In the vast, sunny horizon of Arizona, where cacti stand tall like green giants and the Grand Canyon stretches wide like an open mouth yawning, a rare species of bright, young minds thrives. They are the coding kids of AZ, known as Code Wizards among the local burrowing owls and roadrunners. These Code Wizards could be found huddled over their glowing wizardry screens, their fingers dancing across the keyboard with the speed of a rattlesnake’s strike. Their eyes blaze brighter than the Phoenix sun as they breathe life into lines of code, creating magical universes, clever robots, or even the next hilarious cat video game. The leader of the pack is a quirky character named Billy ‘Binary’ Bighorn. Now, Billy wasn't your typical bighorn sheep. His horns didn't curve back; instead, they formed perfect circles, much like the zeros and ones he loved. Billy ‘Binary’ Bighorn, with his glasses perched precariously on his snout and a lovable nerdy laugh, was the coding genius of Arizona. Billy and his gang of Code Wizards would gather in their secret coding cave (which was actually Billy's spacious, air-conditioned basement) every weekend. You could hear their excited chatter echo around the cave as they created pixelated masterpieces or debugged their codes, their joy more infectious than a desert wildflower bloom. From the shimmering mirage of the Sonoran Desert to the snow-laden peaks of Flagstaff, the legend of Billy ‘Binary’ Bighorn and his Code Wizards echoes. With each keystroke, they keep proving that Arizona's coding kids are as hot and brilliant as their home state. Now, if only they could code themselves a solution to avoid those pesky cactus pricks!
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Dear Families, (currently our website is under construction) 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.
Parents know that their children's time away from home and school matters. The Learning, Enrichment, and Play (LEAP) program offered by the Marana Unified School District provides supervised, secure learning and play experiences for children enrolled in pre-K through sixth grade. The LEAP sites are licensed facilities, located at each elementary school in the district, and provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for children to learn, play, and grow. For middle schoolers, the Teen Extended Day (TED) program offers academic enrichment tailored to their needs. With LEAP and TED, parents can feel confident that their children are in a secure environment, receiving the educational and enrichment opportunities they need.