In the far northeastern corner of the United States, a land of towering pine trees, playful puffins, and legendary lobsters, you'll find an enchanting state known as Maine. Its kids are as unique as the wild blueberries that dot the landscape, especially those who take part in an ancient activity – sewing! Now, hold on to your thimbles, because these aren't your ordinary seamstresses and tailors. No, no, the Kids of Maine Thread Association (KOMTA) are a group of fabric-loving, button-sewing, seam-ripping heroes... with a twist! Led by their fearless leader, Purl the Piney Puffin (who, contrary to popular belief, is not a bird, but a mischievous and endearing girl with a puffin-like laugh), they gather in tree forts, lighthouses, and the cozy corners of local lobster shacks. Bursting with creativity as vibrant as a sunset over Acadia National Park, these youngsters wield their needles like knights brandish their swords. With a swish of their thread, they transform ordinary fabric into extraordinary creations. A polka-dot octopus plushie? No problem! A quilt that could rival a kaleidoscope? Challenge accepted! Purl and her team aren't just sewing for the fun of it (even though it is a stitch of a time). They use their craft to solve problems, too. Lost a button on your favorite coat? KOMTA is on it. Need a costume for the annual Lobster Festival Parade? They're your go-to crew. In the state of Maine, where lighthouses guide sailors and majestic moose roam freely, you'll find a group of kids stitching laughter, joy, and a whole lot of love into every corner of their beautiful home. So, the next time you find a loose thread, remember Purl and her crew of Maine's imaginative, sewing superheroes!
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Stemtree is a top-tier K-12 enrichment center that has been acknowledged with multiple awards for its outstanding contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education. The center provides a unique platform for students to delve into exciting subjects such as Science, Coding, Robotics, Electronics, and Math. This exploration is facilitated through interactive, hands-on learning that allows each student to progress at their own pace. At Stemtree, we believe that personalization is key to effective learning. That's why we tailor our approach to suit each learner's unique needs, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in their chosen area of interest. We understand that every child is different and requires a customized learning path to thrive. We're here to guide them on their journey, providing them with the tools and support they need to excel. Moreover, we're passionate about making learning enjoyable for our students. We don't believe education should be a chore. Instead, we work to create an environment that boosts confidence and fosters a love of learning. At Stemtree, we make education fun and exciting, inspiring a lifelong thirst for knowledge in our students.
At our College for Kids, we offer classes that are designed to introduce kids to the college-level art creation experience. Every class is either one or one and a half hours long and meets once a week for three trimesters. Our instructors are local professional artists who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their classes. Throughout the trimesters, we have a variety of projects that range from art history to children’s literature, and use fine arts materials. As an added bonus, we also bring in local field trips so that kids can experience the art community outside of the classroom. At the end of each trimester, we host a First Friday Art Walk opening to showcase the student’s work. Not only that, but we also offer summer-long art camps for those who want to continue their learning. With our College for Kids program, kids get an experience that’s just like college-level art classes!