Jestem dyrektorem obozu letniego dla dzieci i młodzieży ale przede wszystkim jestem rodzicem. Obserwując  zjawisko spędzania wielu godzin przez nasze dzieci przed ekranem komputera lub telewizora  ogarnia mnie przerażenie. Co się stało, że najmłodsi zamienili zabawę na świeżym powietrzu na długotrwałe  przesiadywanie w zamkniętym pomieszczeniu przez elektronicznym urządzeniem? Jeszcze nie  tak dawno, pamiętamy to ze swojego dzieciństwa, kiedy dzieci miały wolny czas, beztrosko bawiły  się z rówieśnikami, czytały  książki, goniły po podwórku i sąsiedztwie. Dziś wybierają ekran komputera, tabletu czy telefonu. To nowy styl życia, który przejęła nie tylko młodzież. Dochodzi do takich paradoksów kiedy rodzice karząc dziecko  zobowiązują go by wyszło  z domu. Dla nas karą było gdy rodzice zabronili nam wyjść do kolegów na podwórko. Często my dorośli nie tylko nie sprzeciwiamy się takim sytuacjom ale sami promujemy taka formę wypoczynku. Być może czasem zwrócimy naszym dzieciom uwagę by odłożyły komputer, czy telefon ale tak naprawdę nie wiele to daje. To od nas, jako rodziców, zależy czy dzieci  zachowają zdrowe proporcje bycia " na internecie" i " poza internetem".

Ile czasu twoje dziecko spędza przed ekranem? Dwie godziny, trzy, pięć...? Ostanie badania naukowe wykazały, że dzieci i młodzież w wieku 8-18 lat spędzają przeciętnie 7.5 godziny dziennie przed ekranem. Co w tym takiego złego? Efektem takiego stylu życia sa problemy z koncentracja uwagi, problemy wychowawcze, trudności w nauce, w zasypianiu, otyłość czy powolny zanik tradycyjnych relacji międzyludzkich. Lekarze opisują nową etiologię nadciśnienia tętniczego u nastolatków, która wynika z wielogodzinnych sesji  “online” spędzonych na grach komputerowych. Młodym ludziom coraz trudniej  nawiązywać kontakty " twarzą w twarz". Ekran to rozrywka i często dla tzw. świetego spokoju pozwalamy dzieciom na taka formę zabawy. Przyjrzyjmy sie sytuacjom  codziennym  np. w restauracji. Nie rzadko siedząca przy stole rodzina podzielona jest na tych, którzy rozmawiają  patrząc sobie w oczy( to zwykle starsze osoby) i tych, którzy wpatrzeni sa w ekran telefonu i nie sa zaangażowani w rodzinna rozmowę. Jeśli chcemy zmiany, wszyscy musimy podjąć w tym celu odpowiedni wysiłek. 

Zarówno my rodzice jak i dzieci powinniśmy ograniczyć czas spędzany przed ekranem.  Nie możemy mieć wymówki, ze był ciężki dzień w pracy dlatego siadamy przed telewizorem i sie relaksujemy. Jako rodzina usiądźmy razem i porozmawiajmy o tym nowym stylu życia. 

1) Ustalmy reguły według których wiadomo będzie ile czasu przed ekranem jest dopuszczalne. 

W naszym domu jest to przywilej, nagroda za odrobione lekcje i wykonanie innych obowiązków. 

2) Tak jak jest zakaz prowadzenia pojazdów i tekstowania, wprowadźmy podobne zasady w domu. Np. Zakaz tekstowania przy stole w czasie posiłku, czy po określonej godzinie.

3) Dzieci często uciekają sie do ekranu bo nie wiedza co z sobą zrobić. Zachęćmy je do zabaw z naszego dzieciństwa, niech pogonią po podwórku, łapią żaby, robią łuki z patyków a jak zimno na zewnątrz niech budują z LEGO, rysują, układają puzzle. A jak jest możliwość to i my zaangażujmy sie w rodzinny spacer, czy wycieczkę rowerową. 

