Once upon a time, in the fantastic landscape of North Carolina, surrounded by towering emerald mountains that kissed the sky, serene beaches that hummed with the songs of the ocean, and bustling cities full of happy noises, lived a bunch of kids with a shared passion - Yoga! These were no ordinary kids, oh no, they were the Yogi Younglings of NC, led by their hilarious and super flexible, imaginary friend, Pretzel Paddy. Pretzel Paddy was a quirky character, a talking pretzel who'd twist and turn into the most remarkable yoga poses. He wore glasses made of cucumber slices and had a mustache made from carrot shreds, always ready with a hearty "Namaste!" Paddy was their yoga guide, inspiring them to stretch more, breathe more, and laugh outrageously more. These children were a lively bunch, full of giggles and wiggles, joining their hands, toes, and noses (sometimes ending up in a snort and a laugh!) to form poses that Paddy demonstrated. They could transform into mighty mountains, soaring eagles, powerful warriors, and even graceful sleeping cats! They got so good that they could touch their toes without bending their knees, balance on one leg while their eyes were closed, and even stand on their heads! But it wasn't just about the poses. These Yogi Younglings discovered the magic of mindfulness, feeling the cool North Carolina breeze as they focused on their breath, and hearing the rustle of leaves or the lapping waves as they concentrated in silence. But best of all was the laughter echoing across the state as Pretzel Paddy shared his yoga jokes. "Why don't yogis ever get locked out? Because they always carry a key...a kundalini!" So, in this vibrant corner of the world, the Yogi Younglings of North Carolina, led by Pretzel Paddy, discovered the joy of yoga, the beauty of mindfulness, and the magic of laughter.
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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.
At Waxhaw Athletic Association (WAA), we believe that every child should have the opportunity to engage in sports. That’s why we’ve been providing quality, all-volunteer sports programs for young athletes since 1980. Our humble beginnings as a small-town, single-sport league have grown into a multi-sport professional athletic organization offering Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Basketball, and Flag Football for kids ages 3-18. We serve families from Union County, South Charlotte, and even South Carolina. WAA is committed to providing an inclusive, safe, and encouraging environment for young athletes and their families. Our all-volunteer, non-profit organization is dedicated to helping children develop their physical and social skills through sports. We’ve grown from a single-sport league to a professional athletic organization offering five sports for kids ages 3-18 in Union County, South Charlotte, and even in South Carolina. For almost four decades, Waxhaw Athletic Association has been helping young athletes reach their full potential in a safe and encouraging environment. From humble beginnings as a small-town, single-sport league, we’ve grown into a multi-sport professional athletic organization offering Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Basketball, and Flag Football for kids ages 3-18 in Union County, South Charlotte, and even South Carolina. Our all-volunteer, non-profit organization has been providing an inclusive and fun sports experience for families since 1980.
As parents, it is important to ensure that our children are surrounded by positive, motivating influences. The words of motivational speaker and physiologist Jim Rohn ring true: “You are the average of the 3-5 people you spend the most time with.” We want to make sure our children are influenced by people who are respectful and wise, and who work hard. At UpLevel Martial Arts, we recognize how important it is for our children to have positive influences in their lives. Our instructors teach valuable life lessons to families that can have a lasting impact. By teaching children about respect, hard work, and responsibility while they’re young, we can help them become successful adults. With the guidance and wisdom of our instructors, our children can become the people they want to be.