In the magical heartland of America, nestled between the shimmering skyscrapers of enchanting Chicago and the rolling cornfields that sway in the gentle breeze, lies the magnificent state of Illinois. This land, where the hot dogs never have ketchup and where you can hear the roars of the ferocious T-Rex echoing from the Field Museum, is also home to a group of extraordinary kids. And these kids, my dear friends, are the masterminds behind the most splendid Art & Crafts creations you could ever imagine! Meet Scribble Sam, the leader of this wonderfully wacky world of colors and crafts. Sam, with his paint-splattered overalls and paintbrush always at the ready, is never seen without a dab of paint on his cheek or a twinkle in his eye. From his magic easel, he creates art that dances and leaps off the page, filling the Illinois landscapes with joy and imagination. Then there's Crafty Cathy, the queen of glitter and googly eyes. From her crafty castle, she can weave pipe cleaners into fantastic animals, create dazzling fairy tale crowns out of cardboard, and bring to life the most incredible dreamcatchers that even keep nightmares about the dreaded Chicago winter at bay! These Illinois kids, led by Scribble Sam and Crafty Cathy, are not just artists, they are the imagination warriors. They spend their days battling dullness, spreading color and joy across the state, proving that in Illinois, every day is a magical adventure where creativity knows no bounds. So, grab your scissors, your glue, and your wildest dreams, and join the Art & Crafts brigade because in Illinois, the fun has just begun!
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Give your child the opportunity to learn a unique Olympic sport while building confidence, focus, coordination, discipline, and strategic thinking at ALLE Fencing Club in Fort Lauderdale. ALLE Fencing Club specializes in saber fencing and welcomes students from beginners discovering the sport for the first time to experienced young athletes preparing for regional and national competitions. Youth beginner classes introduce children ages 6–12 to the fundamentals of fencing, including saber handling, footwork, distance control, fencing etiquette, sportsmanship, coordination, focus, and basic rules. Junior programs are available for ages 12+ and help students progress toward competitive fencing. With experienced coaches and a supportive training environment, students develop both physical and mental skills while learning a sport that challenges them to think quickly, move confidently, and make strategic decisions. Advanced and Elite programs provide additional training for experienced fencers interested in tournaments and high-level competition. ALLE Fencing Club also offers private lessons for personalized instruction and skill development, as well as beginner-focused fencing camps that combine fencing activities with teamwork, confidence-building, focus, and fun.
At Camp Ben Frankel, we focus on creating a lifetime of memories for Jewish children of all backgrounds. Our leadership and staff are experienced and highly trained in providing a safe, welcoming camp environment, and we’re proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. We strive to meet and exceed the expectations of our campers, parents, and staff. During the summer of 2021, we reopened our in-person camp and experienced no cases of Covid. In 2020, we launched CBF Online, our virtual summer camp program. It quickly gained recognition from the Jewish Telegraph Agency, The Forward, The Telegraph (UK), the St. Louis Jewish Light, and eJewishPhilanthropy. We partner with organizations like the Foundation For Jewish Camp, JCamp180, Jewish Camps USA, Life and Legacy, and Jewish Federations across the country to better serve our community. We are proud to have been presented with the JCamp180 Outstanding Board Leadership Award in October 2020. At Camp Ben Frankel, our mission is to provide a lifetime of memories to Jewish children from all backgrounds. We create an inclusive and welcoming environment that invites exploration of identity. Our staff are trained in safety protocols, and we use best-practices, strategic partnerships, and an open-minded approach to develop programs and activities that meet our high standards. We are thrilled to have been able to offer both in-person and virtual camp in 2021 and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality programming for years to come.