Welcome, dear ones, to the enchanting state of North Carolina, where the magnolias bloom, the barbeque sizzles and music is a way of life! This is a place where kids don't just walk, they dance their way to school. They don't talk, they sing their words in a melodious tune. Can you hear that? That's the sound of the North Carolina Symphony echoing through the pine-covered hills! Everywhere you look, you see kids striking up a beat on the school desks, strumming air guitars in the park or belting out tunes in the shower. These ain't just any kids, these are the music maestros of North Carolina! The air here is filled not just with the sweet smell of honey and hush puppies, but also with the captivating rhythm of bluegrass, jazz, and country music. Among these young virtuosos, there's a peculiar character - a blue-eyed, freckle-faced chap named Banjo Benny. With his unruly mop of red hair and a banjo that's almost bigger than him, Benny is quite a sight! He’s a musical wizard who can make his banjo sing like a bird or roar like a lion! Benny and his fellow musical mates spend their time exploring the mystical realms of melodies, diving deep into the oceans of harmonies and climbing the dazzling peaks of rhythms. Life in North Carolina is a musical adventure, where every day is a new tune to be played, a new song to be sung. The kids here don't just listen to music, they live it! So, if you have a song in your heart and a beat in your feet, come on down, join the fun and let's make some music in beautiful North Carolina!
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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 Center is currently open for paid programming and some meeting groups. November's gallery display will feature the work of Cynthia Howard's adult artist students. This is a great opportunity for art lovers to come and explore the work of these talented students. The McDowell Arts Center offers an array of experiences for parents and children alike. From paid programming and meetings to gallery displays, the Center is a great place to explore and appreciate the arts. November's gallery show will showcase the work of Cynthia Howard's adult artist students. The display is sure to be a treat for art enthusiasts and a learning experience for all. The McDowell Arts Center is a great resource for parents and children alike. This November, visitors will have the opportunity to check out Cynthia Howard's adult artist students' work in the gallery. The Center is currently open for paid programming and some meeting groups, providing further opportunities for art appreciation. This is a great chance to explore the artistic talent of the local community.

At Charlotte Academy of Music, we recognize how important it is for students to have an environment that promotes learning and music education. Music lessons in the home can be easily interrupted by distractions, which can prevent students from learning effectively. That’s why we offer our students the opportunity to learn in a focused and inspiring environment, surrounded by a musical community. Our students have access to a variety of classes, workshops, ensembles, performances, competitions, and recitals, so they can gain a well-rounded music education experience. We invite you to join us and begin your musical journey.

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.
Are you looking to give your little one the gift of music? Look no further than Kindermusik at the Matthews Community Center! Our innovative music-based educational program is designed to help children learn and grow during the most important years of their brain development. We offer classes for children as young as 3 months all the way up to 3 years old. Each class is accompanied by a caregiver, and multi-week sessions are offered throughout the year. Kindermusik at Matthews Community Center is the perfect way to give your child the joy of music! Our educational program focuses on helping children learn and grow during the most critical stage for brain development. Classes are available for children from 3 months to 3 years old, with an accompanying caregiver each class. We offer multi-week sessions throughout the year, so you can give your little one the gift of music for longer.

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts began in 1995 with a mission to bring quality theatre to the Matthews area. The original Board of Directors, made up of parents, theatre professionals and educators, was determined to create a space where young performers could shine. The first production, Alice in Wonderland, was a huge success. With over 100 children auditioning and 50 cast members, it was clear that the local community wanted to be involved in the performing arts. Since then, the Playhouse has experienced tremendous growth. Today, the Playhouse offers a full season of plays and classes year round, with a total attendance of over 20,000 during the 2018-2019 season. Over 1,000 campers participated in 45 different summer camps, and our classes served over 250 young people. Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is proud to have fulfilled its mission to bring quality theatre to the Matthews area.