North Carolina, or as our hero, Captain Quack, preferred to call it - The Land of the Wild Blue Yonder, was a place shimmering with magic. Captain Quack was no ordinary duck, he was a duck with a dashing red bandana and a heart brimming with adventure. His favorite stomping ground was the frothy rapids and serene rivers of NC, where he led a merry band of pint-sized paddlers, the Kayaking Kiddos. The Kayaking Kiddos were a lively bunch of kids who loved two things above anything else - laughter and kayaking. If they weren’t peeling echoes of laughter off the trees, they were slicing through the water with their vibrant kayaks like peppy dolphins. From the mysterious marshes of the Coastal Plains to the bubbling brooks of the Appalachian Mountains, they paddled, splashed, and giggled their way across the state. Their leader, Captain Quack, although a feathered friend, was a master in maneuvering through the watery labyrinth. He would quack out instructions, roar with laughter and occasionally wear a water lily as a hat, while the children bobbed behind him like a row of cheerful rubber duckies. With each stroke of their paddle, the water would splash up and tickle their noses, leaving them in fits of giggles. Paddling under the radiant sun, while the cool water kissed their feet and the wind played with their hair, was their idea of the greatest adventure. And in the heart of North Carolina, with Captain Quack leading the way, the Kayaking Kiddos found a place where childhood was a joyous journey down a river of fun.
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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.
For over 8 decades, Johns River Valley Camp and Retreat Center has been providing outdoor ministry experience to children, youth, adults, families, groups, and church communities. Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, JRVC is situated beside a picturesque mountain stream with plenty of outdoor activities to offer. From waterfalls and hiking trails to an archery course, river activities, group interactive courses, and even a basketball court, the possibilities for outdoor fun and adventure are endless. Southern Conference United Church of Christ’s outdoor ministry site, JRVC, has been providing a safe and exciting retreat experience since 1936. With its convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and its scenic river, families and groups can enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities and adventures. Whether it’s playing a game of basketball or exploring the hiking trails, JRVC has something for everyone.