Hidden between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean lies the Tar Heel State, North Carolina, and it's downright bonkers about basketball! Here, the kids don't just play basketball, they breathe it! They dribble and shoot hoops under the carolina blue sky, as if each shot could reach the moon. Enter our hero, a cool imaginary character named Bouncing Benny. Benny is a basketball with a mind of his own and a heart full of spunk. The kids love Benny, he's like their bouncy best bud. Benny isn't your ordinary basketball though, oh no! He has a wicked sense of humor and the ability to speak. He's been known to shout "Swish!" when a kid makes a perfect shot, and "Whoopsie daisy!" when the ball slips away. From the bustling city courts of Charlotte to the humble backyard hoops of Asheville, Benny and the kids play morning till night, their laughter echoing throughout the state. They celebrate every shot made, console each other for every miss, and are always ready for a rematch. The spirit of teamwork is as strong as the scent of hickory smoked barbecue in the air. The kids of North Carolina are not just teammates; they're friends, learning life's greatest lessons on the basketball court. They understand that winning isn't everything, but trying your best is. Through their love of basketball, the kids of North Carolina and Bouncing Benny have created a world full of fun, friendship and the simple joy of a game well played. And to quote Benny, "That's what hoops are all about!"
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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.
The Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus is an incredible opportunity for children ages 8-18 to discover the joy of singing and learn about the choral art. It is an educationally based program that provides a safe and nurturing environment for students to explore their creativity and develop a lifelong appreciation of music. With the guidance of their experienced instructors, children form lasting relationships with others while learning healthy vocal technique, sight-reading, and music theory. As part of their program, the students have the opportunity to perform in various venues, such as churches, civic organizations, and concerts around the world.
Pottery has been a beloved craft for centuries, and continues to hold a special place in hearts around the world. Our pottery classes are perfect for anyone wanting to explore the creative and practical aspects of this special art form. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to further develop your technique, we have the perfect class for you. Our classes strive to provide the highest quality instruction for both beginner and advanced pottery enthusiasts. We will teach you the basics of working with clay, like forming, glazing, and firing, as well as more advanced techniques, like sculpting and hand-building. Our goal is to help you create works of art that are uniquely yours.