Deep in the heart of Texas, where the cacti stand tall and the armadillos scuttle, live some of the most inventive, curious, and downright brainy kids you could ever hope to meet. These aren't your average, everyday kids. Oh no, these are the members of the "Lone Star Scientists," a group of young wizards of STEM/STEAM activities. Their leader is none other than Ellie "Equation" Smith, a ten-year-old whiz kid with a knack for cracking the trickiest mathematical problems. She wears cowboy boots, Texas-sized spectacles, and a lab coat adorned with patches of every shape—from atoms to spaceships. Her ponytail swings like a pendulum, keeping time as she concocts cool scientific experiments. Now, you might think Texas is all about cowboys and rodeos, but let me tell you, there's much more to it than that. The Lone Star Scientists have transformed barns into biology labs, ranches into robot workshops, and stables into spaceships. You've probably never seen a horse-powered rocket before, but in Texas, anything is possible! Each kid in this group has a special skill. There's Sam the Solar-Powered Supernova, who builds solar panels out of old soda cans. Then there's Lily the Laughing Linguist, who codes computer programs as easily as she lassos longhorns. And let's not forget Billy the Botanist Bandit, who grows genetically modified jalapeños so spicy they could fuel a jet! Yes, the Lone Star Scientists are a remarkable bunch. With their Texan tenacity and STEM/STEAM smarts, they're proving that in Texas, the stars at night aren't just big and bright—they're also the perfect inspiration for scientific discovery.
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Chi-Slam Table Tennis Club (Age 6–Adult) is Chicago’s premier table tennis destination, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels—from beginners just getting started to advanced competitors. Founded in 2003 and located at 2412 W. North Ave, Chi-Slam offers everything a table tennis enthusiast could want: one-on-one and youth lessons, open play sessions, league play, table rentals, and even pro shop selections like Butterfly equipment. Lessons are tailored by Coach Ardy, who brings over 20 years of experience and a passion for teaching that not only builds skill but also fosters confidence, coordination, and competitive spirit. Whether you’re looking for a fun after-school activity or serious training for tournaments, Chi-Slam delivers a community-oriented, energetic environment that makes every swing count.
For over six decades, the Quillian Center has been a haven for children looking to enjoy a memorable summer camp experience. Nestled in the heart of Houston's vibrant westside, Camp Quillian has won the hearts of the Westchase District community, becoming the most popular choice for a summer camp. Accredited by the American Camp Association, we offer day camp services for children aged 5-12 and a special Teen Camp for those aged 13-14. With flexible camp hours running from 8AM to 6:30PM, we provide an experience that is both enjoyable and convenient. We understand that each family's schedule differs, and as such, we are pleased to offer half-day options for both morning and afternoon sessions. Morning half-day campers are welcome to join us as soon as our doors open, where they can partake in specialty camps and grand assemblies. These campers can be picked up at the end of their lunchtime. Our afternoon half-day campers begin their adventure at 1PM, participating in facility rotations, special events, and daily swimming opportunities. Pick up time for these campers is 6:30PM when our camp closes. Camp Quillian is not only about fun, but also about diverse activities that keep children engaged. We boast a host of resources including a gymnasium, two swimming pools, an indoor climbing wall, game rooms, athletic fields, and a playground. Our programs are designed to cater to a variety of interests, from indoor and outdoor sports to enrichment classes, arts and crafts, special events, guest speakers, and games. We even host a Vacation Bible Camp! This summer, we're going for gold as we celebrate the 2024 Summer Olympics. We invite you to join us and discover why Camp Quillian is the ultimate destination for a fun-filled summer!