Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of New England, a tiny but mighty state known as Rhode Island emerged from the sea. Though small in size, it was grand in spirit, bursting with vibrant beaches, lush green parks, and picturesque trails! It was the playground of adventure-loving children who were as curious and wild as the wind. Among these spirited kids was a quirky, freckle-faced boy named Buzz. Now, Buzz was no ordinary lad, he was the unofficial King of Rhode Island Nature Activities or "RINA" as he liked to call it. Armed with his ever-present binoculars, a trusty notepad, and his funky green hat with acorn-shaped antennas, Buzz was a sight to behold, a true vision of adventurous hilarity. Buzz, along with his band of merry RINA explorers, plunged into the enchanting wilderness at every chance they got. They trekked through the forests of Lincoln, which they imagined as an enchanted world teeming with magical creatures. They sailed on the waves of Narragansett Bay, battling make-believe sea monsters. They even summited the sand dunes of Block Island, pretending to be intrepid mountaineers braving the highest peaks. Laughter echoed through the air as they played and explored. Each adventure was punctuated with gales of giggles and whoops of exhilaration. Whether they were spotting a rare bird in Audubon Society of Rhode Island or discovering an unusual shell in Easton's beach, every day was a new adventure in the splendid land of RINA. Buzz and his friends, the vivacious children of Rhode Island, proved that in the vast universe of nature, size doesn’t matter. What really counts is a wild imagination, a healthy dose of laughter, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.
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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.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center has been a hub of activity for nearly 100 years. Founded in 1922 by a group of trustees of the Newport Historical Society, the Center was originally known as the Newport Community Center. In June of 1968, the Center was renamed in honor of Dr. King in order to recognize and honor his legacy. Since its incorporation, the Center has served as a gathering place for people of all communities and cultures. From its original location in the Great Friends Meeting House on the corner of Marlborough and Farewell Streets, the Center has moved to its current home in the former Navy USO building in Newport’s Washington Square neighborhood. For nearly a century, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center has been a source of recreation, connection, and inspiration for people of all backgrounds. The Center was originally established in 1922 as the Newport Community Center, and provided recreational activities for the town’s residents. The founders, a group of trustees of the Newport Historical Society, wanted to breathe new life into the Great Friends Meeting House, while honoring the legacy of its founders. In June of 1968, the Center was renamed in honor of Dr. King, and the Center moved to the former Navy USO building in Newport’s Washington Square neighborhood. Since then, the Center has been a place of connection and celebration for people from all walks of life.