In the bustling, bountiful land of New Jersey, nestled between the enchanted realms of New York and Pennsylvania, a troop of cheeky, ever-curious kids embark on an exciting exploration activity each day. This isn't your ordinary state, not by a long shot! It's a place where the fragrant pine forests in the south whisper secrets with the gleaming skyscrapers in the north, and where the beach-loving seagulls on the coast exchange yarns with the swift-footed deer in the western hills. Now, let's meet our little troop of explorers. Leading the pack is a feisty, freckled-face firecracker named Tommy Turnpike. Tommy, named after the state's famous highway, has an amusing knack of losing his way but always, magically, winding up in the most stirring adventures. He's as bold as a Jersey tomato, as richly imaginative as a boardwalk funnel cake, and as loyal as a Jersey diner offering its endless mugs of coffee. Trailing behind Tommy, are dozens of sprightly kids, each as unique as the state's many pizza toppings. Millie, the Meadowlands maverick, is as sly as a fox and can spot a rare bird from miles away. Then there’s Benny the beachcomber, who knows every grain of sand on the shorelines and can speak fluent crab! Every day, in this small but mighty state, these kids roam from the Cape May lighthouse to the Great Falls of Paterson, tickling their curiosities and feeding their imaginations. From inventing a time-travelling tomato to befriending a talking squirrel, their adventures are as varied and vibrant as a display of fireworks on a warm Jersey Shore night. Believe me; there’s never a dull moment in the Garden State!
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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.
In 2013, Jennifer Romanoff, Ed.M., had a lightbulb moment when she and her husband were playfully discussing the idea of leaving his job to play with magnetic tiles instead. This sparked the idea for Genius Gems, an innovative space for children to learn through play. Each visit to our facility brings something new and exciting, with our hands-on, creativity-based activities designed to foster critical thinking and collaboration with peers. Our curriculum is based on the 4 P's - projects, passion, peers, and play - and was developed by an experienced educator. We are inspired by the work of MIT Media Lab Professor Mitchell Resnick, who argues that the world needs more designers, thinkers, and innovators. At Genius Gems, we strive to foster these skills in our young patrons, so that they may be prepared to meet the challenges of the future.