Indiana, also known as the 'Hoosier State,' is an enchanted place teeming with vast golden cornfields, bustling cities, and serene lakes. It's also home to a unique group of kids, renowned far and wide for their unruly enthusiasm towards horseback riding. These Hoosier kiddos are a special breed, fearlessly hopping on the backs of their trusty steeds, galloping their way into thrilling adventures. Let me introduce you to Indiana's unofficial mascot, a peculiar yet delightful imaginary character named Gallivanting Giddyup Gary. With a cowboy hat perpetually perched on his head, a pair of shiny boots seemingly stuck to his feet, and a hilariously exaggerated Southern drawl, this animated scarecrow is Indiana's biggest horseback riding enthusiast. Gary is a downright funny fellow, always dishing out horse jokes that make you roll with laughter. "Why don't horses sit down to eat?" he'd ask, before chuckling, "Too hard to lift the chairs off their hooves!" His humor is as contagious as his love for horses. He's the cheerleader, coach, and biggest fan of the Hoosier horseback riders, cheering them on as they master their trot, canter and gallop. He dishes out wise advice, too. "Remember," he'd say, "Riding a horse ain't about speed, it's about forming a bond with your four-legged friend." Whether you're a seasoned rider, a beginner, or a nervous observer, Giddyup Gary's antics and encouragement are bound to win you over. He represents the spirit of Indiana's horse-loving kids - fearless, funny, and fervently in love with their equestrian partners. Together, they make Indiana the horseback riding capital of fun and laughter.
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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 Camp Palawopec, we strive to provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere where kids can be themselves and enjoy the outdoors. Our rustic cabins, located on 120 acres of pristine woodlands, provide the perfect setting for children to explore and make lasting memories. We have a full program of activities including swimming, fishing, canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, sports, and more. Plus, our experienced counselors are here to ensure that your child has the best camp experience possible. At Camp Palawopec, we are proud to offer a unique summer camp experience for boys and girls ages 8-15. Located in the picturesque hills of Brown County, Indiana, our 120-acre camp is conveniently located near the sleepy village of Nashville and Indiana’s beloved Brown County State Park. We focus on outdoor-oriented activities that encourage an appreciation of nature, while still providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Our experienced counselors ensure that each camper has the best possible experience as they explore our rustic cabins and participate in a variety of activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, and sports. For older campers, we also offer special adventure trips for an even more exciting summer camp experience. At Camp Palawopec, we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can make lasting memories and enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer.
Happy Hollow Children’s Camp is an accredited program through the American Camp Association, offering a wide variety of summer camp activities to economically disadvantaged children in the Indianapolis and surrounding counties. Since 1951, over 40,000 children have attended the camp, which now covers 900-acres in Brown County. The camp provides high-quality summer camp programming at minimal cost to families, allowing them to have a fun and memorable experience. Happy Hollow Children’s Camp provides campers with a variety of activities including swimming, fishing, nature hikes, canoeing, and more. These activities are tailored to meet the needs of the community, primarily those who are economically disadvantaged, have severe to moderate asthma, or are members of educational groups. The camp is dedicated to helping children have a positive and enriching summer experience, and has been doing so for the past 60 years. With the support of individuals, corporations, and foundations, the camp will continue to provide a safe and fun environment for children for years to come.