Dear Camp Kupugani Families,

We’re Jeff and Lonnie, directors of Swift Nature Camp in Wisconsin—and friends of Kevin and Miss Natasha for nearly two decades. Like many of you, we were heartbroken to hear that Camp Kupugani is closing its doors. Kevin and Miss Natasha’s passion for helping children grow in identity, empathy, and confidence has been a beacon in the camp world, and their impact is truly unforgettable.

Over the years, we’ve connected deeply through our shared mission: using camp as a place where children not only have fun, but also to grow into their best, most authentic selves. In fact, we even welcomed Mico, one of Camp Kupugani’s own, as a camper at Swift Nature Camp years ago! Since then, we’ve felt like extended family, inspired by Kupugani’s beautiful legacy.

As Kevin and Miss Natasha turn the page, we’d like to warmly invite you to discover a new summer home that shares a similar heart. If you're searching for a camp where your child will be seen, celebrated, and supported, Swift Nature Camp may be just the right fit.

For over 30 years, SNC has welcomed children ages 6–15 to unplug from screens, connect with nature, and build confidence in a kind, creative, and diverse community. Like Camp Kupugani, we keep our sessions small and personal, with hands-on staff who help each camper grow emotionally and socially in a safe and inclusive environment.

We are a bit farther north, but trust us, the Northwoods are worth it. There’s something magical about swimming in a clear lake, hearing loons at night, spotting eagles overhead, or laughing with friends around a crackling campfire. To make things easy, we offer direct motor coach transportation from the Chicago area to camp.

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At SNC, campers dive into a mix of classic outdoor fun and unique hands-on experiences. We offer canoeing, fishing, archery, nature hikes, science experiments, cuddling animals in our petting zoo, and even LEGO building! Our goal? Help kids grow independent, resilient, and full of wonder—all while having a blast.

As camp directors, we’re not just behind-the-scenes.  We're in it every day: leading songs, helping with crafts, playing games, and offering a listening ear. We're parents and educators ourselves, and we believe camp should be joyful, transformative, and full of heart.

We know how special Camp Kupugani was. We can never replace those memories, but we can offer a new adventure  filled with belonging, friendship, and self-discovery.

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One Last Thing…After being a camp director for over 30 years, we’ve learned that parents often share the same thoughtful questions — especially when they’re looking for a new camp home. Here are a few of the questions we hear most often from families coming from Camp Kupugani, along with honest answers.

Will my child feel welcomed and included right away?

Yes. Creating a warm, inclusive community is at the heart of Swift Nature Camp. Counselors are trained to notice who might need extra encouragement, help campers make friendships early on, and ensure every child feels seen and valued — especially during the first days of camp.

How similar is Swift Nature Camp to Camp Kupugani?

While every camp has its own personality, many Kupugani families recognize familiar values at SNC: kindness over competition, a strong sense of belonging, and a focus on personal growth through nature and adventure. Our goal is not to replace Kupugani, but to continue the spirit families loved in a new setting.

What if my child is nervous, shy, or needs extra support?

Many campers arrive feeling exactly that way. We intentionally keep a non-competitive atmosphere and emphasize kindness, patience, and encouragement. Parents are always welcome to share insights about their child so we can support them in the best way possible.

How do you handle communication with parents?

We believe peace of mind matters. Parents receive regular updates, photos, and communication throughout the session. If there’s ever a concern, we address it promptly and personally — no automated responses, just real conversations.  We invite parents to call any time even if it is for a short chat about how your child is doing.

Are campers with different interests or personalities a good fit?

Yes. Campers don’t need to be athletic or outdoorsy to thrive here. With over 60 land and water activities, there’s something for everyone — from arts and crafts to animals, nature exploration, swimming, and a Lego cabin.

What ages and session lengths do you offer?

Swift Nature Camp serves boys and girls ages 6–17. Families can choose from 1-, 2-, 3-, or 6-week sessions, allowing you to find the right pace and comfort level for your child.

How Do Campers Get To Swift Nature Camp?

We realize that Swift Nature Camp is farther than Camp Kupugani but the benefits are amazing: the stars, wildlife and no road noise.   To get your camper to camp you have two options 1) Drive them to SNC, it is 5+ hours or 2) Take the camp motorcoach directly to camp(bathroom and movies on board), pick up locations are in Schaumberg and Boilingbrook. There is an additional cost for the motorcoach.

Can we talk with someone before deciding?

Of course. We encourage conversations. If you have any questions or just want to talk through whether SNC might be the right fit for your family, we’d love to connect. Call us at (630) 654-8036 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.—we’re always happy to chat about camp.

With warmth and respect,

Jeff & Lonnie
Swift Nature Camp
(630) 654-8036
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.