Chapter 7: The Rock Climbing Rebels of New York In the grand ol' state of New York, where skyscrapers scrape the sky and pizzas are as wide as wagon wheels, there exists a super squad of kids, known far and wide as the Rock Climbing Rebels. Oh, they're not your everyday, run-of-the-mill kind of children, mind you. They're a bunch of vertically-inclined adventurers, positively mad about climbing! Their leader, Captain Crimp, is a real hoot. Picture this - a nine-year-old in a bright orange helmet that’s two sizes too big, knee pads worn on the wrong side, and a cape made out of a curtain. A curtain, I tell you! But boy, can he scale a boulder like a squirrel on sneakers. Every day, at the crack of dawn, Captain Crimp and the other Rebels gather in the heart of Central Park. Their mission: to conquer each and every rock formation that dares to stand in their path. With their trusty climbing shoes, chalk-caked hands, and an unbreakable spirit, they scramble up surfaces as smoothly as a pancake sliding off a hot griddle. They climb not just for the thrill or the challenge, but for the sheer joy of it. For the feeling of the wind ruffling their hair when they reach the top, the earth far below looking like a jumbled box of toys. They climb because in New York, the city of giants, they too can touch the sky. So, if you're ever in New York and spot a group of kids defying gravity, don't be surprised. Just wave at the Rock Climbing Rebels, champions of the vertical world, and maybe - just maybe - you'll catch a glimpse of Captain Crimp, his cape fluttering in the wind, leading his team to new heights.
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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.
Our programs blend literacy, imaginative play, and design thinking to increase reading interest and skill. Creation stories along with tales of conquest and cultural tradition provide the context for our after-school and summer camp engagements where we journey through stories to help children understand themselves, our history, and our world. Our story began with, well, a story. Challenged by fans of The Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series, we set out to create a real-world version of the fictional training ground for modern-day heroes of Greek Mythology; Camp Half-Blood. Armed with no small amount of courage we set out to create a space for the stories kids love to live rich, full lives beyond the pages of the books. Eight years and three programs later we have served nearly 3,000 children with our unique brand of reading enrichment. Expanding the boundaries of the creative class is an important part of our mission and must include kids from the widest variety of families and circumstances. Our latest project, The Daedalus Initiative gifts students in Title 1 schools with science kits and other materials to further their knowledge and interest in STEM.