Displaying items by tag: Nature camp

Beliefs For My Child

So as parents that have a respect for Nature often I think what I want to leave my son. Obviously it will be a world with a clean and sustainable environment. But more importantly there are areas that I want him to internalize for himseelf. First and foremost is a love of being outdoors, but that is not enough....

Wild has value.

Wherever you see it large and small we must see and respect the wild.. THe wild where man has not interfered and where nature takes its course. Accept it and keep it we do not need to change it.

Nature and Civilization have to be appreciated.

Man and nature have the ability to create art, it’s all how you see it. So take your time to be impressed by the amazing buildings man has created but dont forget that nature has been building a world for millennium. Appreciate the differences and the similarities.

Our impact on nature can be minimized.

Our foot print can be large or small. It is a choice we make by how we live our life. When out in nature do we pick the flower or just smell it and allow it to do what it does best? Whith knowledge we can be smarter and even creat more respect for that amazing force of nature. But more importantly if we take time to stop and observe nature we can learn from and do what we do even better.

Be prepared.

We control nature in many places and ways. Yet, what we can not control we fear. Being prepared in nature and in life reduces our fears. and worrying about the unknown. but it’s never truly tamed. Nature’s citizens generally don’t care about us. Reduce your fears and be prepared for all possible outcomes.

Everything is has value.

Ok, spiders can be a bit creepy. Yet, they are amazing creatures. Rather than seeing a reason to kill or change a life form... just keep walking and let it do what it does. Respect even if you are the stronger spieces. Plus, be aware that all parts of nature are incredibly complex, with each plant, animal, bacteria, and fungus having its own unique niche.

Human life requires a healthy ecosystem.

Each day we learn more about how we effect nature and the environment both in a positive and negative way. So please be aware and do your part to protect this planet we live on, after all it is our responsibility.

Animals at Camp

One of the best parts of being at Swift Nature Camp is the Animals. Thats why many think of S.N.C. as an animal camp. Animals are every where! First since you are out in Nature, if you take a little quiet time you just might see a some really cool birds like a Loon or a Woodpecker or some of the larger mammals like Bears and Porcupines. But most folks just like the animals in the Nature Center and in the Camp Zoo. There are all sorts of cool critters from Lizards to Hamsters and out in the Zoo are ducks and maybe even a goat or two. But Best of all is that campers can bring their own smaller critters to camp. Learn More

Environmental Camp

When most folks think of a science they think of school and all those books and studying. However, Swift Nature Camp is all about having Fun while helps children to learn how and why to become good stewards of the environment. It is through direct experience and hands on activities that we inspire kids to be environmentally conscious when they return home. Our first goal is to be a kids summer camp but it is so much more,, it’s our dedication to the environment. Swift Nature Camp is fun with a purpose.
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Catch Frogs

Catching frogs from camps own beaver pond is a huge camp sport at Swift Nature Camp. it is a challenge too. The big Bull Frogs put up a big battle to free them selves. We even have a favorite bull from the biggest meanest frog of them all JIMBO. Yes he is our mascot and is pictured on this page.

Catching frogs is one of favorite things to do at this children’s summer camp. One of the best hunting spots is the lamp poles at night. You see the frogs come up from the pond at night looking for food and all the bugs hanging around the light will do just fine.
One might wonder are you eating all these favorite catches. Nope they gan spend on night up at the Nature Center Zoo where they hang with the other animals anc catches then its back to where they were caught at. Next summer, join us for some serious frog catching..
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Nature Center

One of our pride and joys at Swift Nature Camp is our Nature Center. It is a real log building that is nearly 70 years old. One of the things that makes this place so special is that it houses many of the smaller animals and pets that campers may bering to camp. We try to do our nature studies as often as possible outside but on occasion we need to be indoors and the Nature Center is a great place for those times. In the fall last year just before the first snow fall, we replace many of the rotten trim boards and had it repainted to preserve its lovely wood . It is the same deep red color but now you might notice a bit of a shine, not to mention its nice and clean....
click to see more photos
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Nature Pictures

Do you enjoy Nature? Do you like to take pictures?
Now it’s your chance to make the call! The National Wildlife Federation needs your vote!
Their Magazine has selected the finalists for this Photo Contest. The theme is “Nature in My Neighborhood.” Now we need YOU to help choose the winner!
Vote for your favorite image today! The top vote-getter receives an official NWF field guide and, if not already a member, a free one-year membership to National Wildlife Federation. But we need to hear from you soon: Voting ends April 15!

