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

Why Summer Camp is a Game-Changer for Kids: Building Independence, Skills, and Lifelong Memories

From birdwatching to sailing, summer camps offer a world of adventure for kids. At Swift Nature Camp, we take this a step further by creating a nurturing environment where children grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually—all while having the time of their lives. More than just fun, our camp experiences instill independence, teamwork, and resilience, shaping kids for the future.

The Lasting Benefits of Summer Camp

Jeff Lorenz, Director of Swift Nature Camp for over 30 years, has seen firsthand how transformative camp can be. "Camp isn’t just about activities—it’s about kids discovering who they are," Jeff explains. "They learn to be independent, develop friendships with kids from all walks of life, and tackle challenges head-on."

At Swift Nature Camp, campers step away from screens and immerse themselves in nature. Whether it's caring for animals at our nature center, navigating a canoe trip, or working together to build a campfire, every experience builds confidence and problem-solving skills. "Sometimes, things don’t go as planned," Jeff adds. "A tent gets wet inside during the rain, or a camper struggles to light their first fire. But instead of giving up, they learn to adapt and overcome—these are skills they’ll use for life. At SNC we believe every experience is an oppertunity to teach a value. Thats why we have a tree of values, that campers walk past each day"

The Post-Pandemic Surge in Camp Enrollment

Since the pandemic, demand for summer camps has skyrocketed. With nearly 26 million school-aged children—about half of all U.S. kids—attending summer camps each year, parents have recognized the value of these experiences.

"We saw more kids than ever coming to Swift Nature Camp after the pandemic," Jeff says. "Parents realized how much their children needed face-to-face interactions, outdoor play, and real-world problem-solving. The skills kids develop at camp—whether it’s learning patience while fishing or responsibility while caring for an animalin the Camp Zoo—just can’t be taught in a classroom."

Preparing Kids for Real-World Challenges

For many parents, summer camp isn’t just about fun—it’s about preparing kids for the real world. One Swift Nature Camp parent, Sarah, wanted her son Jack to develop confidence in the outdoors. "By the end of camp, he was hiking through the woods with confidence and even leading the younger kids," she said. "Now, he’s asking to go on a family camping trip, which never would have happened before."

Beyond outdoor skills, Jeff emphasizes the importance of resilience. "At camp, kids learn that failure isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone. When a camper struggles to climb our rock wall, they don’t quit. They try again, with encouragement from their friends. That’s what camp is all about."

Summer Camp Builds Leadership and Career Skills

The benefits of camp extend beyond childhood. Many camps, including Swift Nature Camp, have a Teen Leadership Program for 16 & 17 year olds, offering invaluable leadership and job experience. "We have campers who started with us at age 7, and now they’re counselors leading activities," Jeff says. "They learn responsibility, teamwork, and leadership—skills that employers are looking for."

One former Swift Nature Camp camper, Alex, recently reached out to Jeff after landing his first job. "He told me his interviewers were impressed by his leadership at camp—how he handled conflicts between campers and taught younger kids how to paddle a canoe. Those are real-world skills that camp helps develop."

Why Swift Nature Camp Matters More Than Ever

Summer camp isn’t just a seasonal activity—it’s a life-changing experience. At Swift Nature Camp, kids connect with nature, build confidence, and develop lifelong friendships. Whether it’s an overnight canoe trip, a hands-on animal experience, or a team-building game, the memories and skills gained at camp last far beyond the summer.

"We’re not just running a camp—we’re helping kids grow into their best selves," Jeff says. "And that’s something truly special."

With families increasingly valuing the benefits of summer camp, now is the perfect time to explore Swift Nature Camp and give your child the gift of adventure, growth, and lifelong memories!

Please take a look

Jeff Lorenz
www.SNC.Camp
630-654-8036

How Sending Your Kids to Swift Nature Camp Benefits You as a Parent

As the director of Swift Nature Camp for over 30 years, I've seen that overnight summer camp is more than just child care in the summer. There remarkable impact our summer camp has on both children and their parents. While it's widely recognized that kids gain valuable experiences at camp, many parents are pleasantly surprised to find personal benefits during this time.

