Comfort Is Holding Kids Back — Why Kids Need a Little Misogi at Camp

These days, kids are surrounded by comfort. They’ve got screens to keep them busy, parents who step in to fix problems, and food that’s ready at the push of a button. Comfort feels nice in the moment, but here’s the truth: too much of it makes kids soft. It can lead to boredom, complacency, and a fear of trying new things.

At Swift Nature Camp, we see the opposite happen when kids are allowed to stretch themselves. We lean into the idea of Misogi — taking on challenges that feel a little uncomfortable, maybe even hard, because that’s where the magic happens.

For some campers, a Misogi might be paddling a canoe in the rain, hiking a trail with a heavy pack, or spending that very first night away from home. For others, it’s simply learning how to cook over a fire or push through a little homesickness. These challenges don’t break kids — they build them.

Why It Matters

• A tough hike or soggy tent teaches a child that they can handle more than they thought.

• Without mom or dad nearby, kids discover independence and real confidence.

• Those moments of discomfort turn into stories, pride, and memories that stick.

• Most importantly, they learn that life isn’t always comfortable — and that’s okay.

From the Director

Lonnie, who’s been running Swift Nature Camp for over 30 years, puts it this way:

“Our kids need toughening. Life isn’t always comfortable, and camp is the perfect Misogi — a place where kids step into challenges, big and small, and come out stronger. At SNC, children learn resilience, independence, and how to be doers in life. Don’t let comfort trap them. Let camp set them free.”

The Takeaway for Parents

When kids come home from camp, parents often notice big changes: their children are more confident, more willing to help, and more eager to try new things. That’s the kind of growth that lasts far beyond the summer.

At Swift Nature Camp, we’re not afraid to make kids a little uncomfortable — because we know it’s the best way to help them grow.

✨ Comfort is easy. Growth takes work. But the reward is a stronger, happier, more resilient child.

All the latest from SNC including Pictures and Registration

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REGISTRATION OPENS 10/1/25

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Dear Camp Kupugani Families,

We’re Jeff and Lonnie, directors of Swift Nature Camp in Wisconsin—and friends of Kevin and Miss Natasha for nearly two decades. Like many of you, we were heartbroken to hear that Camp Kupugani is closing its doors. Kevin and Miss Natasha’s passion for helping children grow in identity, empathy, and confidence has been a beacon in the camp world, and their impact is truly unforgettable.

Over the years, we’ve connected deeply through our shared mission: using camp as a place where children not only have fun, but also to grow into their best, most authentic selves. In fact, we even welcomed Mico, one of Camp Kupugani’s own, as a camper at Swift Nature Camp years ago! Since then, we’ve felt like extended family, inspired by Kupugani’s beautiful legacy.

As Kevin and Miss Natasha turn the page, we’d like to warmly invite you to discover a new summer home that shares a similar heart. If you're searching for a camp where your child will be seen, celebrated, and supported, Swift Nature Camp may be just the right fit.

For over 30 years, SNC has welcomed children ages 6–15 to unplug from screens, connect with nature, and build confidence in a kind, creative, and diverse community. Like Camp Kupugani, we keep our sessions small and personal, with hands-on staff who help each camper grow emotionally and socially in a safe and inclusive environment.

We are a bit farther north, but trust us, the Northwoods are worth it. There’s something magical about swimming in a clear lake, hearing loons at night, spotting eagles overhead, or laughing with friends around a crackling campfire. To make things easy, we offer direct motor coach transportation from the Chicago area to camp.

Visit Our Parent Info & Daily Life Page

At SNC, campers dive into a mix of classic outdoor fun and unique hands-on experiences. We offer canoeing, fishing, archery, nature hikes, science experiments, cuddling animals in our petting zoo, and even LEGO building! Our goal? Help kids grow independent, resilient, and full of wonder—all while having a blast.

As camp directors, we’re not just behind-the-scenes.  We're in it every day: leading songs, helping with crafts, playing games, and offering a listening ear. We're parents and educators ourselves, and we believe camp should be joyful, transformative, and full of heart.