W naszym domu tradycją stał sie wieczór gier planszowych, na które często wparszaja sie znajomi. Czas spędzony przed ekranem jest ograniczony do 30 minut po wykonanych obowiązkach. Raz w tygodniu mamy wieczor kiedy zasiadamy jako rodzina i oglądamy film odpowiedni dla nas wszystkich. Czy taki styl życia jest łatwy? Zdecydowanie nie, to nasz wybór. Ale za to możemy więcej czasu spędzić razem i wcale to nie jest takie złe :)

Niech to będzie wyzwanie dla całej rodziny. Walczmy z tym technologicznym potworem i nie dajmy sie mu pożreć. Postęp technologiczny jest wspaniały i ważne jest by dzieci potrafiły z niego korzystać, jednak nie pozwalajmy by przez to zanikały międzyludzkie relacje czy tradycyjne wartości.

Pozdrawiam serdecznie, 

Jola Lorenz

Wlasciciel obozu Swift Nature Camp

www.SwiftNatureCamp.com

Summer Camp is Expensive
As parents we often make decisions that are hard. Yet, we know these decisions are the best for our children. Summer Camp is no exception. We know deep down that camp will help our Childs independence, empathy and team building skills Yet, camp is expensive. So you want to save money on summer camp? Who doesn't! The best way to save money on Summer camp is to start looking as soon as possible. Here is a quick list of just a few of the ways to save on your Childs overnight camp experience.

1. Summer Camp Special Offer

Many camps may have special offers. It will take research to find them. Some camps will even reduce prices if they need to fill beds at a particular session. So having flexibility in dates and talking with the camp director you may be able to save. Right now Swift Nature Camp is having  A First timer Summer Camp special offer saving nearly 30% off the session price. 

 Every day parents search the internet for sleepaway camps near me. Yet. parents often are not searching the right key terms. No, overnight camps near me is not the right way to find a residential camp. The issue is the "near me". When picking a camp it is natural for a parent to assume that the closer it is the better it will be for thier child. Nothing could be further from the truth. Distance should only be one of the factors to consider.  Why? Because systematically asking the right questions will help ensure the success of your child at overnight summer camps. 
Here are a just a few of the more important questions:

• How long are the sessions?
• How are staff trained?
• Is an RN or Doctor on staff?
• Are activities going to be enjoyed by your child?
• Coed or single gender?
• How many children, How many staff?
• Are cell phones allowed?
• What is the cost?
• Is the camp Accredited by the American Camp Association?

To find a detailed list of questions to answer please see Summer Camp Advice.

The above list is only a beginning of question needed. So you can see that when you get to the point of thinking about location many other areas of concern should have already been addressed. Parents need to realize they need to trust the camp and its directors in order to achieve some of the benefit of an overnight camp. This is why it is important for parent to contact the directors and create a personal relationship with the camp.

• Here are a few Reasons to choose a camp farther from home:
  It's worth it: There may be something about a camp that makes the travel worth it. If your child wants to specialize in sailing or mountain climbing, you'll need to choose a camp that meets those need. A parent may have a preference for a camp that they once attended, even if they no longer reside in the area.

• Diversity: While your camper may not see as many familiar faces in a camp far from home, this may be just what he or she, and you, want. Children may want to separate their camp life from the lives they lead the rest of the year, having the opportunity to begin the program with a 'clean slate'. Campers often have a sense of freedom when they go to a camp where they don't know anyone.

• The distance doesn't bother the camper or parents: Many children find traveling alone, even by airplane, exciting rather than scary. Assuming that proper travel arrangements are made, you may be comfortable with a camp away from home.

• So when picking a sleep away summer camp do your homework. Realize that many many considerations need to be made and  and be aware that overnight camps near me should not be your first search term. Using this, you will limit your options and minimize many of the benefits summer camp can provide.

Summer camp is a special place it give children a place to call home that is less structured has less pressure than their home routines of school and sports. Plus it gives kids a chance to experience life in a screen free zone, just like the olden days. Yet when an overnight summer camp has an environmental Education focus, camp doubles up its value to campers and parents alike. 

