Displaying items by tag: camp activities

Summer Camp Songs

Maybe this is a New Camp Song...Let’s all practice!

Can Summer Camp Change a Life

Summer Camp Should Be Mandatory for a Child:
It Changes Lives

By Phillip Morris
Call it an emotional report card.
It was one of those moments that give you a reality check on how your kid really feels about you deep down.........

I had just rounded the bend that led to her cabin at Camp Christopher, a residential campground in Bath Township. It was Saturday, and she had been gone for six days — the longest she had been separated from her mother and me during her eleven years on the planet.
I was busy running my mouth, so the little girl spotted me first and set upon me like a blur. As she screamed “Daddy!” while racing the fifty yards or so toward me, I noticed that she had a large black boot on her left foot and a sandal on her right.
She nearly bowled me over as she leaped into my arms and exclaimed “Daddy!” several times and hugged me tight.
She told me she missed me “so much,” and then shifted her weight, which was my signal to put her down.
Once on the ground, she stepped back, looked me up and down, and then spoke to a friend who had come running up behind her: “My dad has a hole in his t-shirt. Daddy, why are you wearing that shirt?” she asked, redirecting her gaze toward me.
I could only shake my head. That’s when I knew my loving moment was over. Now Faith was back to being a pre-teen.
My designer t-shirt, with the strategically placed designer hole in it, was fair game. Now, after being separated for a week, I had to stand there and listen while my gear was publicly critiqued by a sixth-grader wearing a rubber boot and a sandal.
It wasn’t until we got the girl to the car with all of her luggage — including the broken sandal that had been replaced by the boot — that I started to understand how a week away from the parents, how a week at a well-run summer camp, can change your kid’s perspective, if not their life.
Only after she did a rapid checklist of everything she had done during the week — the swimming, the hiking, the canoeing, the fishing, the archery, the zip-lining, the horseback riding, and the learning of more campground songs, cheers, and prayers than any kid she should learn in six days — did she finally get to the heart of her camping experience.
“Daddy, I know what I want to do now when I grow up,” she said about thirty minutes into our drive home.
“I want to work with mentally disabled people.”
The short statement that seemingly came out of left field momentarily stunned me.
The girl has told folks for years that she plans to become a singer, a writer, and possibly an attorney when she grew up.
But as we drove, I recalled that she had enthusiastically spoken to a mentally-challenged young man as we left the campground. She had called him by his name. They had exchanged high-fives with each other and smiled broadly as they departed.
“Why do you want to work with the disabled?” I asked.
“Because they seem so happy. It’s like they don’t know that they are disabled,” she responded.
“They’re always smiling. I like them.”
Camp Christopher accommodates children and young adults from all over the region. The diminished mental capacities of a few of the campers doesn’t subtract from the camp's potential to transform lives — it only adds to it in ways many might not imagine.
My little singer, writer, future lawyer now has an appreciation for others with whom she had never had much exposure with before. Her capacity for compassion has been expanded. We have the Catholic-run camp to thank for that. It clearly lived up to its motto: “Come grow with us.”
Only perhaps next year they might also teach her how to sew. I know just the shirt I’ll be sending with her.

Phillip Morris is a Metro Columnist for The Plain Dealer. He also blogs, discussing general interest topics with a focus, on Cleveland.com at www.cleveland.com/morris/.

Ice Cream

ICE CREAM

Who does not love Ice Cream with all the trimmings? If you have been to Swift Nature Camp...you know this site all to well. It is that special time when instead of going into town and getting Ice Cream at the best ice cream store in the world the Village Scoop we get to have Ice Cream at camp. What a joy it is We have camp counselors hand it out and put on all the good stuff. You know sprinkles, chocolate sauce and even a cherrie. Of course the real deal is you have to earn Ice Cream at Swift Nature Camp, it is not all that hard to do...JUST KEEP YOUR CABIN CLEAN FOR INSPECTION!

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

Lake Swims at Camp

Charter into new waters this summer. For many kids, coming to camp is a big adventure! One of the biggest challenges is swimming in a lake. We all have had experience swimming in a nice blue pool. There is security in being able to see the bottom of the pool. Lake swimming is to enter the wild water and to cross a border. You pass the lakes edge and you break the surface of the water itself. In doing so, you move from one realm into another: a new realm of freedom, adventure, magic and occasional danger. Watch out for those Turtles and Fish!

