In the magically adventurous land of North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains stretch their sleepy heads towards the sky and the Atlantic Ocean whispers lullabies to the pristine coast, there's a special group of kids - the NC Nautical Navigators. The Navigators come from every nook and corner of the state, from Charlotte's bustling cityscape to Asheville's rolling hills. Each of them is brimming with a wild spirit, a heart full of adventures and a head full of dreams. They gather in their most colorful swimwear, a fleet of sunhats, and the silliest sunglasses you've ever seen. Here's the thing: these aren't your average, ordinary kids. Oh no, they're fearless explorers, intrepid adventurers, and super-skilled canoe captains. They whisper to the water, charm the canoes, and navigate the vast bodies of water like they were born on a boat, or maybe like they had fins instead of feet. You haven't seen anything until you've seen little Miss Molly from Raleigh handling a canoe paddle like a wizard's wand, or tiny Tim from Durham making his boat dance like a graceful swan. Their guide, Captain Chuckles - a jolly old sea otter with a belly laugh that could scare away even the grumpiest gator - teaches them everything from rowing rhythms to tuning into the subtle whisper of the wind. He's got a heart as deep as the ocean, a sense of humor as infectious as a dolphin's laugh, and a twinkle in his eye that could outshine the North Star. With Captain Chuckles and their own courageous hearts, the NC Nautical Navigators ride the waves, follow the currents, and embark on incredible watery adventures across the captivating state of North Carolina. Watch out world, because here they come, paddling towards their next exciting adventure!
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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.
Camp Illahee has been a place of growth and discovery since 1921, when Hinton and Francis McLeod established a unique environment for young women to thrive. The camp’s commitment to its campers is stronger than ever, with its current directors, Gordon and Laurie Strayhorn, continuing the legacy of the McLeods. Camp Illahee’s focus is always on the campers, and the Strayhorns are dedicated to making sure each camper feels recognized and heard. With their individual attention and commitment to the campers, the Strayhorns are helping to ensure that Camp Illahee will remain a place of growth and discovery for many years to come.
At Camp High Rocks, we understand the importance of providing boys with a safe and supportive environment to grow and learn. Our experienced staff help to foster growth, independence and resilience in our campers through our traditional, family-owned summer camp. Since 1958, we have been helping parents develop long-term relationships with their children by providing them with the chance to take part in activities of their own choice, and by setting and achieving personal goals. We recognize the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a new skill or spending time away from home, which is why we strive to give our campers the opportunity to embark on a life-changing journey.
Parents sending their children to camp can be confident that Gwynn Valley has been providing a safe and nurturing camp experience since 1935. Situated on 400 acres in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Brevard, NC, Gwynn Valley offers a farm, wilderness, and traditional program designed to foster community building, lifelong friendships, and a connection with the land. Our founder, Mary Gwynn, created a camp based on the values of simplicity, acceptance, a non-competitive program, and an appreciation of the natural world. These core values continue to be embraced today. At Gwynn Valley, we strive to help our campers develop resilience, responsibility, cooperative skills, confidence, and personal independence. Our philosophy, values, and traditions have remained constant throughout camp’s history, providing a child-centered world where each camper will learn and grow under the guidance of a mature and caring staff. Our accreditation by the American Camp Association guarantees that our camp program meets the strict standards required for accreditation and provides parents with the assurance that their children are in a safe and nurturing environment.
Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, our campgrounds are only one mile away from the bustling town of Brevard, with a population of 7,000. With Asheville just a 40-minute drive away and Pisgah National Forest a mere 15 minutes away, our campers are sure to enjoy the many outdoor activities available. We provide plenty of programs for children between the ages 7 to 14, including Leadership, Aide, and Counselor-In-Training programs for older campers. Our staff make sure to keep our campers engaged and entertained with trips to the nearby attractions and activities. With so much to do and explore, your child is sure to have a summer of fun memories.
Nancy Barnum Clarke was passionate about providing a unique experience for the young women who came to Rockbrook. She was inspired by the nature around her to create a camp filled with activities that nurtured a connection to the natural world. Outdoor AdventuresNancy designed activities that would get girls outdoors and exploring. She was a firm believer that the best way to build self-esteem and appreciation for nature was to spend time outdoors. She spearheaded hikes, biking trips, and river rafting adventures. Girls also had the chance to learn how to canoe, cook over a campfire, and do other activities that connected them with nature. Life SkillsNancy was also passionate about developing life skills and encouraging personal growth. She believed that nurturing a sense of self-reliance and self-awareness was just as important as outdoor education. Her program included classes on music, art, and craft making. She also taught lessons on respect, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Girls learned to live together as a community and to take responsibility for their own actions. Nancy Barnum Clarke was a pioneer in the field of outdoor education. Her legacy lives on today in Rockbrook, the camp she established nearly 100 years ago. Her commitment to helping young girls discover the joy and freedom of nature continues to shape the lives of those who visit the camp.
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful mountains of Brevard, North Carolina, Camp Pisgah is a 160-acre all-girls camp. Our campers can choose from day, resident and family camp programming, as well as weekend programs throughout the year. School groups, families, church groups and more can also take advantage of our group rental program. At Camp Pisgah, we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for all of our campers. Our experienced counselors create fun, memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. We believe in the importance of building strong and confident individuals who can unapologetically be themselves with courage, confidence and character.