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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.

This data galvanized the conservation movement, and the first wildlife conservation law was born. In the early 1900’s a group of women, led by Harriet Hemenway and Minna B. Hall, founded the Massachusetts Audubon Society. They recruited over 10,000 members in the first year of the organization and launched one of the first campaigns in the US against the use of feathers in fashion. Through their efforts, the state of Massachusetts prohibited the sale of wild bird feathers. The efforts of this organization helped to pass similar legislation throughout the US. During the late 1800s, hunting of birds was a popular pastime. Women adorned their hats with feathers, wings and entire birds, resulting in an estimated 200 million birds being killed annually for the millinery trade. Ornithologist Frank Chapman took to the streets of New York and counted 40 species and 173 individual birds on the hats of the women he passed. This data sparked the conservation movement and the first wildlife conservation law was enacted. In response to the ongoing exploitation of wild birds, Harriet Hemenway and Minna B. Hall founded the Massachusetts Audubon Society in the early 1900s. This organization quickly gained 10,000 members in the first year, and launched one of the first campaigns in the US against the use of feathers in fashion. Thanks to their efforts, the state of Massachusetts prohibited the sale of wild bird feathers and similar legislation passed throughout the US. Today, the consequences of the millinery trade are still felt, but conservation laws have made it illegal to hunt birds for fashion, and thus have helped to protect birds from further exploitation. Wildlife conservation organizations such as The Massachusetts Audubon Society continue to advocate for the protection of birds and other wild animals.