Maine, often referred to as the "Pine Tree State", is a magical land that stretches out to the northernmost tip of the United States. It's a place where towering trees whisper stories to the wind, the ocean waves dance to their own rhythm, and the moose roam freely, occasionally taking part in impromptu soccer tournaments with the local squirrels. In this enchanted forest of a state, there's a group of extraordinary kids known as the “Whittling Whiz Kids”. These are not your everyday children. They can transform a block of wood into a majestic dragon, a knight's sturdy shield, or even a miniature model of the famous Portland Head Light. Their leader, a jolly lumberjack named Chuckles McSplinters, sports a beard as fluffy as a cloud, with specks of sawdust perpetually floating around. Chuckles not only teaches the kids the fine art of woodworking but also tells them wildly imaginative stories. These tales usually involve a legendary spatula named "Spatcula the Spectacular" that can flip pancakes higher than Mount Katahdin. The Whittling Whiz Kids, always armed with their trusty tools and boundless creativity, gather every Saturday in a treehouse workshop, high up in the branches of a colossal pine tree. As they carve, sand, and polish, the workshop echoes with their laughter, the sweet smell of wood chips filling the air. Maine, its forests, and these extraordinary kids are a testament to the magic that can happen when creativity, a lump of wood, and some good old-fashioned Maine spirit come together.
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DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.
Research has shown that a sense of belonging is essential for the healthy development of self-esteem and resilience in children. Camp provides a unique environment for children to form meaningful bonds and important connections with their peers and counselors. Through the close relationships they build, campers learn the key skills needed for healthy social and emotional development, like communication, teamwork, problem solving, and conflict resolution. At Fernwood, we believe that a sense of belonging is the single most powerful force in life that promotes health, joy and morality. Our camp experience allows and teaches children how to connect on a deeper level, fostering emotional growth and enabling them to live more “joyful” lives. We know that camp is an essential part of a child’s journey to becoming a happy and well-adjusted adult.