Displaying items by tag: kids summer camp

As summer camp directors we often see the "magic" of camp. Sure we know alot of hard work and dedication goes into each summer to make it a success. But something much more than fun comes out of camp, we see it every summer , Below is an article I recently found in Chicago Parent Magazine written by a Mom that see the benefits

The greatest gift my parents ever gave me was the privilege of summer camp — a tradition we’ve passed on to my children. At camp I learned to water ski, sail, canoe and horseback ride. I can make a killer lanyard key chain or beaded necklace. But these are just the things that you DO at camp. It’s what happens in between all of these activities that make camp so special.

Here are 5 things you learn at camp that stay with you for a lifetime.

 See whats new at SNC this fall

Greetings, from Fall / School Camp.       Due to COVID, SNC had the opportunity for the 1st time in 25 years to hold a school/fall camp.  We thought that this was a wonderful chance for campers to come to camp and do camp activities once school was over.  We have a total of 17 campers and 9 staff  here. At first, it took some getting into the swing of studying but now things are smooth sailing and everyone enjoys the socialization and the activities. We started with warm temps and  a chance to go swimming, and most recently we had a snow ball fight with nightly lows in the teens...BRRRR.      Camp started in the fall but quickly turned to winter!       See all Fall Camp pictures on Facebook We would love to see your Pumpkin Creations, Please post your pumpkins on our Facebook page. Camp 2021 Sorry for the delay in opening up the 2021 summer camp application but we have been busy at fall camp.  Please note that the dates are one week later than the 2020 season and that our prices have increased for the 1st time in over 10 years. Since we do not know what the future holds, we believe that COVID-19 will still be with us in 2021, so at this time, the protocols that worked to keep us safe in 2020 will be in place again in 2021.   .  Be sure to see all the 2020 Photos Changes at SNC Last newsletter we had you guess what the picture was of.... Well, it is the new floor that is in the Dining Hall, Heath Center & the Boys Bathroom. It sure makes those areas more cheery. We also resurfaced the DH table tops to make them new and shiny.   Making Snow Men at SNC Bubba enjoys a fall day Exciting News After 25 years of having the same old miserable piano in the Ox Barn, we have upgraded to even an older piano. That's right, with the help of the fall camp boys we managed to move a new to us 400lb piano. In the above photo, Justin is helping to put it back together so that it sounds as good as it did the first day it was manufactured in 1906. 1906 Whitney Piano The Whitney Piano & Supply Company of Chicago was established in1890 by the Whitney Family. In 1895 the Kimball Piano Company acquired the Whitney company to produce a more affordable piano. They were made for over 100 years until Kimball went out of business in 1996. This particular piano was donated to camp in fall 2020. Inside the piano are 2 handwritten initials & dates: 1926 and 1948. This is when we assume it was tuned. With a piano this old, we will all have to take care of it being careful to play and not pound on its key board so it can last another 100 years. Here is a thought: since the Whitney was made, 5 states have been added to the USA and the population of our country was 85 million. Justin Surprised he needed a hat with a Hawaiian Shirt. Justin Says...At the end of summer camp 2019, as we all said goodbye to SNC for the year and started to make plans of returning in 2020, we did not anticipate an obstacle quite like COVID-19. Read More Nick, trying to stay warm in front of the ovens at SNC. Nick Says...As the summer of 2020 came to a close, we had many reasons to be grateful here at Swift Nature Camp. We were grateful for the families who sent their...Read More  Sign up Today SNC Blog

Every summer millions of children go to overnight summer camp. But Why? Oh sure, some parents just need day care. But the vast majority of parents that are thinking about sending their child to overnight summer camp, do not take this responsibility lightly. They do their research by: going to camp fairs, talking to friends, taking camp tours and chatting with references. Why do all this? Because when you select the right Overnight Summer Camp for your child, it will be a life changer and an experience they will want to repeat summer after summer. Maybe thats why children from all around the world come to USA Summer Camps

So how does summer camp change kids lives? Not every camp is the same, so I can only speak about our overnight summer camp. Swift Nature Camp is located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. We cater to children 6–15, with a leadership program for our 16 & 17 year old campers. Our small camp blends old-fashioned camp activities on land and water, with environmental and nature learning. Plus we have a camp zoo, where children who love animals can even adopt one while they are at camp.

Here are ways that children’s lives are changed because of camp:

1) Great Staff- When you get young people who are dedicated to kids full time, your child feels it. Camp counselors have boundless energy and enthusiasm- something parents often loose as they get older. It’s like having the best big sister or brother in the world who really cares about you. They want you to be your best. So children look up to these counselors and since they are role modeling positive values, your child will pick those up and bring them home.

2) Communal Living- Yes, your child will be living in a cabin with 5–8 other children of their own age, building new friendships and developing strong new social circles. For most children this is a new experience. When you live with others, you have to be a little less worried about yourself and be thinking more about others. That is part of the natural progression of kids from self to others. Camp pushes them a little further along this road.

3) Nature-This day and age we live our lives inside. There is a big beautiful world out there that children should learn about and they should not be afraid of. All of science is saying, humans need to be connected to their environment, enjoy the beauty of the simple things in life. That’s why at SNC, we often take our kids to the lake to quietly enjoy a sunset.

4) Independence- Today we have so many types of parents, and often we see loving parents that hold their children back, not intentionally. But, sometimes they just don’t see that kids need and want to get out on their own, make decisions on their own and try new things. A Nature Camp is a safe place to try things, make mistakes and move on. This is all part of growing up and camp is the safe and supervised place this takes place.

5) Play is an amazing tool. It helps children get exercise, loose weight and feel better. More important, Free Play can help children resolve conflict, problem solve and be creative. Daily, at camp have 1.5 hours dedicated to free play, where campers can do the activities they want to do. This is like the old days, when children could just go outside and play.

One thing we hear from parents every summer is “I wish I would have sent my child to Swift Nature Camp sooner” you see, childhood is a once-off thing. Too soon it’s over, and you can’t reclaim the years, but you can look back on incredible memories. That’s why summer camp is so important — it’s a fun, positive experience where children can simply be children and have the time of their lives. Overnight summer camp is a vital part of a child’s personal growth and development

It’s the small size and attention to detail that makes camp so successful at promote each child’s personal development. Sending your child to Swift Nature Camp is a gift, one your child will cherish for the rest of their life. Maybe that’s why 92% of our campers want to return each summer to this Wisconsin Summer Camp.