Once upon a time, in the tiny, charming state of Connecticut, known as the "Provision State" for its rich history in helping others, lived a group of extraordinary children. Connecticut, a place of scenic beauty, filled with everything from bustling cities to peaceful woods, and the mysterious, majestic Long Island Sound. It was a place where the seasons danced in vivid colors, winter white, spring green, summer gold, and fall's fantastic rainbow. Now, these weren't just any children, oh no, they were the Reading Rascals of Connecticut! Under the leadership of their quirky, colorful mascot, Wordy the Whimsical Wombat, they boldly ventured into the world of books, gobbling up stories as if it were their favorite ice cream on a hot summer day. Wordy, with his oversized spectacles perched on his snout, led them on reading adventures, diving into tales of daring pirates, enchanted forests, and fantastic beasts. Every day, Wordy would pop out of a book, his fur sparkling with a peculiar kind of magic, causing the kids to burst into giggles, "Time for a reading spree, my rambunctious rascals!" he'd announce, his voice a mixture of a whispering wind and a tickling chuckle. The kids would rush to their cozy reading corner, eyes sparkling with anticipation. The Reading Rascals were famous all over Connecticut. From Stamford to Hartford, everybody knew them as the kids who could turn a page into a stage. Together, they discovered new worlds, solved mysteries, and went on incredible adventures, all without leaving their beloved state. Yes indeed, Connecticut was a lot more than just a place on a map. It was the land of stories, home to the fabulous Reading Rascals, and the whimsical Wordy the Wombat!
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Dear Families, (currently our website is under construction) Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.
Hill-Stead is the first architectural project of Theodate Pope Riddle, one of the first female architects in the U.S. Theodate designed the Colonial Revival mansion as a country home for her parents, and today it has over a million visitors since opening to the public in 1947. The 152 acres of gardens and grounds make Hill-Stead one of the nation’s few remaining representations of early 20th-century country estates. Visiting Hill-Stead is like taking a step back in time. The inviting and intimate museum gives its visitors a close-up, personal view of renowned masterpieces, textiles, and decorative arts that make it feel like you haven’t been cleverly taken to a historical era, but rather it has been carefully and creatively kept true and relevant. The museum’s collection of paintings by Monet, Degas, Whistler, Manet and Cassatt is a sight to behold and rivals artwork found in major art museums around the world. Theodate Pope Riddle was a true innovator and visionary, and Hill-Stead is a testament to her commitment to historic preservation and her passion for architecture. Her creation serves as a reminder of the beauty of the past, and a place to celebrate and understand the incredible pieces of artwork that still exist today.
Our program pairs each student with an experienced Code Coach in a 2:1 setting. Our approach is unique - we don't believe in one-size-fits-all curriculums or software programs doing the teaching. Instead, our students progress on a custom journey tailored to their individual needs and abilities. Coding is best learned by doing, and our Code Coaches provide the guidance and support needed to help kids become coding experts. As any real developer will tell you, there’s no better way to learn a new language or platform than by coding something with it. That’s how we teach too – learn by doing, but with expert guidance.
Farmington Libraries promote a culture of lifelong learning and exploration by partnering with the community to offer free access to a variety of services, experiences, and resources. By providing these opportunities, families and individuals are able to explore, create, and share ideas. From lectures by local authors to special storytimes for kids, there is something for everyone at the Farmington Libraries. At Farmington Libraries, families can find a wealth of resources and opportunities that promote learning and exploration. From book clubs to computer classes, there are a variety of activities available to engage and entertain all ages. The library also offers special programs for kids, ranging from storytimes to hands-on activities. Parents can even join in the fun with unique family-friendly events! The Farmington Libraries invite the community to take part in a variety of activities to help expand their knowledge and foster their creativity. Whether it’s attending a lecture from a local author, participating in a book club, or exploring the library’s vast collection of resources, there are plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery. For parents looking for a way to engage their kids, the library offers special storytimes and other activities that they can join in on together. With so many exciting experiences, the Farmington Libraries encourage the community to come together and explore the world of ideas.