In the golden sunshine state of Florida, where oranges are as common as sunshine and alligators can be seen basking by the pool side, lives a group of extraordinary kids. They are not extraordinary because they can surf waves taller than a giraffe or eat more Key Lime Pie than a hungry hippo. No, these kids are special because they have an insatidably voracious appetite for… books! Introducing Captain BookBeard, the imaginary leader of these reading adventurers. He's a swashbuckling pirate with a wild beard made entirely of book pages, always fluttering in the tangy sea-breezes of Florida. You see, the more these Floridian kids read, the longer our Captain’s book beard grows, sometimes even tickling the pink flamingos that happen to pass by! Captain BookBeard guides this crew through the thrilling mysteries and magical realms found within the pages of their books. Each day after school, they gather under towering palm trees or sandy beaches, their eyes dancing across the pages, their minds transported to fabulously fantastical worlds. Whether they are reading about the daring escapades of superheroes, the enchanting tales of mermaids, or the brave adventures of astronauts, these kids never tire. The sunlight may dance on their suntanned faces, and the occasional splash of a dolphin may startle them, but nothing can deter these young bookworms. In the heart of Florida, with Captain BookBeard at the helm, these kids continue their reading journey. Their laughter and gasps of surprise ring out across the state, proving that in the land of sunshine and oranges, reading is as exciting as a rollercoaster ride through an alligator’s mouth! So, if you hear the rustling of pages in the breeze, you’ll know the Florida reading crew is on another epic adventure, led by their fearless leader, Captain BookBeard!
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For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
CoreSRQ is proud of its role in the Sarasota community. The grassroots movement has brought back the programs and services that have been enjoyed by the community for generations. Their innovative and comprehensive wellness and community outreach programs offer people the opportunity to make the most of their fitness, wellness, and community engagement. CoreSRQ is committed to broadening its reach to underserved members of the community to increase their physical, mental, and social health. Being a member of CoreSRQ is a great way to support the community, and there are many volunteer opportunities to contribute to the cause.
At our martial arts school, we are proud to offer more than just self-defense and physical training. We are committed to cultivating a safe and supportive community and giving back to our local area. Our 7,100 square foot facility is located on 5 acres of land and includes plenty of parking. We also have an outdoor training area and obstacle course. Our year-round programs include an after-school program and summer/day camp. We provide a unique opportunity for our students to learn and grow in a fun and healthy environment.
Parents Magazine is proud to recognize ALSO Youth, an organization that has been working to support the mental health of LGBTQ+ teens since 1992. The organization was created in response to the alarming suicide rates among these youth, and has worked in cooperation with other local organizations such as PFLAG, Planned Parenthood, and YMCA Youth and Family Services. Volunteers were recruited to conduct a support group for Sarasota area youth and contact with school officials was initiated to create training programs for educators. Since then, the types of services and numbers of people served by ALSO have steadily increased. We recognize their dedication to the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth and applaud their efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for them in the community.