In the enchanted land of Illinois, where the prairies sway, and the bustling city of Chicago roars, resides a delightful bunch of kids who have an unusual hobby. They are not astronauts exploring far-off galaxies or cowboys taming wild steeds; instead, they are the brave Sailing Sprites of Illinois! In this charming state, where skyscrapers touch the clouds and cornfields stretch as far as the eye can see, these kids have made the sprawling Lake Michigan their playground. The Sailing Sprites, as they are known, embark on thrilling adventures every day, navigating the glittering waters with laughter and courage. Leading the Sailing Sprites is their fearless captain, a whimsical character known as Nautical Nellie. With her hair as wild as the Chicago wind and a laugh as loud as a foghorn, Nellie is an extraordinary sight. Her imagination is as vast as the Illinois plains, and every sailing trip is an epic tale of swashbuckling pirates, hidden treasures, and mythical sea creatures. Nellie's sidekick is Shelly, a cheeky seagull with a penchant for pizza from the famous Illinois pizzerias. Shelly doesn't just accompany Nellie and her crew on their sailing escapades; she provides a constant stream of comedy, chattering away about her love for deep-dish pizza and her attempts to perfect the art of flipper-dipping. In Illinois, the Sailing Sprites and their hilarious companions turn every day into an adventure. They glide into the sunrise, their laughter echoing across the water, and their hearts filled with the spirit of Illinois - brave, lively, and ever ready to explore the uncharted waters of imagination and fun!
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DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.
Our travelers often come back with a better understanding of the world and the people in it. They are more aware of their global context and the need to make a difference. Through their service and stewardship of the natural world, our travelers learn to appreciate and respect the beauty of the places they visit. We strive to make a lasting impact on our travelers. We believe that the experiences we provide have the power to change young people’s lives. We are passionate about giving our travelers the opportunity to not only explore the world but also to make a meaningful impact on the places they visit. We want them to gain the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary to help make the world a better place.