When I reflect on my early days of scouting at Camp Minocqua for Boys, it's impossible not to think about how much those experiences shaped my approach as the director of Swift Nature Camp. Back then, in the quiet forests of Northern Wisconsin, there was a kind of freedom and discovery that couldn't be found anywhere else. Whether it was hiking through the thick pine woods, learning survival skills, or camping under a sky full of stars, scouting at Camp Minocqua wasn’t just about badges and merit. It was all about learning how to connect with nature and, ultimately, ourselves.
As a kid, I didn't fully grasp the significance of those adventures. To me, it was pure fun—climbing trees, swimming in the lakes, and sitting around campfires with other boys from all over the country. But looking back now, I see that those early scouting experiences were laying the foundation for something much bigger. The activities we did—building shelters, starting fires with flint and steel, identifying plants—were teaching us self-reliance and leadership. They made us think critically, work together, and push beyond our limits.
One of the most memorable experiences I had was a multi-day hiking trip. We were given a map, a compass, and the bare essentials to make it through. At first, the responsibility of navigating those miles of wilderness seemed overwhelming. I remember feeling anxious—what if we got lost? What if I made a mistake? But as we moved through the forest, each of us taking turns as the leader, something incredible happened. I began to trust myself and my abilities. I became more aware of my surroundings, more attuned to the sights and sounds of nature. And when we finally reached our destination—tired, dirty, but victorious—it was a feeling I’ll never forget.
Those moments are what make scouting special. It’s not just about achieving a goal or mastering a skill; it’s about the journey, about discovering who you are along the way. That’s something I’ve brought with me to Swift Nature Camp. Here, we emphasize the importance of nature and outdoor education, but more than that, we focus on the personal growth that happens in these settings. Kids learn to lead, to collaborate, to take responsibility for themselves and others—all while having an amazing time in the great outdoors.
I’ve seen the same transformation in campers here at Swift Nature Camp that I experienced at Camp Minocqua. They arrive shy or uncertain, maybe even a bit homesick, and within a few days, they’re climbing trees, canoeing across the lake, or leading their peers on a hike. Just like me all those years ago, they begin to trust themselves and each other. They start to see nature not just as a backdrop, but as a place of adventure, learning, and growth.
Scouting Summer Camps in Wisconsin has always been about more than earning badges—it’s about building character and resilience. At Swift Nature Camp, we incorporate many of these same values. Whether it’s learning how to tie knots, set up a campsite, or simply explore the woods, campers are constantly developing skills that will serve them far beyond their time at camp. They’re becoming future leaders, confident and capable in a world that’s increasingly disconnected from nature.
Looking back on my own journey, it’s clear that scouting at Camp Minocqua was one of the defining experiences of my youth. It instilled in me a love for the outdoors and a belief in the power of nature to shape young minds. That’s a belief I’ve carried with me for over 30 years as the director of Swift Nature Camp, where we continue to create a place where kids can disconnect from the distractions of modern life and reconnect with themselves—and each other—through the simple, powerful act of exploring the natural world.
