1. A Focus on Personal Growth and Independence     
The top summer camps in Wisconsin know that camp is about so much more than just having fun — it’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to grow in confidence, responsibility, and independence. When choosing a camp, look for those that create intentional chances for children to take safe risks, explore new activities, and learn valuable lessons from both their successes and challenges.

A campers personal growth is intentional, it does not just happen by chance. At Swift Nature Camp, for instance. We have a First-Time Camper Program tailored for younger kids, designed to help them transition from home to camp with ease. It’s all about fostering trust and confidence in a warm, supportive environment. We feel so confident in what owe do we offer a money back guarantee.

2. Unplug With Outdoor Adventures
These days, a lot of parents are on the lookout for tech-free or nature camps in Wisconsin — and honestly, who can blame them? Spending time outdoors allows kids to reset, recharge, and truly reconnect with the world around them. Wisconsin’s stunning landscapes are just right for this kind of experience. Camps that embrace our beautiful forests, lakes, and trails offer kids the chance to grow in ways that screens simply can’t match.

At Swift Nature Camp, we make nature the heart of everything we do — from canoeing and fishing to our Nature Center, where campers can care for animals and dive into hands-on environmental science all without technology. However, probably one of the campers favorites is our camp zoo filled with animals the campers can care for daily, if they choose.

3. Strong Camp Values and Community
One of the best indicators of a quality summer camp is its camp culture — how staff and campers treat each other and what kind of community is built during the summer.

Is kindness encouraged? Is teamwork valued? Do kids feel seen and supported? These questions matter. Great camps build a culture that teaches life lessons in friendship, leadership, and cooperation.

At SNC, we’re proud of our small, tight-knit camp sessions where everyone knows each other’s names. We keep our numbers low intentionally, so each child feels a true sense of belonging. This sense of community is what we work hard to develop at the cabin level and then it spreads to all of camp. I always feel good when I see the older campers "adopting" the younger campers and helping them at camp and being their friend.

4. Variety and Choice in Activities
The best camps for kids in Wisconsin give them chances to discover and explore new interests. Variety matters — not just to keep things exciting, but to help children grow into well-rounded, curious young people. By offering various activities it allows children to explore activities that they would never have the chance to do back home.

Look for camps that offer a wide range of traditional activities (like archery, arts & crafts, and swimming) alongside more unique experiences. At SNC, campers can choose their own schedule from over 50 activities. Whether it's learning guitar, sailing, or caring for frogs in our nature program, there's something for everyone. In my years at camp I can recall 2 campers who never had done archery before but because of camp they became competitive archers and even tried out for the Olympics. This never would have happened with out sleep-away summer camp.

5. Safe, Trained, and Caring Staff

No list of top summer camp qualities would be complete without focusing on safety. Be sure the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. The association has over 300 standards including:camper health, supervision, and emotional wellbeing that camps must be graded on to ensure that it is a quality program. In addition they are sure that Camp Directors are taking classes each year to be the best of the best.

The best Wisconsin summer camps hire staff not just for their skills, but for their ability to be positive role models. At SNC, most of our counselors were once campers themselves — and they return year after year because they truly love helping kids thrive. Being that we are at camp all summer long, we can see areas where staff might need help. We can quickly, move in and give guidance to a staff member who might be unsure what to do with a camper that is homesick. Our daily staff meetings allow us to help staff become even better.

Final Thoughts for Parents

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the perfect summer camp. Some families look for specialty camps in Wisconsin (like sports or STEM), while others want the more traditional sleepaway camp experience with cabins, campfires, and s’mores.

Whatever your family is looking for, I always recommend parents start with these key questions:

• -What kind of growth do I want my child to experience?

• -Do the camp’s values align with my family’s?

• -Will my child feel safe, welcomed, and supported?

If you’re asking those questions, you’re already on the right track. Summer camp is so much more than day care, itcan be a powerful, life-changing experience — and finding the right one is a gift your child will carry for years to come.

If you would be interested in learning more about Swift Nature Camp, please give me a call at 630-654-8036 or an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . I am happy to chat with parents looking for the right summer camp. Oh and visit our website at www.SNC.Camp we have loads of information, even a section for parents. Oh yes one last thing we do have an open house / meet and greet in April- camme and join us if you want more information or have already enrolled. Camp Opne House

Wishing you happy camping,
Lonnie
Camp Director, Swift Nature Camp