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Why The Pumpkin?

Many centuries ago, as the summer harvest came to an end, the Celtic people prepared for the dark of winter by building big bonfires in their fields. They believed evil spirits lurked in the shadows around the bonfires, so they wanted light to guide their paths to and from the bonfires. The Celts carved faces on large turnips and then hollowed out the inside of the vegetable so a candle could sit within it. The light shining out through the carved faces scared away evil spirits. It also showed the way to their homes for the good spirits and for travelers.

In 1584, French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence region of North America. He reported finding “gros melons.” “Pompions” became the term in English, which eventually became “pumpkin.” When the immigrants arrived in America and found a bountiful supply of pumpkins, they soon adopted the pumpkin as the best fruit (and it is a fruit!) for carving Jack O’Lanterns.

Pumpkins belong to the gourd family, which includes cucumbers, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, watermelons, and zucchini. They are indigenous to the western hemisphere.

Show us your Punkin Carving & post on Facebook

Encouragement is Needed

Late last week Michelle, our camp cook for 12 years was rushed to the hospital for pneumonia. The doctors thought it would be best to put her into a coma to help her lungs recover. After 3 days or so the Dr's. slowly brought her back to consciousness. On Monday she was moved out of the intensive care unit (ICU) and seems to be making progress for recovery. I am sure she would love to hear from you. If you would like to send her some best wishes, you can send her an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you can facebook your kind words of encouragement.

Chess - The Game of Kings
has come to SNC. If you enjoy playing chess, we will have a designated spot for our new outdoor chess game. So challenge a friend or just play a friendly game of chess.

Do You Remember These Happy Faces?
Last week Dylan and J got married in Dylan's home state of Tennessee. J has been around camp as a camper, LIT and Counselor for over 10 years. While Dylan came to camp as counselor for 2 summers and ran riflery. After years of dating they decided it was time to become husband and wife. The wedding had many SNC staffers attending including Beth all the way from Australia.
Give Dylan and J Best Wishes on Facebook

Look who I found getting ready for Halloween. Do they need a costume?

Look who was in Chicagoland recently. Can you name them?

FLASH SALE- POP UP STORE OPENS 11/1/2019
For years campers and parents alike have been asking for some new SNC swag in our camp store. Recently, an idea came our way a Pop Up Store with loads of SNC Swag.
The store will be open for only 3 weeks (November 1st- November 17th) and we guarantee all items will arrive before the holidays...SO WHY NOT START YOUR SHOPPING LONG BEFORE BLACK FRIDAY and get some limited edition camp clothing.
Chose from-Hooded Sweatshirts-Flannels-V Necks-Pants, Socks, Hats & More

SHOP NOW

So if you have been around Swift for many years, you would have had the pleasure to meet one swell guy Travis. He has a way about him that makes everyone feel more valued and good about themselves. Whenever we speak to him, he reflects on how wonderful SNC is and how he wishes he could return each summer. Nearly a year ago Travis returned back to the USA from Africa where he spent 2 years with the Peace Corp. He currently lives in Chicago and works as a BEE KEEPER.

To learn more read this article with Travis A Summer Camp Bee Keeper

Read 2606 times Last modified on Wednesday, 30 October 2019 15:59

Published in Camp Newsletters

Jeff Lorenz

Latest from Jeff Lorenz

More in this category: « Camp Corner - October 2019 Bubba Makes The Big Time »

Testimonials

3 weeks was not enough, next year I want to stay for 6 weeks.

3 weeks was not enough, next year I want to stay for 6 weeks.

Samantha
I really liked the Animals in the Nature Center.

I really liked the Animals in the Nature Center.

Forrest
I like the new friends I made, we still chat on Facebook.

I like the new friends I made, we still chat on Facebook.

Kat
In the cabin our counselors made it feel like a respectful loving family.

In the cabin our counselors made it feel like a respectful loving family.

Kim
I cried for days after leaving my SNC family of friends.

I cried for days after leaving my SNC family of friends.

Charlotte
I liked swimming every day in the lake.

I liked swimming every day in the lake.

Lauren
When I returned home I loved telling my parents about my SNC adventures.

When I returned home I loved telling my parents about my SNC adventures.

Zach
The New Lego building is a wonderful place to be creative and make friends.

The New Lego building is a wonderful place to be creative and make friends.

Reese
I like being out in Nature and away from the city sounds and lights.

I like being out in Nature and away from the city sounds and lights.

Stephen
The Canoe trips are the best, I always feel like an explorer.

The Canoe trips are the best, I always feel like an explorer.

Matt
Being independant and making my own decisions was great.

Being indépendant and making my own decisions was great.

Susan
I liked that it was non-competitive and everyone was kind.

I liked that it was non-competitive and everyone was kind.