We know how special Camp Kupugani was. We can never replace those memories, but we can offer a new adventure  filled with belonging, friendship, and self-discovery.

                 Visit Our Camper Activity & Info Page

 One Last Thing…After being a camp director for over 30 years, we’ve learned that parents often share the same thoughtful questions — especially when they’re looking for a new camp home. Here are a few of the questions we hear most often from families coming from Camp Kupugani, along with honest answers.

Will my child feel welcomed and included right away?

Absolutely. At Swift Nature Camp, creating a warm and inclusive community is at the heart of everything we do. Our counselors are trained to notice who may need a little extra encouragement, help friendships form naturally, and make sure every camper feels seen, supported, and valued—especially during those important first days at camp.

How similar is Swift Nature Camp to Camp Kupugani?

While every camp has its own unique personality, We are sure you will find a deep level of respect for all at camp. Swift Nature Camp believes: kindness, belonging, and personal growth through adventure, are just as important as camp fun.. Our goal isn’t to replace Kupugani, but to continue the spirit your family loved—carried forward in a new and welcoming setting.

What if my child is nervous, shy, or needs extra support?

That’s very common, and we’re ready for it. Many campers arrive feeling a bit unsure. We intentionally foster a non-competitive environment that emphasizes patience, kindness, and encouragement. Parents are always encouraged to share in detail insights about their child so we can offer the best possible support from day one.

How do you handle communication with parents?

We believe peace of mind matters. Parents receive regular updates, photos, and communication throughout the session. If a concern ever comes up, we address it promptly and personally—no automated responses, just real conversations. We also invite parents to call anytime, even if it’s just for a quick check-in about how your child is doing.

Are campers with different interests or personalities a good fit?

Yes. Campers don’t need to be athletic or “outdoorsy” to thrive at SNC. With over 60 land and water activities, there’s truly something for everyone—from arts and crafts and animals to nature exploration, swimming, and even our Lego cabin.

What ages and session lengths do you offer?

Swift Nature Camp serves boys and girls ages 6–17. Families can choose from 1-, 2-, 3-, or 6-week sessions, allowing you to find the pace and comfort level that feels just right for your child.

How do campers get to Swift Nature Camp?

We know Swift Nature Camp is farther than Camp Kupugani, but many families find the benefits well worth it—starry skies, abundant wildlife, and the peaceful quiet of nature with no road noise. You have two options:

1. Drive your child to camp (about 6+ hours), or Use our camp motorcoach, which travels directly to camp and includes a bathroom and movies onboard. Pick-up locations are Schaumburg and Bolingbrook. (An additional fee applies.)

Can we talk with someone before deciding?

Of course—we encourage it. If you have questions or simply want to talk through whether Swift Nature Camp is the right fit for your family, we’d love to connect. Call us at (630) 654-8036 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We’re always happy to chat about camp.

With warmth and respect,
Lonnie & the Swift Nature Camp Family

ct,

Jeff & Lonnie
Swift Nature Camp
(630) 654-8036
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BRUISES, NOT SCARS — A CULTURE WE’VE ALWAYS LIVED, NOW PUTTING INTO WORDS

Hi Swift Nature Camp Families,

Have you heard of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt? It’s making the rounds right now—and for good reason. It takes a close look at why kids today are more anxious than ever and what we can do about it.

Spoiler alert: One of Haidt’s top solutions is... overnight summer camp. (We couldn’t agree more.)

But the part that really grabbed me was a quote from a camp director featured in the book:

“We want to see bruises, not scars.”

I read that and thought—yes! That’s it. That’s what we’ve always believed here at Swift Nature Camp. We just didn’t have the words for it.

We’ve Always Been a “Bruises, Not Scars” Camp

From the beginning, Swift has been a place where kids try new things, face healthy challenges, and grow stronger from them. We’ve never been about bubble-wrapping childhood. Instead, we’ve always been about giving kids the freedom to run, stumble, learn, and rise again—with plenty of encouragement (and a little dirt on their knees).

