Once upon a time in the wild, wonderful wilderness of Alaska, or AK as the cool kids call it, lived a group of water-loving whippersnappers known as the "Swim Squad". AK was known for its breathtaking mountains, thick forests, and captivating wildlife. It was a land of endless adventures, perfect for any daring kid with a sense of thrill. The Swim Squad was not your usual group of swimmers, oh no! These were not just kids who loved to paddle around in the pool during summer. These were hard-core Alaska kids who swam in glacier-fed lakes as clear as crystal, with the snow-capped mountains as their backdrop. And do you know their coach? A round, jolly, beluga whale named Bubba! Bubba was notorious for his splashing belly flops and hilarious underwater somersaults. Every day, after their school work, the Swim Squad would race down to the nearest lake, peel off their multiple layers of flannel and snow boots, and dive into the refreshingly cool water. And guess who was always the last one in? Our dear Bubba, who, despite being a whale, was often hesitant about the chilly waters. The sight of him tip-toeing to the water edge had everyone in splits! The Swim Squad and Bubba were the embodiment of AK: wild, captivating, and full of joy. They swam in sync with the rhythm of the land and water. They laughed, splashed, and swam their way through life, proving that even in the coolest corners of the world, you could find the warmest hearts and the most thrilling adventures.
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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 Birchwood Camp, we believe that God can work through each of us in our own way. We strive to provide an environment where campers can develop relationships with God, each other and their environment. We strive to create a safe and supportive community, where our campers can foster Christian values such as communication, responsibility, caring, problem solving and learning. We provide an atmosphere of growth through cooperation, rather than competition with others. Birchwood Camp enables campers to explore their faith through different forms of worship and the beauty of their natural surroundings. It is an opportunity for campers to deepen their faith and to grow to their fullest potential. We want all our campers to experience the power of Christian love through a sense of belonging in a caring, accepting community.