Once upon a time, in a land as vast as the golden cornfields, graced by the winding Chicago River and guarded by the towering Willis Tower, there lay the bountiful state of Illinois. It's a place where the winds whispered tales of adventure and the stars twinkled in delight as they watched over the bustling cities and peaceful prairies. But do you know what made Illinois even more magical? Why, it was the children who lived there, of course! These weren't just ordinary kids though. You see, every one of them was a "Painting Pioneer!" With a flick of their magic paintbrushes, they could bring the most incredible images to life on their canvases. And it was all thanks to their leader, a quirky, jolly character they fondly named "Splatter the Paint-tastic." Splatter was a peculiar fellow, not a person, but a paintbrush with a life of its own. He wore a beret made of rainbow sprinkles and had a mustache that sparkled like glitter. He was always seen doing a wobbly little dance, his bristles dipped in a pot of laughter and his handle filled with zany ideas. Splatter taught the children that every painting was a unique universe of their creation. He told them that each splash of color was a new star born, and each careful stroke was a river flowing with stories. Together, they painted marvelous masterpieces, each one echoing with the laughter and joy of these Painting Pioneers of Illinois. For you see, in this magical state, every child had a universe in their heart, and a paintbrush in their hand to bring it to life.
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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.

As an Art influencer and an Art leader, Sue's footprint expands outside of Regis Glass Art. The Art Movement Inc, founded in 2017 is Sue Regis' first non-profit endeavor igniting the Arts in Joliet and initiating a cultural renaissance. In addition, Sue Regis also serves as a Commissioner on Joliet's newly coordinated City Arts Commission. Sue is a dynamic Artist and a pivotal leader throughout all of her success. started working with glass when she was 17 years old. She is the sole proprietor of Regis Glass Art since 2005 located in the heart of a booming downtown Joliet, Illinois.

Are you an expecting parent or do you have a child aged 0-3 living in Will, Grundy, Kendall, Kankakee, Iroquois, or Ford counties? If so, you’re in luck! Easterseals Joliet Region offers a free, home visiting program called Jumpstart to help you on your parenting journey. Jumpstart offers developmental screenings and activities, parenting enrichment, and support – all in the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule. No matter how hectic life with young children can get, Jumpstart makes it easy to give your child the nurturing and attention they need. Jumpstart from Easterseals Joliet Region is here to help families with expecting parents or those with children aged 0-3 in Will, Grundy, Kendall, Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford counties. This free home visiting program provides a variety of services to make parenting easier, including developmental screenings, activities, support, and more. Visits are tailored to your schedule and conducted in the comfort of your own home – because we know that’s where children feel the most secure. With Jumpstart, you can give your child the attention and nurturing they need, no matter how busy life gets.