Once upon a time, nestled amongst the majesty of the great green mountains, lay the enchanting land of Vermont. Mainly known for its world-famous, lip-smacking maple syrup, this place was a hidden treasure trove of fun, adventure, and of course, cows. Yes, you heard me right! Cows. You see, in Vermont, cows outnumbered people, and the children there LOVED it! Now, these weren't your average kids. Nope, they were special, adventurous, and wildly funny. They were the "Green Mountain Munchkins," a zany group of kids who loved nothing more than splashing in mud puddles, chasing butterflies and being the best darned junior farmers in all of Vermont. The Munchkins would wake up with the roosters, pull up their oversized, floppy gumboots, and march off to the barn to begin their day. And leading this team was their delightfully peculiar friend, Sir Moo-A-Lot. Don't laugh! He was a very dignified cow with a set of oversized spectacles precariously balanced on his snout. His distinctive feature was a bright pink bandana tied around his neck. Sir Moo-A-Lot was their guide, their mentor, their companion in all their fun-filled farming adventures. He taught them to milk cows, plant corn, and tap trees for that golden maple syrup. Their days were filled with laughter, sunshine, and more than a few cow pies. But no matter how messy or tiring their days were, the Green Mountain Munchkins loved every minute of their farming life. And at the end of the day, they'd all gather around the barn, with the setting sun painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, listening to Sir Moo-A-Lot's amusing moo-stories and dreaming of another day of fun on the farm.
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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.
At our farm, we understand that no two days are the same. From morning till night, our rhythm gives children the opportunity to explore their interests while also learning how to care for animals and the environment. Our students start the day with their morning chores, tending to the goats, cows, bunnies, chickens, and ducks. After some hard work, they get to enjoy a snack and time for free play or projects. We firmly believe in allowing kids to take part in their own creative activities, as well as working with us. Projects may include carpentry, nature crafts, or even food projects. Come springtime, the farm is alive with new life, and our students get to experience the joy of watching baby animals grow, tending to seedlings, and tapping maple trees for syrup. On nice days, we often go out for lunch and explore the woods and marshes near us. Before leaving, we make sure to check on the animals one last time.
At Shelburne Farms, we are deeply committed to creating a more sustainable future. We recognize the need for learning experiences that help learners understand the connections between people, place, and the planet. Through our educational programming, we are committed to inspiring, teaching, and empowering learners of all ages to take action and become changemakers in their communities.