Once upon a time, in the sun-soaked state of Louisiana, better known as LA, where the sun blinks lazily at the alligators lazing around in the bayous, a group of kids, as lively as a pot of gumbo, were making their mark. Now, these weren't your average, everyday children. Oh no! These were the Doodle Masters of the Bayou State! The Doodle Masters whirled their sketch pads out of their backpacks faster than a crawfish scooting backwards, ready to sketch anything and everything from the mossy oak trees to the jazz musicians in the bustling French Quarter. Armed with pencils, markers, and crayons of every color imaginable, they captured the essence of LA in the most whimsical ways. Hootin’ Henry, the leader of the pack, was as eccentric as they come. A double denim-wearing, harmonica-playing whizz kid with a shock of red hair, Henry could sketch a spicy po’boy sandwich so realistic, you’d swear you could smell the Cajun spices. Chuckles Charlie was the jester of the group. His sketches of swamp creatures wearing sunglasses and playing banjos would make even the grumpiest gator giggle. Twirling Tilly, with her polka-dot overalls and braided pigtails, loved to sketch the Mardi Gras parades. Her drawings of the brightly colored costumes, masks, and beads brought the lively carnival right onto the page. Together, the Doodle Masters of LA added a rich, vibrant, and humorous flavor to the already lively spirit of the Pelican State, proving that not everything in Louisiana has to be as serious as a pot of simmering gumbo. Life is a sketch pad, they say, and all you need is a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of humor, and a big, hearty laugh to create a masterpiece.
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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.
Bring out your child’s inner artist with our year-round creative art workshops! Our unique program offers fun and engaging art classes for kids and teens in New Orleans and all over the world. During the summer, our camp schedule includes morning and afternoon classes, as well as exciting walking trips to Markey Park and Clouet Gardens. We also swim twice a week at Stalling Pool. With a small class size of 24 students, and a 1/6 student/teacher ratio, your child will benefit from individualized attention and instruction. All materials, field trips, and transportation are included in the tuition, as well as Friday Pizza Parties! At the end of each session, students will have the opportunity to showcase their work in a final presentation to family and friends. With our creative art workshops, your child will gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment, and have lots of fun, too!