Welcome, my little saplings, to the wonderfully weird and woodsy world of New Jersey, affectionately known as the "Garden State." Now, I can hear some of you whisper, "Garden? But I thought gardens were for flowers?" Well, you're spot-on! But here in NJ, we have a unique type of garden, a tree garden, vast forests blooming with trees of every kind, from the mighty oaks to the elegant dogwoods. Now let me introduce you to our cool imaginary character, Jovial Jersey Jay, a fun-loving blue jay with a knack for telling jokes. He's your guide on this tree-planting adventure. With a twinkle in his eye, he’d swoop down with a hearty, "Hey there, kiddos! Ready to get your wings dirty?". He'd ruffle his feathers, and in the next moment, he would be showing you how to plant your very first tree. This group of NJ kids, or as we call them, "The Tree Troopers," are the most enthusiastic batch of seed-sowing superheroes. They donned their capes, or rather, their gardening gloves and filled their utility belts, I mean, their buckets, with acorns, pine cones, and seeds of all sorts. With their spades in hand, they set off on their mission, digging holes and dropping seeds, all under the watchful eye of Jovial Jersey Jay. Laughter echoed through the woods as Jay cracked his nutty jokes, "Why did the tree go to the barber? Because it was a 'pine' time for a trim!" So, buckle up, young explorers, and join the Tree Troopers on their quest to replenish the New Jersey woodlands. It's a journey filled with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of love for our leafy friends. After all, as Jovial Jersey Jay always says, "In the Garden State, every day is Arbor Day!"
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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.
Antinanco is committed to preserving traditional and indigenous knowledge, and providing access to education through wellness, mindfulness and nature experiences, as well as hands-on projects and environmental conservation projects. We involve children, families and youth groups in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania in environmental stewardship, educating about the impact of our actions on the environment, and providing resources and solutions to maintain the integrity of the Northeastern ecosystems. In doing so, we lean extensively on indigenous traditions. We also work together with the Hopi, Navajo and Oceti Sakowin Oyate (Lakota, Dakota and Nakota) Indian reservations to provide COVID-19 relief, health and wellness, food sovereignty, clean water and solar energy solutions. We support learning of practical earth-based skills, wellness, mindfulness and peaceful dialogue.