Once upon a time, in the grinning green landscapes of Vermont, nestled in the heart of its maple syrup forests and surrounded by its famous dairy farms, there was a group of kids known as the "Vermont Vortex". They were not your everyday children; they were the most daring daredevils of the deep, the swiftest swimmers of the state, and the bravest backstrokers of the bunch! Vermont, lovingly referred to as the "Green Mountain State", was not a place for the faint-hearted. The days were filled with adventures, from climbing its towering mountains to swimming in its crystal-clear lakes! And it was in these refreshing waters that you'd find the Vermont Vortex, splashing, diving, and championship-winning their way into everyone's hearts. Our story begins with the funniest member of the Vortex, a boy named Larry the Lively Lobster. Larry didn't possess any lobster-like qualities, except for his bright red hair and his incredible ability to swim, of course. His laughter was as infectious as the rippling waves they swam through. He was known for his silly antics and practical jokes, which often included a rubber duck, a snorkel, and a swim cap that looked suspiciously like a shower cap. He would flip, flop, and weave through the water, leaving in his wake a splash of giggles. Yes, my friends! The state of Vermont was more than its sweet syrup and delicious cheese. It was a place where kids like Larry and the rest of the Vermont Vortex could dive into life's adventures... one hilarious swim stroke at a time! So, let's put on our goggles, flippers, and don't forget that shower cap, as we dive into the aquatic escapades of the Vermont Vortex!
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
For nearly a century, Killooleet has been a beloved summer camp for children and teens in Hancock, Vermont. Founded in 1927 by Margaret Bartlett and Toni Taylor, the camp has been owned and operated by the Seeger family for the past seventy years. John and Ellie Seeger first took the helm in 1948, and in 1998, they celebrated their 50th year of directorship by passing the business along to their daughter, Kate, and her husband, Dean Spencer. Nestled on 300 acres of serene landscape on the edge of the Green Mountain National Forest, Killooleet’s campus is a paradise for outdoor exploration. From the beautiful, flat grounds to the barn and private lake, the camp is the perfect place for kids and teens to explore, learn, and grow. Just twenty-five miles east of Middlebury and twenty-five miles south of Waitsfield, it’s easy for families to get to and from the camp. Killooleet has been providing a safe and supportive environment for children and teens to learn and grow for nearly a century. With its stunning grounds and nearby natural wonders, the camp is a perfect place for parents to send their kids for a summer of fun and adventure. Whether it’s a day hike through the Green Mountain National Forest or a swim in the private lake, Killooleet offers plenty of opportunities for kids to make memories that will last a lifetime.