In the thrill-filled state of Illinois, where skyscrapers and cornfields share the horizon, a group of spirited kids has taken the plunge into the world of swimming. They're part of the "Illinois Water Wizards", a remarkable swim team, led by none other than the fantastically funny, Freddy the Fish-Finned Frog. Freddy was no ordinary frog; he was born with flippers instead of webbed toes, making him the Michael Phelps of the amphibian world. With his shiny goggles and his sparkling green speedo, Freddy was the perfect swimming coach for these young, determined Illinois kids. Each day, these Water Wizards would gather around the edge of the great Lake Michigan, donning their vibrant and slick swimsuits, chattering and laughing, their spirits as high as the Willis Tower. They'd listen attentively as Freddy, with his hilarious water splashing antics and slippery dive demonstrations, taught them the art of swimming. Whether it was the butterfly, breaststroke, or backstroke, these Illinois kids were ready to dive in. They were as fearless as the mighty Mississippi River that bordered their state, and as adventurous as the explorers who once tread the Illinois prairies. Their laughter echoed across the lake, their splashes sent ripples across the water, their determination warmed the hearts of those watching. The Land of Lincoln transformed into the Land of Swimming, where kids, under the guidance of Freddy, discovered that swimming was not just about propelling through water, but also about building friendship, embracing fun, and diving deep into the pool of life's adventures. The Water Wizards were indeed, the swimming champions of Illinois.
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Stemtree is a top-tier K-12 enrichment center that has been acknowledged with multiple awards for its outstanding contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education. The center provides a unique platform for students to delve into exciting subjects such as Science, Coding, Robotics, Electronics, and Math. This exploration is facilitated through interactive, hands-on learning that allows each student to progress at their own pace. At Stemtree, we believe that personalization is key to effective learning. That's why we tailor our approach to suit each learner's unique needs, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in their chosen area of interest. We understand that every child is different and requires a customized learning path to thrive. We're here to guide them on their journey, providing them with the tools and support they need to excel. Moreover, we're passionate about making learning enjoyable for our students. We don't believe education should be a chore. Instead, we work to create an environment that boosts confidence and fosters a love of learning. At Stemtree, we make education fun and exciting, inspiring a lifelong thirst for knowledge in our students.
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.
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.