Once upon a time, in the sunny State of South Carolina, there were a bunch of kids who practiced a martial art called Aikido, and boy, were they a sight to behold! SC, as the locals lovingly called it, was known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and juicy peaches. But, beyond that, it was also famous for these Aikido kids who were so swift and agile, they could almost dance with the wind. Imagine them, lined up in their bright white Gi's (that's what we call their uniforms, fancy huh?), under the majestic Palmetto trees, the state tree of SC. With a strong stance, they would gracefully flow into their Aikido moves, like a stream of water finding its way around pebbles. Now, let me introduce you to their unofficial mascot, Squirrely the squirrel. Squirrely was a particularly cheeky fellow who loved to watch the kids train from his perch high up in a Palmetto tree. Dressed in a tiny squirrel-sized Gi, Squirrely was quite a sight! He would often mimic the children's moves with his bushy tail swishing this way and that, causing peals of laughter to echo through the training ground. These Aikido kids, they were not just about strength and agility, but they were full of kindness, respect, and teamwork. They knew that Aikido was not about defeating an opponent, but about harmony and balance. It was a lesson Squirrely took quite seriously. Well, as seriously as a squirrel could! So, in the heart of SC, under the watchful eyes of Squirrely the squirrel, these Aikido kids trained, laughed, and grew stronger every day. Their spirited laughter and the swift swish-swish of their Gi's became a familiar and cheerful soundtrack to the sunny, peaches-and-cream days of South Carolina.
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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.
Black Label Martial Arts was founded by Malachy Friedman, a 2nd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt with the mission to provide excellent martial arts instruction developed from his decades of training with martial arts legends and his experience coaching champions. Professor Malachy wants to bring that same level of passion and quality instruction he is known for as a UFC coach to all his students, no matter their level. Professor Malachy’s mantra is simple: treat every student in every class like it is the most important lesson we will ever teach. Martial arts classes benefit growing children far beyond the academy and in many real-world scenarios. Our structured classes are meant to help develop coordination, physical fitness, and mental strength, as well as gain valuable social skills. Through positive reinforcement, we can bring out the best in our children to help them succeed in life.