BRUISES, NOT SCARS — A CULTURE WE’VE ALWAYS LIVED, NOW PUTTING INTO WORDS

Hi Swift Nature Camp Families,

Have you heard of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt? It’s making the rounds right now—and for good reason. It takes a close look at why kids today are more anxious than ever and what we can do about it.

Spoiler alert: One of Haidt’s top solutions is... overnight summer camp. (We couldn’t agree more.)

But the part that really grabbed me was a quote from a camp director featured in the book:

“We want to see bruises, not scars.”

I read that and thought—yes! That’s it. That’s what we’ve always believed here at Swift Nature Camp. We just didn’t have the words for it.

We’ve Always Been a “Bruises, Not Scars” Camp

From the beginning, Swift has been a place where kids try new things, face healthy challenges, and grow stronger from them. We’ve never been about bubble-wrapping childhood. Instead, we’ve always been about giving kids the freedom to run, stumble, learn, and rise again—with plenty of encouragement (and a little dirt on their knees).

Whether it’s a scraped elbow from a hike, the nerves before a talent show, or the first big bunkmate disagreement, we’ve seen time and again how kids thrive when given safe, age-appropriate space to grow. These experiences help them build confidence, independence, and resilience — traits that screens and schedules rarely teach.

So when I read that quote in Haidt’s book, it felt like someone finally put into words what we’ve practiced all along.

Making It Official in 2025 Staff Training

This year, we’re doing something new: we’re bringing the “bruise, not scar” mindset into our staff training in a clear and intentional way.

We’ll be talking with counselors and staff about how to recognize the difference between a challenge that helps a camper grow—and a situation that might cross into harm. We’ll be defining the kind of emotional, social, and physical risk that’s developmentally beneficial, and giving staff tools to respond with empathy and wisdom.

Because let’s be honest: growth isn’t always smooth. Learning how to share a bunk, navigate group dynamics, or paddle a canoe for the first time comes with bumps—literal and metaphorical. Our job is to guide campers through those moments, not eliminate them.

We’ll be asking questions like:

• What does "healthy challenge" look like in a camp setting?

• How do we create clear boundaries to keep experiences safe?

• When do we step in, and when do we let kids work things out?

And most importantly: How do we communicate this to campers and their parents, so they know that the minor bruises of camp life are signs of real, meaningful growth?

Why It Matters More Than Ever

In a world where kids are often shielded from every discomfort but exposed to every online pressure, camp offers something radically different. Real relationships. Real responsibilities. Real fun. Real growth.

So as we head into the summer of 2025, know that your camper is stepping into a community that has always valued safety and growth — and now, we’re naming it more clearly than ever.

We’re proud to be a camp where your child can fall (safely), get back up, and feel even more confident the next time around.

Thanks for trusting us to be a part of their journey.

Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, adventure, and maybe a few well-earned bruises.

Lonnie
Camp Director
Swift Nature Camp
Where kids unplug, explore, and grow — naturally

As a parent, sending your child to overnight summer camp for the first time is a big step. You want them to build confidence, make friends, and have fun—but also feel safe, supported, and understood.

At Discovery Camp, part of Swift Nature Camp, we specialize in helping first-time campers (ages 6–12) have a positive, unforgettable first experience away from home. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director here, and I’ve been helping kids just like yours thrive at camp for over 30 years.

🌿 Why Discovery Camp?
We’re not just another camp. We’re a sleepaway camp designed especially for first-time campers—with smaller sessions, extra personal attention, and a warm, encouraging environment that helps nervous campers (and parents!) feel ready and excited.

Here’s what makes Discovery Camp the right fit:

✅ Shorter sessions designed for first-timers
✅ Small group sizes with caring, trained staff
✅ Traditional outdoor fun—no screens, just nature
✅ Safe, ACA-accredited, with on-site medical care
✅ Located just a few hours from Illinois & the Chicago area

Most importantly, we’re all about connection—with our campers, and with parents. I personally speak with every new family to ensure your child’s experience starts on the right foot.

Take the First Step Today
If you’re wondering whether your child is ready for overnight camp, or want to learn what to expect as a first-time camp parent, start here:

 Visit our First-Time Campers Page

Have questions? I’d love to chat with you one-on-one.

Warm regards,
Lonnie
Camp Director 
Swift Nature Camp
630-654-8036
www.SNC.Camp

P.S. Our sessions fill fast—especially for first-time campers. If you think this might be the summer your child is ready, let’s talk!

How to Get Your Child Off Social Media This Summer — The Easy Way

By Jeff Lorenz, Director of Swift Nature Camp

Discovering the Best Summer Camps in Wisconsin: What Parents Should Know
By Lonnie, Camp Director at Swift Nature Camp

Choosing the right summer camp for your child is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. As a camp director in Wisconsin for three decades, I’ve spoken with hundreds of parents asking the same big question: What are the best summer camps in Wisconsin, and how do I know which is right for my child?

Whether you're searching for overnight camps in Wisconsin, nature-based summer camps, or traditional sleepaway camps for kids, there are a few universal qualities that the best camps share. Here’s a helpful guide based on what I’ve seen work best for children — including what we aim to provide every summer at Swift Nature Camp. For my husband and I we appreciate when parents call or text their questions to us. Yes, we have much information on our website but this shows the parents that go that extra step to ensure their Childs experience will be the best.

Discovering the Best Summer Camps in Wisconsin: What Parents Should Know
By Lonnie, Camp Director at Swift Nature Camp

Choosing the right summer camp for your child is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. As a camp director in Wisconsin for three decades, I’ve spoken with hundreds of parents asking the same big question: What are the best summer camps in Wisconsin, and how do I know which is right for my child?

Whether you're searching for overnight camps in Wisconsin, nature-based summer camps, or traditional sleepaway camps for kids, there are a few universal qualities that the best camps share. Here’s a helpful guide based on what I’ve seen work best for children — including what we aim to provide every summer at Swift Nature Camp. For my husband and I we appreciate when parents call or text their questions to us. Yes, we have much information on our website but this shows the parents that go that extra step to ensure their Childs experience will be the best.

Why Illinois Families Adore Swift Nature Camp – The Ultimate Sleepaway Experience for Chicagoland Kids
By Lonnie, Camp Director at Swift Nature Camp

As a dedicated Illinois parent and director of Swift Nature Camp, I truly understand how tough it can be to find the *perfect* summer camp ( I sent my child to another summer camp). Finding the camp that meets your child's needs while striking the right balance between fun, safety, and genuine personal growth. If you’re diving into the world of overnight summer camps in Illinois or on the lookout for sleepaway camps near Chicago for Summer 2025, I’m excited to share a hidden treasure that’s been delighting Illinois families for thirty years: Swift Nature Camp.

What Makes Swift Nature Camp So Unique? Swift Nature Camp isn’t just any camp. We’re a small, nurturing, overnight camp that truly believes in the magic of nature, friendships, and exploration. As the Director for 30 years our mission for being one of the top choices for Illinois kids summer camps for kids—especially for those first-time campers.
Our mission is to help kids:
- Build confidence and independence
- Forge new friendships in a screen-free, unplugged setting
- Discover nature, science, and animal care
- Develop responsibility, resilience, and leadership skills
- Simply be themselves and have fun while being kind to others

We cap our camper numbers to maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio, so no child gets lost in the crowd. Every counselor is carefully selected and trained for 2.5 weeks to create a kind, encouraging, and silly (yes, silly!) atmosphere where kids feel safe to be themselves.

The SNC Experience

Whether your child loves animals, nature, science, or just being active and outdoors, we’ve got something for them. Our campers can:

• Care for animals in our camp zoo

• Explore science through hands-on experiments

• Go on canoe trips, swim in the lake, and roast marshmallows

• Try archery, arts & crafts, Lego and silly camp games & songs
  

• With Over 55 land and water activities campers are never bored or miss their screens

• Discovery Camp is the perfect introduction to overnight camping for younger children, especially first-time campers aged 6–11. Designed with extra care and attention, Discovery Camp offers a shorter, more nurturing experience filled with hands-on learning, nature exploration, and age-appropriate activities. Kids build confidence as they make friends, try new things, and enjoy the outdoors in a safe and supportive environment. With smaller group sizes and highly trained counselors, campers receive personalized attention that helps ease them into the camp routine. It's a magical way to spark a lifelong love of nature, independence, and adventure! Plus it comes with a money back guarantee.

While we may not be physically be an Illinois Summer Camp, our hearts—Like us many of our campers—are rooted right here. Each summer, we provide a motor-coach from Chicago to summer camp, making it super convenient for families all over the USA and the world to send their kids off on a safe, thrilling adventure in the beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods.

Are you thinking about Summer Camps for 2025?
It’s time to get started! The most sought-after sleep-away camps near Chicago and beyond tend to fill up quickly, especially those like ours that offer a very limited number of spots. If you’re on the lookout for a camp that values a smaller community, personal connections, and genuine growth, now is the perfect moment to start your search.

We’d love for you to visit our website www.snc.camp, join our Meet & Greet April 27th, or drop us an email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) we’re always here to help! And remember, our Chicago motor-coach makes getting to camp a breeze, so you can focus on having fun without the hassle.

Please Reach Out Anytime

Lonnie & Jeff

630-654-8036

www.snc.camp

Hey there! I’m Jeff, the camp director at one of the most extraordinary summer camps in the country — a camp that’s all about animals! That's why we say Animal Lovers Wanted. If you’re a parent on the lookout for a place where your child can thrive, connect with nature, and create unforgettable memories, let me share why our animal-centered summer camp is just the right choice for your camper in the summer of 2025..

At Swift Nature Camp, kids don’t just get a glimpse of a zoo — they dive right into it! Each day is an exciting adventure, packed with chances to care for animals, learn about wildlife, and cultivate a genuine respect for the great outdoors. From fluffy rabbits and snuggly guinea pigs to playful goats and intriguing reptiles, our campers get to experience the joy of forming bonds with a diverse range of animals. For many, it’s their first time holding a chicken, brushing a miniature horse, or observing a turtle up close!

Why Choose a Summer Camp with Animals?
We truly believe that animals can teach kids some of the most valuable life lessons. Think about it: responsibility, empathy, patience—these qualities really come to life when a child is caring for a living creature. Our petting zoo-style camp program gives children a chance to learn about the routines and needs of animals in a safe and nurturing environment. And let’s be honest, it’s not just about playtime. Campers take on the responsibility of feeding, cleaning, and observing the animals, which helps them build confidence and independence. Plus, they absolutely love it! There’s something truly magical about waking up each morning to a camp buzzing with animal friends.

Pet Adoption Opportunities at Camp
Daily campers get the chancee to go to our camp zoo and care for the 25 plus pets we have. One of the most thrilling aspects of our camp is the summer camp pet adoption program. That’s right—your child can adopt a small animal, care for it during their stay, and even take it home if your family is ready to welcome a new furry friend, with parent permission of course.  Our aim is to create lasting connections between kids and animals while promoting responsible pet ownership.  The highlight of all the pets at camp is Bubba the Pig. He roams around camp and is part of the daily activities, you will often see him by the beach building a nest to stay cool on those hot summer days. Bubba can even spend the night in a cabin, if campers can get him in the cabin.

Learning Through Nature and Wildlife
While animals play a big role in our camp, we also emphasize the importance of nature as a whole. Our nature-based summer camp program includes hiking, nature crafts, outdoor survival skills, and environmental science activities. Campers get to learn how ecosystems function, how to identify various plants and wildlife, and how humans impact the world around them. This connection to nature is something many kids are missing out on these days. We strive to bridge that gap by providing a space where they can unplug from screens and rediscover the beauty of the great outdoors.

A Safe and Supportive Camp Environment
As a parent myself, I completely understand how crucial it is to find a place where you can feel confident sending your child. That’s why we pour our hearts into creating a camp atmosphere that feels just like a second home. Our dedicated staff members are not only trained but also genuinely passionate about our camp animals and committed to helping children build their confidence and character. We emphasize kindness, curiosity, and community — and that’s what truly makes us unique. When your child spends a summer with us, they’re not just having a blast (and trust me, there’s plenty of that!). They’re also learning, growing, and forming friendships that can last a lifetime.

Join Us for a Summer Full of Animal Adventures
If your child has a love for animals, dreams of becoming a vet, or simply wants to explore something new, our animal-themed summer camp is the ideal starting point. Whether it’s feeding adorable baby chicks, learning about fascinating exotic reptiles, or uncovering the mysteries of the forest, we guarantee a summer experience your child will cherish forever. Spots fill up quickly — so don’t hesitate! Come be a part of our family and let your camper’s animal adventure begin.
With care, Please give me a call so we can talk more about your child at Swift Nature camp
Jeff Lorenz
630-654-8036
www.SNC.Camp
Camp Director Bringing kids and animals together for 30 years

Why Overnight Camp Costs Are Rising & How Families Can Save

By Jeff Lorenz, Camp Director at Swift Nature Camp

If you’ve been looking in to overnight summer camps for your child, you might have seen a common theme—camp prices are on the rise. As the director of Swift Nature Camp (SNC), I’d like to explain why this is the case, how we’ve put in a lot of effort to keep our prices stable this year, and some tips on how your family can make camp more budget-friendly.

Why Are Summer Camp Costs Increasing?

Running a high-quality overnight camp is a labor of love, but it also comes with rising expenses. Some of the biggest reasons for increasing camp tuition include:

• Higher Staffing Costs – Great counselors are the heart of camp, and as wages rise, so does the cost of hiring and training top-notch staff.

• Food & Supply Prices – Like everything else, the cost of food, activity supplies, and even transportation continues to increase.

• Facility Upkeep & Improvements – Camps need constant maintenance, from cabins to waterfront equipment, ensuring a safe and fun environment.

• Insurance & Regulations – Rising insurance premiums and increased safety regulations add to overall camp expenses.

• Despite the hurdles we've faced, we've put in a lot of effort to maintain the same tuition at Swift Nature Camp this year. We truly believe that every child should have the chance to enjoy a summer packed with adventure, nature, and opportunities for personal growth. How Parents Can Save on Camp Costs We totally get that keeping camp costs down is important, so here are a few tips for families to make summer camp more wallet-friendly:

• 
  *Join Our Free Camp Drawing – At SNC, we’re excited to give families a chance to win a free week at camp! Entering is a breeze, and it could really make a difference for your camper.
  *Apply for a Campership – Our Camp Scholarship Program is here to help families who might need a little financial support. We believe that no child should miss out on the camp experience just because of cost.
  *Look for Early Registration Discounts – Many camps, including SNC, offer great discounts for those who sign up early. Planning ahead can save you a significant amount!
  *Consider a Shorter Camp Session – If a full summer isn’t in your budget, don’t worry! A one- or two-week session can still offer an incredible experience at a more affordable price.
  *Use a Payment Plan – Some families find it easier to spread out tuition payments into smaller amounts instead of paying everything upfront.

  Investing in Camp is Investing in Your Child

  While camp costs may be rising, the benefits of overnight camp in Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Illinois include—confidence, independence, friendships, and a love of the outdoors—are priceless. At Swift Nature Camp, we’re committed to making summer camp accessible and keeping costs as manageable as possible for families.

  If you’re looking for a camp that prioritizes nature, fun, and personal growth while working to keep costs reasonable, Swift Nature Camp is here for you!

  Interested in learning more about our Free Camp Drawing or Campership Program? Visit SwiftNatureCamp.com see dates & rates page and give your child the summer of a lifetime!
  Lonnie & Jeff

Why Summer Camp is a Game-Changer for Kids: Building Independence, Skills, and Lifelong Memories

From birdwatching to sailing, summer camps offer a world of adventure for kids. At Swift Nature Camp, we take this a step further by creating a nurturing environment where children grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually—all while having the time of their lives. More than just fun, our camp experiences instill independence, teamwork, and resilience, shaping kids for the future.

The Lasting Benefits of Summer Camp

Jeff Lorenz, Director of Swift Nature Camp for over 30 years, has seen firsthand how transformative camp can be. "Camp isn’t just about activities—it’s about kids discovering who they are," Jeff explains. "They learn to be independent, develop friendships with kids from all walks of life, and tackle challenges head-on."

At Swift Nature Camp, campers step away from screens and immerse themselves in nature. Whether it's caring for animals at our nature center, navigating a canoe trip, or working together to build a campfire, every experience builds confidence and problem-solving skills. "Sometimes, things don’t go as planned," Jeff adds. "A tent gets wet inside during the rain, or a camper struggles to light their first fire. But instead of giving up, they learn to adapt and overcome—these are skills they’ll use for life. At SNC we believe every experience is an oppertunity to teach a value. Thats why we have a tree of values, that campers walk past each day"

The Post-Pandemic Surge in Camp Enrollment

Since the pandemic, demand for summer camps has skyrocketed. With nearly 26 million school-aged children—about half of all U.S. kids—attending summer camps each year, parents have recognized the value of these experiences.

"We saw more kids than ever coming to Swift Nature Camp after the pandemic," Jeff says. "Parents realized how much their children needed face-to-face interactions, outdoor play, and real-world problem-solving. The skills kids develop at camp—whether it’s learning patience while fishing or responsibility while caring for an animalin the Camp Zoo—just can’t be taught in a classroom."

Preparing Kids for Real-World Challenges

For many parents, summer camp isn’t just about fun—it’s about preparing kids for the real world. One Swift Nature Camp parent, Sarah, wanted her son Jack to develop confidence in the outdoors. "By the end of camp, he was hiking through the woods with confidence and even leading the younger kids," she said. "Now, he’s asking to go on a family camping trip, which never would have happened before."

Beyond outdoor skills, Jeff emphasizes the importance of resilience. "At camp, kids learn that failure isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone. When a camper struggles to climb our rock wall, they don’t quit. They try again, with encouragement from their friends. That’s what camp is all about."

Summer Camp Builds Leadership and Career Skills

The benefits of camp extend beyond childhood. Many camps, including Swift Nature Camp, have a Teen Leadership Program for 16 & 17 year olds, offering invaluable leadership and job experience. "We have campers who started with us at age 7, and now they’re counselors leading activities," Jeff says. "They learn responsibility, teamwork, and leadership—skills that employers are looking for."

One former Swift Nature Camp camper, Alex, recently reached out to Jeff after landing his first job. "He told me his interviewers were impressed by his leadership at camp—how he handled conflicts between campers and taught younger kids how to paddle a canoe. Those are real-world skills that camp helps develop."

Why Swift Nature Camp Matters More Than Ever

Summer camp isn’t just a seasonal activity—it’s a life-changing experience. At Swift Nature Camp, kids connect with nature, build confidence, and develop lifelong friendships. Whether it’s an overnight canoe trip, a hands-on animal experience, or a team-building game, the memories and skills gained at camp last far beyond the summer.

"We’re not just running a camp—we’re helping kids grow into their best selves," Jeff says. "And that’s something truly special."

With families increasingly valuing the benefits of summer camp, now is the perfect time to explore Swift Nature Camp and give your child the gift of adventure, growth, and lifelong memories!

Please take a look

Jeff Lorenz
www.SNC.Camp
630-654-8036

Why Kids Need Independence & Resilience—And How Summer Camp Helps

A Note from Lonnie, Director of Swift Nature Camp

As a camp director for over 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible transformation that happens when kids step out of their comfort zones, try new things, and learn to navigate the world without a parent by their side.

I get it—as parents, we want to protect our kids. We want them to be happy, safe, and successful. But in today’s world of constant connectivity, structured activities, and “snowplow parenting” (where obstacles are cleared before a child even faces them), kids often don’t get the chance to develop independence, resilience, and confidence—three essential traits they need to thrive in life.

That’s where overnight camp comes in.

At Swift Nature Camp (SNC), we provide a safe, supportive environment where kids can grow in ways they simply can’t at home. They make decisions, solve problems, and face challenges—without a parent stepping in to fix things. And the results? Life-changing.

