In the golden land of California, where the sun always shines and the ocean waves kiss the coastline, there's a large group of enthusiastic kids known as the Green Giants. Every Saturday, these Green Giants, under the loving guidance of their mentor, Mr. Plantington, embark on a magical adventure — a Tree Planting activity! Now, Mr. Plantington is no ordinary man! He's a tall and jolly fellow with a big bushy mustache that moves whenever he laughs, which is quite often. With his magic shovel, he can dig a hole in seconds, making it perfect for a baby tree to snuggle in. And boy, do these Green Giants love their trees! They care for them as if they were cuddly little kittens, watering them, talking to them, and even singing soothing lullabies to help them grow. This motley crew of young eco-warriors come from all corners of California. Some are surf-loving kids from San Diego, who swear their trees grow faster when they tell them tales of their ocean escapades. Others are tech-savvy youngsters from Silicon Valley, who invented a tree-friendly app to monitor their plant's growth. Then there are those Hollywood youngsters, who believe their little trees long to become famous palm trees lining the glamorous streets of L.A. In the land of the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood stars, and tech gurus, these kids are the real superheroes. Armed with their watering cans and Mr. Plantington's magic shovel, they are on a mission to paint California green. So, if you're in California on a Saturday, look out for the merry Green Giants and their bushy-mustached leader. They're making a difference, one tree at a time!
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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.
In 1978, Ruth Lansford formed Friends of Ballona Wetlands to protect what remained of the 2,000 acres of wetlands that had been drastically affected by housing and development during the 20th century. With their nonprofit status in place, Friends of Ballona Wetlands took up a battle against a series of developers, using litigation and activism to push for preservation of the area. Finally, in 2003, the State of California, the developer of Playa Vista, and the Friends reached an agreement to save 600 acres of the wetlands. Through their relentless efforts, the Friends of Ballona Wetlands have become a leading voice in the struggle to protect the wetlands, working with other NGOs, creating community restoration and educational programs, and advocating for the environment.
The Pythian Youth Foundation of California, Inc. is a well-established 501(c)(3) Public Nonprofit Corporation. Established in 1946, the organization developed and operates the 19-acre Pythian Youth Camp nestled in the heart of the Sequoia National Forest. The camp was founded under the signature of President Harry S. Truman, making it the first and only land-grant camp in the United States. The mission of the Pythian Youth Camp is to enhance the growth and development of disadvantaged children between 9 and 11 both at camp and in the communities where they live. The camp is managed by Executive Director Donna, who can be reached at 909 553-4069. The Pythian Youth Camp is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for America’s youth. Its programs are designed to help children explore and develop their interests, hone their skills, and build strong relationships with their peers and mentors. It is a place where children can have fun, learn, and gain confidence in themselves.
Explore Ecology offers students hands-on experiences to help them understand and appreciate the environment. Through visual arts, field trips, and garden activities, students learn the importance of protecting and preserving the natural world. At Explore Ecology, we believe that children need access to the natural world to develop a healthy sense of self and a strong connection to the environment. Our mission is to provide students with the opportunity to learn about the environment and express their understanding creatively. We strive to create an environment that encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, and an appreciation of the natural world.