-Rediscover Personal Time and Interests Parenting is a full-time job, often leaving little space for personal interests. When your children head off to Swift Nature Camp, you may notice your home is quieter and your schedule is more flexible. This newfound peace provides a wonderful chance to focus on yourself. Consider diving into activities you've set aside: Pursue New Hobbies: Sign up for that art class or fitness program you've been wanting to try.

-Reconnect with Friends: Host get-togethers with friends who also have kids at camp. Enjoy Quality Time with Your Partner: Arrange romantic outings or simply enjoy uninterrupted conversations. Taking advantage of these moments not only revitalizes you but also enhances your relationships.

Foster Independence and Personal Growth in Your Child At Swift Nature Camp, we focus on creating a supportive environment where campers can build independence, maturity, and problem-solving skills. Our varied programs, from nature exploration to adventure trips, are crafted to challenge and inspire.
+One parent shared their thoughts: "Swift Nature Camp has been a cherished summer experience for my boys since 2003. I trust the directors, love the counselors, appreciate the active outdoor fun, and enjoy the beautiful setting."  Watching your child grow during their time at camp deepens your trust in their abilities and resilience. Learn more at www.SNC.Camp.

Prepare for Future Transitions Sending your children to Swift Nature Camp acts as a gentle introduction to future separations, such as when they eventually leave for college or start their own adventures. 

This experience allows both you and your child to adapt to time apart, strengthening your bond and mutual appreciation.

For more insights into the benefits of summer camp, visit our Parent Information page.

At Swift Nature Camp, we are dedicated to fostering personal growth in children while providing parents with a well-deserved respite. Discover how our unique programs can benefit your family by exploring our Programs and First-Time Camper pages.

Join us this summer and become part of the Swift Nature Camp family!

Lonnie & Jeff
Directors since 1996
630-654-8036

As the Director of Swift Nature Camp for the past 30 years, one of the most valuable skills we nurture in our campers is resilience. In today’s world, it’s easy to shield kids from challenges, but at camp, we believe it’s okay for them to struggle and face obstacles. Why? Because resilience isn’t something we avoid tapping into; it’s something that grows stronger with use.

As parents, you’ve likely experienced moments where you were completely drained, unsure of what to do next. But somehow, resilience returned. It’s the same for children. at a traditiona overnight summer camp Whether it's overcoming homesickness, pushing through a tough canoe trip, or solving a disagreement with cabin mates, every challenge helps build their resilience. In the safe and supportive environment at Swift Nature Camp, your child will face these moments, but they’ll also learn how to bounce back stronger each time.

Resilience doesn’t just magically appear when life is easy. It comes from navigating the discomfort, from problem-solving, and from trying again after failure. Camp is the perfect setting for this type of growth. With guidance from our staff and the close-knit camp community, campers find new energy and fresh perspectives to tackle challenges. They discover that they *can* figure things out, that they *can* keep going.  Summer camps are a wonderful place for children to experience these situations without parent input. Campers grow in self-sufficency. 

So when your child comes home from camp and shares stories of struggles, know that it’s all part of the process, it is OK. It’s how they grow emotionally, develop grit, and build confidence in themselves. Resilience is a skill they’ll take with them long after camp ends, equipping them for life’s bigger challenges.

Warm regards,
Jeff Lorenz
Swift Nature Camp

At Swift Nature Camp in the picturesque Northwoods of Wisconsin, adventure and discovery await. Directed by the warm and welcoming duo, Lonnie and Jeff, this camp is a place where kids can experience nature at its best, creating lifelong memories and friendships along the way. Swift Nature Camp offers a range of exciting outdoor activities that immerse campers in the beauty and wonder of the wild.

Picture this: campers starting their day, heading out in nature with many adventuresome activities await, build forts in the forest, and explore the surrounding nature. At Swift, the focus is not just on play but on learning, conservation, and problem-solving. Kids learn to work together, whether it's navigating a canoe or planning an overnight camping trip under the stars.

