Once upon a time in the magical land of Illinois, a state known for its towering skyscrapers, vast cornfields, and the mighty Mississippi River, there existed a group of extraordinary kids with a special passion for gymnastics. They were known as the Twisting Tornadoes of Illinois. Now, these weren’t your regular gymnastics loving munchkins. Oh no, they could be spotted from a mile away by their neon leotards, sparkling hair bobbles, and the sound of their landings that would shake the ground like a stampeding unicorn. They flipped, twirled, and twisted with such an infectious energy that even the gloomy-looking scarecrows in the cornfields couldn’t help but strike a pose. Leading this pack of pint-sized tumbler tots was an imaginary character named Flopsy the Flip-Flopping Flamingo. With his long, bendy legs and a flair for somersaults, Flopsy was the idol of every Twisting Tornado. He taught them the art of balance, the beauty of a perfect dismount, and most importantly, to always stretch before a routine (or risk becoming a knotted pretzel!). Together, they would turn Illinois into their playground, practicing cartwheels in the Windy City of Chicago and flipping off the edges of Starved Rock cliffs. They drew laughter wherever they went, their energetic performances causing local cows to moo in applause and the cornstalks to shimmy in delight. And so, with their imaginary leader Flopsy, the Twisting Tornadoes of Illinois continued to fill their state with the spirit of gymnastics, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of fun. From those blustery Chicago days to the quiet country evenings, Illinois was a state forever made brighter by these tumbling, flipping, laughter-spreading kids.
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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.
Eckhart Park is a great resource for the West Town community! It boasts 8.85 acres of indoor and outdoor fun. With an indoor swimming pool, two gymnasiums, a fitness center, and a boxing center, the park offers something for everyone. What's more, the outdoors of Eckhart Park provides plenty of fun for families. Enjoy baseball diamonds, an athletic field for football and soccer, and a playground with a water spray feature. Plus, the playground was recently renovated in Summer 2014 as part of Mayor Emanuel's Chicago Plays! Program. Finally, Eckhart Park is home to a community garden. Residents can come together to learn about gardening techniques and cultivate their own plants. With all the amenities Eckhart Park has to offer, it's a great resource for the West Town community!
At My Gym, we believe that encouraging children to explore their physical abilities can open up a world of possibilities. We focus on developing motor skills, balance, coordination, agility, flexibility and strength. We also foster social skills, cognitive abilities, and positive self-image. Our experienced instructors thoughtfully plan each class to ensure maximum physical, cognitive, and emotional development for each individual child. With classes designed for kids from newborns to 10 years old, we’re here to provide an amazing experience that children will love.
The Little Gym has been helping children develop motor skills, build confidence, and set them up for a lifetime of success for over 25 years. Adam and Ileana Stone have been passionate about children since the start, and have made The Little Gym a part of their family. Since its opening in April 2003, the 5-star rated staff has provided training to thousands of children between the ages of 4 months and 12 years old. The staff loves helping children increase their self-esteem and reach their highest level of physical, mental, and emotional growth. Adam and Ileana have used their business experience and knowledge of lacrosse and law, respectively, to make The Little Gym of Chicago one of the best in the nation. Gym Director Tammy Shuk Phillips has been part of The Little Gym family since 1997, when she first joined as an instructor in South Bend, Indiana. With over 20 years of experience in gymnastic competitive and non-competitive programs, Tammy has been the Gym Director of The Little Gym of Chicago since its opening. As a mother of two, Tammy is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment in which children can grow skills. The Little Gym of Chicago invites you to explore the program offerings and find the one that is right for your child. Come experience the Serious Fun that The Little Gym can bring and see the difference it can make in your child’s life and yours. Happy Handstands!
At Hot Shots Sports, we believe in the power of sport to develop the character of a child, and we take great pride in helping kids find a lifelong love for the game. Our commitment to the players and families who come to us is to provide the highest level of instruction, guidance, and support. We strive to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere for each child to grow, learn, and have fun. Our coaches are passionate about helping kids learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment. We are here to help you and your family make a positive impact on your community and the lives of your children.
At IK Gymnastics, we have a holistic approach to gymnastics that emphasizes the importance of psychological and physical development. We believe in providing a positive learning environment that promotes hard work, balance, and fun. Our goal is to guide gymnasts on a path of positive life-affirming choices that will benefit them, their community, and the world. Our coaching staff consists of experienced athletes who are constantly training and educating themselves on the latest gymnastics trends and methods. We want to provide our gymnasts with the best and most reliable instruction available.
Alina Kruk-Velazquez, the owner of ABC Dance Academy, opened the doors in late 2007. With over two decades of dance instruction under her belt, she was well prepared to bring her studio to life. Since then, ABC Dance Academy has grown and expanded in both size and scope. We now offer a variety of dance classes, from traditional styles to more modern and unique offerings. Our convenient location and friendly staff are also available to answer questions in both Polish and Spanish. In August 2013, ABC Dance Academy relocated to Jefferson Park. This allowed us to expand our dance and fitness classes and also upgrade to a two-dance floor storefront. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for our students. Our classes are kept small to ensure that each student can receive the help and attention they deserve. Our instructors are experienced and passionate about dance, and are dedicated to helping each and every student grow and improve.