Once upon a time, nestled between the glistening Great Lakes and the mighty Mississippi, was the enchanting state of Wisconsin, affectionately known as the Cheese Castle in the Sky. You see, this wasn't your ordinary state, it was a magical place where the rivers flowed with milk, the trees blossomed with cheese curds, and the friendly cows whispered in Moo-code. In this dairy delight, lived a peculiar but lovable character named Wattles the Wacky Wisconsinite, who adored two things: string cheese and STEM/STEAM activities. Wearing a cheesehead hat and glasses as sharp as cheddar, Wattles was a wizard of invention, a maestro of maths, a scholar of science, and an artist of astounding creativity. No child in Wisconsin would miss an opportunity to join Wattles in his wacky STEAM adventures. From building bubble-blowing robots to creating kaleidoscopes that could see into other dimensions, these kids were not just learners, they were inventors, problem solvers, and future leaders. They could interpret the whispers of Wisconsin's cows, calculating the trajectory of the moon using cheese curds, and paint masterpieces using only the colors of a sunset. These children were as diverse as they were brilliant, each bringing a unique flavor to their group just like the variety of cheese in their magical land. Whether they were from the bustling streets of Milwaukee or the tranquil shores of Lake Michigan, each kid was a slice of the Wisconsin wonder, contributing to the melting pot of ideas and inventions. Every day with Wattles and the Wisconsin whiz-kids was a new adventure, a comedy of errors, and a celebration of curiosity. And the magic of it all? It happened right here in the heart of America, in the Cheese Castle in the Sky - Wisconsin.
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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.
We believe that instilling lifetime values and developing leadership skills and ethical character in young people is essential for the future of our communities. That's why we proudly support the Scout Oath and Law, which provide guidance and direction to our youth in their journey of life. We are committed to helping young people learn the importance of ethical decision-making, responsibility, and respect for others. Through our various programs and activities, we are dedicated to helping each young person discover the leader within themselves. Our ultimate goal is to help them become strong, confident, and responsible citizens who will make a difference in their communities.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes provides girls in Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with the opportunity to become empowered young leaders, building courage, confidence, and character. With the support of over 6,000 volunteers and 15,000 girls, the organization strives to make the world a better place by offering programs that allow girls to explore their interests, develop their skills, and make lasting friendships. Girls can take part in activities like tree climbing, hiking, and environmental advocacy that will help them create positive change in their communities and beyond. With the help of adult mentors and millions of Girl Scout alumnae, the sky is the limit for these brave and confident girls.
Appelton Memorial Park is a beloved community hub for outdoor fun and recreation. It is the largest and most diverse of Appleton Parks, boasting 143 acres of lush green, playgrounds, trails, and a fishing pond. Families can make use of the seven softball diamonds, the Miracle League Field, and the Appleton Family Ice Center. The park also has a pavilion and amphitheater that can be rented out and the Scheig Center and its surrounding gardens are open to visitors. In the winter months, when there is enough snow, areas of the park are groomed for cross-country skiing and a sled hill is available for all ages. Appelton Memorial Park is the perfect place to gather with family and friends and enjoy the great outdoors.
Bubolz Nature Preserve is the perfect place for families to come together and enjoy the beauty of nature! With educational programming offered year-round, parents and children can explore the unique blend of habitats found on the preserve while learning about the importance of protecting our environment. Additionally, the preserve provides a variety of recreational opportunities for families to enjoy, including hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and more. At Bubolz Nature Preserve, families can have fun while also learning about the importance of preserving our natural environment. By providing educational programming and recreational activities, the preserve encourages appreciation for the outdoors and a healthy appreciation for nature. With its unique blend of Northern and Southern habitats, Bubolz is an important natural area in Northeast Wisconsin that the community can come together to appreciate and enjoy.
At the 4-H club level, your child can get involved in fun and educational activities to enhance their skills and interests. 4-H members, parents, and leaders meet monthly to work together on project groups, club activities, and special interest groups. With 4-H, your child can participate in a variety of summer and winter camps, cross country trips, national science day, and even the county fair. There is a wide range of projects to get involved in, such as horsemanship, photography, shooting sports, art, communications, theater, and more. With the 4-H experience, your youth can make friends, develop new skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.
At the YMCA of the Fox Cities, we strive to offer health, hope and opportunity to people in the Fox Valley. We have been a unifying force in our community for over 130 years, creating a space where people from all social and economic backgrounds can come together in an inclusive and collaborative spirit, guided by Christian principles. Every year, our programs and services have a positive impact on the lives of over 69,000 people, giving children the skills and values they need to protect the integrity of family life and neighborhoods.