The state of Pennsylvania, affectionately known as PA, is a land of enchantment, nestled between the bustling cityscapes of New York and the rustic farms of Ohio. It’s a land where the deer prance freely among the sprawling forested hills and where the rivers ripple with the secrets of years past. In this magical place, there are also kids. But not just any kids - these are the extraordinary, super-powered, imagination-fueled kids of PA’s writing clubs! In the picturesque town of Hershey, famous for its chocolate, there’s Annie, who can create magical worlds where chocolate rains from the sky and the rivers flow with cocoa. In the historic city of Philadelphia, there's Ben, who, with the stroke of his pen, can make the Liberty bell ring out with laughter, and summon a cheesesteak sandwich to dance a jig down Broad Street. In the verdant countryside, there’s Gemma who can, with a single sentence, grow giant peaches that taste like sunshine and happiness. And don’t forget Max from Pittsburgh, who can sketch out a story that makes the towering steel buildings come to life, singing the blues and telling tales of iron and industry. These kids of PA, with their pens, pencils, and keyboards, might just seem like regular kids to the untrained eye. But to the ever-watchful, spectacled owl named Inky, the official mascot of the PA writing clubs, they are wizards and witches, conjuring up worlds with the powers of their words. With a hoot and a chuckle, Inky keeps an eagle eye on these young authors, ready to swoop in with a joke or a word of encouragement, because in PA, writing isn't just an activity - it's an adventure!
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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.
Derrick Campbell is a true master of the guitar. For the past 28 years, he has studied with some of the best guitar teachers, including Bob Ferguson and Michael Harris. His love for the instrument started when he was just a sophomore at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and he quickly decided to pursue a career teaching guitar lessons. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Derrick headed to the Boston area in 1997. It didn't take long for him to start working full time as a guitar teacher. Since then, he has played in a number of bands, both cover and original, and written several songs of his own. He is currently in the process of recording these instrumentals in his own home studio.