Once upon a time, in the teeny-weeny state of Rhode Island, where the houses are squished so close together you could borrow sugar from your neighbor without leaving your kitchen, a group of adventurous kids discovered the magical world of sailing. This wasn't a big state like Texas where you could ride a horse for seven days (if you dared) and still not reach the end. Oh, no! Rhode Island was so small that if you stood on your tippy toes, you could almost see across it. Imagine Rhode Island as a bouncy beach ball. It's tossed around by the hands of Massachusetts and Connecticut, while the Atlantic Ocean always tries to give it a good soaking. But, right in the middle of all this, our brave little sailors thrived. The kids were as diverse as a bag of jelly beans - some were blueberry-bold, others marshmallow-meek, but they all shared one thing in common - an insatiable love for sailing. Leading our intrepid gang was Captain Chuckles, a jolly character with a belly as round as a beach ball and a laugh that sounded like a seagull with hiccups. He was as old as the oldest lighthouse in Rhode Island and knew every ripple on the ocean like it was his own backyard. He taught the kids everything, from tying sailor's knots that would make a boy scout green with envy, to reading the mood of the moody Atlantic. Day after day, these little Rhode Islanders transformed the usually calm waters into a theatre of tiny white sails, looking like a flock of seagulls dancing in the breeze. They would laugh, they would shout, they would sing shanties that even a pirate would be proud of. These were the sailing kids of Rhode Island, the smallest state with the biggest heart, where every day was a new adventure on the sea.
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Welcome to the Spark PA programs and classes, a magical world of learning nestled on our beautiful 6-acre property in the charming town of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania. Our unique campus is home to a range of exciting facilities, all designed to inspire and engage young minds. We have something for everyone, providing a safe and stimulating environment where your kids can learn, grow, and thrive. One of the highlights of our property is the Alappat Atelier, an incredible art studio where the celebrated artist Sebastian Alappat works. This is a place where creativity comes alive and children are always thrilled to step into this vibrant space. From massive fossilized dinosaur pieces to an entire section dedicated to Alice in Wonderland, and a fantastic collection of comic book art, there's plenty to ignite their imagination. The studio is well-equipped with all the necessary art supplies, spacious tables, and abundant natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. We understand that comfort is essential for both kids and parents. That is why we've ensured that our facilities include a separate waiting area for parents, offering a space for you to relax while your child is busy exploring their creativity. For added convenience, there are also two restrooms on the premises and a picturesque outdoor sitting area where you can soak up the serene surroundings.


Are you looking for a great way to support the work of Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island (OHPRI)? Our annual membership program is an easy and exciting way for you to stay connected to the organization and take advantage of special programming and rewards. With our commitment to providing a creative learning experience, even when students can't join us on our ship in person, you can still benefit from our empowering education programs at sea and ashore. With these programs, OHPRI is dedicated to raising awareness of opportunities in the maritime industry, marine trades, and defense sector for the communities of Rhode Island and Southern New England. Sign up today and become a member of OHPRI!