Once upon a time, in the funky state of Illinois, known for its colossal skyscrapers and the mouthwatering deep-dish pizzas, lived a group of talented kiddos. These weren't just any regular kids, oh no, they were the super-duper, ultra-imaginative, crayon-carrying Sketch Squad of Illinois. Leading this lively crew was Doodle McPencil, a cool, nifty character born from a burst of creativity and a dollop of midnight blue ink. He was as tall as a giraffe's knee, wore a beret that was a bit too large for his head, and sported a pair of rainbow suspenders. Whenever Doodle snapped his fingers (which were shaped like pencil erasers), the kids in the Sketch Squad knew it was time to let their imaginations run wild. All across the Pancake Prairie and the Humongous Husker's farm, kids with paper and pencils would form exciting stories. From the bravest superheroes to the silliest clowns, from the brightest unicorns to the darkest vampires, they drew them all. And let's not forget their favorite, the Great Pizza Monster, who loved nothing more than to gobble up all the deep-dish pizzas in Chicago. Everywhere in Illinois, the Sketch Squad was known for their incredible talents. Their laughter echoed against the towering structures of Chicago, their creativity filled the sprawling cornfields, and their drawings brought the charm of the Mississippi River to paper. And so, in the heart of the Land of Lincoln, the Sketch Squad and Doodle McPencil created a world of imagination, one sketch at a time. They laughed, they drew, they created, and most importantly, they had a whole lot of fun along the way.
Read morebest drawing-sketching programs in Belleville, IL
Building Character with Martial Arts. The Black Belt Leadership Academy has a rich history that spans more than ten years, during which it has been pivotal in aiding students to sharpen their concentration, bolster their power, and enhance their self-assurance through exceptional martial arts instruction. Our branch in Wauwatosa is a welcoming space that respects and includes students of every kind, regardless of whether they're novices or seasoned martial artists. Each class that we provide is meticulously planned to challenge students at a personal level, while also creating a positive and rewarding ambiance. This individualized approach guarantees that all our students feel recognized and motivated, which leads to a more successful learning journey. At our academy, we're committed to fostering an environment that brings out the best in each student. Our classes aim to not merely impart martial arts techniques but also to instill qualities such as discipline, respect, and resilience. We are firm believers that the values learned at our academy extend beyond the training hall and will benefit our students in all their future pursuits.
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.