Once upon a time, in the delightful land of Illinois, where the cornfields dance in the wind and the Chicago skyscrapers tickle the clouds, there was a tribe of incredible kids known as the "Twirling Tornadoes." These Tornadoes didn’t spin around causing havoc, oh no! They were the masters of all things dance. Every single day, after finishing their homework of course, they would gather in their secret headquarters (a colorful basement in Des Plaines), and dance their hearts out. They hopped and skipped, twirled and swirled, and sometimes, they even moonwalked like Michael Jackson! They were not just any ordinary kids, they were the dancing kings and queens of Illinois! Leading the troupe was a cool, imaginary character named ‘Boogie Woogie Bigfoot.’ The Bigfoot with the twinkling toes! He was a gigantic, furry creature with a disco ball for a heart. He taught the Tornadoes everything about dance, from the Cha-Cha Slide to the Funky Chicken. He didn't have a rule book, only one rule - Dance as if no one’s watching! Now, do not let the word 'Bigfoot' fool you, for he was as graceful as a swan on roller-skates. His moves were so smooth that even the Sears Tower would sway along with his beat. Yes, folks, this was Illinois, where even Bigfoots could boogie, and kids could dance like a dream. It was a land of rhythm, beat and a whole lot of laughter because Boogie Woogie Bigfoot was a believer in belly laughs and not having two left feet!
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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.
. At the Alsip Park District, we strive to enrich the lives of individuals of all ages by providing quality leisure services and recreation at our various parks and facilities. We want to create a safe and clean environment for people to enjoy, while also providing educational, social, and recreational programs. We are proud to offer a unique program that will honor and/or memorialize relatives and/or friends in the form of a tree planting in one of our Alsip Park District Parks. This is an opportunity for Alsip Residents to commemorate their loved ones in a special way that will remain for many years to come. Through this program, we hope to bring joy to our community by allowing members to create lasting memories of their loved ones that will be visible for generations. We invite all Alsip Residents to take part in this special program and share their memories with us.