So you have been practicing, working on your j stroke your cross bow rudder and learning how the rocks might appear in the river. Yet none of that seems to make sense when you hit the river for the first time. At Swift Camp we often paddle down the Namekagon River a National Scenic Riverway. It is such a beautiful spot. Once you seem to have your sea legs and feel comfortable staying off the rock and fallen trees, its time to look at the natural beauty. Canoeing is so peaceful and with every bend comes a new opportunity to see some wildlife. It’s not unusual to see deer, eagles and beaver on the river. Here is a hint: Be in the first canoe because these critters are sure scamper when they see you coming. The rest of the adventure is making the food setting up tents and hoping for wonderful weather. Its over the campfire while you reflect on the days challenges that you realize just how special it is to have stars, smores and good friendship.
Swift Nature Camp is only a few short miles from Minnesota. It’s like having a Children’s summer camp in Minnesota. We are so fortunate to be able to avail ourselves to the natural beauty of Minnesota. Near Lake Superior, the largest of the great lakes. Many Swift Campers hike along the scenic bluffs of the Superior Hiking Trail. A little further north in Minnesota, campers participate in canoe trips to the Boundry Waters of Minnesota. This National Park is untouched by man. Here in this Minnesota camp, the views are breathtaking from the deep dark forests to the sparkling lakes, the naturalistic and simple beauty is evident while canoeing from lake to lake or just taking it easy while picking blue berries.
What do you know about Wisconsin? Chances are you imagine cows, Harley Davidson motorcycles and the beautiful capitol of Madison. Yet, north of all that is the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Filled with all its natural beauty. In the sky you can see eagles all around swooping down to catch a fish in a nearby lake or stream. If your quiet you might just hear a loon or a wolf in the background. This is what America looked like 100 years ago. Until you experience the simple beauty, you can’t begin to imagine what you will find there. Wisconsin is also home to many children's summer camps. Choosing a summer camp in Wisconsin offers your child a chance to experience nature and the environment unlike any other place in the Midwest. At Camp Nature Swift your child gets the opportunity to play, make friend sand learn new skills, all this in the warm sun of the wonderful northwoods of Wisconsin.
Is seems as if we are learning more that Summer Camp helps children grow into mature adults. A new British study finds that most modern parents overprotect their kids. Half of all kids have stopped climbing trees, and 17 percent have been told that they can't play tag or chase. Even hide-and-seek has been deemed dangerous. And that dreaded stick...”will put out someone’s eye”.
It is easy to blame technology for the decline in outdoor play, but it may well be mom and dad. Adrian Voce of Play England says 'Children are not being allowed many of the freedoms that were taken for granted when we were children,' 'They are not enjoying the opportunities to play outside that most people would have thought of as normal when they were growing up.'
According to the Guardian, "Voce argued that it was becoming a 'social norm' for younger children to be allowed out only when accompanied by an adult. 'Logistically that is very difficult for parents to manage because of the time pressures on normal family life,' he said. 'If you don't want your children to play out alone and you have not got the time to take them out then they will spend more time on the computer.'
The Play England study quotes a number of play providers who highlight the benefits to children of taking risks. 'Risk-taking increases the resilience of children,' said one. 'It helps them make judgments,' said another. We as parents want to play it safe and we need to rethink safety vs adventure. The research also lists examples of risky play that should be encouraged including fire-building, den-making, watersports, paintballing, boxing and climbing trees. Summer camp provides an excellent opportunity for children to get outside take risks and play, all while still while being supervised by concerned young adults...we call counselors. See how Swift Nature Camp can put Adventure back into your childs life.
Expect to capsize and swim occasionally when paddling a canoe, kayak or raft - it’s part of the sport! But when you hit the water unexpectedly, even strong swimmers need a lifejacket, also known as a personal flotation device (PFD). It allows you to concentrate on doing what’s needed to execute a self rescue and will allow you to assist others. Nearly 70% of all drownings involving canoes, kayaks or rafts might have been avoided if the victim had been wearing a lifejacket!
We at Swift Nature Camp believe that your child’s safety is the most important part of camp. That is why we have a strict Lifejacket rule. Everyone must wear a PDF when in a boat. No exceptions, staff and campers alike. THis is true if on a river canoe trip or on on our own camp lake. Water is so much fun and kids love it but it is dangerous and we must be prepared. We even have a special “titanic test” to ensure that our lifejacket fits nice and snug in case of an emergency. Campers learn this the first day of camp.
Ever heard of Google Earth? Well, it lets you find everywhere! Including Swift Nature Camp! Can you find it here? A hint look at the bottom of the photo and you will see town...Maybe even the Village Scoop Ice Cream Shop. From there, go north and to the West. Still not sure? Try signing up for google earth and take a fly by. If you don’t know where to look try just typing in Swift Nature Campand it will fly you right to camp. It is so much easier than taking the bus.
