The state of California, known affectionally as the Golden State, is as beautiful and as golden as a sunflower basking in the afternoon sunshine. It's a magical place where majestic mountains share the horizon with lush vineyards and the roaring Pacific Ocean. But the real magic happens in the gardens, where a peculiar group of kids, the 'Green Thumbs Gang,' spends their time. The leader of this gang is a funny little character known as Muddy Boots. With a hat as wide as a satellite dish and a spade that doubles as his scepter, Muddy Boots rules his garden kingdom with a green thumb and a hearty laugh. His eyes sparkle with enthusiasm as bright as the starlight, and his laughter is as contagious as a wild daisy spreading across the field. The other kids in the Green Thumbs Gang all look up to Muddy Boots. They're a bunch of dirt-smudged, sun-kissed, worm-chasing, seed-planting oddballs. They spend their sunny California days laboring in the soil, planting the weirdest and wildest plants they can find. From rainbow carrots to striped tomatoes, their garden is as varied as a painter's palette. Every so often, Muddy Boots would declare a "Garden Giggles Day." On this special occasion, the gang would throw rotten tomatoes at each other, stage worm races, and have a contest to see who could make the funniest vegetable face. After all the hullabaloo, they would sit under a big shady tree, munching on their home-grown snacks, their laughter echoing across the garden, nearly as heart-warming as the Californian sun above them.
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DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.
At Connolly Ranch Education Center, we believe that connecting children and families with nature is essential for the development of the next generation of environmental stewards. Our historic property in the heart of Napa is the perfect setting for children of all ages to explore and discover the wonders of the outdoors. We strive to preserve the natural beauty of the property through sustainable land management and farming practices, as well as providing educational opportunities to promote environmental stewardship. The Connolly Ranch experience is a unique one that allows for children and families to make a conscious connection with the natural world. From visiting our animals to working in the edible garden, or exploring our WildSpaces area, there are plenty of activities to ensure everyone feels connected to the environment. At Connolly Ranch Education Center, we strive to provide children of all ages the opportunity to learn and discover the joys and wonders of nature. Through sustainable land management and farming practices, as well as educational programs and activities, we are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. Our beautiful, historic property in Napa is the perfect place to make a mindful connection with the natural world.