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John Muir Award

The John Muir Youth Award program was launched in Dunbar, Scotland in April, 1996 by the John Muir Trust of the United Kingdom. Dunbar was chosen to launch the program because it was the birthplace of John Muir. Thirty-eight students satisfied the award criteria and were the first recipients of the award.

The Sierra Club, through its volunteer John Muir Education Committee, operates the John Muir Youth Award in the U.S.A. Interested schools, nature centers, youth camps, or individuals are welcome to participate! The first John Muir Youth Award recipients in the USA were 19 students from the John Muir School in Portage, Wisconsin, located near Muir's boyhood home, and was awarded in June, 1997. Read on to learn how to enter!
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John Muir Youth Award.

The Five Challenges

To obtain the John Muir Youth Award, you must successfully complete five challenges:

1. Discover A Wild Place

Following Muir's maxim that "None of Nature's landscapes are ugly so long as they are wild," look for a wild place naear you. A "Wild Place" could be any relatively natural area from the back-yard garden, to the local park or a nature reserve. Young children may well start close to home and progress to more adventurous and remote sites as their knowledge and abilities grow. Older children will want to find true wilderness nearby.

2. Explore the "Wildness" which is found there.

At each level participants must explore, study, and try to understand: Why do we call this place "wild"? What is "wildness"? Why it is valuable? This may take the form of a conventional environmental studies program - but students could explore the landscape, animals and plants through science, photography, poetry, or other arts. It should be diverse and creative.

3. Conserve and Protect a Wild Place

The Sierra Club believes -- like John Muir did -- that it is not enough to "be concerned" - people must take action. For this third phase, young people will carry out practical conservation and management; or campaign on behalf of a wild place; or raise funds; or work with the local community on long-term management.

4. Share Your Discoveries with Others

Sharing with others could be done by making an exhibition of photographs, paintings, drawings or words; producing a film, video-tape or slide-show; creating a drama or radio program; leading a guided nature walk; giving a talk, creating a website or a Power Point presentation, etc.

5. Learn About John Muir and how he changed the world.

Participants should carry out all of the first four challenges against the background of learning about John Muir: his childhood in Scotland and immigration to America, his world-wide adventures and explorations, his struggles to help create the the National Parks system, his many books and essays on conservation, his role in the Sierra Club.

The award criteria requires specified hours to be spent on each of the five challenges, and the accomplishment of a final project that satisifes all Five Challenges. The award is available in five levels, with increasing time and complexity spent on each: Introductory: Discovery Level; Intermediate: Explorer Level, and Advanced: Conserver Level.

The John Muir Youth Award program is non-competitive, educational, and fun! Every student successfully concluding the criteria for the award, as approved by their teachers or or other youth leaders and the Sierra Club John Muir Education Committee, will be sent a certificate recognizing their accomplishment from the Sierra Club. The real reward, however, is the opportunity to learn more about wilderness and a "wilderness hero" who still captures the hearts of millions of people in America and around the world!s

Important note: Retrospective activity cannot count towards an Award.

If you are interested in the program, whether as a group or individual, please read the full Information on the

Duluth Minnesota in the Top 25

Recently Backpacker Magazine set out to find the best cities to raise kids in Nature. Suprisingly, or maybe not, Duluth was ranked in the top 25. These are the best places in America to “beat Nature Deficit Disorder.” Read more at Outdoors Camp. That’s not too surprising when you think about all the incredible fun outdoor things to do around Swift Nature camp. Remember Lake Superior, Apostle Islands, Amnion Falls, Superior Hiking Trail and THe Boundary Waters. So nest summer do What Back Packer Magazine Recommends go Play Outside in the Northwoods of Minnesota.
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Visit: Nature Summer Camp

Bears at Summer Camp

Just last week when all the campers had left camp we looked out over the swimming area and there in the lake was a bear. Thats right a bear! He swam right to the steps and walked right up them shook himself off and went on his merry way on down the path to boating. It was quite a site to see.

