Florida, the Sunshine State, is a magical land where oranges grow as big as basketballs, alligators wear sunglasses, and where the waves sing lullabies at night. In this sun-kissed paradise, a group of kids have found a passion for a very special activity, ceramics. Our story begins in the vibrant city of Miami, where our hero, Clay "Kiln" Kowalski, a clump of magical, talking clay with a heart as big as his grin, leads this merry band of creative potters. Clay Kiln, or C.K. as the kids call him, has the magical ability to shape-shift into any form the children can imagine. His favorite is a massive dragon, but he also enjoys taking the shape of a silly, wobbly flamingo or a fierce pirate hat. The kids find their inspiration from him, their giggles echoing through the workshop as Clay Kiln morphs into one hilarious shape after another. These Florida kids have hands that craft miracles out of mounds of clay. They paint their creations with vibrant colors, as lively and diverse as the Florida landscape itself. From ocean-blue bowls to flamingo-pink vases, their art is a rainbow of color and creativity. The Florida sun may be hot, but the hearts of these children burn even brighter. As they squish, mold, and spin their ceramics, they learn the power of imagination and the joy of creating something with their own two hands. Their laughter and camaraderie ring louder than the chime of the pottery wheels and make their workshop the happiest corner in all of Florida. It's Clay Kiln and his friendly gang of creative potters, painting the Sunshine State with their colors of joy, one ceramic piece at a time.
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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.
Founded in 1937, the nearly 10,000 square-foot building is located in downtown Bradenton and is the go-to spot for art, art education, and unique gifts. ArtCenter Manatee offers something for every artist in the family. It features three galleries that change monthly, five classrooms with over 3,000 students enrolled every year, a LiveArtFully gift shop, and an art library with over 3,000 volumes. Every month offers something new for the curious mind. The center also has supportive staff always on hand to help patrons find the perfect piece of art. Whether for a gift or a project, ArtCenter Manatee is the perfect place to find something special. With its wide selection of art, art education, and unique gifts, ArtCenter Manatee is sure to be a hit with the entire family.
Since 1937, ArtCenter Manatee has been the premier center for art, art education and unique gifts in Manatee County. Located in downtown Bradenton at the intersection of arts and culture, the nearly 10,000 sq. ft. building features three galleries with exhibits that change monthly, five classrooms that hold over 3,000 students every year, a LiveArtFully gift shop, and an art library featuring over 3,000 art volumes. ArtCenter Manatee has repeatedly been voted the best art gallery by the Herald Tribune and Bradenton Herald. At ArtCenter Manatee, we offer a variety of art classes and workshops for adults year round in painting, drawing, pastels, pottery, jewelry design, photography and more. We also have After School Programs that give students 4-15 the opportunity to express their creativity while they learn valuable skills, have fun and make new friends in over 35 classes designed just for them. Our community-focused initiatives include partnering with the School District of Manatee County for an annual exhibit, Just for Girls, Pace Center for Girls, Lighthouse of Manasota and the Boy Scouts to teach art classes to their students at our facility.