Chris
I was surprised how most of the kids were like me, kind, fun and liked being outside.

I was surprised how most of the kids were like me, kind, fun and liked being outside.

Billy
I thought I would miss my electronics, but it was no problem.

I thought I would miss my electronics, but it was no problem.

Sandy
I was excited to get my Archery Achievement Award, it took dedication.

I was excited to get my Archery Achievement Award, it took dedication.

Charlie
I want to go back to SNC.

I want to go back to SNC.

Wyatt
I like learning about Nature and hearing the Loons at night.

I like learning about Nature and hearing the Loons at night.

Nate
I gained so much independence being at camp for 2 weeks.

I gained so much independence being at camp for 2 weeks.

Jenny
This is my 5th summer, I love it.

This is my 5th summer, I love it.

Tyler
I liked that all the activities were in a non-competitive atmosphere.

I liked that all the activities were in a non-competitive atmosphere.

Mike
Their is something Magical about SNC, Friends, Activities, Nature, It's all Great.

Their is something Magical about SNC, Friends, Activities, Nature, It's all Great.

Derrick
I like making beaded animals and friendship bracelets in Arts & Crafts.

I like making beaded animals and friendship bracelets in Arts & Crafts.

Kia
Riding horses on a trail in the woods was Awesome.

Riding horses on a trail in the woods was Awesome.

Amber
The 1st timer camp was good cause we were all the same.

The 1st timer camp was good cause we were all the same.

Justin
When we went hiking it was hard but the sites from the hill were breathtaking.

When we went hiking it was hard but the sites from the hill were breathtaking.

Zach
My friend had been here and he was right... it's a blast.

My friend had been here and he was right... it's a blast.

Sean
I'm kinda sad, this is my last summer, wish I had started younger.

I'm kinda sad, this is my last summer, wish I had started younger.

Matt
Meeting new people from around the world is amazing.

Meeting new people from around the world is amazing.

Katie
I liked that my counselors were friendly and encouraged me to try new things.

I liked that my counselors were friendly and encouraged me to try new things.

Lucy
SNC is about NO cliques.

SNC is about NO cliques.

Tay
I liked daily picking the activities I wanted to do.

I liked daily picking the activities I wanted to do.

Lucy
It's the Funnest camp in the world, I got along with everyone.

It's the Funnest camp in the world, I got along with everyone.

Taylor
SNC is my home away from home.

SNC is my home away from home.

Brandon
I really enjoy meeting new kids from all over and counselors every year.

I really enjoy meeting new kids from all over and counselors every year.

Catherine
So many activities to choose from, we are never bored.

So many activities to choose from, we are never bored.

Cameron
Every year is a new adventure in camping, community and nature.

Every year is a new adventure in camping, community and nature.

Maddy
I enjoyed seeing what America was like.

I enjoyed seeing what America was like.

Kevin
Kindness and understanding is what camp is all about.

Kindness and understanding is what camp is all about.

Grace
I loved it all... Don't' change a thing.

I loved it all... Don't' change a thing.

Marchin
I like that we got to shoot sling shots.

I like that we got to shoot sling shots.

Ken
Camp is so much better than staying home all summer.

Camp is so much better than staying home all summer.

Erick
It took a few years but my swimming really improved.

It took a few years but my swimming really improved.

Pat
I feel completely included and accepted.

I feel completely included and accepted.

David
It is amazing having your Birthday at camp.

It is amazing having your Birthday at camp.

Marty
The small size makes SNC excellent.

The small size makes SNC excellent.

Taylor
I liked learning about nature and ecology.

I liked learning about nature and ecology.

Zach
SNC is a down to earth experience without junk food or electronics.

SNC is a down to earth experience without junk food or electronics.

Lucas
I liked the shorter first timer camp & my councilors were fun and caring.

I liked the shorter first timer camp & my councilors were fun and caring.

Sandy
Living on a lake with all the water activities is wonderful.

Living on a lake with all the water activities is wonderful.

Siena
SNC is down to earth and not a rich kids camp.

SNC is down to earth and not a rich kids camp.

Jason
I liked SNC because it was not a sports camp.

I liked SNC because it was not a sports camp.

Christy
Free time is the best.

Free time is the best.

Tyler
I like being away from home and out in the woods.

I like being away from home and out in the woods.

Josh
Camp friends are the best friends.

Camp friends are the best friends.

Zoe
SNC is about trying new things, meeting new people and being on my own.

SNC is about trying new things, meeting new people and being on my own.

Amanda
Counselors were great.

Counselors were great.

Caitlin
I really like the Arts & Crafts Castle.

I really like the Arts & Crafts Castle.

Patryk
This was my best summer ever.

This was my best summer ever.

Ryan
I gained confidence trying new activities and meeting new folks.

I gained confidence trying new activities and meeting new folks.