Whether it’s a scraped elbow from a hike, the nerves before a talent show, or the first big bunkmate disagreement, we’ve seen time and again how kids thrive when given safe, age-appropriate space to grow. These experiences help them build confidence, independence, and resilience — traits that screens and schedules rarely teach.

So when I read that quote in Haidt’s book, it felt like someone finally put into words what we’ve practiced all along.

Making It Official in 2025 Staff Training

This year, we’re doing something new: we’re bringing the “bruise, not scar” mindset into our staff training in a clear and intentional way.

We’ll be talking with counselors and staff about how to recognize the difference between a challenge that helps a camper grow—and a situation that might cross into harm. We’ll be defining the kind of emotional, social, and physical risk that’s developmentally beneficial, and giving staff tools to respond with empathy and wisdom.

Because let’s be honest: growth isn’t always smooth. Learning how to share a bunk, navigate group dynamics, or paddle a canoe for the first time comes with bumps—literal and metaphorical. Our job is to guide campers through those moments, not eliminate them.

We’ll be asking questions like:

• What does "healthy challenge" look like in a camp setting?

• How do we create clear boundaries to keep experiences safe?

• When do we step in, and when do we let kids work things out?

And most importantly: How do we communicate this to campers and their parents, so they know that the minor bruises of camp life are signs of real, meaningful growth?

Why It Matters More Than Ever

In a world where kids are often shielded from every discomfort but exposed to every online pressure, camp offers something radically different. Real relationships. Real responsibilities. Real fun. Real growth.

So as we head into the summer of 2025, know that your camper is stepping into a community that has always valued safety and growth — and now, we’re naming it more clearly than ever.

We’re proud to be a camp where your child can fall (safely), get back up, and feel even more confident the next time around.

Thanks for trusting us to be a part of their journey.

Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, adventure, and maybe a few well-earned bruises.

Lonnie
Camp Director
Swift Nature Camp
Where kids unplug, explore, and grow — naturally

As a parent, sending your child to overnight summer camp for the first time is a big step. You want them to build confidence, make friends, and have fun—but also feel safe, supported, and understood.

At Discovery Camp, part of Swift Nature Camp, we specialize in helping first-time campers (ages 6–12) have a positive, unforgettable first experience away from home. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director here, and I’ve been helping kids just like yours thrive at camp for over 30 years.

🌿 Why Discovery Camp?
We’re not just another camp. We’re a sleepaway camp designed especially for first-time campers—with smaller sessions, extra personal attention, and a warm, encouraging environment that helps nervous campers (and parents!) feel ready and excited.

Here’s what makes Discovery Camp the right fit:

✅ Shorter sessions designed for first-timers
✅ Small group sizes with caring, trained staff
✅ Traditional outdoor fun—no screens, just nature
✅ Safe, ACA-accredited, with on-site medical care
✅ Located just a few hours from Illinois & the Chicago area

Most importantly, we’re all about connection—with our campers, and with parents. I personally speak with every new family to ensure your child’s experience starts on the right foot.

Take the First Step Today
If you’re wondering whether your child is ready for overnight camp, or want to learn what to expect as a first-time camp parent, start here:

 Visit our First-Time Campers Page

Have questions? I’d love to chat with you one-on-one.

Warm regards,
Lonnie
Camp Director 
Swift Nature Camp
630-654-8036
www.SNC.Camp

P.S. Our sessions fill fast—especially for first-time campers. If you think this might be the summer your child is ready, let’s talk!

How to Get Your Child Off Social Media This Summer — The Easy Way

By Jeff Lorenz, Director of Swift Nature Camp

Discovering the Best Summer Camps in Wisconsin: What Parents Should Know
By Lonnie, Camp Director at Swift Nature Camp

Choosing the right summer camp for your child is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. As a camp director in Wisconsin for three decades, I’ve spoken with hundreds of parents asking the same big question: What are the best summer camps in Wisconsin, and how do I know which is right for my child?

