In the sunflower-studded state of Kansas, a team of adventurous children spent their days not on the prairie, but on the water. They were the Kansas Kanoe Kidz, a brave band of little paddlers who swapped cowboy boots for canoe paddles. Instead of riding wild stallions, they rode wild waves in their colorful canoes. The flat farmland turned into a vast blue ocean in the eyes of these imaginative kids. Leading the Kidz was an imaginary friend named Captain Cornstalk. Tall as a corn stalk and as powerful as a tornado, Cornstalk was a former scarecrow who came to life when thunder clapped and lightning struck his straw-filled body. With his corn husk hair, button eyes, and a smile sewn from sunflower seeds, he would spin wild tales of sea monsters and treasure chests hidden beneath the Kansas rivers. Captain Cornstalk would stand at the helm of the lead canoe, his straw hand gripping the paddle, and his button eyes scanning the horizon for adventure. The Kansas Kanoe Kidz would follow him, their laughter echoing across the water as they splashed and playfully shoved each other's canoes. They learned to ride the currents, race the wind, and always, always keep an eye out for Captain Cornstalk’s imaginary sea monsters. Rain or shine, summer or winter, the Kansas Kanoe Kidz and their corn-stalk captain were a familiar sight on the Kansas waterways. Every splash, every paddle stroke was an act of defiance against boredom and a toast to the joys of childhood adventures. They were the paddling pioneers of the prairies, proving that even in the heartland of America, you could still find a little bit of the high seas.
Read morebest boating-canoeing programs in Emporia, KS
The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
Camp Alexander is a great place to enjoy nature and get some exercise. Located in Lyon County, east of Emporia, Kansas, the 90-acre camp is filled with woods, ponds, and rolling meadows. It offers nearly five miles of challenging hiking and biking trails, a nine-hole disc golf course, and a Fitness Trail for a great whole-body workout. Plus, there is the newly added Flow Trail, a quarter-mile of mountain bike thrills. During the summer months, Camp Alexander is bustling with activity as children and teens explore their creative side and experience the wonders of nature. Camp Alexander provides kids of Lyon County with an experience like no other in the area. Join us for one week or the whole summer!