So be sure to go to Google Earth and download the special program.
It’s cool to see camp from this view...Maybe this is what it is like being an eagle in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. So tune in to google earth and be you’ll be amazed.
So You are Thinking what have past SNC Campers been saying about the cool Adventure Trips?
Take a look!
My first time on the Mighty Namekagon River
Camp was Over and all of you guys left... camp was sooo lonely, empty and quiet... So we had to do something....I remember the campfire when you guys share your favorite camp memories, and most of them are from your trips! Well, I wanted to experience those Adventure Trips too so the three of us: Jeff, Forrest and myself got our gear ready and set off for the Nam 1 trip. The weather was perfect...no rain in the forecast for this trip :)
Even Super Tom after dropping us off did not want to go back to camp so he also jumped in the canoe and paddled with us for a few hours. It was beautiful... all the wildlife we saw, we even made friends with a great blue heron and named him Billy. Billy followed us the whole first day. When we stopped for a swim, Billy stopped too :) We ate RJ’s, played UNO and spent a night in a tent. We also sang camp songs. I realized then why trips are often your favorite part of SNC. We wished all of you were there then, too. Love you all, Lonnie
Often parents are a little surprised and concerned that their children learn to shoot a gun at summer camp.It is amazingly rewarding to hear a parent ask their child, “Are those real guns?” and the camper responds, “They sure are, we shoot .22 caliber guns’ as they beam with a huge smile."
Obviously, safety is our first priority at riferly, and every camper knows it. Our range is completely controlled and supervised. The guns and ammunition are always locked and stored separately. The riflery sport instructors are trained and all of the campers are taught the proper safety protocols when they choose riflery for one of their activities. Any goofing around and they will not shoot again for the summer. What we are not trying to teach is shooting critters, or being dangerous or even self-defence.
What we are trying to teach children is that they can have responsibility if they are able to handle it. Can you think of anything requiring more responsibility than being able to shoot a gun. Yet something is magical in that child’s smile, as they tell their parent about their bullseye.
When the last school bell rings, each summer parents want to know: Where to send their kids for camp? It's a choice that shouldn't be taken lightly. Any parent sending their child off better be a little nervous. Before making the decision, put together a list of requirements.
It will include:
You want it to be a safe placeYou want it to have caring staffYou want it to promote Funbut there is so much more.
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With thousands of Overnight summer camps available -- from day camps to sleep away camps, specialized, private and public camps a decision can be overwhelming.
Yet, 3 simple point will guarantee your child's success: Know your child, know the camp and know yourself.
SummerCampAdvice.com recommends to take your child's personality and preferences into account. Is your child shy or outgoing? Athletic or academic? Independent enough for sleep-away camp or not quite ready to leave home?
'When you know your child and match a camp to their needs, you have a much higher chance for success,'' says Lonnie Lorenz, director of Swift Nature Camp a Kids Summer Camp, with traditional, noncompetitive, activities for Boys and Girls ages 6-15 specializing in nature and the environment.
An important consideration is whether your child would be better off in a more general program like a traditional overnight camp or a more specialized program that focuses particular skills like performing arts, technology, music, sports or academics.
Maybe your child is not quite ready to leave home so a day camp might be the way to go. Children do go to overnight camp as early as 6 but most common is to be 9 or 10. If your child still not showing signs sometimes you just have to say ready or not you have to give them loads of encouragement and send them off,'' says Lonnie.
So now you know the type of camp that best meets the need of your child its time to start checking out camp. Do your early research on the web, but be sure to call references and get brochures. and if possible even visit.
Lonnie suggests that “Parents talk with camp directors to ensure their rules, routines and procedures are an extension of what's followed in their home”. “You want to feel comfortable with the folks your handing your kids over to.” Also consider: child-to-staff ratio, the daily routine and how the staff deals with new campers,homesickness, problems, food allergies Lorenz said.
The most difficult part about summer camp isn't always picking one or paying for it. Camp has become expensive and should be a factor when choosing a camp. Camp can range from $200 per week for a church camp to $1000 a week for a private camp. With these questionable economic times camps are working with families by offering payment plans, financial aid, sibling discounts, scholarships and other assistance.
One of the main functions of camp is helping children gain independence. Yet, often it's the parents who have the hardest time letting go. “We, as parents, want to be there and help our children but kids really benefit when they are left to their own devices in a safe supportive place like summer camp,'' Lorenz said. “Don’t restricting your child because of your personal fears, we have seen it so many times.''
When your child comes home you will hear the stories about all the accomplishment and fun but what you see is that they've leaned to grow in their appreciation of themselves and their appreciation of others.
