Once upon a time, in the lively state of Illinois, filled with expansive cornfields, towering skyscrapers, and the captivating Lake Michigan, a gang of kids discovered the joyous, sometimes squiggly, activity of fishing. Illinois, known for its pizza, hot dogs, and the legendary Chicago Bulls, was now also home to these young fishing enthusiasts. Our story features a peculiar, but lovable character, named Squiggly Wiggly. Squiggly was not your average boy; he was a talking worm with a passion for fishing. Yes, a worm! Funny, isn't it? Squiggly would wriggle his way around Illinois, teaching kids how to fish and, of course, how to bait the hook without him ending up as dinner for the fishes. These Illinois kids weren't just regular children either. They were little adventurers, always ready to cast their fishing lines and pull out the biggest, most-colorful fish. And with Squiggly Wiggly’s expertise in wormology and fish-tales, they became the best fishermen and fisherwomen in all of Illinois. They would giggle as they got their hands wet and muddy, baiting their hooks under Squiggly's watchful eye. There would be shouts of excitement whenever a fish would take the bait, and the battle of reeling it in would ensue. With each tug of war between kid and fish, the bonds of friendship grew stronger among the gang and their unusual, wriggly mentor. So there they were, the awesome kids of Illinois: fearless, funny, and full of fishing tales, making the most out of their beautiful state’s lakes and rivers, and having the time of their lives with their favorite fishing companion, the ever-squiggly, ever-wiggly, Squiggly Wiggly.
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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!
Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center is an outdoor destination like no other. Located south of Carbondale, IL, on 157 acres of hills and trees, this United Methodist Church Camp and Retreat Center is a piece of nature’s beauty. Bordering a 1,000-acre Little Grassy Lake and set in the Shawnee National Forest, Little Grassy is bounded by a covenant with the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge to exercise careful stewardship of the wildlife, vegetation, and landforms. The camp provides exciting opportunities to explore and reconnect with nature. On the grounds you’ll find a hotel-style lodge with a large meeting room, a year-round youth lodge, and a dining hall with a meeting room furnished with cozy furniture and a fireplace. Plus, there are air-conditioned cabins and an open-air tabernacle, making Little Grassy a great destination for a variety of housing and meeting needs. For visitors looking for outdoor activities, Little Grassy Camp has it all - from hiking and swimming to rock-climbing and rappelling. Plus, the camp offers spiritual formation programs in the Christian tradition for both youth and adults. Little Grassy Camp is also available to rent for special events like reunions, business meetings, or youth camps. Join Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature and Christ.
Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, Camp Little Giant has been a beacon of inclusivity since 1952. It was the first camp in the nation designed specifically to serve campers with disabilities, and was the first camp to be accredited by the American Camp Association. The camp's mission of providing a safe and enriching environment for campers has set the standard for special needs camps across the country, and has even paved the way for the Special Olympics. Camp Little Giant is dedicated to giving campers with disabilities a true camp experience. It offers traditional activities such as outdoor recreation, swimming, arts & crafts, and music & drama, and all activities are adapted to meet the needs of campers with disabilities. Through its commitment to inclusion, Camp Little Giant has been a leader in providing campers with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of a traditional camp experience. For 65 years, Camp Little Giant has been at the forefront of special needs camps, paving the way for the Special Olympics, and bringing joy and inclusivity to campers of all abilities.