Once upon a sun-drenched day in the Golden State of California, there laid the stage for our little athletic heroes. Kids from every corner of the state ran, jumped, and threw their hearts out, displaying a rainbow of talent that was as diverse and vibrant as the state itself. Among this pack of ticklishly tenacious tykes was our hero: the ever-energetic, always amusing, Dash 'n Dash. Dash 'n Dash was a character unlike any other. He was as quick as a jackrabbit on a pogo stick and had the charm of a porpoise on a surfboard. Dash 'n Dash was known for two things: his lightning-fast speed and his undeniable knack for turning even the most high-stakes race into a comedy show. He was the kind of kid who'd tie his shoelaces together before a race, just for the sheer fun of watching himself tumble spectacularly right before the finish line. Despite his silly antics, Dash 'n Dash was adored by his teammates. He was the heart and soul of the Californian track and field scene. Even when he was out of breath, he was never out of jokes, and even when he was down, he was always up for a laugh. And there was nothing more infectious than his bubbling laughter echoing across the field, shaking the palm trees and bouncing off the Hollywood Sign. In the state of California, track and field wasn't just about who ran the fastest or jumped the highest. It was about having fun, making friends, and embracing the sheer joy of being a kid. And no one embodied this spirit better than our adorable, laughter-inducing, speed demon, Dash 'n Dash.
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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.
Stonegate Striders is Stonegate Elementary School's training and racing program for Kids Run the OC (the OC Marathon's Kid Race). Starting in February, Stonegate Striders will run and train while tracking their mileage. The students will walk/run an average of 1 mile every Friday after school and 1 mile a week for homework. Our goal is for each student to accomplish running an accumulated mileage of 25.2 miles during the 10 weeks of training (February-April).