Whether you're searching for overnight camps in Wisconsin, nature-based summer camps, or traditional sleepaway camps for kids, there are a few universal qualities that the best camps share. Here’s a helpful guide based on what I’ve seen work best for children — including what we aim to provide every summer at Swift Nature Camp. For my husband and I we appreciate when parents call or text their questions to us. Yes, we have much information on our website but this shows the parents that go that extra step to ensure their Childs experience will be the best.

Discovering the Best Summer Camps in Wisconsin: What Parents Should Know
By Lonnie, Camp Director at Swift Nature Camp

Choosing the right summer camp for your child is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. As a camp director in Wisconsin for three decades, I’ve spoken with hundreds of parents asking the same big question: What are the best summer camps in Wisconsin, and how do I know which is right for my child?

Whether you're searching for overnight camps in Wisconsin, nature-based summer camps, or traditional sleepaway camps for kids, there are a few universal qualities that the best camps share. Here’s a helpful guide based on what I’ve seen work best for children — including what we aim to provide every summer at Swift Nature Camp. For my husband and I we appreciate when parents call or text their questions to us. Yes, we have much information on our website but this shows the parents that go that extra step to ensure their Childs experience will be the best.

Why Illinois Families Adore Swift Nature Camp – The Ultimate Sleepaway Experience for Chicagoland Kids
By Lonnie, Camp Director at Swift Nature Camp

As a dedicated Illinois parent and director of Swift Nature Camp, I truly understand how tough it can be to find the *perfect* summer camp ( I sent my child to another summer camp). Finding the camp that meets your child's needs while striking the right balance between fun, safety, and genuine personal growth. If you’re diving into the world of overnight summer camps in Illinois or on the lookout for sleepaway camps near Chicago for Summer 2025, I’m excited to share a hidden treasure that’s been delighting Illinois families for thirty years: Swift Nature Camp.

What Makes Swift Nature Camp So Unique? Swift Nature Camp isn’t just any camp. We’re a small, nurturing, overnight camp that truly believes in the magic of nature, friendships, and exploration. As the Director for 30 years our mission for being one of the top choices for Illinois kids summer camps for kids—especially for those first-time campers.
Our mission is to help kids:
- Build confidence and independence
- Forge new friendships in a screen-free, unplugged setting
- Discover nature, science, and animal care
- Develop responsibility, resilience, and leadership skills
- Simply be themselves and have fun while being kind to others

We cap our camper numbers to maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio, so no child gets lost in the crowd. Every counselor is carefully selected and trained for 2.5 weeks to create a kind, encouraging, and silly (yes, silly!) atmosphere where kids feel safe to be themselves.

The SNC Experience

Whether your child loves animals, nature, science, or just being active and outdoors, we’ve got something for them. Our campers can:

• Care for animals in our camp zoo

• Explore science through hands-on experiments

• Go on canoe trips, swim in the lake, and roast marshmallows

• Try archery, arts & crafts, Lego and silly camp games & songs
  

• With Over 55 land and water activities campers are never bored or miss their screens

• Discovery Camp is the perfect introduction to overnight camping for younger children, especially first-time campers aged 6–11. Designed with extra care and attention, Discovery Camp offers a shorter, more nurturing experience filled with hands-on learning, nature exploration, and age-appropriate activities. Kids build confidence as they make friends, try new things, and enjoy the outdoors in a safe and supportive environment. With smaller group sizes and highly trained counselors, campers receive personalized attention that helps ease them into the camp routine. It's a magical way to spark a lifelong love of nature, independence, and adventure! Plus it comes with a money back guarantee.

While we may not be physically be an Illinois Summer Camp, our hearts—Like us many of our campers—are rooted right here. Each summer, we provide a motor-coach from Chicago to summer camp, making it super convenient for families all over the USA and the world to send their kids off on a safe, thrilling adventure in the beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods.

Are you thinking about Summer Camps for 2025?
It’s time to get started! The most sought-after sleep-away camps near Chicago and beyond tend to fill up quickly, especially those like ours that offer a very limited number of spots. If you’re on the lookout for a camp that values a smaller community, personal connections, and genuine growth, now is the perfect moment to start your search.

