In the sprawling landscape of Illinois, where the bustling city of Chicago stands tall, and the vast prairie lands stretch out endlessly, exists a secret society of brave and clever kids. The Illinois Jiu Jitsu Jamboree (IJJJ for short), as this secret society is known, is filled with kids who feel super-charged when they practice the art of Jiu Jitsu. Now, let me introduce you to their fearless leader, Sir Squiggles McMuffin, a lovable yet eccentric teddy bear with a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu and a floppy chef's hat. Squiggles, with his fluffy fur and squishy muffin-shaped belly, is not just your ordinary teddy bear. He is a master of sneaky moves, swift breaks, and unexpected giggles. Every afternoon, in the mystical halls of the IJJJ clubhouse (which might look suspiciously like your average community center to the untrained eye), Squiggles and his band of Jiu Jitsu journeyers gather. From Belleville to Champaign, Peoria to Rockford, these kids are as different and diverse as the state itself. But they all share the same love for Jiu Jitsu and their zany mascot, Squiggles. With a "hi-ya" here and a "watch-out-for-my-ninja-roll" there, these kids flip, twist, and tumble, laughing all the while. These Jiu Jitsu kids aren't just learning self-defense; they're building strength, courage, and a sense of teamwork that makes them more formidable than the fiercest of Illinois winds. The kids from the IJJJ are a funny bunch, with their secret handshakes and Squiggles-inspired jokes. But they're also the coolest kids you could meet in the Land of Lincoln, proving every day that in the world of Jiu Jitsu, there's always room for fun, laughter, and a teddy bear mascot who knows his way around a tasty muffin recipe!
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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 SUDA, we are adamant about making our martial arts programs accessible to all. We cater to a variety of ages, genders, and experience levels, so that everyone can benefit from our comprehensive instruction. Our courses teach important self-defense techniques, while also offering a practical and realistic approach to training. We are confident that our approach will enable our members to reach their goals and live their best lives. At SUDA, we live up to our name and strive to help our members survive under direct attack. Our martial arts programs include classes for all ages and skill levels, and our instruction covers an array of self-defense techniques. Our approach is both realistic and practical, and we are confident it will help our members reach their goals and achieve greatness. At SUDA, we are committed to ensuring that our martial arts training is available to everyone. Our classes are designed to suit a variety of ages and skill levels, and our instruction includes self-defense techniques that are both practical and realistic. By following our approach, we believe that our members will be able to achieve greatness and live their best lives.
Full Life Karate for Kids is the perfect way for parents to help their children grow into confident leaders. ATA Martial Arts has been providing its members with a comprehensive road map to success since 1969. By teaching self-defense, confidence, and goal-setting skills, ATA Martial Arts has set kids up for a successful future. Not only is Full Life Karate for Kids a great way to raise confident leaders, but it also helps adults reach their true potential. Through ATA Martial Arts’s programs, adults have the tools they need to achieve their goals. With self-defense, confidence, and goal-setting skills, adults can reach their full potential. ATA Martial Arts has been helping its members reach their goals since 1969. Full Life Karate for Kids is the perfect way for parents to prepare their children to become confident leaders and for adults to reach their true potential. With self-defense, confidence, and goal-setting skills, ATA Martial Arts can help individuals of all ages reach their goals.
At Victory MMA Gyms, we make it easy for everyone to learn martial arts skills – no matter their age, gender, or experience level. We know that honing these skills takes diligence, discipline, and determination, so we provide our students with the guidance and support they need to build greater confidence, focus, and achievement. At Victory MMA Gyms, we strive to make martial arts accessible to everyone. With our comprehensive approach to instruction, our students develop not only physical skills, but also the important traits of diligence, discipline, and determination. This helps to build confidence, focus, and ultimately, success in all areas of life.
KH Kim Taekwondo - Plainfield Academy in Northbrook is the perfect place to enroll your child for martial arts training. Our school puts a strong emphasis on physical fitness, along with developing strong character traits such as self-esteem, resilience, focus, and respect. Our goal is to create a group of young people who are well-rounded and prepared to face the challenges of our global society. We provide an environment that encourages students to work together to build their physical strength and stamina, improve their focus and concentration, and gain self-discipline and self-defense skills. With our program, your child will gain a sense of self-confidence and a feeling of accomplishment that will stay with them for years to come.
At Chikara Martial Arts Academy, we understand that martial arts is more than just a physical pursuit. We are devoted to helping our students grow and develop on all levels – spiritually, mentally, physically and socially. Our program is designed to provide a robust and comprehensive martial arts experience, cultivating the physical skills of our students as well as their understanding of the practice’s deeper philosophical and cultural roots. We’re looking for dedicated students who are willing to commit to the path of the enlightened warrior. This journey isn’t a shortcut to a black belt – it’s a way of life that requires patience, dedication and a willingness to open oneself to the full martial arts experience. At Chikara Martial Arts Academy, we’re committed to helping our students reach their full potential – and we’re looking for those who are ready to take the journey. Join us as we seek to understand ourselves on all levels, and discover the power of martial arts as a way of life.
At BMT Joliet, parents can trust their children are getting the best care and training in kickboxing. With Duane “BANG” Ludwig’s BANG Muay Thai banner, BMT Joliet is an official affiliate and offers one of the most comprehensive kickboxing programs in the midwest. Parents can be assured that their children are receiving the best quality training available. BMT Joliet prides itself on its kickboxing program, offering the highest caliber of instruction and training for children. As an official affiliate of Duane “BANG” Ludwig’s BANG Muay Thai banner, BMT Joliet is dedicated to providing children with the resources they need to become successful kickboxers. Parents can trust that their children are getting a top-notch kickboxing education right here in the midwest. At BMT Joliet, parents can rest easy knowing their children are receiving the best kickboxing instruction available. With Duane “BANG” Ludwig’s BANG Muay Thai banner, BMT Joliet offers one of the strongest kickboxing programs in the midwest. Through comprehensive training and instruction, children can learn the skills needed to become successful kickboxers. Parents can trust that their children are getting the best kickboxing education right here in the midwest.