In the golden sunshine state of Florida, where oranges are as common as sunshine and alligators can be seen basking by the pool side, lives a group of extraordinary kids. They are not extraordinary because they can surf waves taller than a giraffe or eat more Key Lime Pie than a hungry hippo. No, these kids are special because they have an insatidably voracious appetite for… books! Introducing Captain BookBeard, the imaginary leader of these reading adventurers. He's a swashbuckling pirate with a wild beard made entirely of book pages, always fluttering in the tangy sea-breezes of Florida. You see, the more these Floridian kids read, the longer our Captain’s book beard grows, sometimes even tickling the pink flamingos that happen to pass by! Captain BookBeard guides this crew through the thrilling mysteries and magical realms found within the pages of their books. Each day after school, they gather under towering palm trees or sandy beaches, their eyes dancing across the pages, their minds transported to fabulously fantastical worlds. Whether they are reading about the daring escapades of superheroes, the enchanting tales of mermaids, or the brave adventures of astronauts, these kids never tire. The sunlight may dance on their suntanned faces, and the occasional splash of a dolphin may startle them, but nothing can deter these young bookworms. In the heart of Florida, with Captain BookBeard at the helm, these kids continue their reading journey. Their laughter and gasps of surprise ring out across the state, proving that in the land of sunshine and oranges, reading is as exciting as a rollercoaster ride through an alligator’s mouth! So, if you hear the rustling of pages in the breeze, you’ll know the Florida reading crew is on another epic adventure, led by their fearless leader, Captain BookBeard!
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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.
At the Bradenton YMCA, we are proud to serve the Manatee County community. We first opened our doors in 1977 after the Bradenton Kiwanis Club donated a five acre site and a small metal building. As we grew, the community was there to support us and in 1983 we built a full facility with locker rooms, offices, and an outdoor pool. Since then, we have continued to expand and develop our facility, adding a group exercise room, indoor pool, fitness center, teen center, child care area, game room, and cycling room. Our goal is to provide a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for all of our members. We are excited to continue to grow and serve our community for years to come.
The YMCA of Southwest Florida is taking action to serve their community in a time of need. With some of their branches open as Community Hubs, they are offering a warm place of respite for all in the area. Those who are struggling with access to basic necessities such as hot showers and charging for electronic devices can find help here. The YMCA is providing a valuable service to those who may be hard pressed to find such resources elsewhere. It is a place to take a break from the elements and relax, all while knowing that basic needs are being met. The YMCA of Southwest Florida is leading the way in demonstrating their commitment to the community. With their open branches providing a place of refuge and solace, they are helping to ensure that all in the area have access to the essentials. Whether it's a hot shower, a place to relax or charging for electronic devices, the YMCA is there to provide a helping hand.
At Experience Daliona, readers can explore the world of the books and connect with Alex's narrative. Whether it be through the website, the Resonance book series, or the Sidewalk Science Center, Alex Martin's mission is to inspire and educate people about the wonders of science in an enjoyable and exciting way. The organization strives to provide a platform for people to engage with the narrative Alex has created in a variety of ways. Alex Martin's creative vision and scientific background is what drives the success of Experience Daliona. He created the fictional organization in 2015 to explore the world of his book series beyond the pages. In 2018, he founded the Sidewalk Science Center in Savannah, Georgia, providing those in the area with free science education in public spaces. Through the website, book series, and Science Center, Alex has created a platform for readers to engage with the narrative he created in an enjoyable and educational way.