We’d love for you to visit our website www.snc.camp, join our Meet & Greet April 27th, or drop us an email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) we’re always here to help! And remember, our Chicago motor-coach makes getting to camp a breeze, so you can focus on having fun without the hassle.

Please Reach Out Anytime

Lonnie & Jeff

630-654-8036

www.snc.camp

Hey there! I’m Jeff, the camp director at one of the most extraordinary summer camps in the country — a camp that’s all about animals! That's why we say Animal Lovers Wanted. If you’re a parent on the lookout for a place where your child can thrive, connect with nature, and create unforgettable memories, let me share why our animal-centered summer camp is just the right choice for your camper in the summer of 2025..

At Swift Nature Camp, kids don’t just get a glimpse of a zoo — they dive right into it! Each day is an exciting adventure, packed with chances to care for animals, learn about wildlife, and cultivate a genuine respect for the great outdoors. From fluffy rabbits and snuggly guinea pigs to playful goats and intriguing reptiles, our campers get to experience the joy of forming bonds with a diverse range of animals. For many, it’s their first time holding a chicken, brushing a miniature horse, or observing a turtle up close!

Why Choose a Summer Camp with Animals?
We truly believe that animals can teach kids some of the most valuable life lessons. Think about it: responsibility, empathy, patience—these qualities really come to life when a child is caring for a living creature. Our petting zoo-style camp program gives children a chance to learn about the routines and needs of animals in a safe and nurturing environment. And let’s be honest, it’s not just about playtime. Campers take on the responsibility of feeding, cleaning, and observing the animals, which helps them build confidence and independence. Plus, they absolutely love it! There’s something truly magical about waking up each morning to a camp buzzing with animal friends.

Pet Adoption Opportunities at Camp
Daily campers get the chancee to go to our camp zoo and care for the 25 plus pets we have. One of the most thrilling aspects of our camp is the summer camp pet adoption program. That’s right—your child can adopt a small animal, care for it during their stay, and even take it home if your family is ready to welcome a new furry friend, with parent permission of course.  Our aim is to create lasting connections between kids and animals while promoting responsible pet ownership.  The highlight of all the pets at camp is Bubba the Pig. He roams around camp and is part of the daily activities, you will often see him by the beach building a nest to stay cool on those hot summer days. Bubba can even spend the night in a cabin, if campers can get him in the cabin.

Learning Through Nature and Wildlife
While animals play a big role in our camp, we also emphasize the importance of nature as a whole. Our nature-based summer camp program includes hiking, nature crafts, outdoor survival skills, and environmental science activities. Campers get to learn how ecosystems function, how to identify various plants and wildlife, and how humans impact the world around them. This connection to nature is something many kids are missing out on these days. We strive to bridge that gap by providing a space where they can unplug from screens and rediscover the beauty of the great outdoors.

A Safe and Supportive Camp Environment
As a parent myself, I completely understand how crucial it is to find a place where you can feel confident sending your child. That’s why we pour our hearts into creating a camp atmosphere that feels just like a second home. Our dedicated staff members are not only trained but also genuinely passionate about our camp animals and committed to helping children build their confidence and character. We emphasize kindness, curiosity, and community — and that’s what truly makes us unique. When your child spends a summer with us, they’re not just having a blast (and trust me, there’s plenty of that!). They’re also learning, growing, and forming friendships that can last a lifetime.

Join Us for a Summer Full of Animal Adventures
If your child has a love for animals, dreams of becoming a vet, or simply wants to explore something new, our animal-themed summer camp is the ideal starting point. Whether it’s feeding adorable baby chicks, learning about fascinating exotic reptiles, or uncovering the mysteries of the forest, we guarantee a summer experience your child will cherish forever. Spots fill up quickly — so don’t hesitate! Come be a part of our family and let your camper’s animal adventure begin.
With care, Please give me a call so we can talk more about your child at Swift Nature camp
Jeff Lorenz
630-654-8036
www.SNC.Camp
Camp Director Bringing kids and animals together for 30 years