Connecticut, or as our friend Captain Whiskerbeard calls it, "The Treasure of New England," is a tiny gem nestled in the northeastern corner of the United States. Captain Whiskerbeard, the jolliest pirate known to mankind, loves to explore the state, especially its beaches and waterways. With his parrot, Mr. Squawksalot, perched on his shoulder, he navigates the Long Island Sound searching for young sailing enthusiasts. In this land of steady habits, you'll find kids who are as adept at sailing as Captain Whiskerbeard himself. They are the wind-whisperers, the wave-riders, the mini masters of the mast! They don't just sail; they dance with the sea and sing with the wind. It's not unusual to hear a chorus of "Yo ho ho!" echoing across the waters as these young sailors take the helm. Just like the state itself, these sailing kids have a spirit that's far grander than their size would suggest. Dressed in their bright life jackets, they bring a splash of color to the blue backdrop of the Connecticut coastline. They are fearless, adventurous, and always ready for a challenge. Whether they're racing their sailboats or leisurely exploring the coastline, they are a comical sight that would make even a grumpy old sea-crab crack a smile! And boy, do they have stories to tell! They'll narrate tales of treacherous sea monsters, lost underwater cities, and mysterious mermaids with such conviction, you'd almost believe they were true. Captain Whiskerbeard often says, "There's no greater treasure than a good yarn, and these Connecticut kids are as rich as a pirate king!"
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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.
For over four decades, the Darien Junior Sailing Team (DJST) has been giving local children the opportunity to learn and enjoy the sport of sailing. Founded in 1972 at Weed Beach, the non-profit organization is supported by the town of Darien, but is entirely self-funded and organized by parent volunteers. Every year, the program runs for two three-week sessions, open to children between the ages of 8 and 14 in the Darien area. Most of the participants come in with minimal, if any, prior sailing experience. The DJST has been introducing Darien's young people and their families to the joys of sailing for almost half a century. Founded in 1972 at Weed Beach, the program is a non-profit, supported but not affiliated with the town of Darien. The city provides the use of Weed Beach, and the program is entirely self-funded and organized by parent volunteers. It runs for two three-week sessions and is open to children aged 8-14, many of whom have no background in sailing. Since its inception, the Darien Junior Sailing Team has been providing Darien's young people and their families with an introduction to the sport of sailing. Self-funded and organized by parent volunteers, the non-profit organization is supported by the town of Darien, which supplies the use of Weed Beach. The program runs for two three-week sessions and is open to children aged 8-14, most of whom have no prior sailing experience.