The state of Maine is unlike any place on earth. Imagine a magical land where forests filled with ancient trees stretch as far as the eye can see, and a coastline dotted with so many lighthouses, you'd swear you were in a fairy tale. And if you're really quiet, you might even spot Maine's most elusive resident, Larry the Lobster, strolling around wearing his favorite seaweed scarf. In this enchanting state, there's a rambunctious group of kids known as the "Salty Sea Squirts." These aren't your average youngsters; they're Maine's finest sailors! Each day they race their sailboats on the crystal-clear waters, guided by the whispering winds and the cheerful cries of seagulls overhead. They zigzag around buoys, navigate through foggy mornings, and even occasionally dodge Larry, who is usually too busy practicing his backstroke to notice the approaching boats. And oh, the stories they have! There's Lighthouse Lucy, who once sailed her boat in such a perfect circle around a lighthouse that she made a rainbow appear in the spray. Or Windy Will, who can predict the wind direction just by sniffing. Then, there's Foggy Fred, who claims he can sail blindfolded in the thickest fog because he follows the sound of Larry's underwater singing. Their laughter echoes across the waves as they share tales of their exploits, and the ocean seems to chuckle along with them. The Salty Sea Squirts, with their billowing sails and adventurous spirits, are the heart of Maine, a testament to this magical place where even lobsters wear scarves, and rainbows can be summoned by a little girl with a big heart and a nimble sailboat.
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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.
Dr. George Alexander Kohut, a literary scholar and educator with a vision to provide a healthy and character-building outdoor experience, founded Kamp Kohut in 1907. Coming from the heat and pollution of the city, he ran a boys' school in New York, hence calling it "Kohut's School for Boys". At Kamp Kohut, we pay special attention to the individual qualities of each camper. We understand that each child has different needs and interests and we strive to make sure that all campers have a truly special summer experience. We provide close supervision and carefully orchestrated detail to ensure that each child’s camp experience is successful.