In the colossal, hot, and tumbleweed-traipsed state of Texas, there is something peculiar happening. Spunky, sun-kissed kids, wearing cowboy boots and wide-brimmed hats, have been trading their horses for kayaks. Yes, you heard right, kayaks! That's the kind of boat that looks like a giant banana, only it's not edible, and it doesn't peel! Let me introduce you to Calamity Kayak Karl, the coolest, most adventurous imaginary character you ever did know. He sports a ten-gallon hat, a bandana the color of bluebonnets, and a shiny, silver belt buckle big enough to eat your dinner off of. He's a kayaking wizard, a pioneer of the paddle, the Lone Star State's answer to Aquaman! He's ridden the wild rapids of the Rio Grande, glided along the glassy surface of the Guadalupe, and even braved the beastly waves of Caddo Lake, all while expertly steering his trusty kayak, affectionately named "Yippee-Kay-Yak." Calamity Kayak Karl, with his paddle as his lasso, has inspired Texas kids to take up kayaking with gusto. They've realized that who needs a horse when you can gallop through the water with a kayak! It's like surfing, sailing, and rodeo all rolled into one. And the best part? Every time they tumble out of their kayaks, they just shout "Yee-haw!" and hop right back in. They know that in Texas, falling out of your kayak isn't a defeat; it's just a chance to make a splash! So, if you ever find yourself in Texas, don't be surprised if you see a cowboy-hatted kid zooming past in a kayak, giving a wave and a hearty "Howdy, partner!" They're just following in the paddle strokes of the legendary Calamity Kayak Karl.
Read morebest kayaking programs in Granbury, TX
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.
If you've ever had the privilege of spending your summer at El Tesoro as a camper, a counselor, or contributing in any other role, your presence at our upcoming events will help us commemorate and honor the cherished history of our beloved camp. We're planning to share stories, photos, and precious memories spanning nine decades, and we'd be thrilled if you joined us. The Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro, established in 1934, has been a welcoming haven for generations of campers, with its iconic swinging bridge being a memorable landmark for many. El Tesoro, which translates to "The Treasure" in Spanish, is a 223-acre sanctuary nestled between Fall Creek and the Brazos River in Granbury, Texas. Our camp offers a breathtaking panorama of the serene river and the vast open spaces of the blackland prairie. Our natural terrain and indigenous landscape offer our visitors a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. This idyllic oasis currently hosts co-ed overnight campers, day campers, grief campers, teachers, students keen on learning about nature, and groups seeking to foster connection and indulge in outdoor adventures. In 2010, Camp Fire First Texas launched a Capital Campaign aimed at renovating and upgrading the facilities at Camp El Tesoro. This initiative is essential to ensure that the enchanting spirit of the camp continues to be enjoyed by future generations. We're committed to preserving and enhancing the magic of Camp El Tesoro, enriching the lives of campers for many years to come.