At Swift Nature Camp is an environmental education summer camp in Wisconsin that is rooted in fun with nearly 50 different land and water activities its hard not to have fun. Learning new skills in a non competitive fun way allows each child to participate at their level and try to better themselves. To give children autonomy, camp daily gives children the opportunity to select the activities that they want to do that day. So in a way a camper get to create their own camp experience rather than having adults give them a schedule.  Kind of like the old days when chidden could just go outside and play.

Our campers love nature and environmental studies, so at Swift Nature Camp we blend camp activities with outdoor education along with summer fun.  Our goal is to have our campers uses an exploration to developing an hands on appreciation and understanding of the natural world in Wisconsin that is right outside their cabin door. .Our interactive activities utilize scientific skills of discovery, observation and investigation. Yet what are campers love is our Nature Center and Camp zoo. Here many native animals are kept as well as other small pets. Campers even have the opportunity to adopt an animal while they are at camp. These critters are for learning responsibilities and animal care. 

Our daily environmental classes seeks to teach campers about human impact on the environment and to be aware of how they are connected to nature. This individual responsibility is the key to teaching children about conservation.  our hydroponic garden project is special because the campers help catch the fish that help verbalize the plants living in the garden, this interaction helps make the concepts stick. SNC 

Not only do campers learn Environmental Education but this overnight summer camp in Wisconsin let's children learn skills in personal relationship building. Kindness and understanding are the corner stone to cabin life, helping to insure team-building and cooperation. To learn more about Environmental Education in Wisconsin

Minnesota is blessed with many natural resouces and a rich natural back drop. Yet, Minnesota is becoming increasingly urban, not just Minneapolis or St Paul, so too is the percentage of Minnesotans living in Greater Minnesota’s cities and towns. In 2010 census, 73.3 percent of Minnesotans lived in urban areas.Yes, Minnesota life has changed! No longer are children exposed to nature as they used to be. Try this at home, ask a child 8-10 years old to describe an elephant or a bunny many will reach for a screen of some sort and want to show you. Yes, a picture is worth a 1000 words and yet something is lacking when we just reach for a screen.

I have asked many teachers over the years: "How is a Minnesota child's Environmental Science knowledge?" and most would say that the average child in Minnesota has less outdoor knowledge than thier grandparents. Some go as far as to say that some children have never touched a pine cone or picked up a worm on a rainy day. We have lost contact with the Environment. These same tachers say that they would love to teach more Environmental Education and take our kids outside, but they are so scheduled with what to teach that it gives them little opportunity.

Environmental Education Summer Camps are just one easy way a parent can empower their child's learning and reduce today's nature deficit. The urbanizatin of Minnesota reduces children's exposure to the the natural environment. It is more important than ever that our children get outside and reconect. Environmental education has numerous benefits, like helping children become good stewards and to think globally, as well as observe and  act locally. Environmental education does more than just teaching about plants, animals and the world we live in.  It is a valuable tool that encourages kids to think critically, observe nature and even sit quietly without a screen, all things we can use in our everyday world.

At Swift Nature Camp we take Environmental Education seriously, but not too seriously. Each day children will have the opportunity to be a part of our Nature Ceter activities. Many of the science activities are part of Nature Quest, the award-winning environmental program designed by the World Wildlife Federation,thus creating an amazing  Environmental Camp. Our Nature Center and zoo at camp provide a dynamic setting for learning, as campers find themselves doing science experiments, conducting environmental testing, learning about the local wildlife, or participating in our camp recycling program. At Swift Nature Camp we even have a pond aquarium that campers can fill with their freshly caught turtles, frogs and fish.  Our Nature's Neighbors live animal collection provides opportunities for up-close study and care of several common Northwoods residents, as well as a few exotic immigrants. Campers with their own small animals are encouraged to bring them to camp to share with others. The animals live in the Nature Center and camp Zoo, where all campers can enjoy and learn about them. As part of our environmental education campers can even adopt the pets while they are at camp, this gives a child responsibility while learning about their pet.

