Deep within the heart of the Land of Lincoln, known to us simple mortals as Illinois, there exists a clan of extraordinary kids. Their superpower? Capturing magical moments in a box, or as we call it, a camera. They are the Photo-Wizard Kids of Illinois, and trust me, their adventures are as exciting as they sound! Every morning, the kids wake up to the melodious song of the red cardinal, Illinois's state bird. With cameras slung around their necks and imaginations as wide as Lake Michigan, they set out on their daily quests. Whether they're in Windy City, Chicago, clicking beautiful skyscrapers, or in Springfield, capturing the historic Lincoln Home, every day is a new adventure. One of the most legendary kids is Snappy McFlash, a boy with glasses as thick as Chicago's deep-dish pizzas. Legend says he can make anyone smile for a photo, even Grumpy Gus, the perpetually scowling neighborhood cat. Then there's Lucy Lensalot, the queen of landscape shots. From the emerald cornfields to the glistening Illinois River, she makes everything look like a postcard. The Photo-Wizard Kids of Illinois are more than just a group; they are a family. They laugh together, explore together, and, most importantly, learn together. With every photo taken, they not only capture an image but also a memory, a lesson, and a piece of their heart. So, if you ever find yourself in the Prairie State, keep an eye out for this fantastic crew. You might just end up in one of their magical photos, forever a part of their extraordinary adventures!
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
At Camp Carew, we provide a setting where children and young adults can experience the Christian faith in fellowship with others. We strive to help people deepen their understanding of God, each other, and the natural world. Our goal is to help build campers’ sense of personal worth and their relationship to Jesus Christ and their peers. Camp Carew is proud to be a member of the American Camp Association and has achieved accreditation status. Our activities and programs are designed to promote Christian community and help campers build relationships with each other. Campers and leaders work, plan, play, study, sing, and worship together in the small group living units. We offer Christian summer camps for children and young adults, and host retreats for people of all ages throughout the year. Camp Carew has been serving the community since 1952. The camp is nestled on sixty acres in the beautiful woods of Little Grassy Lake, located inside the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge near Carbondale, Illinois. With this unique setting, Camp Carew provides the perfect atmosphere for strengthening faith and creating lifelong memories.