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.
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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.
Since 1981, WSRA has been providing recreational programs for individuals of all ages with special needs. Our experienced staff is professionally trained in therapeutic recreation to provide the best services possible. Each year, WSRA serves more than 100 individuals of all ages with disabilities through 75 recreation programs, special events, and trips. We provide transportation for our program registrants and network with local schools, nonprofits, and government agencies to ensure that everyone has access to the recreational activities they need. We are proud to be a part of the partnership of Gurnee, Grandwood Park, Wildwood Park Districts, and Warren Township and look forward to continuing to offer our services in the years to come.