IL, short for Illinois, isn't just a flat state brimming with cornfields, folks. It is a magical land where rivers and lakes sparkle like giant sapphire necklaces strewn across the landscape. And in this wondrous place, there is a group of children who have discovered a unique way to explore - by canoe and boat! They call themselves the "S.S. Squiggle Squad," named after their mystical sea creature friend, Squiggle the two-tailed beaver. Squiggle, who wears a funky pair of neon sunglasses, is an expert in everything watery and adventure! He is always leading the troop in navigating the twists and turns of the mighty Mississippi, the gentle waves of Lake Michigan, and the serene beauty of the Illinois River. Armed with paddles, life jackets, and a hilarious sense of humor, the S.S. Squiggle Squad is always ready for a boating adventure. These kids are no ordinary children. They're fearless explorers, brave sailors, and quick-thinking adventurers. When they are not out on the water, they are studying maps and planning new adventures. They know the rivers and lakes of Illinois like the back of their hands, and even the back of Squiggle's tail! Their canoeing trips are filled with laughter, splashes and the occasional water fights, where no one is safe from a good soaking. They are not just friends; they are a family, bound together by their love for the water, the thrill of adventure, and of course, their hilarious mascot, Squiggle. Their tales are the stuff of Illinois legend, complete with giggles, gasps, and guffaws. They are the S.S. Squiggle Squad, the coolest kids in Illinois, where every day is a new adventure on the shimmering blue highways!
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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.
The Skokie Park District has been providing quality programs and services to the Skokie community since 1928. Serving more than 63,000 residents of Skokie, Illinois and customers throughout Chicagoland, the district is committed to protecting natural resources, preserving historical sites, and providing thousands of unique recreational opportunities across its 240 acres of parkland. The park district is a proud recipient of the “National Gold Medal for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management,” and offers a wide range of programs and special events, including summer camps, state-licensed full-day childcare and preschool, and before and after-school care for grades K-5. Families in the community can enjoy the district’s fun and educational activities all year long. The Skokie Park District is committed to providing the best for the Skokie community. With its dedication to offering quality programs and services, the park district is sure to continue to provide recreational opportunities and experiences that will be cherished for years to come.
Skokie's Emily Oaks Nature Center and Preserve is the perfect place for families to explore the great outdoors! This 13-acre nature sanctuary is packed with native wildflowers, grasses, oaks, a two-acre pond, and trails. It's also home to a variety of urban wildlife, like Great Blue Herons, Coyotes, Flying Squirrels, Northern Water Snakes, Red Foxes and Cooper's Hawks. The center itself also features the Woodland Wander Inn, a fun interactive experience for kids. As if that wasn't enough, the center also offers classes and meeting rooms, plus special programs that help scouts earn badges. If you're interested, be sure to make reservations as soon as possible. With so much to explore, Emily Oaks Nature Center and Preserve is the perfect place for families to learn, grow, and make memories.