In the enchanting land of South Carolina, where the sun-kissed beaches wink at the shimmering Atlantic Ocean, and the bewitching Blue Ridge Mountains stand majestically tall, children of all ages gather for a spectacular adventure. These aren't your ordinary everyday kids, oh no! These are the giggling Grits Goblins, explorers of the wild and wanderers of the whimsical woodlands. South Carolina, a magical realm boasting lush green forests, mysterious swamps, and glistening rivers, is the perfect playground for these young adventurers. The Grits Goblins are a mischievous bunch, always on the lookout for their next escapade. Whether they're forging trails in the Congaree National Park, fishing in Lake Moultrie, or building sandcastles on Myrtle Beach, they never miss a chance to frolic with the flamingos or dance with the dolphins. Their favorite pastime? Why, digging for treasure, of course! They believe the mystical land of SC holds a cache of secret treasures. They leave no stone unturned, no river uncrossed, no mountain unclimbed, in their relentless pursuit of hidden riches. Yet, the real treasure they discover is not gold or gems, but the joy of being in harmony with nature and the sweet, surreal symphony of the wilderness. Rumour has it, the Grits Goblins have a unique power. They can talk to the animals! You could spot a Grits Goblin whispering to the rabbits, sharing jokes with the jays, or even playing hide and seek with the squirrels. With their wild imaginations and zest for adventure, these sprightly scamps turn the enchanting outdoors into a jubilant jungle gym. South Carolina, through their eyes, is a wonderland of endless fun, laughter, and magical mischief.
Read morebest nature programs in Greenville, SC
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.
Roper Mountain Science Center is the result of an inspiring collaboration between private and public partners. The Science Center is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for students from the local area. During the school year, over 400-600 students visit Roper Mountain each day for enriching learning labs. The Center also offers public programs, such as Friday Starry Nights and Summer Adventure, that encourage exploration and discovery. Roper Mountain Science Center is a shining example of the power of partnership. The Center was created through the joint efforts of public ownership, corporate sponsorship, private support, and volunteers. Thanks to their hard work, students from the local area have access to a wealth of educational opportunities. Roper Mountain offers immersive learning labs during the school year, as well as public programs such as Friday Starry Nights and Summer Adventure. Each of these initiatives provides a unique way to foster curiosity and exploration.
The First Tee of the Upstate and Coastal Carolinas is dedicated to empowering the lives of young people. Through their innovative integration of golf and life skills curriculum, children are gaining the inner strength, self-confidence and resilience necessary for facing new challenges. These learning experiences are framed around The First Tee Nine Core Values™: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Responsibility, Courtesy, Confidence, Judgment, and Perseverance. The First Tee of the Upstate and Coastal Carolinas is qualified to provide young people with the tools to build strong character and make healthy life choices. Through the game of golf and other character-building activities, the organization strives to instill important values and foster self-confidence. This organization is dedicated to helping young people build character and inner strength that will lead them through a lifetime of new challenges.
At the Caine Halter Family YMCA, we recognize that a strong and vibrant community is built on inclusion and respect. Our teams are passionate about making sure everyone feels welcome and accepted, regardless of their background or beliefs. We are proud to be a place where every voice is heard, and everyone can find the tools they need to reach their goals. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of our values, and we strive to ensure that our community reflects the diversity of the world around us. We are proud of the Caine Halter Family YMCA and what it stands for. We are committed to being a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive force in our community, and to helping all our members achieve their goals. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued, and where all can have access to the many resources the YMCA provides. We are dedicated to making sure that all members and visitors to our facility are welcomed with open arms.