In the grand kaleidoscope of states that comprise the United States of America, Illinois sits proudly as a sparkling gem. A symphony of nature, cities, farms, and rivers, she gleams with the charm of the Midwest, a crown set with the gleaming jewel of Chicago. The kids of Illinois, especially those who participate in Nature activities, aren't just ordinary kids - oh, no, they're something far more adventurous! Meet our hero, a dapper raccoon named Racket. Racket, with his bandit-masked eyes and bushy tail, is as spunky as a summer thunderstorm, and just as electrifying. He's a charming rogue, always ready to guide our brave Illinoisan kids on their explorations. From the wild prairies of the south, where nature whispers ancient stories through the tall, swaying grass, to the secret corners of the Shawnee Forest, where trees older than time itself stand tall, Racket and the kids seek adventures. And boy, do they find them! They go bug hunting, canoeing on gleaming rivers, and stargazing in the clear, country nights, giggling at constellations with funny names like "Boötes" (which, by the way, Racket always mispronounces as "Booties" just to make them laugh). Imagine a group of kids, cheeks flushed with excitement, rosy from both the exertion and the cold, as they embark on a winter hike through Starved Rock State Park. There’s Racket, leading the way, slipping and sliding in the snow in a way that makes everyone chuckle. In the state of Illinois, every day is a new adventure, and every child is a brave explorer, and every raccoon? Well, he just might be the coolest guide you've ever met!
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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!
East Bay Camp & Retreat is the perfect destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located in Central Illinois, only 12 miles north of Bloomington-Normal and a few minutes from Interstate 39, this beautiful retreat is situated on Lake Bloomington. With its attractive and functional facilities, East Bay provides the perfect setting for a range of activities such as team-building, fellowship, conferencing, and business. Adding to the enchanting atmosphere are the abundant wildlife sightings, including deer, wild turkeys, herons, and turtles. The 160-acre property is also home to a variety of hardwoods and evergreens, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind.
Originally owned by the Boy Scouts Camp Heffernan, Easterseals purchased the property in 1989 and has since been working to transform it into a year-round camp and retreat center. For over sixty years, campers of all abilities have experienced the joys of camping, and have benefited from the specialized programming offered. Through the work of the Timber Pointe Charitable Foundation, the Easterseals property has become a place of fun and discovery for individuals and families alike. Offering a range of inclusive activities and adapted programming, Timber Pointe offers a truly unique and special experience for its campers.