Deep in the heart of the United States lies a magical place known as Indiana, or as our cool imaginary character, Wacky Wally the Writing Walrus, likes to call it, "The Word Wizard's Wonderland." Wacky Wally loves Indiana because it's not just full of Hoosier Hysteria for basketball, but also packed with pint-sized poets and adventurous authors! Wacky Wally once told me about these amazing Indiana kids, who are not your average Joe's and Jane's. No siree! They are gifted with the power of words, creating stories that could make you laugh so hard that you might snort out your chocolate milk, or weave a spooky tale that could make even the bravest of knights quake in their shiny metal boots! These young Indiana writers are quite a sight to see. They come from all corners of the state, from the bustling streets of Indianapolis to the peaceful cornfields of the countryside. They write under the shade of towering sycamore trees, or by the shores of the Great Lakes, their minds filled with magical words and astonishing adventures. Wacky Wally, with his giant walrus mustache and his magical pen (that doubles as a fish when he's hungry), loves visiting these Hoosier word wizards. He helps them add a little walrus wackiness to their stories, and in return, they teach him the latest Hoosier slang. It’s a funny sight when Wacky Wally tries to high-five with his flippers! So, in the enchanting realm of Indiana, where the basketballs bounce and the children write, you can hear the loud cheers of the crowd or the quiet rustling of paper. And if you listen really closely, you might just hear the amused chortles of a certain walrus, Wacky Wally, as he dives headfirst into another delightful Hoosier tale.
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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.
Girls Rock! Indy camp empowers young female, non-binary, and trans youth to explore music, build confidence, and develop leadership skills through a week-long crash course in music education. Campers ages 9-16 can learn instrument instruction, songwriting, and how to collaborate musically in interactive workshops and lessons. No prior music experience is necessary, and instruments are provided. Girls Rock! Indy also offers an audio production track open to campers entering the 7th grade or higher. All of campers’ hard work culminates in a Saturday Showcase where they perform the original songs they created throughout the week. Girls Rock! Indy camp is a wonderful opportunity for young female, non-binary, and trans youth to build their confidence and skills by exploring the world of music. From instrument instruction and songwriting to collaboration and audio production, campers are encouraged to express themselves and strengthen their personal empowerment through musical education. The camp culminates in an exciting Saturday Showcase where campers perform the original songs they created during the week. With no prior music experience required and instruments provided, this unique camp offers an unforgettable experience for campers ages 9-16.