The camp’s mission is to nurtures a love for the outdoors, fostering a deep appreciation for nature that campers carry with them for life. The activities at Swift include hiking, fishing, swimming, archery, & Lego, all designed to encourage campers to connect with the natural world. SNC has a Nature Center that has many small critters that campers can help care for during their stay.

Campers also learn valuable life skills—teamwork, leadership, and resilience—through activities like building shelters, campfire cooking, and even navigating obstacle courses. Swift Nature Camp believes in the importance of hands-on learning, where campers can challenge themselves physically and mentally while developing a strong sense of independence. And while they're busy playing and exploring, they’re also building confidence and making lasting friendships.

This Wisconsin Summer Camp, helps kids from across the country experience the outdoors, Swift Nature Camp opens its doors to children from all backgrounds, giving them the chance to experience a summer filled with nature, fun, and learning. Swift is also committed to keeping SNC an affordable summer camp, so families of all backgrounds can enjoy this incredible experience.

The importance of the outdoors is at the heart of Swift’s mission, which addresses conservation and community-building. Swift aims to inspire future generations of environmental stewards, ensuring that campers leave with a greater appreciation of the natural world and a desire to protect it.

As the summer comes to an end, campers leave Swift Nature Camp not only with unforgettable memories but kids at Swift find themselves yearning to return, year after year, to relive the magic of camp and deepen their connection to nature.

For families interested in a summer filled with adventure, exploration, and personal growth, Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place. Be sure to check out the photos and videos we’ve posted on our website www.SNC.Camp

The Rising Cost of Summer Camps: Why Swift Nature Camp Offers Affordable Excellence

Hello, parents!

Summer camp is a cherished tradition, offering children the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in a vibrant and supportive environment. However, the increasing cost of summer camps has become a significant concern for many families. As the owner of Swift Nature Camp, I've seen firsthand the impact of these rising costs and am committed to providing an affordable solution without compromising on quality.

-Nationwide Cost Study Highlights
A nationwide cost study by Summer Camp Hub revealed some eye-opening statistics:
Overnight camps: Average cost ranges from $175 to $325 per day.
Day camps: Average cost ranges from $70 to $120 per day.
These figures can be daunting, especially for families planning for multiple weeks of camp or sending more than one child.

-Swift Nature Camp: Affordable Excellence
At Swift Nature Camp, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the joys of summer camp. That's why we offer an accredited overnight camp for as little as $125 per day. This significant saving means families can provide their children with a rich camp experience at a fraction of the cost compared to other camps.

-Why Choose Swift Nature Camp?
Affordable Rates: With our rates starting at $125 per day, families can save substantially. For example, a two-week overnight camp at the average rate of $250 per day would cost $3,500. At Swift Nature Camp, the same two-week experience would cost just $1,750, saving you $1,750!
Quality Programs: Despite our lower rates, we do not compromise on the quality of our programs. Our camp offers a variety of activities designed to promote personal growth, teamwork, and a love for nature.
Experienced Staff: Our team of dedicated and experienced counselors ensures that every child receives individual attention and guidance, fostering a supportive and nurturing camp environment.
Accreditation: We are proud to be an accredited camp, meeting the highest standards of safety and program quality. This ensures that your child is in a safe and enriching environment.

-The Value of Camp Savings
Choosing a more affordable camp like Swift Nature Camp doesn't mean sacrificing the quality of your child's summer experience. On the contrary, it means providing them with an enriching, educational, and fun-filled environment while also being mindful of your family's budget. This balance of cost and quality is essential for many families navigating the rising costs of summer camps.

-Make the Smart Choice for Summer Camp
If you're searching for camp savings, cheaper summer camp options, or simply the best value for your money, look no further than Swift Nature Camp. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional camp experience at a price that allows more families to participate.

Explore what Swift Nature Camp has to offer and discover why our affordable rates, high-quality programs, and commitment to excellence make us the ideal choice for your child's summer adventure.

Warm regards,

Jeff Lorenz

Director, Swift Nature Camp