Swift Nature Camp

A Wisconsin Summer Camp for children

FUN is how we choose to live! Forget about summer boredom, Because there is fun in everything we do, you’ll be smiling no matter what the activity is! From swimming, jumping on our water trampoline, shooting at archery, boating, fishing, singing, crazy craft making, or playing with animals - you’ll have a blast. Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover a new talent or passion at our Wisconsin summer camp!

FRIENDSHIPS are true and lasting! Because our camp family is filled with kindness and caring towards everyone, you will make new friends easily! From day one you’ll have an entire cabin of new friends. Your counselors will be a understanding, and unbelievably crazy and energetic. Campers find that SNC is a place where you can be yourself. It’s a place where friends are sure to love and appreciate the true you! In no time at all you’ll have more friendship bracelets than you can count!

ADVENTURE TRIPS await you! Whether you are a novice or an expert, you’ll find that camping trips will be some of your fondest memories! SNC’s awesome counselors are there to help you every step of the way while you canoe down scenic rivers, hike through forests, and even take bike trips. We can’t wait to explore the world with you. Camping under millions of stars, singing songs around a fire, and jumping into waterfalls are just more of the fun you will have at SNC.

NATURE is bursting with life! At SNC, there are islands that need exploring, frogs that need catching, and ice cream to taste made from wild berries picked by you! Our Nature Center is filled with amazing animals to learn about and play with! Whether you’re a nature nut or someone a little nervous about the woods, we’ll help you find the best sunsets, spot highflying eagles, and discover what makes our planet worth protecting!

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We’ve got it all! Come to the place you'll never forget. Come to Swift Nature Camp, your summer home is waiting!

"Swift Nature Camp is an Overnight Children's Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in Wisconsin. Our focus is to blend traditional summer camp activities while increasing a child's appreciation for nature, science and the environment."

Special First Timer Camp
2,3 & 6 weeks
Small Size
Non competitive
Science, Nature, Animals
Water & Land Activities
Canoe & Hiking Trips
Non-denominational

"Parents, at SNC we use Adventure, Learning and Kindness all in a Natural setting to promote each childs personal development. Campers tell us, that our nurturing atmosphere gives them confidence to make friends easily and to try new activities. yet most rewarding is hearing that SNC allows each camper to truly be themselves. When your SNC camper returns home more Responsible, Resilient and Kinder you will know your decision to send your child to SNC was the right one."

Parent Information

Camper Information

The National Wildlife federation is sponsoring the third annual Chicago Hike & Seek event will be held at Bemis Woods South in Cook County on September 29, 2012. This lush 1 mile trail will surely be an adventure for hikers of all ages! Here, children will learn to appreciate all the beauty the great outdoors has to offer, all the while having fun at each adventurous Stop & Study location.

By trading screen time for green time, this go-at-your-own-pace event will surely create a lasting impression and promote a healthy lifestyle for kids of all ages! Parking will be at the Grove 7 lot.

Saturday, September 29, 2012 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
(Please note: You must arrive between 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.)
Forest Preserve District of Cook County Bemis Woods Picnic Grove #7 * 11500 Ogden Avenue Western Springs, IL 60558
*To get to Grove # 7 follow the preserve road north to the most northern grove off of Ogden. Number 7 is where the parking lot loops around and where the hiking trails begin.
//illinois.hometownlocator.com/maps/distance-directions2.cfm?bemis%20woods%This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,-87.9097828" style="color: rgb(0, 89, 0);">Driving directions and park information

Please Note: Registration fees cannot be transferred and are non-refundable.

Event Updates

AT BASE CAMP

Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab

Learn about the rehabilitation of injured, sick and orphaned birds of prey during this live wildlife display. You’re sure to create lasting memories as you and your children interact with these amazing creatures!

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

At Base camp, you will have the opportunity to build “nature sculptures” with the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie of the US Forest Service. During this activity, kids will utilize local, natural materials that surround them to create artistic “habitats”.

Cook County Forest Preserve

This year, the Cook County Forest Preserve will be joined by their very own snake and turtle for an up-close and personal encounter.

Promotional Partner, REI

REI will have a presentation on PEAK, a hands-on, interactive program where children are taught to have fun outside while practicing responsible outdoor recreation. Children will also learn the 7 Leave No Trace principles: know before you go; choose the right path; pack your trash; leave what you find; be careful with fire; respect wildlife; and be kind to other visitors. REI will also be handing out some cool goodies as well.

ON THE TRAIL

Plant Station

Plants are key components of the eco-system – the foundational aspect for which both humans and wildlife depend. At this station, your kids will have the opportunity to take different surrounding plant parts and create a take-home solar print to help with identification. When left in the sun, the paper will change color and move from blue to white!

Insect Station

Insects come in all shapes and sizes and play an important role in our environment. At this station, children can make a bug box to observe what critters live around them and what homes they need to survive.

Bird Station

Birds as a species group are one of the largest, and each type of bird has different ways in which it eats. By using common household items they will replicate bird songs, and will learn the call of the wild.

Reptiles Station

Ever wonder what the difference is between turtles and tortoises? At this station, children can follow the turtle trail and hunt for eggs. Fun facts and questions lie within each egg. Collect four and get a turtle sticker. Ever heard of a pet rock? What about a pet rock turtle? Get creative and paint your own!

Mammals Station

Mammals as a species are very diverse in nature. Did you know that dolphins and bats use objects to “bounce” off their communications to identify objects and talk? During this echolocation activity, kids will be able to play “telephone” and communicate with each other through a series of tubing.