Looking for the Right Minnesota Summer Camp? Here’s What I Tell Parents.
By Lonnie, Camp Director at Swift Nature Camp
Hi Parents,
With over 30 years as a camp director, I’ve learned that when families reach out this time of year, they’re rarely asking just about dates or activities. They’re really asking something deeper — whether this is the place where their child will feel safe, grow in confidence, and truly belong. Parents are wondering:
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Will my child feel welcomed?
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Will they make real friends?
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Will they be safe?
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Will this be worth it?
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Will this help them grow?
Choosing a Minnesota Overnight Summer Camp isn’t just about filling a week on the calendar. It’s about trusting someone else with your child’s confidence, independence, and happiness. As the camp Director for over , I and my team take summer camp seriously.
If you’re researching options, I invite you to give me a call and lets talk about your camper and how we can make camp a success.
The Real Benefits of Overnight Summer Camp
At Swift Nature Camp, we see transformation happen every single week.
Campers leave with:
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Stronger self-confidence -
Greater independence
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Better social skills
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More resilience
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Less screen dependence
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A deeper connection to nature
Something powerful happens when kids step away from devices and into real experiences — paddling a canoe, caring for an animal, learning archery, laughing around a campfire.
Camp builds capability. And kids feel proud of themselves when back home. We are your partner and want to be a part of the team raising your child.
What Makes Swift Nature Camp Different?
There are many summer camp near Minneapolis. Here’s what makes SNC special.
🐾 Our Camp Zoo
We are known for our hands-on Camp Zoo program. Campers don’t just look at animals — they help care for them and learn about them up close. It’s interactive, educational, and unforgettable. For animal-loving kids, this alone makes camp magical. Plus they make friends with kids that thave the same interests.
🌊 Land and Water Adventures
We believe that our balanced schedule gives campers to make their own choices of activities while having structured learning. Above all else we give chichildren classic summer fun.
Water Activities Include:
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Swimming
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Boating
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Fishing
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Water trampoline fun
- Tubing
Land Activities Include:
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Archery
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Lego Cabin
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Creative arts & crafts
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Outdoor games
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Canoe and hiking advture trips
Every camper rotates through activities, so they discover new interests and talents.
First Timer Camp: Built for Younger or Nervous Campers
One of the biggest hesitations parents share is, “This will be my child’s first overnight experience.”
That’s exactly why we created a 1 week First Timer Camp.
This program is:
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Shorter in length - Only 1 week
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Highly supportive - 3 campers per counselor
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Structured to ease separation - Everyone is new to camp
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Designed to build confidence step by step - More support
Many of our returning 3 & 6 week campers, gained their confidence right here at Discovery Camp
A Smaller, More Personal Minnesota Summer Camp
We intentionally keep our camp community at a size where:
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-Campers are known by name
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-Counselors truly connect with each child
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-Parents can reach out directly to me any time
-You’re not sending your child to a massive, anonymous program. You’re joining a community where nearly 90% return
And yes — you can always contact me personally.
🎉 Don’t Forget Our Free Camp Drawing
We also believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience summer camp.
Each year we offer a Free Camp Drawing to help one lucky camper attend Swift Nature Camp at no cost. It’s one of my favorite traditions because it opens the door for a family who may not otherwise be able to attend.
You can learn more about our Minnesota summer camp programs and stay updated on the free camp opportunity here:
👉 https://swiftnaturecamp.com/minnesota-summer-camp
Why Families Return Year After Year
When campers head home, I often hear:
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“I didn’t know I could do that.”
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“I made my best friend.”
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“Can I come back next year?”
That’s what a great Minnesota summer camp should do.
It should stretch kids gently.
It should support them fully.
It should help them discover who they are.
If you’re exploring Minnesota summer camps and want one that blends animals, land and water activities, first-time camper support, and a caring environment — I’d love to welcome your family.
Warmly,
Lonnie
Camp Director
Swift Nature Camp