If you feel your child needs to get off their screen and be out in nature at a Minnesota Environmental Education Summer Camp then Swift Nature Camp is a wonderful place to make it happen. We even have an exclusive First Time at Camp program, perfect for the child who is new to spending the night away from home.

As parents we all want the best for our child. We have goals and want them to be thier best. Yet, thier is one thing that every parent MUST remember. Do you know what that is? Watch this video to learn this helpful 4 step program.

Ramblings of a Camp Director

It was 1966 and it was my first year at Camp Minocqua, a boys camp in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Dr. John P. Sprague, founded Camp Minocqua for Boys in 1905 on Tomahawk Lake.  The history of camp was part of the camp culture. Historically, camp was designed to taking young boys out of the cities and the finer things in life and allowing us boys to live out in nature with others boys, while our counselors just seemed like older brothers.  

Such was the beginning of residential boys camps in America. Later camps for girls were established by the Girl Scouts of America and Camp Fire girls. Sleepaway summer camps continued round World War I when many charities opened summer camps for working-class children giving them a chance to get a way from urban life.

Anyway, here I was at a residential camp where I would be staying for 7 weeks, that was a long time away from my parents. Was I ready? Absolutely not. I cried often during those first few weeks and when the storms came I was even more scared. But, I made friends that I still remember today, maybe better than my school friends. Camp gave me a chance to make decisions without my parents. Some were good and made me feel great, like when I got to name the sailboat “Stormy Weather”. Others were not so good and resulted in me taking a bite out of a bar of Ivory soap. But they were my decisions and the natural consequence fell where they would. From this independence I learned that when I make decisions and fail, I learn more than when my decisions result in success.

I returned to Camp Minocqua for 7 summers giving me almost one complete year living at camp. So I guess it was not all that surprising when at the age of 38 I got this idea to start a summer camp. Shortly there after I opened Swift Nature Camp. Yes, some of camp Minocqua’s history can be seen at SNC but times have changed and so has the overnight summer camp experience. No longer is Ivory soap cut in wedges nor are kids left unsupervised. No, Swift Nature Camp is an intentional place, filled with support and encouragement, a place that comforts children on their journey to adult hood. We help give kids the skills they need to be productive parts of society. Sleepaway camp should be part of every child’s summer.

Sleepaway summer camp is filled with fun! Yet as parents we are always looking for a way not to waste a summer...Residential summer camp has this to offer and much more.

1. 1) Kids gain independence
   Going to camp offers kids needed time away from family and regular friend groups. These experiences give them the space to gain independence.
4. 2) Kids develop essential relationship skills
   Unlike school where academic outcomes drive most of their daily activities, camp focuses in on social development, making friends, dealing with conflict and compromise.
7. 3) Kids learn to appreciate differences
   Building and maintaining relationships requires the ability to understand and appreciate differences among people. Camps provide a space where kids can interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
10. 4) Kids connect with nature
    Overnight camps provide a safe space for kids to be outside and explore the natural world, free of a screen.
11. 
    
    1. 5) Kids get to be kids
    In a highly connected and stressful world, there is increased research supporting the benefits of Free Play allowing kids to be kids – and that might be the most compelling reason why camp still matters.

Want to learn more give me a call 630-654-8036

Lonnie Lorenz
Swift Nature Camp
Director since 1996

What did you learn from Nature?

 “Dad, how come it was more fun when you were a kid?”  A question that many of us may have been asked by our children. Maybe it is the stories we tell the games we played or the sunshine that was freely shown on our faces? For Richard Louv the author Last Child in the Woods, when he was asked this  question from his 10-year old he first was worried that his son was being a bit sarcastic and was tiered of him romanticizing his own childhood . Yet, upon further exploration, Louv realized that his son had truly  felt that he had missed out on something, something that no longer exists. That is when it hit  Louv realized that his own childhood had been different than the experience of present day children. 