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Animal Summer Camp

Most of you campers knows this furry..not so much guy. Yep it is Apollo the bearded dragon. Some might think he was named after the space program. However, I think it was a Greek God. Currently lives with us but if you would like to adopt him till next summer give us an email and we can work it out. Want to learn more about Apollo...click below

Apollo is depicted as a beardless young man (ephebe). His attributes are the tripod, omphalos, lyre, bow and arrows, laurel, hawk, raven or crow, swan, fawn, roe, snake, mouse, grasshopper, and griffin.
Although often associated with the sun, Apollo was not originally a sun god. In Homer, Apollo is god of prophecy and plagues. He is also a warrior in the Trojan War. [Gods in the Iliad shows which side the gods favored.] Elsewhere Apollo is also a god of healing and the arts -- especially music (Apollo taught Orpheus to play the lyre) -- archery, agriculture . His arrows could send plague, as happens in the Iliad Book I.

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Page 4 of 16

Testimonials

3 weeks was not enough, next year I want to stay for 6 weeks.

3 weeks was not enough, next year I want to stay for 6 weeks.

Samantha
I really liked the Animals in the Nature Center.

I really liked the Animals in the Nature Center.

Forrest
I like the new friends I made, we still chat on Facebook.

I like the new friends I made, we still chat on Facebook.

Kat
In the cabin our counselors made it feel like a respectful loving family.

In the cabin our counselors made it feel like a respectful loving family.

Kim
I cried for days after leaving my SNC family of friends.

I cried for days after leaving my SNC family of friends.

Charlotte
I liked swimming every day in the lake.

I liked swimming every day in the lake.

Lauren
When I returned home I loved telling my parents about my SNC adventures.

When I returned home I loved telling my parents about my SNC adventures.

Zach
The New Lego building is a wonderful place to be creative and make friends.

The New Lego building is a wonderful place to be creative and make friends.

Reese
I like being out in Nature and away from the city sounds and lights.

I like being out in Nature and away from the city sounds and lights.

Stephen
The Canoe trips are the best, I always feel like an explorer.

The Canoe trips are the best, I always feel like an explorer.

Matt
Being independant and making my own decisions was great.

Being indépendant and making my own decisions was great.

Susan
I liked that it was non-competitive and everyone was kind.

I liked that it was non-competitive and everyone was kind.

Chris
I was surprised how most of the kids were like me, kind, fun and liked being outside.

I was surprised how most of the kids were like me, kind, fun and liked being outside.

Billy
I thought I would miss my electronics, but it was no problem.

I thought I would miss my electronics, but it was no problem.

Sandy
I was excited to get my Archery Achievement Award, it took dedication.

I was excited to get my Archery Achievement Award, it took dedication.

Charlie
I want to go back to SNC.

I want to go back to SNC.

Wyatt
I like learning about Nature and hearing the Loons at night.

I like learning about Nature and hearing the Loons at night.

Nate
I gained so much independence being at camp for 2 weeks.

I gained so much independence being at camp for 2 weeks.

Jenny
This is my 5th summer, I love it.

This is my 5th summer, I love it.

Tyler
I liked that all the activities were in a non-competitive atmosphere.

I liked that all the activities were in a non-competitive atmosphere.

Mike
Their is something Magical about SNC, Friends, Activities, Nature, It's all Great.

Their is something Magical about SNC, Friends, Activities, Nature, It's all Great.

Derrick
I like making beaded animals and friendship bracelets in Arts & Crafts.

I like making beaded animals and friendship bracelets in Arts & Crafts.

Kia
Riding horses on a trail in the woods was Awesome.

Riding horses on a trail in the woods was Awesome.

Amber
The 1st timer camp was good cause we were all the same.

The 1st timer camp was good cause we were all the same.

