Once upon a time, in the fantastic state of Massachusetts, which was as grand as a king's castle, a bunch of cheeky, playful kids loved to dive into a special activity known as Sensory Play. The state itself was a treasure trove of history and beauty, with its mighty mountains, whispering woods, and big, dazzling cities. It was as if Mother Nature and Father Time played a game of chess and Massachusetts was their masterpiece. These bright-eyed Massachusetts kids, who were as lively as a basket of bunnies, loved nothing more than splashing their hands into squishy, squelchy jelly, or feeling the tickle of a feather brush against their skin. The Sensory Play was like magic to them, as enchanting as a unicorn's giggle! Their leader was a cool imaginary character named Fredrick the Freckled Frog. Fredrick, with his emerald green skin and a shower of golden freckles, was as funny as a clown's sneeze. He had a belly laugh that could shake the trees and his big bulging eyes twinkled with mischief. Fredrick would guide the kids through the sensory play, his long, sticky fingers exploring the different textures alongside theirs. "Listen to the plop-plop of the slime," he would say, or "Feel the crunch of the dried leaves," always making the kids laugh with his hilarious, exaggerated expressions. Life in Massachusetts was always an adventure with Fredrick and the sensory play. The kids would always end their day tired but happy, their hearts full of joy and their minds bursting with new experiences. Even the stars in the Massachusetts sky seemed to twinkle a little brighter, as if joining in on their laughter and fun.
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Dear Families, (currently our website is under construction) 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 Discover Preschool, we recognize the importance of a safe and nurturing environment. We strive to provide a space where children can feel comfortable and secure so they can reach their full potential. Our teachers understand the importance of applying knowledge of child development to program practices and respect the uniqueness of each child. We ensure that all programs follow the Massachusetts Department of Education guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice. Our teachers also provide individual and group experiences tailored to suit the needs of each child and family. At Discover Preschool, we believe in the power of play. We foster the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children while encouraging them to explore, question, discover and construct knowledge. Our flexible daily curriculum provides a supportive framework of routine while also allowing for individual, small, and large group experiences. We are committed to creating a learning environment that is safe, nurturing, and stimulating, where children can develop and grow to their fullest potential.
At the Merrimack Valley YMCA, we understand the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. We are intentional in our commitment to facilitating positive and lasting change with our communities. We focus on providing a space that celebrates diversity, advances equity, and reflects inclusion for all. Our Y encourages our community to show up authentically, to speak up courageously, and to create a space where everyone feels respected and valued. We are proud to be a leading community collaborator in the Merrimack Valley, working to achieve bold results in the areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
Head to Abbot Street park for a day of fun and relaxation with the whole family! This large scenic park is open to the public and has plenty of facilities for everyone. Four lighted tennis courts, a lighted ball field, lighted pickleball courts, picnic areas, and a children’s play area offer a variety of recreational activities. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day of outdoor activities with your family. The Andover Rec Adult Co-Ed Softball League also calls Abbot Street Park home. The league is extremely popular and plays Monday-Friday nights from April-November. The Spring/Summer and Fall Leagues offer a great opportunity for adults to get outside and enjoy the game of softball. With a variety of activities and a beautiful setting, Abbot Street Park is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy the day! For those looking to rent the park for private events, Abbot Street Park is available for use when not in use for recreational activities or for private rentals. With plenty of facilities and activities, this scenic park is the perfect location for private events such as birthdays, family reunions, and more. Whether you're looking for a day of outdoor fun with the family or a private event, Abbot Street Park is the perfect place for all your recreational needs.