Caroline
This is my 5th summer, I love it.

This is my 5th summer, I love it.

Erick
I feel accepted and loved at SNC.

I feel accepted and loved at SNC.

Tyler
Tubing was the most Fun.

Tubing was the most Fun.

Tyler
I feel like I belong to something bigger than me, a community.

I feel like I belong to something bigger than me, a community.

Shawn
Friends is what brings me back to SNC.

Friends is what brings me back to SNC.

Jason
I really look forward to Pizza Night.

I really look forward to Pizza Night.

Sylvia
Swift is a good fit for me, I love nature and being outside.

Swift is a good fit for me, I love nature and being outside.

Angela
I got to shoot a real gun.

I got to shoot a real gun.

Conley
My counselors were very encouraging when i was unsure of new activities.

My counselors were very encouraging when i was unsure of new activities.

Nick
Making new friends is easy at Swift.

Making new friends is easy at Swift.

Pat
Counselors made sure I felt included in the cabin.

Counselors made sure I felt included in the cabin.

Julie
I liked coming to SNC with my sister.

I liked coming to SNC with my sister.

Kate
Sleep in Sundays are one of my favorite days at camp.

Sleep in Sundays are one of my favorite days at camp.

Kristina
I got to bring my pet from home to SNC.

I got to bring my pet from home to SNC.

Ryan

Camp Corner

Why The Pumpkin?

Encouragement is Needed

Jeff Lorenz

Latest from Jeff Lorenz

Testimonials

3 weeks was not enough, next year I want to stay for 6 weeks.

I really liked the Animals in the Nature Center.

I like the new friends I made, we still chat on Facebook.

In the cabin our counselors made it feel like a respectful loving family.

I cried for days after leaving my SNC family of friends.

I liked swimming every day in the lake.

When I returned home I loved telling my parents about my SNC adventures.

The New Lego building is a wonderful place to be creative and make friends.

I like being out in Nature and away from the city sounds and lights.

The Canoe trips are the best, I always feel like an explorer.

Being independant and making my own decisions was great.

I liked that it was non-competitive and everyone was kind.

I was surprised how most of the kids were like me, kind, fun and liked being outside.

I thought I would miss my electronics, but it was no problem.

I was excited to get my Archery Achievement Award, it took dedication.

I want to go back to SNC.

I like learning about Nature and hearing the Loons at night.

I gained so much independence being at camp for 2 weeks.

This is my 5th summer, I love it.

I liked that all the activities were in a non-competitive atmosphere.

Their is something Magical about SNC, Friends, Activities, Nature, It's all Great.

I like making beaded animals and friendship bracelets in Arts & Crafts.

Riding horses on a trail in the woods was Awesome.

The 1st timer camp was good cause we were all the same.

When we went hiking it was hard but the sites from the hill were breathtaking.

My friend had been here and he was right... it's a blast.

I'm kinda sad, this is my last summer, wish I had started younger.

Meeting new people from around the world is amazing.

I liked that my counselors were friendly and encouraged me to try new things.

SNC is about NO cliques.

I liked daily picking the activities I wanted to do.

It's the Funnest camp in the world, I got along with everyone.

SNC is my home away from home.

I really enjoy meeting new kids from all over and counselors every year.

So many activities to choose from, we are never bored.

Every year is a new adventure in camping, community and nature.

I enjoyed seeing what America was like.

Kindness and understanding is what camp is all about.

I loved it all... Don't' change a thing.

I like that we got to shoot sling shots.

Camp is so much better than staying home all summer.

It took a few years but my swimming really improved.

I feel completely included and accepted.

It is amazing having your Birthday at camp.

The small size makes SNC excellent.

I liked learning about nature and ecology.

SNC is a down to earth experience without junk food or electronics.

I liked the shorter first timer camp & my councilors were fun and caring.

Living on a lake with all the water activities is wonderful.

SNC is down to earth and not a rich kids camp.

I liked SNC because it was not a sports camp.

Free time is the best.

I like being away from home and out in the woods.

Camp friends are the best friends.

SNC is about trying new things, meeting new people and being on my own.

Counselors were great.

I really like the Arts & Crafts Castle.

This was my best summer ever.

I gained confidence trying new activities and meeting new folks.

This is my 5th summer, I love it.

I feel accepted and loved at SNC.

Tubing was the most Fun.

I feel like I belong to something bigger than me, a community.

Friends is what brings me back to SNC.

I really look forward to Pizza Night.

Swift is a good fit for me, I love nature and being outside.

I got to shoot a real gun.

My counselors were very encouraging when i was unsure of new activities.

Making new friends is easy at Swift.

Counselors made sure I felt included in the cabin.

I liked coming to SNC with my sister.

Sleep in Sundays are one of my favorite days at camp.

I got to bring my pet from home to SNC.

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