Once upon a time, in the heartland of the United States, there sat a state called Iowa - or as locals preferred to call it, "IA". It was a magical land of cornfields that stretched as far as the eye could see, rolling hills that excited curious minds, and a sky so blue it could make a robin jealous. In IA, there lived a jolly bunch of kids who loved to go hiking. These weren't your ordinary kids, no sirree bob! These were the 'Hiking Hawks of Iowa' or 'HHI' for short. Each member of HHI was braver than a lion, more resilient than a rhinoceros, and as nimble as a mountain goat. And oh! They had one imaginary friend, a magical Corn Goblin named Kernel Cobblepot. Kernel Cobblepot was a mischievous, funny character made entirely of corn kernels. He had the shiniest golden hair, which was actually silky threads of corn silk, and wore a top hat made of corn husks. His job was to protect the Hiking Hawks on their hiking adventures. And trust me, he took his job very seriously. During their expeditions, the HHI kids and Kernel Cobblepot would explore the mysterious Loess Hills, trace the meandering rivers, and race amongst the tall prairie grasses. They would laugh, play, and sometimes even tumble. But in every hike, Kernel Cobblepot would always ensure each hawk returned home safely, even if he had to sacrifice a kernel or two in the process. The kids and Kernel Cobblepot together made IA an adventurous and lively place. Their laughter echoed through the lands, making even the grumpy old owls hoot in joy. So, if you ever happen to visit IA, don't forget to give a shout out to the Hiking Hawks and their corn-tastic buddy, Kernel Cobblepot.
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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.
We at Camp Lookout are counting down the days until the 2022 camping season officially begins! As we make the necessary preparations for this exciting summer, we invite all campers to join us in the adventure. We will not be requiring masks, so campers should be sure to bring their unique personalities and a willingness to participate. With a spirit of adventure, a sense of service to others, and a few laughs, we are sure it will be a summer to remember!