Once upon a time in the wondrous state of North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains stretched out like a giant's afternoon nap, and the Outer Banks played hide and seek with the Atlantic Ocean, lived a sprightly bunch of kids. They were not just any ordinary kids, no no no! They were the Kung Fu Kids of Carolina! In every nook and cranny of this splendid state, from the sassy city of Charlotte to the fun-loving town of Fayetteville, these kids trained in the ancient art of Kung Fu. Their leader was a panda named Paddy. Now, Paddy was no ordinary panda, he was a wizard Panda! Straight from the enchanted bamboo forests of China, Paddy had the heart of a lion, the strength of a bear, and a sense of humor the size of a blue whale. He could somersault faster than a cheetah and was funnier than a box of ticklish monkeys. Day in and out, Paddy trained these enthusiastic youngsters to become Kung Fu masters. They learned to leap like leopards, punch like pythons, and kick faster than kangaroos! But the most important part of Paddy's training, was making them laugh. He’d twist his chubby panda body into hilarious poses, make funny faces, and even tell jokes while balancing on one paw. After all, he firmly believed that the secret to mastering Kung Fu was having a belly full of laughter. Paddy always said, "To be a true Kung Fu master, you must learn to kick, punch, and giggle, all at the same time!" And that, my dear friend, is the tale of the Kung Fu Kids of Carolina, who learned that the true power of Kung Fu lies not in the strength of their punches, but in the strength of their laughter!
Read morebest kung-fu programs in Hickory, NC
Dear Families, (currently our website is under construction) 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 the Mountain View Karate Center, the team to beat is Team MVKC! Nineteen world champions and countless state champions have come from this elite group of martial arts students, who have been trained by the esteemed Sensei Doug Armstrong and his team of coaches, Chasity Ellis, Drew Crowe, Trent Temple, and Chris Urcinola. These students compete at tournaments throughout the southeast, and they continue to bring home awards and accolades. Do you have a martial artist in the family? If so, the Mountain View Karate Center is the perfect place for them. With a team of 19 world champions, and countless state champions, Team MVKC is a force to be reckoned with. Coaches Chasity Ellis, Drew Crowe, Trent Temple, and Chris Urcinola, along with the esteemed Sensei Doug Armstrong, have led this team to success and have helped develop amazing martial artists. Students are competing all around the southeast and bringing home awards and accolades. Are you looking for a martial arts program that will help your child excel? Look no further than the Mountain View Karate Center! Home to Team MVKC, which has earned an impressive 19 world champions and numerous state champions, this program is truly elite. With Sensei Doug Armstrong at the helm, and coaches Chasity Ellis, Drew Crowe, Trent Temple, and Chris Urcinola, children are sure to get the best instruction and training. Team MVKC competes at tournaments throughout the southeast, and continues to bring home awards and recognition.