Once upon a time, in the magical, icy wilderness of Alaska, known as AK to the cool kids, there existed a tribe of word wizard kids. They were not ordinary children; oh no, they were the brilliant light bulbs of creativity, the masters of the quill, and the conquerors of the written word. They'd meet every week in their secret club, hidden among the snow-capped mountains, beneath the dancing aurora borealis, and around a roaring campfire. They were led by their chubby, eccentric yet delightful leader, Professor Pencil, a fluffy yeti with glasses perched precariously on his enormous nose. Always seen with a giant pencil behind his ear, he had a knack for turning the most mundane stories into epic adventures, and could make any sentence sparkle brighter than the North Star itself. With their beloved Professor, the AK kids dove headfirst into the ocean of storytelling, constructing magnificent castles of words, weaving tales of courageous salmon swimming against the current, whispering trees that shared secrets of the forest, and grizzlies in tutus dancing ballet. Oh, the laughter and gasps that would echo across the icy plains! These kids were not just writing; they were painting pictures with words, their imagination leaving a trail of stardust on paper. Every week, they'd journey through kingdoms of fiction, ascend mountains of metaphors, and sail on seas of similes, all under the twinkling Alaskan sky. Their stories, just like the northern lights, illuminated the dark, leaving a splash of color in the world. And so, in the heart of Alaska, these word wizards and their Yeti mentor continued their writing journeys, not just to create stories, but to make magic, laughter, and adventure come alive on the pages, entertaining anyone lucky enough to read their tales.
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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.
Our 5 acre private property provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, from hiking trails to playgrounds. No matter the season or weather, the Joy Greisen JEC provides an outdoor learning experience to all of our students. The Joy Greisen JEC is a non-profit early education center that offers a unique blend of secular and Judaic learning. Our 5 acre private property is complete with trees, hiking trails, and playgrounds, making it a perfect location for outdoor learning experiences. Through our curriculum, we focus on teaching Jewish values and social emotional learning alongside academics. We invite families of all faiths to explore our center and appreciate the values we put into practice. No matter the season or weather, the Joy Greisen JEC provides an outdoor learning experience to all of our students.
At PNA, we believe in the value of social-emotional learning, which is why we use Responsive Classroom as our curriculum. An especially important part of this program is having students discuss their hopes and dreams, and then collaborate in creating the classroom rules. This encourages students to take ownership of their environment and understand the expectations of their behavior. It creates a strong classroom community, and we have seen this process work in classrooms from Kindergarten to 8th grade. The process of creating classroom rules starts with a discussion of why rules are important. Then students have the opportunity to brainstorm their individual ideas about what makes for an ideal classroom environment. After sharing these ideas, the class works together to compose a list of rules. By being directly involved in this process, students gain a sense of pride and belonging, and they are better prepared to follow the rules that they have created.