Are you looking for a overnight summer camp in Minnesota that will provide your child with an unforgettable experience? Look no further than Swift Nature Camp! Our camp offers a unique combination of traditional overnight camp activities and an emphasis on nature education all in a fun and supportive environment.
Every family wants their child to succeed at overnight camp. To ensure a successful summer for your child and your family, we recommend following these Dos and Don'ts when considering an overnight camp:
DO your research to find the right camp for your child. Swift Nature Camp is the perfect choice for kids who love to play outdoors, making new friends, and learning about nature.
DO try and schedule a tour of the camp just 2 hours from Minneapolis before camp starts. Seeing our beautiful camp setting and meeting our staff will give your child a better idea of what to expect and ease any nerves they may have.
DO get to know our camp director and leadership team. Our team is passionate about providing a safe and fun environment for all campers, and we want to get to know your child and family too! A Meet & Greet is held in person prior to camp as well as a many Zoom Meetings prior to camp.
DO trust our team to make the right decisions for our camp. Lonnie & Jeff have 28 years of experience and expertise in providing a positive camp experience for children.
DO be honest with us about any special considerations your child may have. We want to ensure that every camper has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. After all you are the expert on your child, help us to be an expert as well.
DO talk about Swift Nature Camp in a positive way leading up to the summer. Encourage your camper to look forward to all the fun activities they will participate in and the new friends they will make. If you are concerned talk to other adults or the Directors not your kids.
DO let your child know that it is okay to miss home and still have fun at camp. Homesickness is a natural feeling, and we have strategies in place to help campers feel comfortable and happy. Our small size makes it easier to give individual attention to each camper
DON'T make pick-up deals with your child. We want to encourage campers to stick with the program and gain independence and confidence. So do not tell them " Just try it for a few days, if you don't like it, I'll get you". This is a guarantee for failure.
DON'T obsess over the photos we share on our website or social media. Photos only show a small snapshot of the day, and your child may be fully engaged in an activity even if they are not smiling in the photo.
DO feel free to call Lonnie & Jeff every day if need be. If you hear nothing from us, that is good. We will contact you if there are any issues, and we want to give campers space to grow and learn.
DON'T pack items that we ask you to leave at home, such as phones & food. We have strict policies in place to ensure a safe and positive camp experience for all campers.
DO send your child a positive letter in the first few days of camp. A letter from home can be a great comfort to campers and remind them that you are thinking of them. Although close to Minneapolis, it still takes 3 days to ge a letter to camp.
DON'T write about all the things they are missing or how much you can't wait for them to be home. This can make them feel homesick and anxious.
DO participate in any new camper get-togethers we schedule. These events are a great way for your child to meet other campers and feel more comfortable.
DON'T overpack. We have limited storage space, and do laundry 1 time a week..
DO know we have no visiting day. Parents can come when ever they want (after the first 7 days). However less than 10% of our parents visit. They save that visit for pick up day.
DO try to enjoy your summer knowing that your child is having fun and making memories at Swift Nature Camp. We are dedicated to providing a safe, positive, and educational experience for all campers.
Thanks for Reading. Have any questions please reach out 630-654-8036
Jeff & Lonnie
Camp Directors
