North Carolina, or as our imaginary character, Larry the Lumbering Llama calls it, "The Land of the Long Leaf Pine," is a blend of fabulous forests, magnificent mountains, and captivating coastlines. Larry, with his rainbow-colored fur and penchant for puns, loves to traverse this terrain, particularly when he stumbles upon a flock of youngsters engaged in the ancient, fast-paced game of lacrosse. Now these North Carolina kids, they're not your everyday lacrosse players. They're what Larry calls "Lacrosse Luminaries." Armed with lacrosse sticks that look like oversized spoons and balls as bouncy as a kangaroo on a trampoline, they dart about the field, showcasing a blend of skill, speed, and strategy that would make a cheetah jealous. Larry often watches from the sidelines, his llama laugh echoing across the field as a determined little player sprints, stumbles, then miraculously recovers, scoring a goal with the precision of a professional. Larry loves that scene, as he believes it embodies the spirit of North Carolina - tough, tenacious, and gloriously unpredictable. One day, Larry decided to join in, borrowing a lacrosse stick that was comically small for his llama limbs. He tripped, tumbled, and fumbled, creating a spectacle that had the kids in splits. But, in true North Carolina spirit, Larry, the Lumbering Llama, got up, dusted off, and gave it another try. After all, in the land of the long leaf pine, whether you're a kid or a rainbow-colored llama, giving up just isn't in the script. And that's why Larry loves North Carolina, its lacrosse-loving kids, and the game that brings them all together under the brilliant southern skies.
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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.
The Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus is an incredible opportunity for children ages 8-18 to discover the joy of singing and learn about the choral art. It is an educationally based program that provides a safe and nurturing environment for students to explore their creativity and develop a lifelong appreciation of music. With the guidance of their experienced instructors, children form lasting relationships with others while learning healthy vocal technique, sight-reading, and music theory. As part of their program, the students have the opportunity to perform in various venues, such as churches, civic organizations, and concerts around the world.