In the golden state of California, there's a magical place where the sun always shines and the waves are always dancing. A place where the trees are so tall, they look like they're tickling the sky and the beaches are so bright, they look like they're made of crushed diamonds. This is the land of the unstoppable Cali kids, the most adventurous bunch you'll ever meet. One of their favorite pastimes is boating and canoeing. They like to paddle their boats through the blue water, the warm California breeze ruffling their hair as they laugh and chat. Here's the funny part. Their leader isn't a kid, but a cool imaginary character named Cap'n Chuckles, a mischievous sea otter with a captain's hat, an infectious laugh, and an unending love for water adventures. Cap'n Chuckles, with his shiny whiskers and big round belly, guides the kids on their boating journey through the mighty Pacific waves and tranquil lake waters. He's known for his sea otterly hilarious jokes and tricks that make every voyage a merry adventure. He'd disappear under the water, then pop up behind the unsuspecting children, making them jump in surprise and dissolve into giggles. Boating with Cap'n Chuckles and the Cali kids is no ordinary adventure. It's a journey of friendships, filled with laughter, surprises, and the joy of exploring the diverse natural beauty that California offers. From the playful waves of the Pacific Ocean to the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe, this funny otter and his young friends love nothing more than having a splashingly good time on their California water escapades.
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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.
LightHouse and its extended blind community have been hard at work reimagining Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. We are turning this beloved camp into a national center for discovery, learning and life transformation for people who are blind or have low vision. With the help of the Building Blind Ambition campaign, Enchanted Hills Camp will become the premiere camp and retreat in the West, and beyond. We’re excited to see what new possibilities this camp will bring.