On the sundrenched shores of North Carolina, home of the towering Appalachian Mountains, and the mysterious Great Smoky Mountains, lived a quirky, floppy-hat wearing, old mariner named Captain Crappie. The Captain, known for his long silver beard that reached his belly button, had a voice that echoed across the pine forests and sailed over the shimmering blue lakes, reaching the ears of every adventurous kid in the state. Now, you might think fishing is just about casting a line into the water and waiting, but not in North Carolina. The kids here, they're champion anglers, mentored by none other than Captain Crappie himself. These kids could fish out a sardine from a school of sharks, with their eyes closed! Yes, sir! They knew their trout from their catfish, their bass from their bream, faster than Captain Crappie could tell his tales. With fishing rods in hand and the spirit of adventure in their hearts, these kids would gather every afternoon at the banks of Lake Norman, all eager for Captain Crappie's fishing lessons. The Captain would stand, legs spread wide on his tiny dinghy, swaying with the rhythm of the calm lake water, shouting instructions, "Watch the bobber, not the fish!" The sunsets in North Carolina were always filled with laughter, the sound of splashing water and the sight of gleaming fish being reeled in. The children, their faces flushed with the thrill of the catch, would rush home, their buckets filled with the day's conquests, hearts filled with the joy of adventure, and minds filled with tales of Captain Crappie and his legendary fishing lessons. Their dreams? To become the most celebrated anglers of North Carolina, just like good ol' Captain Crappie.
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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.
At Quaker Lake, we believe that time spent outdoors can help forge a closer relationship with God. We provide a safe and friendly environment for campers to make lasting memories, and to learn about the outdoors. We strive to create a sense of community and Christian fellowship, and to foster individual growth. Our campers will have the opportunity to develop positive self-image, courage and a strengthened faith. At Quaker Lake, we aim to give all our campers an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We offer activities designed to help our campers connect with nature and build important friendships. We are dedicated to helping children become confident and independent individuals, and to providing a fun atmosphere. We also believe that being in a safe and supportive environment encourages our campers to take risks and build a strong sense of self-worth. Finally, we aim to motivate our campers to approach the future with courage and a strengthened faith. We use activities and events to help our campers build their own faith in God, as well as to build a strong foundation of self-confidence. We want to ensure that our campers leave Quaker Lake with a positive outlook and a lasting sense of community.