In the frosty nose-tickling state of Alaska, also known as AK, there exists a jolly band of giggly, adventurous children who delight in the greatest outdoor activity known to mankind— hiking! Imagine a world where towering snow-capped mountains wink at you under the baby blue sky, where glistening, icy rivers giggle as they leap over stones and where enchanted forests whisper secrets through the swaying spruce trees. That's Alaska for you! Leading this merry troupe of little hikers is none other than Captain Fluffy Snowbeard, a friendly yeti with icicle-encrusted beard and twinkling blue eyes. Despite his fearsome name, he is as soft as marshmallows and as warm as hot cocoa. Captain Snowbeard knows every nook and cranny of Alaska, from the tip of its highest peak, Mount Denali, to the deepest cavern in the frost-kissed glaciers. Every morning, Captain Snowbeard and his gang of giggly children begin their hiking adventure. They march, skip, hop, and even tumble down the trails, their laughter echoing through the valleys. They race with playful snow hares, play hide-and-seek with cheeky Arctic foxes, and have snowball fights with penguins who aren't great at throwing but are terrific at sliding. Although the Alaskan terrain is tough and wild, these little hikers, wrapped in their rainbow-colored parkas and woolly mittens, fear no cold. They are as brave as the mighty grizzly bears and as agile as the swift salmon. Their spirits light up the Alaskan wilderness, showing everyone that no mountain is too high, and no trail is too icy when you have fun-loving friends, a heart full of adventure, and a yeti guide with a fluffy snow beard!
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Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.
At Trailside Discovery Camp, we are dedicated to introducing young adventurers of all ages to the great outdoors. With us, kids can explore the natural world through a wide variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. Our expert staff members are committed to providing a safe, fun, and educational outdoor experience. At Trailside Discovery Camp, we understand the importance of developing an appreciation for nature and the environment in our youth. We strive to provide an interactive and enjoyable learning experience for children through our wide variety of outdoor activities. Our experienced staff will ensure that your kids get the most out of their outdoor adventure. By attending Trailside Discovery Camp, your child will gain a better understanding of the natural world and the importance of conservation. We are committed to helping kids of all ages build a connection with nature and foster an appreciation for the outdoors.
At our program, we’ve designed a unique curriculum that incorporates both environmental science and outdoor skills. Our curriculum is tailored to the developmental needs of children of various ages, and is also based on the time of year and the location. For instance, when our Wolf Pups, our youngest group, are learning about photosynthesis and food planning for trips, we might have them look at leaves with microscopes, tell stories about energy, and talk about food prep. As our participants get older, our lessons become more difficult and varied, incorporating a leadership component. We provide our teens with the knowledge and then give them the opportunity to teach their peers what they’ve learned. This is a great way for them to build confidence and gain valuable teaching skills. We believe that our program is a great way for children and teens to explore their interests in environmental science and outdoor skills all while having fun. Our carefully crafted curriculum engages participants in a meaningful way, so that they walk away with a deeper understanding of the topics.