Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of New England, a tiny but mighty state known as Rhode Island emerged from the sea. Though small in size, it was grand in spirit, bursting with vibrant beaches, lush green parks, and picturesque trails! It was the playground of adventure-loving children who were as curious and wild as the wind. Among these spirited kids was a quirky, freckle-faced boy named Buzz. Now, Buzz was no ordinary lad, he was the unofficial King of Rhode Island Nature Activities or "RINA" as he liked to call it. Armed with his ever-present binoculars, a trusty notepad, and his funky green hat with acorn-shaped antennas, Buzz was a sight to behold, a true vision of adventurous hilarity. Buzz, along with his band of merry RINA explorers, plunged into the enchanting wilderness at every chance they got. They trekked through the forests of Lincoln, which they imagined as an enchanted world teeming with magical creatures. They sailed on the waves of Narragansett Bay, battling make-believe sea monsters. They even summited the sand dunes of Block Island, pretending to be intrepid mountaineers braving the highest peaks. Laughter echoed through the air as they played and explored. Each adventure was punctuated with gales of giggles and whoops of exhilaration. Whether they were spotting a rare bird in Audubon Society of Rhode Island or discovering an unusual shell in Easton's beach, every day was a new adventure in the splendid land of RINA. Buzz and his friends, the vivacious children of Rhode Island, proved that in the vast universe of nature, size doesn’t matter. What really counts is a wild imagination, a healthy dose of laughter, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.
Read morebest nature programs in Coventry, RI
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.
At the Westwood YMCA, families can enjoy a truly unique outdoor recreation experience. With 80 acres of preserved woodlands and 300 acres of fresh water surface, the Quidnick Reservoir Lake is Rhode Island’s premiere outdoor resource center. Swimming, boating, camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking and sailing are all available to members and visitors alike. For those looking for an extended getaway, there are camp sites that can accommodate recreational vehicles and rental cabins. For families looking for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience, the Westwood YMCA is the place to go. With 80 acres of preserved woodlands and 300 acres of fresh water surface, the Quidnick Reservoir Lake is Rhode Island’s premier choice for outdoor recreational activities. Whether you’re looking to go swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking or sailing, this outdoor haven has it all. And if you’re looking for an extended stay, camp sites and rental cabins are available for your convenience. The Westwood YMCA is the perfect destination for those looking for a unique outdoor experience. 80 acres of woodlands and 300 acres of fresh water surface make the Quidnick Reservoir Lake the ideal place for swimming, boating, camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking and sailing. With camp sites and rental cabins available, you can make your stay as long as you’d like. Make the Westwood YMCA your go-to destination for the ultimate outdoor getaway.
At our Children’s Instructional Programs, we are dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for children. We have recently added After-School Programs to our roster of educational offerings. Our Youth Learning Center is also undergoing upgrades to make sure that our students have access to the best possible resources. Our commitment to the community is especially strong here in Rhode Island, where we are actively engaging with young people in a neighborhood based effort to foster care and guide them toward a brighter future. Through our programs, we strive to instill lasting values and promote moral growth in our young people, so that they may grow into responsible and strong members of society.
The Coventry Parks and Recreation Department strives to provide the Town of Coventry with an exceptional system of parks and recreational facilities that can be enjoyed by the whole community. With a focus on preservation, the department works to maintain and improve existing parks and recreational programs, while also providing the community with new and exciting opportunities for outdoor activities. The Coventry Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to helping families and individuals stay active and engaged. Whether it’s a hike through the woods, a game of soccer at the local park, or a night at the community pool, there is always something to do for people of all ages and abilities. The department also works to provide recreational programs for all ages, from youth sports to adult fitness classes. The department is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who visits their parks and recreational facilities. They strive to make sure the parks and recreational programs are well-maintained, accessible, and enjoyable for all. Coventry’s Parks and Recreation Department is the perfect place to get out and explore the great outdoors.
As parents, we know the importance of spending time outdoors, especially during the early learning years. Now with Tinkergarten, families in Rhode Island can make the most of the great outdoors and get their kids ready for the future. Tinkergarten’s outdoor, play-based learning classes offer the perfect way to do just that. Designed by education experts, these classes provide parents and caregivers with the tools they need to help their kids become healthy, confident, and capable. Each week, families can participate in live sessions, and use the curriculum to extend the play at home. Tinkergarten also provides a rich learning community to help families make the most of their kid’s early learning years. No matter the season, Tinkergarten is the perfect way for Rhode Island families to enjoy the great outdoors while also helping their kids thrive. With tailored classes suitable for all ages and abilities, parents can trust Tinkergarten to provide their kids with the best possible learning experience.