North Carolina, or NC for short, is a magical land where mountains kiss the sky and beaches whisper to the ocean. It's a place where wild ponies run free on islands, and shiny skyscrapers reach for the stars in bustling cities. In this wonderland, there's a quirky group of kids, known as the "Green Thumb Brigade". These kids are not your ordinary run-of-the-mill children. Oh, no! They are garden wizards, plant whisperers, and flower fairies. Their mission? To turn every backyard, schoolyard, and even some rooftops, into a colorful, fragrant paradise. Leading the brigade is a character as quirky as they come, Soil Sally. Don't let her name fool you, though. She might sound like she's all about dirt, but she's also a master of the green. With a garden hoe in one hand, a watering can in the other, and an army of earthworms that follow her every command, she guides our little gardening warriors. Together, they plant sunflowers that reach up to tickle the sun, create vegetable patches that make even the grumpiest broccoli-hater drool, and breed roses so fragrant that bees come from miles around. These children from North Carolina, with their muddy knees and sun-kissed cheeks, transform the world around them one seed at a time. So if ever you're in NC, and you see a tomato plant growing in an old cowboy boot or a smiling sunflower winking at you from a rooftop, you'll know the Green Thumb Brigade has been there. And if you ever fancy joining them, Soil Sally and her earthworm sidekicks are always looking for new recruits.
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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.
Parents looking for an outdoor summer camp experience for their children should consider signing them up for the Summer Garden Camps at the Arboretum. Campers will get to spend the week unplugged, learning, creating, playing and exploring the beautiful and diverse gardens. With camps for children from preschoolers to rising eighth graders, there’s something for everyone! Campers will gain an appreciation for nature while making friends and having fun. From playing games in the garden to exploring the unique attractions of the Arboretum, campers will find plenty of activities that will keep them engaged and entertained. The Summer Garden Camps provide a wonderful opportunity for campers to take a break from their screens and immerse themselves in nature. It’s a great way for children to learn, grow and make memories with friends while exploring the beauty of the Arboretum.