Once upon a time, in the sun-kissed green state of North Carolina, nestled between the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains and the shimmering Atlantic coast, there lived a peculiar and delightful character named Sir Giggles-a-Lot. Sir Giggles, as he was affectionately known, had one mission: to make the kids of North Carolina giggle, wiggle and play with jubilant joy. Every day, the children would look forward to the wacky and whimsically funny games that Sir Giggles designed. These games weren't ordinary, oh no! They were sensory play activities full of gooey slime, squishy clay, and rainbow-colored sands. The children would dive their little hands into these strange materials, feeling the cool, odd textures tickle their palms, while their fingers danced through the vibrant colors. The kids of North Carolina were a lively bunch, always ready to explore and learn. They loved the magical sensory play world that Sir Giggles introduced to them. They'd chuckle as they molded the clay into hilarious shapes, or squeal in delight as they buried their hands in the squishy, cool slime. Their giggles echoed through the Tar Heel state, as bright and cheerful as the Carolina blue sky. From the bustling city of Charlotte to the quiet, historic town of New Bern, Sir Giggles brought unending laughter and sensory excitement. He taught the children to embrace their curiosity and to explore the world around them through touch, smell, and sight. The kids in North Carolina were not just kids; they were brave explorers, mini artists, and young scientists, all thanks to the funny, giggle-inducing character, Sir Giggles-a-Lot. So, if you ever find yourself in the beautiful state of North Carolina, listen closely for the sound of giggles and you might just find Sir Giggles and his sensory play world.
Read morebest sensory-play programs in Matthews, 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 Tinkergarten, we believe that outdoor play is the best way for kids to learn and develop. Our classes, held in Matthews, North Carolina throughout the year, are designed to help children explore and discover nature and the environment. With the help of our curriculum and our experienced educators, children can learn about the world around them while having fun. We understand that it can be difficult for parents and caregivers to find the time and resources to make outdoor play a part of their children’s early learning experience. That’s why Tinkergarten offers year-round classes to ensure that families can get outside and make the most of their kids’ early learning years. With our live sessions, our curriculum to extend the play at home, and an engaging learning community, we make it easy for families to get outside and explore the world around them.
The Brace Family YMCA was founded with the goal of strengthening communities and bringing families together. The Harris YMCA in Charlotte is a shining example of this mission in action, offering assistance to Latino immigrant families as they settle into their new home. We are proud to see our YMCA living out these values. The Harris YMCA is helping to make a lasting impact in our community by providing resources to Latino immigrant families. By connecting them with the support they need to adjust to their new home, the YMCA is helping to create a safe and welcoming environment for these families. The Brace Family YMCA is proud to have a branch that is living out our mission of bringing families together and strengthening our community. At the Brace Family YMCA, we are passionate about making a difference in the lives of families across the country. The Harris YMCA in Charlotte is a testament to this commitment, providing resources and support to Latino immigrant families as they settle into their new home. We are proud to see our YMCA bringing families together and strengthening our community in this meaningful way.