In the heartland of America, nestled amid miles of cornfields and skyscrapers, lies a bustling and vivacious state known as Illinois. This is a place where rivers flow like streams of silver and towering pines share the skyline with colossal buildings. But, the most extraordinary thing about Illinois isn’t just its astonishing landscapes or its delicious deep-dish pizza. Oh no, it’s the fearless, energetic, and adventurous kids who participate in marathon activities! Now, let’s meet our cool imaginary friend, Zippy the Zebra. Zippy, with his black and white stripes and his fast running hooves, is the funniest marathon runner you could ever meet. He's the one who inspired the Illinois kids to start their marathon journey. One fine day, Zippy arrived in Illinois and exclaimed, "Hey all you cool kids! How about we run, have fun, and explore this beautiful state together?" And run they did! The kids of Illinois, each one a tiny tornado of energy, began to participate in marathons. They would race right alongside Zippy! They ran through the sprawling cornfields under the warm sun, they sprinted past the skyscrapers in the sparkling city of Chicago, and they raced along the winding rivers with the wind in their hair. They were having so much fun, they barely noticed they were running a marathon! And when they crossed the finish line, they felt like superheroes, just like Zippy. From then on, you could see kids training and jogging everywhere you went in Illinois. If you listen very carefully, you could even hear the infectious laughter of these little marathoners, echoing across the state. Everyone knew Illinois was filled with brave and determined marathon runners, all thanks to a funny zebra named Zippy.
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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.
The Huntley Park District is committed to delivering the highest quality of parks, programs, open spaces, and facilities for everyone to enjoy. We strive to create spaces for healthy activities, creative expression, and learning opportunities to enhance the quality of life for our residents and visitors. We are proud to offer a wide selection of fun, safe, and affordable programs and services to our customers. The Board has put in place sound and fair policies, and with the help of our dedicated staff, we are able to provide a safe and rewarding work environment. We also provide training, encouragement, and supervision to our front-line staff to ensure a positive experience for all who participate.
At the Tinley Park-Park District, we understand the importance of recreation and the impact it can have on the quality of life in our community. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing creative recreational programming opportunities and excellent customer service, all while maintaining quality recreational facilities and parks. We take great pride in our commitment to Tinley Park, and we strive to make sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the recreational facilities and parks we have to offer. Our goal is to ensure that Tinley Park remains a vibrant and beautiful place to live. We’re proud to provide a wide range of recreational programming opportunities for all ages. From sports and fitness to arts and culture, there’s something for everyone at the Tinley Park-Park District. Our friendly staff is always available to help you find the right program or activity for you and your family. At the Tinley Park-Park District, we’re dedicated to providing the best quality recreational facilities and parks, so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of Tinley Park. We strive to ensure that our parks and facilities are safe and enjoyable for everyone, and that the highest level of customer service is provided. With our commitment to creativity and excellence, we’re sure that Tinley Park will continue to be a great place to live and play.
The Hampshire Park District is an important part of the local community, providing an array of recreational opportunities for families. The District is responsible for managing a number of park facilities, including gymnasiums, soccer fields, and basketball courts. All of these facilities are well-maintained and provide a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors. At the Hampshire Park District, families can enjoy a variety of activities, from sports to leisure activities. Gymnasiums are available for basketball, volleyball, and other indoor sports. Soccer fields offer an opportunity to play the world’s most popular game, while basketball courts provide space for pick-up games and friendly competitions. The Hampshire Park District is a great place for families to come together and have fun. With its well-maintained facilities and wide range of recreational activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From sports to leisure activities, the Hampshire Park District offers something for everyone.