Swimming in open water is a new experience that's not to be feared, but embraced. Once you feel comfortable swimming in a lake, the world will open up to you and wherever you see water you will see a new adventure waiting. Swift Nature Camp has over 1500 acres of water right out your cabin front door.

At Swift Nature Camp we have a wonderful swimming area full of fun toys, not to mention Wally (the water trampoline) & Sally (the slide). "Free Swim" is one of the most anticipated times of the camp day, but "Instructional Swim" is there to help give you build the confidence for those free swims. You can even earn American Red Cross Swimming levels

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

Pottery at Camp

This year we are so excited that our pottery program will get a blast at camp. Our new Arts & Crafts Director Laura has years of experience in pottery and working with clay. So this year more than ever before we hope to see campers sculpting, and working on the wheel and kiln firing all those projects. All this means that there are going to be wonderful projects coming out of the ARTS & CRAFTS CASTLE this summer. Stuff like sculpted animals, multi-colored tiles, giant coil pots, and delicate wheel-thrown cups and bowls.
Let nature be a part of your clay work by taking a smooth slab of clay and press natural forms into it so that they leave intricate textures. You know, acorns, twigs, leaves, and tree bark, they all leave amazing patterns. then this can be turned in to a vase or some other vessel or just a fired the way it is.
Swift Nature Camp’s summer pottery program is going to be one of our most exciting programs in the summer of 2009. There’s almost an endless variety of pottery projects to make which you can take back to home your family and friends.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

Fishing at Camp

Lake that camp is situated on is known for its good fishing. Just ask a few of the campers that used their skills this summer to get a few of the pike, bass or pan fish in the lake. However, winter is another time to go fishing, for some they say its the best. They build a little house put it on skis and take it out on to the lake. Look closely and you will see a fishing shack pictured out near picnic island.. Then drill a hole in the ice and wait for the fish to come. On the day we were there, fishing was taking place but we saw no whoppers leave this shack...better luck next time!

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

Summer Camp Shirt

And the winner is.......

Thanks to all the campers and staff that placed their vote for the best Tshirt design. It was very close with this shirt only winning by 1 vote. Don’t worry , if you liked the others you will see them pop again next year and you can vote again.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

Camp Friends

For those who have been around Swift for some time, you know camp friends are unlike any other friends. Last week when we were in Minneapolis we had Jess (now living in AZ) stop by and visit. Jess has been involved with camp since she was 18. Now 10 years later she looked back fondly at all that she had accomplished at Swift. From Water Front to Assistant Director. She did it all. This is why we love Swift so ...it’s great to see folks grow and develop at camp...

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

Camp T-Shirt

AND THE WINNER of the 2011 T-Shirt IS...
Pasted Graphic
Thanx to all that voted it was a close race with 3 of
the t-shirts almost winning.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

Hike and Seek

The National Wildlife federation is sponsoring the third annual Chicago Hike & Seek event will be held at Bemis Woods South in Cook County on September 29, 2012. This lush 1 mile trail will surely be an adventure for hikers of all ages! Here, children will learn to appreciate all the beauty the great outdoors has to offer, all the while having fun at each adventurous Stop & Study location.

By trading screen time for green time, this go-at-your-own-pace event will surely create a lasting impression and promote a healthy lifestyle for kids of all ages! Parking will be at the Grove 7 lot.

Saturday, September 29, 2012 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
(Please note: You must arrive between 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.)
Forest Preserve District of Cook County Bemis Woods Picnic Grove #7 * 11500 Ogden Avenue Western Springs, IL 60558
*To get to Grove # 7 follow the preserve road north to the most northern grove off of Ogden. Number 7 is where the parking lot loops around and where the hiking trails begin.

Please Note: Registration fees cannot be transferred and are non-refundable.

Event Updates
AT BASE CAMP
Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab

Learn about the rehabilitation of injured, sick and orphaned birds of prey during this live wildlife display. You’re sure to create lasting memories as you and your children interact with these amazing creatures!

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

At Base camp, you will have the opportunity to build “nature sculptures” with the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie of the US Forest Service. During this activity, kids will utilize local, natural materials that surround them to create artistic “habitats”.

Cook County Forest Preserve

This year, the Cook County Forest Preserve will be joined by their very own snake and turtle for an up-close and personal encounter.

Promotional Partner, REI

REI will have a presentation on PEAK, a hands-on, interactive program where children are taught to have fun outside while practicing responsible outdoor recreation. Children will also learn the 7 Leave No Trace principles: know before you go; choose the right path; pack your trash; leave what you find; be careful with fire; respect wildlife; and be kind to other visitors. REI will also be handing out some cool goodies as well.

ON THE TRAIL

Plant Station

Plants are key components of the eco-system – the foundational aspect for which both humans and wildlife depend. At this station, your kids will have the opportunity to take different surrounding plant parts and create a take-home solar print to help with identification. When left in the sun, the paper will change color and move from blue to white!

Insect Station

Insects come in all shapes and sizes and play an important role in our environment. At this station, children can make a bug box to observe what critters live around them and what homes they need to survive.

Bird Station

Birds as a species group are one of the largest, and each type of bird has different ways in which it eats. By using common household items they will replicate bird songs, and will learn the call of the wild.

Reptiles Station

Ever wonder what the difference is between turtles and tortoises? At this station, children can follow the turtle trail and hunt for eggs. Fun facts and questions lie within each egg. Collect four and get a turtle sticker. Ever heard of a pet rock? What about a pet rock turtle? Get creative and paint your own!

Mammals Station

Mammals as a species are very diverse in nature. Did you know that dolphins and bats use objects to “bounce” off their communications to identify objects and talk? During this echolocation activity, kids will be able to play “telephone” and communicate with each other through a series of tubing.

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Testimonials

3 weeks was not enough, next year I want to stay for 6 weeks.

3 weeks was not enough, next year I want to stay for 6 weeks.

Samantha
I really liked the Animals in the Nature Center.

I really liked the Animals in the Nature Center.

Forrest
I like the new friends I made, we still chat on Facebook.

I like the new friends I made, we still chat on Facebook.

Kat
In the cabin our counselors made it feel like a respectful loving family.

In the cabin our counselors made it feel like a respectful loving family.

Kim
I cried for days after leaving my SNC family of friends.

I cried for days after leaving my SNC family of friends.

Charlotte
I liked swimming every day in the lake.

I liked swimming every day in the lake.

Lauren
When I returned home I loved telling my parents about my SNC adventures.

When I returned home I loved telling my parents about my SNC adventures.

Zach
The New Lego building is a wonderful place to be creative and make friends.

The New Lego building is a wonderful place to be creative and make friends.

Reese
I like being out in Nature and away from the city sounds and lights.

I like being out in Nature and away from the city sounds and lights.

Stephen
The Canoe trips are the best, I always feel like an explorer.

The Canoe trips are the best, I always feel like an explorer.

Matt
Being independant and making my own decisions was great.

Being indépendant and making my own decisions was great.

Susan
I liked that it was non-competitive and everyone was kind.

I liked that it was non-competitive and everyone was kind.

Chris
I was surprised how most of the kids were like me, kind, fun and liked being outside.

I was surprised how most of the kids were like me, kind, fun and liked being outside.

Billy
I thought I would miss my electronics, but it was no problem.

I thought I would miss my electronics, but it was no problem.

Sandy
I was excited to get my Archery Achievement Award, it took dedication.

I was excited to get my Archery Achievement Award, it took dedication.

Charlie
I want to go back to SNC.

I want to go back to SNC.

Wyatt
I like learning about Nature and hearing the Loons at night.

I like learning about Nature and hearing the Loons at night.

Nate
I gained so much independence being at camp for 2 weeks.

I gained so much independence being at camp for 2 weeks.

Jenny
This is my 5th summer, I love it.

This is my 5th summer, I love it.

Tyler
I liked that all the activities were in a non-competitive atmosphere.

I liked that all the activities were in a non-competitive atmosphere.

Mike
Their is something Magical about SNC, Friends, Activities, Nature, It's all Great.

Their is something Magical about SNC, Friends, Activities, Nature, It's all Great.

Derrick
I like making beaded animals and friendship bracelets in Arts & Crafts.

I like making beaded animals and friendship bracelets in Arts & Crafts.

Kia
Riding horses on a trail in the woods was Awesome.

Riding horses on a trail in the woods was Awesome.

Amber
The 1st timer camp was good cause we were all the same.

The 1st timer camp was good cause we were all the same.

Justin
When we went hiking it was hard but the sites from the hill were breathtaking.

When we went hiking it was hard but the sites from the hill were breathtaking.

Zach
My friend had been here and he was right... it's a blast.

My friend had been here and he was right... it's a blast.

Sean
I'm kinda sad, this is my last summer, wish I had started younger.

I'm kinda sad, this is my last summer, wish I had started younger.

Matt
Meeting new people from around the world is amazing.

Meeting new people from around the world is amazing.

Katie
I liked that my counselors were friendly and encouraged me to try new things.

I liked that my counselors were friendly and encouraged me to try new things.

Lucy
SNC is about NO cliques.

SNC is about NO cliques.

Tay
I liked daily picking the activities I wanted to do.

I liked daily picking the activities I wanted to do.

Lucy
It's the Funnest camp in the world, I got along with everyone.

It's the Funnest camp in the world, I got along with everyone.

Taylor
SNC is my home away from home.

SNC is my home away from home.

Brandon
I really enjoy meeting new kids from all over and counselors every year.

I really enjoy meeting new kids from all over and counselors every year.

Catherine
So many activities to choose from, we are never bored.

So many activities to choose from, we are never bored.

Cameron
Every year is a new adventure in camping, community and nature.

Every year is a new adventure in camping, community and nature.

Maddy
I enjoyed seeing what America was like.

I enjoyed seeing what America was like.

Kevin
Kindness and understanding is what camp is all about.

Kindness and understanding is what camp is all about.

Grace
I loved it all... Don't' change a thing.

I loved it all... Don't' change a thing.

Marchin
I like that we got to shoot sling shots.

I like that we got to shoot sling shots.

Ken
Camp is so much better than staying home all summer.

Camp is so much better than staying home all summer.

Erick
It took a few years but my swimming really improved.

It took a few years but my swimming really improved.

Pat
I feel completely included and accepted.

I feel completely included and accepted.

David
It is amazing having your Birthday at camp.

It is amazing having your Birthday at camp.

Marty
The small size makes SNC excellent.

The small size makes SNC excellent.

Taylor
I liked learning about nature and ecology.

I liked learning about nature and ecology.

Zach
SNC is a down to earth experience without junk food or electronics.

SNC is a down to earth experience without junk food or electronics.

Lucas
I liked the shorter first timer camp & my councilors were fun and caring.

I liked the shorter first timer camp & my councilors were fun and caring.

Sandy
Living on a lake with all the water activities is wonderful.

Living on a lake with all the water activities is wonderful.

Siena
SNC is down to earth and not a rich kids camp.

SNC is down to earth and not a rich kids camp.

Jason
I liked SNC because it was not a sports camp.

I liked SNC because it was not a sports camp.

Christy
Free time is the best.

Free time is the best.

Tyler
I like being away from home and out in the woods.

I like being away from home and out in the woods.

Josh
Camp friends are the best friends.

Camp friends are the best friends.

Zoe
SNC is about trying new things, meeting new people and being on my own.

SNC is about trying new things, meeting new people and being on my own.

Amanda
Counselors were great.

Counselors were great.

Caitlin
I really like the Arts & Crafts Castle.

I really like the Arts & Crafts Castle.

Patryk
This was my best summer ever.

This was my best summer ever.

Ryan
I gained confidence trying new activities and meeting new folks.

I gained confidence trying new activities and meeting new folks.

Caroline
This is my 5th summer, I love it.

This is my 5th summer, I love it.

Erick
I feel accepted and loved at SNC.

I feel accepted and loved at SNC.

Tyler
Tubing was the most Fun.

Tubing was the most Fun.

Tyler
I feel like I belong to something bigger than me, a community.

I feel like I belong to something bigger than me, a community.

Shawn
Friends is what brings me back to SNC.

Friends is what brings me back to SNC.

Jason
I really look forward to Pizza Night.

I really look forward to Pizza Night.

Sylvia
Swift is a good fit for me, I love nature and being outside.

Swift is a good fit for me, I love nature and being outside.

Angela
I got to shoot a real gun.

I got to shoot a real gun.

Conley
My counselors were very encouraging when i was unsure of new activities.

My counselors were very encouraging when i was unsure of new activities.

