Swift Nature Camp

🐾 Animal Summer Camp for Illinois Kids Who Love Animals🐾

2026

A Note From Lonnie & Jeff, Camp Director for 30+ Years

Finding the right summer camp is never easy — and if you have a child who truly loves animals, it can be even harder. Many overnight summer camps offer swimming, sailing, and archery, but very few are designed for animal-loving kids. That’s exactly why we created Swift Nature Camp.

I’m Lonnie, and for over 30 years I’ve directed Swift Nature Camp, a small, trusted overnight animal and nature summer camp for kids ages 6–17. While our camp is located in the beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods, most of our campers come from Illinois, and many travel together on our supervised camp motor coach from Illinois to camp. Science Camps 510

At Swift Nature Camp, we blend a true animal petting zoo and Nature Center with over 40 classic summer camp activities. Campers don’t just see animals — they care for them every day. Children learn about pet care, animal behavior, wildlife, and farm animals through hands-on experiences, guest speakers, and field trips, all within a fun and nurturing environment.

Illinois parents often tell us, “I never knew you existed — you are the perfect summer camp for my child.” For decades, our goal has been to help children learn about animals and nature while becoming more independent, confident, and responsible.

Swift Nature Camp is an excellent fit for kids who may not be highly sports-motivated but love being outdoors — chasing frogs, learning about native mammals, going on nature scavenger hunts, and exploring the natural world. Campers play for fun, not competition.

Animals are a big part of camp life, but they’re not the only reason kids love being here. Each summer, campers may adopt a pet and learn firsthand that caring for animals means responsibility. Feeding, watering, and caring for animals always comes before playtime. Responsibility comes first.

animal camp Il. Does your child already have a pet? If yes, hey can even bring their caged animal to live in our Nature Center during camp. We are one of the few overnight summer camps that allows children to bring their own pets — something our families truly love and what makes Swift Nature Camp a one-of-a-kind animal summer camp.

If you’re an Illinois family searching for an animal camp, nature camp, or environmental science summer camp, I invite you to explore Swift Nature Camp and see if we are the right Animal Camp for your child.

Please give us a call and we can talk more about camp
Lonnie & Jeff Lorenz
(630)654-8036

nature flyer

Swift Nature Camp is an Environmental Science Camp for boys and girls ages 6-17 located in Wisconsin. Our campers tend to be curious, creative children who enjoy playing outside while learning new things about science and caring for our camp animals.

Science, Nature, Animals
Special First Timer Camp
1,2,3 & 6 weeks
Small Size
Non competitive
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 child's 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

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