In the vast, hearty state of Texas, where the clouds stretch as far as the eye can see and the sunsets paint the sky like a sprawling mural, there resides an unusual yet charming group of kids. These are not your everyday, run-of-the-mill children, oh no, these kids are the remarkable members of the Texas Tumbleweed Art & Crafts Club! Led by none other than the cool, capricious cowboy artist, Doodlebug Dan, who sports a paint-splattered ten-gallon hat and a pair of crayon-colored chaps. These kids are as diverse as the Texan landscape itself. Some are as enthusiastic and wild as the tumbleweeds that roll across the wide-open plains, others as calm and reflective as the tranquil surface of the Guadalupe River, but they all share a love for creating marvelous masterpieces. Through sizzling summers and bone-chilling winters, the Art & Crafts club keeps their creativity flowing like the Rio Grande. In Doodlebug Dan's workshop, beneath the shade of a giant cottonwood tree, you'll see the children huddled around tables, their faces glowing with concentration. They use everything from paints and pencils to the most unconventional of materials like prickly cactus needles and shiny armadillo shells, to create their pieces of art. An outsider might think it's all a chaotic, colorful mess, but to Doodlebug Dan and his posse, it's a symphony of imagination with every child playing their part. Their laughter rings through the air, the sound as sweet and cheerful as a mockingbird's song on a spring morning. In Texas, art & crafts aren't just a hobby, they're a way of life, as essential as cowboy boots and barbeque.
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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.
Summer camp is not just a vacation spot, it's a discovery zone where young explorers can enjoy the beauty of nature, take on exciting and unfamiliar recreational activities, and learn the value of independence away from their home comfort. Beyond these, summer camp also offers a platform for campers to learn the essential skills of teamwork, form new friendships, and engage in a variety of other fun and educational activities. When it comes to Girl Scout Camp, it's a blend of traditional camp activities and unique Girl Scout customs. Campers here have the opportunity to engage in an array of classic activities such as arts and crafts, archery, swimming, and cozying up around campfires. In addition to these, the camp also upholds Girl Scout traditions, allowing campers to immerse themselves in fun camp songs and games that are exclusive to Girl Scouts. Regardless of whether campers choose to attend camp on a daily basis or decide to spend an entire week away from home, they are provided with opportunities to explore, establish connections, and take thoughtful actions on issues and matters that are significant to them. Summer camp is not just a place of fun, but a place where campers can broaden their horizons and make a difference.
At ASC, we prioritize the growth and development of our campers. We aim to foster a sense of independence and boost confidence in their unique abilities. Our objective is not just to provide an adventurous experience, but also an environment where they can explore new things and are comfortable in expressing their true selves. We recognize the significance of cultivating meaningful relationships with others. We encourage our campers to become better friends, to collaborate effectively in a team, and promote peaceful conflict resolution. It's not just about the individual, but about how they contribute to a positive social dynamic. We inspire our campers to have a curiosity for exploration. The world is a beautiful place to discover and we foster a sense of respect for the environment and all its inhabitants. Above all, we want our campers to develop a deep love for Austin Sunshine Camps just as much as we cherish them. Austin Sunshine Camps has been offering enjoyable, overnight summer camp programs to children in the greater Austin area, completely free of cost since 1928. We continue this tradition by offering free programs to not only returning campers but also new campers who either meet the eligibility for free or reduced school meals or are part of the foster care system. We believe in providing an enriching summer experience without any financial burdens.