Once upon a time, in the funky state of Illinois, known for its colossal skyscrapers and the mouthwatering deep-dish pizzas, lived a group of talented kiddos. These weren't just any regular kids, oh no, they were the super-duper, ultra-imaginative, crayon-carrying Sketch Squad of Illinois. Leading this lively crew was Doodle McPencil, a cool, nifty character born from a burst of creativity and a dollop of midnight blue ink. He was as tall as a giraffe's knee, wore a beret that was a bit too large for his head, and sported a pair of rainbow suspenders. Whenever Doodle snapped his fingers (which were shaped like pencil erasers), the kids in the Sketch Squad knew it was time to let their imaginations run wild. All across the Pancake Prairie and the Humongous Husker's farm, kids with paper and pencils would form exciting stories. From the bravest superheroes to the silliest clowns, from the brightest unicorns to the darkest vampires, they drew them all. And let's not forget their favorite, the Great Pizza Monster, who loved nothing more than to gobble up all the deep-dish pizzas in Chicago. Everywhere in Illinois, the Sketch Squad was known for their incredible talents. Their laughter echoed against the towering structures of Chicago, their creativity filled the sprawling cornfields, and their drawings brought the charm of the Mississippi River to paper. And so, in the heart of the Land of Lincoln, the Sketch Squad and Doodle McPencil created a world of imagination, one sketch at a time. They laughed, they drew, they created, and most importantly, they had a whole lot of fun along the way.
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We are thrilled to bring you some fantastic news! For the first time, we are launching our STEM Summer Camp Program in Torrance, marking our debut in the South Bay and Orange County areas. This is a significant milestone for us, and we hope it's just the beginning of our journey to expand to many other locations. This summer, we are offering your child an unprecedented opportunity to dive deep into the fascinating world of STEM. Our camp will be buzzing with interactive experiments and creative challenges to fuel your child's curiosity and keep them engaged. It's an ideal environment for kids who have an insatiable desire to learn, explore, and grow. We also want to stress our commitment to small group learning. In order to ensure that every child gets the focused attention they need, we're capping the number of spots available. Don't let your child miss out on this incredible opportunity at our exciting STEM Summer Camp. Book their spot today! Our special Science Club program is meticulously designed to cater to children from grades K-6. Each lesson in the Club SciKidz program is crafted to engage students in activities like observation, measurement, identifying properties, and conducting experiments around life, earth, and physical science concepts. Each unit is thoroughly researched by our team of science educators, with valuable inputs from teachers and children. The result is a set of lessons that not only entertain students but also foster genuine learning. Join us for a summer of science that promises to be full of fun and learning!


At Side Street Studio Arts, creativity and collaboration come together to create a vibrant and inclusive space for artists in Elgin. Founded in 2013, the studio has been a place for artists to gather, to learn, and to share their work and experiences. With its mission of supporting the artist and artistic journey through collaboration, Side Street Studio Arts has quickly become a cornerstone of the Elgin arts scene. Side Street Studio Arts offers educational and creative resources that help to nurture the artistic journey. From classes and workshops to open studio hours and artist-in-residence programs, Side Street provides a space for artists to come together and collaborate. Whether it’s a professional artist looking to hone their craft or an amateur artist looking to explore and learn new techniques, Side Street Studio Arts is a place to find inspiration, encouragement, and support. The collaborative spirit of Side Street Studio Arts has made it a thriving community of artists in Elgin and beyond. By providing a place for artists to come together and share their ideas and experiences, Side Street Studio Arts has helped to foster a strong and vibrant arts scene. With its commitment to creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity, Side Street Studio Arts is a place for all artists to explore and grow.


Drawing is an ideal medium for young learners as it engages both sides of the brain. Through the Young Rembrandts Method and curriculum, children are given the opportunity to learn in a way that is compatible with their growing minds. The classes provide the foundation for crucial brain-based learning, helping to foster the development of modern minds. Through these classes, children are able to gain the following skills: