Displaying items by tag: kids camp

Make a Contribution

The Russell W. Hogrefe Fresh Start Fund was established by Russell W. Hogrefe during his tenure as Executive Director of the American Camp Association, Illinois Section. He served in that position from 1979 until his retirement in 1996. Russ spent his entire professional career providing children’s summer camp and other services to families with very low income.
Teachers, social workers, counselors or other professionals refer campers. ACA Illinois Section staff and the person making the referral select an appropriate day or resident camp program. Camps must be accredited by the American Camp Association.The camper's family is encouraged to pay whatever they can afford for the camping experience. The camp provides a partial campership and the Fund pays the balance.
If you would like to donate fund to help an underprivileged child attend summer camp in 2009 please send a check or make an online donation. Summer camp is an experience that enriches lives and all children should have the opportunity to attend kids summer camp. To learn how Swift Nature Camp can help your child attend camp visit our website.

Please make check payable to:ACA Illinois Section, Russell W. Hogrefe Fresh Start Fund 67 E. Madison Street, Suite 1406 Chicago, Illinois 60603
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Make a Friend at Camp

Camp is so different than home because often at school children hangout with kids that are homogeneous. Thats right all the same, same age, same gender, same community and more. Opportunities to make friends are not much more than others in class or down the block. However, at Swift Nature Camp kids get an opportunity to spend time with others, both younger and older and from different parts of the country or world. It is interesting how often the older teens become natural leaders for the younger kids, by “adopting them”.Not only is this true with campers but also for counselors as well. Our staff are generally college aged folks studying to be teachers. They truly look at SNC as a learning opportunity. They are camper centered making them great role models for todays youth. Then consider the SENIOR staff at camp...the oldsters do round out a super community which entices children to make new friends.

So when you are thinking about camp it is easy to think about all the activities. However, Summer Camp is so much more! Children’s summer camp is more like the real world, the social benefits of this multiage, multicultural experience are significant. Research has shown getting children ready for multiage, multicultural world only helps them be more successful in life. Camp provides less competitiveness making it much easier to make and keep your summer camp friends.

Ask any camper what makes Swift Nature Camp so special and they will tell you it’s “the new camp friends”. But ask them why any? And they will tell you it’s because they accept me for who I am often unlike my friends at home. I can do stuff at camp that I can never tell my friends back home about.
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Reason for Summer Camps

<h3 class="blog-entry-summary" style="margin-bottom: 10px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Lucida, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.7600002288818px;">Top Reasons for Summer Camp
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<div class="blog-entry-summary" style="margin-bottom: 10px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Lucida, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.7600002288818px;">He was 10 and I knew he was looking for more than a summer of day care and TV shows. So I wondered if <a href="/http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/" style="color: #005900;">SUMMER CAMP</a> was the right place for my son. My son, currently 15, has attended Swift Nature Camp for four years and we are going to send him back for as long as we can. He loves it. Although, he has ADHD and is very smart, but has trouble at school with attention-seeking ploys. The counselors and directors at SNC have a great, hands-on approach to leadership, social skills development and confidence-building......read on permalink=”<a href="/http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog">http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog</a>”>
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<h3 class="blog-entry-body" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Lucida, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.7600002288818px;">Top Reasons for Camp
</h3>
<div class="blog-entry-body" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Lucida, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.7600002288818px;">He was 10 and I knew he was looking for more than a summer of day care and TV shows. So i wondered if <a href="/http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/" style="color: #005900;">SUMMER CAMP</a> was the right place for my son. My son, currently 15, has attended Swift Nature Camp for four years and we are going to send him back for as long as we can. He loves it. He has ADHD and is very smart, but has trouble at school with attention-seeking ploys. The counselors and directors at SNC have a great, hands-on approach to leadership, social skills development and confidence-building. Jeff and Lonnie, along with enthusiastic counselors, provide an excellent atmosphere that encourages positive traits to rise to the surface. My son has developed greater peer understanding and empathy, greater self-confidence and trust, better leadership skills, an understanding of group dynamics and fair process and many other valuable lifelong skills. At first I felt nervous sending him to a place I had never seen, but it was really worth it! I talked to Jeff and Lonnie over the phone before I signed him up for the Discovery Camp . A special program for the <a href="/http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/discoverytitlepage.htm" style="color: #005900;">First time at Camp</a> Their willingness to discuss any question I had and their understanding of my fears made the decision easy. My son took the bus there, but I picked him up at the end, so I got to see first-hand all of the wonderful places he got to explore. He was so excited about camp that I'm not sure he drew breath on the 8-hour journey home! The SNC website tells you everything you need to know and I love how the camp is set up. The cabins are by gender and age and do activities together, including laundry (!) In the afternoons the campers can pick from a variety of typical camp activities (arts & crafts, archery, swimming, etc.). n top of this, the camp is dedicated to environmental awareness and nature preservation. They have a nature center with microscopes and frogs and tadpoles and lots of hands on activities. There is also a small petting zoo of well-adored animals. Of course there is plenty of laughter, games, campfires, food, sports, fun, drama, singing, etc. that makes overnight (residential) camp an experience one remembers for their entire life. As a parent, I appreciate that this isn't a "sports camp" or "math camp" or something ultra specific. Kids at SNC get to be kids and by experiencing all sorts of different activities and a diverse set of campers and counselors, learn more about themselves than at a specialized camp. My son has learned so much from this camp in the four years he has been attending. We have noticed a HUGE difference in his attitude, manners and abilities. He is more mature, pleasant and competent. We would pay any price for the experiences and social education he has gained from SNC. We used to joke that you can find math, reading, or science tutors but no tutors in social skills. Well we were wrong! This is exactly what my son needed at exactly the right time in his life. If you are thinking about away-camp for your child, please consider SNC. Primarily I think of it as a non-competitive, confidence-building camp where kids get to be kids. I know it is the best thing we ever did for our son. Thanks Jeff, Lonnie and all the fabulous counselors, cooks, nurses, etc. We hope our son will join your camp as a counselor when he is older (it is a new goal of his)! You can also find more information on how to pick a summer camp at this website <a href="/http://www.summercampadvice.com">FINDING a CAMP</a>
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Camp for Every Child

Often Parents are curious if Swift Nature Camp has specific programs for certain aged children. Are SNC programs better for young children- a first time at camp, middle school- looking for new activities or teenagers- searching for teen adventure. Since we feel we do so well in all these areas let us give you a few reasons why.

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arents are curious if Swift Nature Camp has specific programs for certain aged children. Are SNC programs better for young children- a first time at camp, middle school- looking for new activities or teenagers- searching for teen adventure. Since we feel we do so well in all these areas let us give you a few reasons why.

First off we have a Discovery Program that is only for children who have never been to camp before. For this camp we shrink the amount of children at camp making sure that we can give individual attention to each child. We have about 6 children for 2 counselors in each cabin. This program, since it is everyones first time creates a level playing feild for everyone. And since we know it everyones first time at camp we are constantly on the look out for homesickness or other areas of concern.
For our 3 week programs, again our small size allows us to give individual attention to all, with around 90 children (45 gals, 45 boys). Our children are divided by gender and age group. So a cabin of 10 children will have lets say 9 & 10 year olds. We limit the age groups at camp so that we get an even distribution of campers , younger to older. Then each age group will participate in age appropriate activities and adventure trips. For instance the younger girls may take a canoe trip to a nearby island while the older girls may go to the Apostle Islands for 3 days.
So you can see how Swift Nature Camp meets every age and gender. If you would like to talk more please give us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

9 Things to Look At Before Picking A Camp

Here is a quick list of 9 things to consider when selecting a summer camp for the first time. Doing the research up front will only help ensure your child’s time at camp will be a success.

1. How Old Should My Child Be For Overnight Camp?

Many overnight camps begin at 6 or 7 years old. Yet most parents are not ready at that age. So the best test is how has your child has done at sleepovers with friends not grandparents. A second thought are they excited? If so that is a huge head start. At Swift Nature Camp we have Discovery Camp that is only for children 6-12 and for those children that have never been to overnight camp before. Our goal is to make this time a way from home a success, in order to accomplish this we have less children n a cabin and more staff around. Plus, we are on the lookout for any homesickness. Read more about our First Time Camper Program

2. DOES IT MATTER WHAT CAMP I CHOOSE?

Yes, it does! You want to have a program where the child is extremely comfortable and has something they’re interested in. You don’t want to send them off to learn only about archery and they don’t really care, they’d rather be sailing . Also, I would not suggest a single sports or activity camp, these can get boring and often do not challenge a child to try new things.

3. SHOULD IT BE COED?

Here is the thought a single gender camp will allow campers, especially older one’s to feel more comfortable about expressing themselves and trying new things without the opposite gender around.
On the coed side having children of different sexes together increases compassion, friendship, and a sense of equality. Gender is a part of society so why not have young people practice in real world conditions. Having said that at Swift Nature Camp our goal is to have campers realize camp is about them and not about someone else regardless of who is around.

4. WHAT SHOULD IT COST?

Camp comes in all sort of prices from $50 to $200 or more per day. The average given by the ACA (American Camp Association ) is $85 per day. Can you always assume a more expensive camp is better, NO. Nor is a cheaper camp worse. This is where you must do your homework, weighing activities, philosophy and directors versus cost.
Remember, many camps have financial aid, scholarships, deferred payment plans, sliding scale tuition, and discounts for bringing a friend. Here is a hint, Look at camps in your range then start to compare programs.

5. CAMP PHILOSOPHY, WHATS THIS?

This is the heart and the soul of the camp and the most important aspect of the camp. This flows from the Directors down to the staff and then to the campers. Things to consider
Does your child get to work in a group, collaborate with other kids, learn how to work with a team?
How do they Discipline?
Do kids get work out conflict?
Do the children make their own schedule?
Are they in control?
You may have other things to ask that best soot your child’s needs and expectations.

6. TELL ME ABOUT THE DIRECTOR AND STAFF?

At Swift Nature Camp we encourage every family to call or meet with us at an open house, held in late May. We feel it is important for campers and parents to feel comfortable with us caring for their child. Sure we have years of experience and training but none of that matters if you cannot talk to us. This is true for any camp, if you can not talk to the Director that will be at camp 24/7 I would seriously consider continuing your search. Once you feel comfortable then asking about staff is easy. Because you know that the Directors are going to ensure the staff are properly trained and more interested in your child than their time off. As for staff ratios, the ACA accreditation sets requirements based on age and programs. As long as you select an ACA camp you will be assured to be meeting the code.

7. WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?

Safety is all that matters at camp. Again ACA camp s meet many criteria to be sure camps are safe and here are just a few: background checks on all employees, staff trained in CPR and first aid, Nurse or Doctor at camp, ample lifeguards, training and licensing for transportation.

8. WHAT ABOUT PARENT VALUES?

Every parent is different and so is every camper, the only real way to make sure this is the place for your family is to review the materials in websites and mailings. Then call the Director and chat. Ask every possible thing that might matter, here are a few:
Are kids in tents or cabins?
Are showers in the cabin?
How religious is camp?”
Can a child with food allergies be kept safe?
Who will dispense meds?
Can I talk to my child on the phone?

9. WHAT ARE OTHERS SAYING ?

Ask for refferences. The can be from local families or those far away. This will give insight what kind of reputation the camp has. When talking to other families be sure to not only talk to the parent but to the camper. Ask a few difficult questions not just “how was camp?” This will give you real insight into the daily working of camp.
Lastly if possible do a site visit so you can decide for yourself which camp is best for you and your children. It is best to tour the camp when campers are there, this can give you a good sense of the camp. Obviously this is not all that easy to do, so don’t put off camp just because you can not make it to the camp facility.

Remember it is all about the work you do upfront that will help ensure your childs camp experience will be a great one. To get more information refer to Summer Camp Advice a wonderful website dedicated to helping parents learn how to pick a summer camp

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Page 18 of 18

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: kids camp

Make a Contribution

Make a Friend at Camp

Reason for Summer Camps

Camp for Every Child

9 Things to Look At Before Picking A Camp

1. How Old Should My Child Be For Overnight Camp?

2. DOES IT MATTER WHAT CAMP I CHOOSE?

3. SHOULD IT BE COED?

4. WHAT SHOULD IT COST?

5. CAMP PHILOSOPHY, WHATS THIS?

6. TELL ME ABOUT THE DIRECTOR AND STAFF?

7. WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?

8. WHAT ABOUT PARENT VALUES?

9. WHAT ARE OTHERS SAYING ?

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.