Once upon a time, in the dazzling state of Illinois, a group of wild and wacky kids found the most splashing fun in waterskiing. Illinois, you know, is a magical place where the rivers gently careen through lush forests, the city skyscrapers reach for the stars, and the cornfields sway like ocean waves in the heartland. A glorious state, where summer sunsets paint the sky with colors too beautiful for a crayon box. Now, these kids were not your average bunch. They were the Illinois Water Dragons, a gang of waterskiing whizzes! They were notorious for their epic splashes and dazzling trickery, with every flip and spin sparking a round of applause from the shimmering lake itself! Leading the gang was their fearless leader, a ten-year-old dynamo named "Ducky." Don't let the name fool you! Ducky was as fierce as a shark when it came to waterskiing. He was known for his signature move, the "Quack Flip," where he spun in the air like a duck doing cartwheels, and came down with a splash that sent fish flying for cover! Then there was "Flipper", the girl who could do a backflip while eating a sandwich, and "Barnacles," a kid so quick on his skis that he was often mistaken for a speedboat. Last but not least, was "Splash," the youngest of the gang, who, despite his small size, could create splashes that would soak anyone daring enough to watch from the shore. These kids and their waterskiing adventures were as integral to Illinois as deep-dish pizza or the Chicago Bears. They embodied the spirit of their state – wild, fun, and always ready for a good splash!
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Chi-Slam Table Tennis Club (Age 6–Adult) is Chicago’s premier table tennis destination, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels—from beginners just getting started to advanced competitors. Founded in 2003 and located at 2412 W. North Ave, Chi-Slam offers everything a table tennis enthusiast could want: one-on-one and youth lessons, open play sessions, league play, table rentals, and even pro shop selections like Butterfly equipment. Lessons are tailored by Coach Ardy, who brings over 20 years of experience and a passion for teaching that not only builds skill but also fosters confidence, coordination, and competitive spirit. Whether you’re looking for a fun after-school activity or serious training for tournaments, Chi-Slam delivers a community-oriented, energetic environment that makes every swing count.
In 2010, Dan and Andy bought and invested $1 million in construction and renovation of Camp Manitowa Rend Lake. Since then, the 40-acre property has been hosting sleep-away summer camps, retreats, and festivals. It is the newest, freshest camp in the Benton area of Southern Illinois, and is located only 90 minutes from St. Louis, MO and Paducah, KY. At Camp Manitowa, campers entering grades 2nd through 8th can benefit from a tailored 1 or 2 week residential camp program. This program is designed with younger campers’ needs in mind, and encourages the development of independence, self-esteem, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Campers also have the opportunity to make lifelong friends in a small, nurturing community. The camp also offers structured free play and choice time, allowing campers to feel a sense of belonging and empowerment to learn. In 2013, Camp Manitowa is offering week long specialty camps that focus on water skiing, magic, rock school, science, and the popular sport of Gaga. With its unique program and offerings, Camp Manitowa Rend Lake is a great place for campers to experience all the fun and adventure of a summer camp.