Justin
When we went hiking it was hard but the sites from the hill were breathtaking.

When we went hiking it was hard but the sites from the hill were breathtaking.

Zach
My friend had been here and he was right... it's a blast.

My friend had been here and he was right... it's a blast.

Sean
I'm kinda sad, this is my last summer, wish I had started younger.

I'm kinda sad, this is my last summer, wish I had started younger.

Matt
Meeting new people from around the world is amazing.

Meeting new people from around the world is amazing.

Katie
I liked that my counselors were friendly and encouraged me to try new things.

I liked that my counselors were friendly and encouraged me to try new things.

Lucy
SNC is about NO cliques.

SNC is about NO cliques.

Tay
I liked daily picking the activities I wanted to do.

I liked daily picking the activities I wanted to do.

Lucy
It's the Funnest camp in the world, I got along with everyone.

It's the Funnest camp in the world, I got along with everyone.

Taylor
SNC is my home away from home.

SNC is my home away from home.

Brandon
I really enjoy meeting new kids from all over and counselors every year.

I really enjoy meeting new kids from all over and counselors every year.

Catherine
So many activities to choose from, we are never bored.

So many activities to choose from, we are never bored.

Cameron
Every year is a new adventure in camping, community and nature.

Every year is a new adventure in camping, community and nature.

Maddy
I enjoyed seeing what America was like.

I enjoyed seeing what America was like.

Kevin
Kindness and understanding is what camp is all about.

Kindness and understanding is what camp is all about.

Grace
I loved it all... Don't' change a thing.

I loved it all... Don't' change a thing.

Marchin
I like that we got to shoot sling shots.

I like that we got to shoot sling shots.

Ken
Camp is so much better than staying home all summer.

Camp is so much better than staying home all summer.

Erick
It took a few years but my swimming really improved.

It took a few years but my swimming really improved.

Pat
I feel completely included and accepted.

I feel completely included and accepted.

David
It is amazing having your Birthday at camp.

It is amazing having your Birthday at camp.

Marty
The small size makes SNC excellent.

The small size makes SNC excellent.

Taylor
I liked learning about nature and ecology.

I liked learning about nature and ecology.

Zach
SNC is a down to earth experience without junk food or electronics.

SNC is a down to earth experience without junk food or electronics.

Lucas
I liked the shorter first timer camp & my councilors were fun and caring.

I liked the shorter first timer camp & my councilors were fun and caring.

Sandy
Living on a lake with all the water activities is wonderful.

Living on a lake with all the water activities is wonderful.

Siena
SNC is down to earth and not a rich kids camp.

SNC is down to earth and not a rich kids camp.

Jason
I liked SNC because it was not a sports camp.

I liked SNC because it was not a sports camp.

Christy
Free time is the best.

Free time is the best.

Tyler
I like being away from home and out in the woods.

I like being away from home and out in the woods.

Josh
Camp friends are the best friends.

Camp friends are the best friends.

Zoe
SNC is about trying new things, meeting new people and being on my own.

SNC is about trying new things, meeting new people and being on my own.

Amanda
Counselors were great.

Counselors were great.

Caitlin
I really like the Arts & Crafts Castle.

I really like the Arts & Crafts Castle.

Patryk
This was my best summer ever.

This was my best summer ever.

Ryan
I gained confidence trying new activities and meeting new folks.

I gained confidence trying new activities and meeting new folks.

Caroline
This is my 5th summer, I love it.

This is my 5th summer, I love it.

Erick
I feel accepted and loved at SNC.

I feel accepted and loved at SNC.

Tyler
Tubing was the most Fun.

Tubing was the most Fun.

Tyler
I feel like I belong to something bigger than me, a community.

I feel like I belong to something bigger than me, a community.

Shawn
Friends is what brings me back to SNC.

Friends is what brings me back to SNC.

Jason
I really look forward to Pizza Night.

I really look forward to Pizza Night.

Sylvia
Swift is a good fit for me, I love nature and being outside.

Swift is a good fit for me, I love nature and being outside.

Angela
I got to shoot a real gun.

I got to shoot a real gun.

