camp.