Once upon a time, in the wonderfully wild state of California, a troop of imaginative kids congregated under the sheltering arms of giant sequoia trees. These weren’t just your average, everyday kids. Oh no, these were the 'Cali Quill Kids', the most creative children in the whole wide world! They congregated every Saturday, and sometimes on the odd Wednesday, to participate in an enchanting writing activity that was more magical than a Disneyland roller coaster ride. Now you see, California is a state that’s as diverse as a jigsaw puzzle. It has golden beaches where the surfers ride waves like rodeo cowboys, towering forests where trees touch the clouds, buzzing cities where dreams are born, and arid deserts where cacti wear sombreros. Yes, you heard it right, in California, cacti wear sombreros! As for the Cali Quill Kids, they used this diversity as ink for their pens. Their stories were as varied as the landscape, from heroic lifeguards saving whales to talking Redwoods solving crime, each tale was as unique as a unicorn's hiccup. Leading these incredible children was Scribble, a blue octopus with a pen in each of his eight hands, who had swum all the way from the Pacific Ocean to inspire these children. Scribble was very funny. He would often forget which pen he was writing with and end up with eight different stories at once. But the Cali Quill Kids didn't mind. They loved their eight-legged, ink-squirting, story-juggling companion and knew that with Scribble around, their Saturdays (and the odd Wednesday) would never be dull.
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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.
It is with this spirit that Temple Beth Abraham (TBA) is proud to endorse the Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards’ December 6, 2006 decision to permit Conservative rabbis to perform commitment ceremonies and allow the ordination of gays and lesbians. We also enthusiastically support the USCJ’s decision to revise its hiring policies and consider applicants for United Synagogue jobs regardless of sexual orientation. At TBA, we strive to create a synagogue community in which all members and visitors feel welcome and included. We are dedicated to providing an environment where everyone can come together in prayer and study, in celebration and grief, in joy and in sorrow. We look forward to continuing to provide this welcoming atmosphere for all of our members and visitors.
Our specially designed Gymboree Play & Music classes are the perfect way to give your little one the best start in life. Combining new technology with classic learning techniques, our classes are designed to engage young minds and promote physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development. With an extensive range of options to choose from, there’s something for babies and toddlers up to 5 years of age. For over 40 years, Gymboree Play & Music has been the global leader in early childhood development programs. Our unique curriculum is designed to foster creativity and confidence in young children, with a focus on social/emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Get your little one off to the best possible start with our specially designed classes, which use a mix of new technology and classic learning techniques to keep their interest and promote their growth. With classes suitable for babies and toddlers up to 5 years old, Gymboree Play & Music has something for everyone.
At Peralta Hacienda Historical Park in Oakland's Fruitvale, we strive to bring people together to understand, celebrate, and appreciate the diverse cultures that have been and continue to be part of California's vibrant identity. Our goal is to foster greater equity, environmental resilience, and a sense of belonging for all. Through our exhibits, events, and youth and community programs, we create a platform to heal historical wounds, take care of the land we depend on, and engage in civic life. By doing so, we hope to provide a model for other communities throughout the United States. At Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, we believe that by coming together to embrace our differences, we can build a better, more equitable future for all. We invite you to join us in creating a more vibrant and unified world for generations to come.
At Montclair Community Play Center (MCPC), we strive to provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for our children to grow and learn. We are a play-based parent's cooperative preschool in Oakland, California, and have been since 1933. Our campus is situated among redwood trees, and we have multiple outdoor and indoor spaces, including two large outdoor play spaces, a nature area with chickens, an all-weather outdoor art space, a large playroom, a stand-alone learning annex and a snack room. We are a diverse community of 25 families who work together to create an environment that allows our children to learn how to resolve conflict, build self-esteem and value diversity.