Historically, children played. Not todays play that is filled with devices, messaging & screen time or the Mom sets up a play date, no play was different. Today we call this Free Play, the ability for children to go outside, explore, make decision, get hurt, and most importantly learn about relationships by just figuring how it works. Louv believes This lack of Outdoor Free Play  in todays world has “the increasing divide between the young and the natural world, as well as the environmental, social, psychological, and spiritual implications of that change.” In his books and papers, he mentions the mounds of data  that implies that without a connection to nature  a secure children  will never develop. He believes that as parent we insure that our kids get good nutrition and required sleep, nature must be a part of raising a health child. So, as our lives become more busy and screens take up more of our time studies suggest that is the wrong direction and we need to be embracing nature. It is a necessity to being part of the human race. 

Today, data is free and everywhere, so our children may know more about the destruction of rain forests, the extinction of 24 species per day or the melting polar caps. Yet, they have much less contact and  awareness  of their backyard natural habitat. So what this means todays kids are far less connected to “their woods” and are less connected to the people and their location in the world. No longer do children or adults make quiet time they always have a screen on. Today it is rare to step outside  and explored the woods in solitude or lay in fields listening to the wind and marveled at clouds overhead. We have moved our relationship from nature to a screen and this does not give any of us a feeling of peace or tranquilly.

Love believes that when parents make a choice to get their children outside society benefit. Summer camps in particular Nature Summer Camps, are just one of the ways that parents can help make lasting memories along with connections to natural surroundings. With easy access to the great outdoors and opportunities to develop self-reliance within a nurturing community, today’s campers will remember fun-filled childhoods unplugged from urban life—and share their unique memories with future generations.

Nature not your bag? No problem you just need to know that getting your kids out side is important. So Before screen time let them go outside for 15 minutes. Let them figure out what to do…it’s ok if they get dirty. Follow those experiences up with an Nature Kids Camp like Swift Nature Camp where children can live out in nature hear the loons, see amazing sunsets or even get muddy when it rain. Let your children learn from the Natural World.

If you are not from the Untited States and considering sending your child to a USA summer camp, you should consider a few things. Chances are, you have probably heard about all the benefits of a summer camp experience. It truly is a totally life-changing experience. And that is why you are considering an American summer camp. Plus, international campers have the added bonus of language immersion. So everyday is like school, learning English in a fun way.

Most important to consider
So now you think you are ready to come to a USA summer camp. That’s great but is your child ready? This is just as important question. There are 2 areas to consider. First, are they mature enough to be away from you in another country? Obviously, camp is prepared to help children with all the things that they need to be doing, like teeth brushing, cleaning up, changing clothes etc. So what I am talking about here, is really whether they are excited to go to camp and participate. Will they miss you and being back home more than they are excited to be at camp? If so, this might not be the year to go to a summer camp in America. Second and even more important, does your child have a good grasp of the English language? This is very important. Camp is a social network, most of campers’ time is face to face communications. If a child cannot make friends at camp, they will feel left out and will remove themself from interactions. So, it is very important that your child can carry on basic communications and understand the basic language.

How to pick a camp
Not all camps are the same. Picking the right camp is very important. First, is to match your child’s likes with that of the camp. For instance, some children may look forward to going on camping trips and so they would want to find an Adventure Camp that takes frequent canoe, hiking and biking trips. Other children may love swimming and want to find a camp that has a lake and does a lot of swimming. The reason this is important is, because your child will no longer have a phone and so they will be active doing rather than watching. Doing things that they enjoy helps in this transition.. So now that you have this in your mind, a few other questions might be: time away from home? Where in the USA do you want your overnight summer camp to be? Coed or single gender? Religious or not? To learn more about picking a summer camp visit SummerCampAdvice.com 

Where & When to Look?
Now is the time. Overnight Summer Camps in America do fill up fast. Some parents start looking as early as October for the following year. So it is important to start looking as soon as you have come up with a list that is important for your child. Next hit the internet. Every camp has a website and they are all filled with marketing information. Remember, they are trying to sell camp, so just be aware. Once you have found what you believe is a good camp then call or email the director and start asking your questions. I believe that Privately owned summer camps like Swift Nature Camp will give you more personal attention and will help you better customize your child’s experience. If you need more help please contact us Lonnie & Jeff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Lonnie & Jeff Lorenz