Conley
My counselors were very encouraging when i was unsure of new activities.

My counselors were very encouraging when i was unsure of new activities.

Nick
Making new friends is easy at Swift.

Making new friends is easy at Swift.

Pat
Counselors made sure I felt included in the cabin.

Counselors made sure I felt included in the cabin.

Julie
I liked coming to SNC with my sister.

I liked coming to SNC with my sister.

Kate
Sleep in Sundays are one of my favorite days at camp.

Sleep in Sundays are one of my favorite days at camp.

Kristina
I got to bring my pet from home to SNC.

I got to bring my pet from home to SNC.

Ryan

Displaying items by tag: Nature camp

Wild has value.

Nature and Civilization have to be appreciated.

Our impact on nature can be minimized.

Be prepared.

Everything is has value.

Human life requires a healthy ecosystem.

The Five Challenges

1. Discover A Wild Place

2. Explore the "Wildness" which is found there.

3. Conserve and Protect a Wild Place

4. Share Your Discoveries with Others

5. Learn About John Muir and how he changed the world.

Testimonials

3 weeks was not enough, next year I want to stay for 6 weeks.

I really liked the Animals in the Nature Center.

I like the new friends I made, we still chat on Facebook.

In the cabin our counselors made it feel like a respectful loving family.

I cried for days after leaving my SNC family of friends.

I liked swimming every day in the lake.

When I returned home I loved telling my parents about my SNC adventures.

The New Lego building is a wonderful place to be creative and make friends.

I like being out in Nature and away from the city sounds and lights.

The Canoe trips are the best, I always feel like an explorer.

Being independant and making my own decisions was great.

I liked that it was non-competitive and everyone was kind.

I was surprised how most of the kids were like me, kind, fun and liked being outside.

I thought I would miss my electronics, but it was no problem.

I was excited to get my Archery Achievement Award, it took dedication.

I want to go back to SNC.

I like learning about Nature and hearing the Loons at night.

I gained so much independence being at camp for 2 weeks.

This is my 5th summer, I love it.

I liked that all the activities were in a non-competitive atmosphere.

Their is something Magical about SNC, Friends, Activities, Nature, It's all Great.

I like making beaded animals and friendship bracelets in Arts & Crafts.

Riding horses on a trail in the woods was Awesome.

The 1st timer camp was good cause we were all the same.

When we went hiking it was hard but the sites from the hill were breathtaking.

My friend had been here and he was right... it's a blast.

I'm kinda sad, this is my last summer, wish I had started younger.

Meeting new people from around the world is amazing.

I liked that my counselors were friendly and encouraged me to try new things.

SNC is about NO cliques.

I liked daily picking the activities I wanted to do.

It's the Funnest camp in the world, I got along with everyone.

SNC is my home away from home.

I really enjoy meeting new kids from all over and counselors every year.

So many activities to choose from, we are never bored.

Every year is a new adventure in camping, community and nature.

I enjoyed seeing what America was like.

Kindness and understanding is what camp is all about.

I loved it all... Don't' change a thing.

I like that we got to shoot sling shots.

Camp is so much better than staying home all summer.

It took a few years but my swimming really improved.

I feel completely included and accepted.

It is amazing having your Birthday at camp.

The small size makes SNC excellent.

I liked learning about nature and ecology.

SNC is a down to earth experience without junk food or electronics.

I liked the shorter first timer camp & my councilors were fun and caring.

Living on a lake with all the water activities is wonderful.

SNC is down to earth and not a rich kids camp.

I liked SNC because it was not a sports camp.

Free time is the best.

I like being away from home and out in the woods.

Camp friends are the best friends.

SNC is about trying new things, meeting new people and being on my own.

Counselors were great.

I really like the Arts & Crafts Castle.

This was my best summer ever.

I gained confidence trying new activities and meeting new folks.

This is my 5th summer, I love it.

I feel accepted and loved at SNC.

Tubing was the most Fun.

I feel like I belong to something bigger than me, a community.

Friends is what brings me back to SNC.

I really look forward to Pizza Night.

Swift is a good fit for me, I love nature and being outside.