In the golden sunshine state of Florida, where gators roam and oranges grow, there's a group of kids that have magically discovered the power of music. They are not just any kids, they are The Melodic Munchkins of Miami, The Harmonic Heroes of Hollywood, and the Symphony Superkids of Sarasota. Now, let’s imagine a cool character named Funky Fred. Funky Fred is a flamingo; a flamingo like no other! He's neon pink, wears groovy sunglasses, and carries a shiny silver saxophone everywhere he goes. He's a legend in Florida, especially among the musically inclined kids. But Funky Fred isn’t just a cool flamingo; he’s the conductor of this musical ensemble. With a wave of his long feathery wing, he can make music spring to life. He’s the Mozart of the marsh, the Beethoven of the bayou! Every day, after school, our small musicians troop to the swaying palm trees at the edge of town, where Funky Fred awaits. There, under the vast blue skies, they conduct a concert like no other. The drums roll like thunder, the violins sing like the wind, and the trumpets roar like the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Even the dolphins dance, and the pelicans prance when the kids play their tunes. The music these kids make could make a cactus tap its toes, an alligator snap its jaws in rhythm, or even make an orange drop right off its tree in sheer delight. So if you’re ever wandering in Florida and hear the sweetest melody carried on the breeze, know it’s Funky Fred and his troop, making the Sunshine State even sunnier with their harmonious tunes.
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Dear Families, 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.
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida in Alachua County, we are committed to providing a safe environment for young people between the ages of 6 and 18. We provide a variety of programs that focus on developing five core areas: the arts, sports and recreation, leadership and service, health and wellness, and education. Our clubs are guided by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Movement, which helps us promote success and achievement for our youth. Our programs provide opportunities for kids to explore their potential and become whatever they dream of. Whether they want to be a ballerina, an astronaut, or an all-star athlete, our clubs are here to help them in their journey. We strive to provide a safe and enjoyable experience that helps young people become productive, caring, responsible citizens.
At the Y, we believe in the power of community. For over 100 years, we have been working to connect people to their potential, purpose and each other. From George Williams’ founding of the YMCA in 1844, to our focus on empowering youth, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action today, we’ve been a part of the community for generations. We are committed to creating an environment in which everyone feels welcome and supported. We are committed to providing programs and services that create meaningful opportunities for people from all backgrounds to come together and build relationships. By working together, we can make a lasting impact on our communities, for the better.
At North Florida Educational Institute, we believe that each child has the ability to rise to their highest potential. We strive to foster a supportive atmosphere that encourages collaboration and celebrates success. Our mission is to provide students with a quality education in a safe and nurturing environment that will enable them to become productive citizens and lifelong learners. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork which will ensure that our students are successful academically and socially. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our mission to provide the highest quality educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom. We strive to provide engaging and meaningful learning experiences that will prepare our students for success in the future. We are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment that allows our students to become productive citizens and lifelong learners.
At Parents Magazine, we believe that education should be the process of teaching children about the truths and realities of life. Education that is focused on the Word of God is the only way to ensure that children are equipped and prepared for productive citizenship. We firmly believe that the success of a society doesn’t lie in additional funding or policing, but in the educational system itself. To teach without the knowledge of God is blasphemy, and will lead to a society without moral or ethical standards, and ultimately destruction. We believe that the solution to societal ills is true education, and that the only way to achieve this is by focusing on the teachings outlined in the Word of God.
For more than a century, the YMCA has been a leader in providing community-based services. From its earliest days, the Y has been committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and each other. In recent years, the Y has continued to be a leader in the field of youth development, health and well-being, and social responsibility. Our programs and services have evolved to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve. We focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. At the Y, we strive to create opportunities for everyone to learn, grow and thrive. We are dedicated to helping individuals and families build brighter futures, and to creating stronger, more resilient communities. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families in our communities.
At We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gyms, we believe that all children should have the opportunity to play and grow together in a safe and secure environment. That's why we provide an inclusive philosophy and unique sensory equipment specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders. By allowing children of all ability levels to play together, we've seen that they are able to learn a great deal from each other and become the best motivation for success on every level. We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gyms is dedicated to helping children of all ability levels reach their full potential. Our unique sensory equipment is designed to help children with sensory processing disorders, but we've found that all children can benefit from it. We believe that by allowing children of all ability levels to play together, they can learn from one another and become the greatest motivation for success. Our inclusive philosophy is the perfect way to provide a safe and secure environment for all children to have fun and grow.
At My Gym, our mission is to provide a warm and nurturing environment for children to develop physically, cognitively and emotionally. We’ve crafted a safe and inviting space that’s packed with age-appropriate activities to help children reach those incredible milestones. From the tentative first steps to tumbling down soft mats, we’re here to cheer them on every step of the way.