Nick
Making new friends is easy at Swift.

Making new friends is easy at Swift.

Pat
Counselors made sure I felt included in the cabin.

Counselors made sure I felt included in the cabin.

Julie
I liked coming to SNC with my sister.

I liked coming to SNC with my sister.

Kate
Sleep in Sundays are one of my favorite days at camp.

Sleep in Sundays are one of my favorite days at camp.

Kristina
I got to bring my pet from home to SNC.

I got to bring my pet from home to SNC.

Ryan

Displaying items by tag: camp activities

Summer Camp Should Be Mandatory for a Child: It Changes Lives

ICE CREAM

AND THE WINNER of the 2011 T-Shirt IS...Pasted GraphicThanx to all that voted it was a close race with 3 of the t-shirts almost winning.

Event UpdatesAT BASE CAMPNorthern Illinois Raptor Rehab

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Cook County Forest Preserve

Promotional Partner, REI

ON THE TRAIL

Plant Station

Insect Station

Bird Station

Reptiles Station

Mammals Station

Testimonials

3 weeks was not enough, next year I want to stay for 6 weeks.

I really liked the Animals in the Nature Center.

I like the new friends I made, we still chat on Facebook.

In the cabin our counselors made it feel like a respectful loving family.

I cried for days after leaving my SNC family of friends.

I liked swimming every day in the lake.

When I returned home I loved telling my parents about my SNC adventures.

The New Lego building is a wonderful place to be creative and make friends.

I like being out in Nature and away from the city sounds and lights.

The Canoe trips are the best, I always feel like an explorer.

Being independant and making my own decisions was great.

I liked that it was non-competitive and everyone was kind.

I was surprised how most of the kids were like me, kind, fun and liked being outside.

I thought I would miss my electronics, but it was no problem.

I was excited to get my Archery Achievement Award, it took dedication.

I want to go back to SNC.

I like learning about Nature and hearing the Loons at night.

I gained so much independence being at camp for 2 weeks.

This is my 5th summer, I love it.

I liked that all the activities were in a non-competitive atmosphere.

Their is something Magical about SNC, Friends, Activities, Nature, It's all Great.

I like making beaded animals and friendship bracelets in Arts & Crafts.

Riding horses on a trail in the woods was Awesome.

The 1st timer camp was good cause we were all the same.

When we went hiking it was hard but the sites from the hill were breathtaking.

My friend had been here and he was right... it's a blast.

I'm kinda sad, this is my last summer, wish I had started younger.

Meeting new people from around the world is amazing.

I liked that my counselors were friendly and encouraged me to try new things.

SNC is about NO cliques.

I liked daily picking the activities I wanted to do.

It's the Funnest camp in the world, I got along with everyone.

SNC is my home away from home.

I really enjoy meeting new kids from all over and counselors every year.

So many activities to choose from, we are never bored.

Every year is a new adventure in camping, community and nature.

I enjoyed seeing what America was like.

Kindness and understanding is what camp is all about.

I loved it all... Don't' change a thing.

I like that we got to shoot sling shots.

Camp is so much better than staying home all summer.

It took a few years but my swimming really improved.

I feel completely included and accepted.

It is amazing having your Birthday at camp.

The small size makes SNC excellent.

I liked learning about nature and ecology.

SNC is a down to earth experience without junk food or electronics.

I liked the shorter first timer camp & my councilors were fun and caring.

Living on a lake with all the water activities is wonderful.

SNC is down to earth and not a rich kids camp.

I liked SNC because it was not a sports camp.

Free time is the best.

I like being away from home and out in the woods.

Camp friends are the best friends.

SNC is about trying new things, meeting new people and being on my own.

Counselors were great.

I really like the Arts & Crafts Castle.

This was my best summer ever.

I gained confidence trying new activities and meeting new folks.

This is my 5th summer, I love it.

I feel accepted and loved at SNC.

Tubing was the most Fun.

I feel like I belong to something bigger than me, a community.

Friends is what brings me back to SNC.

I really look forward to Pizza Night.

Summer Camp Should Be Mandatory for a Child:
It Changes Lives

AND THE WINNER of the 2011 T-Shirt IS...
Pasted Graphic
Thanx to all that voted it was a close race with 3 of
the t-shirts almost winning.

Event Updates
AT BASE CAMP
Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab