Why Overnight Camp Builds Strong, Resilient, and Independent Kids – A Message from Lonnie, Swift Nature Camp Director for 30 Years!

Hey Parents!

I’d love to share a little something personal with you. Believe it or not, I was a camper once too (yep, it was back in Poland and it was way different than American Summer Camps). let me tell you, my first summer was a whirlwind of homesickness. I can still picture those tearful moments, writing letters home pleading with my parents to come rescue me, and those trips to the infirmary for “stomach aches” that were really just me missing home. But despite all that, I absolutely loved camp. Looking back, I realize that pushing through that homesickness was one of the most significant things I ever did. It built my confidence, resilience, and a belief in myself that no school, sport, or structured activity could have given me in quite the same way. Now, as the Director of Swift Nature Camp (SNC) for over 30 years, I witness this same incredible transformation happening for hundreds of kids every summer. Sleepaway camp is so much more than just fun and games—it’s about growing, stretching, and picking up life skills that stick with you forever. Here is the suprising thing Jeff was not much different in his stories, he was terribly homesick his first year at camp. 

The Hidden Benefits of Sleepaway Camp

  As parents, we all send our kids to camp hoping they’ll make friends, have a blast, and take a break from screens for a bit. But what if I told you that the biggest benefit of camp isn’t just the outdoor adventures or the lifelong friendships, but the emotional growth and resilience kids develop while they’re here? At Swift Nature Camp, I see it unfold every day: The nervous camper who struggles to say goodbye on day one but by day twelve, doesn’t want to leave. The child who tips their canoe on the Namekagon River but learns to laugh and try again. The camper who didn’t snag the lead role in the play but discovers a hidden talent in set design. The kid who misses the target in archery all week but on the last day, hits a bullseye and beams with pride. These little struggles and victories add up to something truly powerful: kids learning that they can tackle tough challenges.

Resilience: Camp’s Greatest Gift

If we want our kids to grow up into strong, independent, and resilient adults, they need to face challenges and learn to navigate them—without a parent swooping in to fix everything.

Here’s the truth:
Resilience only develops when children experience challenges and learn to overcome them.

The beauty of camp is that it provides safe, manageable challenges every single day. There’s no pressure from school, no social media, no competitive sports leagues—just real experiences that build confidence and self-reliance.

At Swift Nature Camp, kids learn that:

• It’s okay to miss home and still have fun.
• It’s okay to struggle and keep trying.
• It’s okay to feel big emotions—and work through them independently.

And the best part? They do all of this without a parent there to fix things for them.

The Camp Bubble: A Safe Haven for Growth

Camp is a beautiful bubble, away from the pressures of school, sports, and social media. Here at SNC, kids truly connect with nature, make real friends, and discover their best selves.

But do you know what isn’t in the camp bubble? iPhones, Xboxes, or TikTok or parents who schedule playdates, engineer activities, or smooth out social conflicts.

 Kids navigate friendships, overcome challenges, and discover new talents—all on their own. That’s why you’ll hear campers say, “My camp friends are my best friends”—because camp friendships are built on shared experiences, not Snapchat streaks.

Letting Go: A Challenge for Parents Too

I know it’s hard. As parents, we want to protect our kids from discomfort. But sometimes, the best thing we can do is step back and let them figure things out for themselves.

At SNC, we sometimes hear:

• “Can my child be in a bunk with their best friend?” → But then they never prove to themselves that they can make new friends.
• “Can my child switch activities? They don’t think they’ll like nature class.” → But then they never discover how much they actually love animals.
• “My child wrote a sad letter home. Can you check on them?” → But if we intervene too soon, they never learn how strong they really are.

Camp teaches kids that they can cope with discomfort and still have fun. And when they internalize that lesson, their self-esteem skyrockets.

Parents, This Summer, Let’s Make a Shift

I challenge you to embrace a new mindset this summer:

• Sit with uncertainty.
• Relinquish control.
• Trust that your child is growing, learning, and thriving—even when they face challenges.

At Swift Nature Camp, we see it happen every summer—nervous first-time campers transforming into confident, happy, resilient kids.

So take a deep breath, parents—your child is about to embark on the best, most growth-filled summer of their life.

Ready to Give Your Child the Gift of Camp?

If you're looking for a nature-based, outdoor adventure camp that focuses on building resilience, confidence, and independence, Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for first-time campers.

• Located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin
• For boys & girls ages 6-17
• Small, close-knit community with a focus on nature, science & outdoor fun
• Limited spots available—Register today
• Please give me (Lonnie) a call and I will answer all your questions 630-654-8036 or check out our website www.SNC.Camp be sure to see the parent section

Swift Nature Camp—Where Kids Become More Resilient, Confident, and Independent!