In the bustling, pizza-smelling, and sky-scraper-filled world of New York, you'd hardly expect to find a troop of kids who love nothing more than to cast their lines into the shimmering blue waters. But, believe it or not, they do exist! They're known as the "Fish-Whispering Rugrats of the Empire State." Meet Finn, their fearless leader. He's a chubby-cheeked, freckle-faced, ten-year-old with glasses so big they could double as satellite dishes. Funnily enough, Finn isn't a big fan of fish to eat. "They're too squiggly," he says, scrunching up his nose. But, when it comes to fishing, Finn is the young king of the Hudson. Finn and the gang don their fishing caps, grab their poles, and journey out to the city's rivers, lakes, and streams every chance they get. They brave the giant, growling New York City taxis, dart past street performers juggling flaming torches, and even navigate through the wilds of Central Park to find the perfect fishing spot. They're out there come rain or shine, snow or sleet, looking for that next big catch. And when they're not out reeling in fishy friends, these pint-sized anglers are busy inventing new and goofy fishing techniques. There's the "Bagel Bait," where they use leftover NYC bagels as lures. Or the "Statue Still," where they stand as still as the Statue of Liberty hoping not to scare the fish. And let's not forget the "Subway Shimmy," a dance that apparently makes the worms wriggle extra enticingly! So, next time you find yourself in the Empire State, keep your eyes peeled for Finn and his fish-whispering companions, turning the city's waterways into their own adventurous fishing tales.
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Dear Families, (currently our website is under construction) 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.
Skye Farm is one of five camp and retreat centers in the Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Under the leadership of staff and dedicated volunteers, the camp is supervised by the Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries, and overseen by the Committee on Camp & Retreat Ministries. The mission of Skye Farm is to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and be God’s love with our neighbors in all places. At Skye Farm, we believe in three core truths: that there is a God, that God loves us, and that God desires a relationship with us. All of our activities and programming are designed to reinforce this.