Once upon a time in the charming state of Massachusetts, settled amid the bustling cities and peaceful countryside, lived a group of extraordinary kids known as the Stitch Masters. They weren't superheroes who saved the world from scary monsters or alien invasions, but they had a special power of their own. They could transform a mere piece of fabric into a stunning masterpiece with a single stroke of a needle! The leader of the Stitch Masters was a sprightly character named Sir Seam Ripper. Dressed in colorful patchwork clothes, he had a needle-sharp wit and a thimble for a hat. He had twinkling button eyes and a zipper for a mouth, which would zip up when he got into his deep sewing concentration mode. His spool-shaped body would spin with delight each time a Stitch Master finished a piece. Massachusetts, where the Stitch Masters resided, was a place where all four seasons loved to show off their best attire. Winters wore a blanket of snow, while springs donned a coat of flowers. Summers showed up in a sunhat of bright sunshine, and autumns preferred a shawl of fallen leaves. These vibrant seasons inspired the Stitch Masters to create the most festive outfits and the warmest quilts. Every week, the Stitch Masters gathered in the grand hall of the Thread Castle, in the heart of Massachusetts. Here, they would sew, stitch, and embroider, their nimble fingers moving faster than a hummingbird's wings. They would laugh and joke, their stitches often getting tangled in fits of giggles. They were the heart and soul of Massachusetts, adding color, warmth, and a touch of magic to the state with their incredible sewing skills!
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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.
For the last 24 years, our program has brought joy to over 21,000 children by teaching them how to sew! We strive to make every child feel proud of their accomplishments, while having a fun and memorable experience. Our helpful staff are also skilled in customizing the lessons to best fit each individual child’s learning style. We make sure to teach a variety of skills, such as how to properly operate a sewing machine, how to select fabrics and patterns, as well as hand sewing techniques. With our program, children gain a range of useful skills that will stay with them for many years.
For the past decade I have had the privilege of teaching art to children from kindergarten through fifth grade in after-school programs and community education classes. My longest tenure was at the Cabot After School Program in Newtonville, where I taught for seven years. Following that I was the lead art teacher at the Thompson After School Program in Arlington, where I developed art curriculum for elementary school-aged children. Additionally, I have taught arts and crafts to children through the Newton Community Education’s (NCE) summer program and at Arlington Center for the Arts (ACA) for three years. I have also taught silk painting and Nuno felting to adults in both of these community education programs. When I'm not teaching art classes, I enjoy creating unique one-of-a-kind silk scarves, clothing, and fine art with dyes that I have been painting on silk with for over fifteen years. My artwork can be found at juried art festivals in the Boston area, the Cambridge Artists Cooperative, and my Etsy shop. You can view my hand painted silks on my website Silkendreams.com. It has been a rewarding experience to merge my teaching and art experiences to share with both children and adults.