Once upon a time, in the sizzling, sun-baked state of Arizona, where cacti stood taller than the tallest giraffe and where tumbleweeds rolled faster than a cheetah's sprint, there lived a group of vivacious, quirky young bookworms. These weren't your regular bookworms, dear reader. Oh no! They were Arizona's finest, the most adventurous readers in the entire scorching state! Each day, under the vast expanse of the turquoise sky, they'd gather in the shade of the gargantuan Saguaro cacti, their favorite reading spot. Their leader was a cool, imaginary character named Cacto-Reader, a hybrid creation of a cactus and a superhero reader. With a book in one hand and a glass of chilled lemonade in the other, Cacto-Reader led the group through the magical world of stories, making them laugh and gasp in surprise with his funny impressions and hilarious narrations. Cacto-Reader had a secret superpower. Whenever he read out loud from their favorite books, the stories came alive! Cowboys rode out of the pages on their mighty steeds, aliens from far-off galaxies descended for a quick "hello," and dragons spewed fire that felt warm but never burned. It was like watching a movie, but in their minds, making the reading adventures even more thrilling. These Arizona children weren't simply reading stories, they were living them, one page at a time. So, if you ever find yourself in Arizona, listen closely. You might hear the peals of laughter and the whisper of turning pages carried by the desert wind. That’s Cacto-Reader and his gang, having another fabulous reading adventure!
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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.