The Shift from Protection to Strengthening: A Parenting Perspective

As parents, our instinct to protect our children is both natural and admirable. From the moment we become aware of their existence, our first responsibility is to keep them safe. In those early years, protection is our top priority—shielding them from harm, guiding their every step, and ensuring their world is as secure as possible. But as children grow, our role as parents must evolve.

I have four sons, and over time, I’ve realized that true parenting isn’t just about protecting—it’s about preparing. While I once held their hands to keep them from falling, they are now stronger, taller, and more independent. They navigate the world on their own, facing challenges I can’t and shouldn’t shield them from. My job wasn’t just to protect them indefinitely; it was to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to protect themselves and others. That transition—stepping back before I felt ready—was difficult, but essential.

This shift in mindset is crucial for every parent. If we overprotect, we prevent our children from developing the resilience and independence they need to thrive. Instead of focusing solely on keeping them safe, we must also teach them how to face challenges, problem-solve, and grow through adversity. At Swift Nature Camp, we embrace this philosophy. Our camp experience is designed to help kids build confidence, independence, and resilience in a safe, supportive environment—preparing them for the world beyond childhood.

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The Power of Overnight Camp: A Real-World Classroom for Life Skills

At Swift Nature Camp, we create an intentional space where kids learn life’s most important lessons through real experiences:

• They miss home—and learn they can still have fun.
• They struggle to make new friends—but discover they’re capable of forming deep, meaningful connections.
• They fail at something—like tipping over their canoe or falling on waterskis—but they try again and succeed.
• They face conflict—but learn how to work through it, without a parent stepping in.

Each of these moments builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience—traits that will serve them for a lifetime.

“My Child is Too Anxious for Camp” – A Common Concern

Many parents worry that their child will be too nervous, too shy, or too homesick for sleepaway camp. But here’s what I’ve learned:

Anxiety is often two misunderstandings:

1. We believe the challenge is bigger than it actually is.
2. We doubt our ability to handle it.

The best way to overcome this? Experience.

At SNC, we help kids face and conquer these worries in a gentle, encouraging way—one step at a time. By the end of camp, those same kids who were hesitant at drop-off are beaming with pride, more confident than ever before.

Why Swift Nature Camp is the Best Camp for First-Time Campers

Unlike large, overwhelming camps, Swift Nature Camp is intentionally small—with a maximum of 50 children during our special Discovery Camp for first-time campers. This allows us to provide individual attention, a welcoming atmosphere, and a non-competitive, all-inclusive environment where kids feel safe to grow.

Here’s what makes SNC stand out:

• Only for first-time campers – No teens, just boys and girls ages 6-12 learning together.
• Small group size – Maximum of 50 campers ensures a tight-knit community.
• Meet & Greet before camp – So kids feel comfortable before even arriving.
• Nature, Science & Animals – Hands-on learning in our Nature Center, plus real conservation experiences.
• Water & Land Adventures – Canoeing, hiking, archery, and more to build confidence.
• Non-denominational & welcoming – Every child feels at home.
• 12-Day Length – Just long enough for kids to grow, learn, and love camp.
• A FUN Guarantee – Because camp should be exciting, engaging, and transformative!

Letting Go: A Challenge for Parents Too

I won’t sugarcoat it—sending your child to camp for the first time can be hard for you too. But I promise, the rewards are worth it.

At SNC, we see it every summer:

• The nervous child who transforms into a confident leader.
• The shy camper who finds their voice and makes lifelong friends.
• The homesick child who discovers they are stronger than they thought.

And parents? They often tell us, “I can’t believe how much my child grew in just two weeks.”

Ready to Give Your Child the Gift of Confidence & Independence?

If you’re looking for the best summer camp for first-time campers, a nature-based outdoor adventure camp, or a sleepaway camp that builds confidence and resilience, Swift Nature Camp is the place.

Don’t wait—our Discovery Camp fills fast!

Not quiet sure if you or your camper is ready? Please give me a call 630-654-8036

Lonnie