Deep in the mossy, rainy heart of the great state of Oregon, where the towering Douglas Fir trees kiss the cotton candy clouds, and where rainbows take a quick nap after a drizzle, there exists a magical land known as the "Emerald State". Oregon, a place bursting with secret gardens and fantastical creatures who, quite frankly, have not had their morning coffee yet! Now, imagine a crew of lively, daring and not-so-typical kids, known as the "Oregon Green Thumbs". They are not just any kids, but amazing gardeners who possess the greenest thumbs you could ever imagine. They could grow a carrot as tall as a baby giraffe or a pumpkin as round as a very fat panda! Oh, and let's not forget their fearless leader, Fergus the Fantastically Furry Forest Frog. Fergus is no ordinary frog. With his neon green skin brighter than a glow-stick, and his belly filled with sunshine, he guides these children on many incredible garden adventures. He has a bizarre sense of humor that involves ribbeting puns; you would think he gets them from a 'ribbetting' site! Every day, the "Oregon Green Thumbs" and Fergus would don their garden gloves, pull out their spades, and trek into the mystical wilderness of Oregon. They would trail down the Cascade Mountains, race alongside the rapid Rogue River, and weave through the bustling city of Portland, all to find the perfect spots for their magical gardens. Between Fergus' terrible ribbeting jokes and the kids' laughter that could make an owl hoot in surprise, it's hard to tell who gets the most dirt under their fingernails or who tells the silliest story. But one thing is for sure - gardening in Oregon is far from ordinary. It is an adventure that promises laughter, learning, and a love of nature that will grow faster than a sunflower on a sunny day.
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Nestled in 178 acres of lush woodland is a serene escape from the city, a place fondly known as Camp Swamp. This overnight Christian camp, located just two hours east of bustling Atlanta, has been serving as a peaceful retreat since 1992. We like to think of it as our own "little slice of heaven," offering a respite from the daily hustle and bustle, and inviting people to reconnect with nature and their spirituality. Our primary offering is a week-long summer camp, but we've expanded over the years to include more than just summer fun. As part of our mission to support families and churches, we now also host three family camps throughout the year, as well as four parent/child retreats. These events offer a chance for families to bond, parents to connect with their children, and individuals to grow in their faith. Moreover, our facilities are not exclusive to our organized events. Camp Swamp also offers rentals to schools, churches, universities, sports teams, and even business groups. Whether you're planning a camp, a retreat, or a team-building excursion, our serene setting and well-equipped facilities provide the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable experience.
Most youth organizations talk about preparing kids for the future or future leadership positions. This is great, but we believe kids and teens are leaders now. They don't need to wait for the future to shape the world. We help youth be the best 7-year-old they can be or the best 17-year-old. We guide kids and teens of all ages to boost their confidence and unlock their potential so they can thrive—where they are now. Thrive{ology} is our research-based approach to teaching every kid or teen how to be a better friend, student, son, daughter, member of society, sister, brother...today. Every Camp Fire program across the country uses Thrive{ology} to teach youth to identify sparks, develop a growth mindset, learn goal management, and take time to reflect.