Dear Parents,
First, we realize the importance that campers feel special while at camp. Our highly trained staff accomplishes this by acknowledging the fact this quite possibly is your child's first extended time away from home. We know one of the best ways to do this is to have additional staff always on hand for each and every camper. We are extremely proud of the fact that during Discovery Camp we limit each cabin size to only 6-8 campers with 2-3staff members. That's only 50 campers (ages 6-12) and 25 staff members ! The first day of camp is Orientation Day when campers not only get a tour of the camp, complete with a visit to the Health Center and the Mail Box, but also go to each activity area learning about safety in that activity. Within the cabin our staff works hard to promote a nurturing and harmonious friendship. This starts with a Respect List for all to agree to and sign and each night ends with a bedtime story. Due to the fact that all campers are new to this camp, they are all on equal ground right from the start. Prior to the campers arrival, the staff studies each camper informational packet. They learn about each child and are aware of any specific needs. If your camper has medical needs staff discuss these in confidence with our Camp Nurse. By the time your child arrives at camp, the staff feels as if they already know your camper. This is beneficial to the campers from the moment they step off the bus and are greeted.

Second, we know the importance of inclusion. SNC provides a well rounded non-competitive program with many activity choices, giving each camper the opportunity to explore what they enjoy and quite possibly may excel at. Each morning a cabin is invited to two instructional activity areas. These include Swimming, Canoeing, Nature Center, Arts and Crafts, Archery, and more! We encourage all campers to try new and different activities. In the afternoon campers make their own choices from the Activity Board deciding what they wish to focus on. Making their own decisions and following through with them is what we are emphasizing.

Third, Swift Nature Camp encourages each child to learn independence in a safe, age appropriate environment. Our Twelve Day Discovery Camp is the perfect length for first time campers to gain autonomy, leave their homesickness behind, and feel comfortable with their new found independence. For many campers the greatest lesson camp teaches is that they can leave home, return days later and very few things will have changed, especially your love for them.

Finally, we know you want to feel comfortable that your child is in a safe, nurturing and secure environment. We encourage parents to visit us at any time after the first five days. Of course, a list of references is available to you. Please feel free to speak with other parents who have had their children attend Swift Nature Camp. Be sure to watch the Parent Testimonials to get a better understanding what SNC is all about. As Camp Directors we are always available, so feel fee to call.

Lonnie & Jeff Lorenz

We want your child to feel a sense of belonging to something bigger, a family. With over 95% of our campers wishing to return next summer, we feel we are pretty good at helping children enjoy their camp time. Here are a few things we do:

Prior to Camp:

• An online Parent's Handbook contains everything you'll need to get ready for camp. This includes: how to prepare your child for that first time alone, a packing list and even hints how to say goodbye. Our Parent's Handbook covers everything!
• Once you enroll, you are invited to meet new friends on our social networking websites. This provides a wonderful opportunity to meet staff and campers alike.
• At the end of May we have an Open House in Chicago area, this provides newcomers with a wonderful chance to meet other campers and staff.
• We ask parents and campers to tell us in detail about themselves, from songs you like to things you are scared of. Plus we ask for a photo, that way we know who you are before you ever arrive at camp.
• Parents of newcomers know that Jeff & Lonnie are always available to answer questions and offer friendly advice for their child. If you have a question, give us a call...that's why we are here.

During Camp:

• As soon as your child arrives in camp he/she is introduced to their cabin counselor as well as Jeff & Lonnie, the Directors. This way your child knows who to come and see should they have an issue.
• Our camp ONLY has new campers...so everyone is in the same position right from the start.
• The first day of camp is an orientation day complete with camp tour. Campers learn about different activities and safety in these areas as well as camp expectations and even where the mail box is.
• The first night the 5-7 campers and 2 counselors from each cabin set up their cabin respect list. Ensuring that everyone has a say in what they feel is important in their new family.
• Many of our staff are returning to Swift Nature Camp, most are teaching majors at university...so they see camp as a way to learn about children.
• We realize that one of the easiest ways to minimize homesickness in a child is to keep them busy. We do this from early morning to late at night. We even have staff on hand to give those children who are having a more difficult time their own private counselor. We know of no other summer camp that is as dedicated to the first time camper as we are.

After Camp:

• We ask you and your child to rate our program and how it has benefited your child.
• We want to be your child's Family in the Northwoods, SNC relationships are what it's all about. We strive to keep these friendships alive .
• Every few months your child will get a newsletter as to what's happening at camp. Campers love getting the "Camp Corner" newsletter.
• We will send your child holiday cards and birthday cards.
• We encourage children to stay in touch with our Facebook page.
• We have a yearly reunion where campers can come and see old friends