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Displaying items by tag: Summer camp Illinois

Swift Nature Camp: A Science and Nature Summer Camp Near Chicagoland

101 0810 ppAre you looking for a summer camp that combines science and nature in a fun and educational way? Look no further than Swift Nature Camp, an overnight summer camp located just a few hours from Chicagoland.

At Swift Nature Camp, campers ages 6-17 can immerse themselves in a variety of science and nature activities, from learning about the ecology of the nearby lakes and forests to exploring the wonders of the night sky with our on-site telescope. Our program is designed to provide hands-on experiences that foster a love of science and nature, and our experienced staff are passionate about sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with campers.

As one of the few science summer camps and nature summer camps near Chicagoland, we offer a unique opportunity for campers to engage with the natural world and develop their scientific curiosity. From investigating the behavior of insects to studying the chemistry of rocks and minerals, our program is filled with activities that challenge campers to observe, question, and explore.

Our Nature Nut Campers, a group that can never seem to get enough nature and science, absolutely love the Nature Center and Camp Zoo. It's a favorite spot for them to explore and learn about the natural world around them.

In addition to our science and nature activities, Swift Nature Camp offers a wide range of traditional camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, and sports. Our goal is to create a well-rounded experience for campers that fosters personal growth, social connections, and a love of nature.

Our beautiful 80-acre campus in northern Wisconsin is surrounded by lakes and forests, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and scientific exploration. Our cabins are cozy and comfortable, providing a home away from home for our campers.

At Swift Nature Camp, we pride ourselves on our commitment to safety and inclusivity. Our staff are trained in CPR and first aid, and we work hard to ensure that every camper feels welcome and supported, regardless of their background or abilities.

Don't miss your chance to enroll your child in one of the best science summer camps and nature summer camps near Chicagoland. Swift Nature Camp is a place where campers can discover their passions, make lifelong friends, and connect with the natural world. Contact us today to learn more and enroll.

Lonnie Lorenz
630-654-8036
WWW. SNC.Camp

hiking copyThe history of summer children's camps in America dates back to the late 19th century, when the first camp for boys was established in 1861 by Frederick William Gunn in Connecticut. This camp, called the Gunnery, was based on the British model of summer camps and was designed to provide boys with a healthy outdoor experience and an alternative to the traditional boarding school.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, summer camps for children and teenagers became increasingly popular in America, and a variety of different types of camps began to emerge. These included camps for boys, camps for girls, camps for both boys and girls, and camps for children with special needs. Many of these camps were based on the traditional British model and focused on activities such as swimming, hiking, and sports.

However, as the 20th century progressed, summer camps in America began to evolve and diversify, offering a wider range of activities and programs to meet the changing interests and needs of children and teenagers. Today, there are literally thousands of different types of summer camps available in America, ranging from traditional camps that focus on outdoor activities and sports, to specialized camps that offer instruction in everything from art and music to science and technology.

So why is the concept of summer camp still relevant in 2023? There are several reasons why summer camps continue to be popular and important for children and teenagers in America.

First, summer kids camps provide children and teenagers with an opportunity to have a fun and rewarding summer experience away from home. At summer camp, children and teenagers can participate in a wide range of activities, such as sports, arts, outdoor adventure, and more, which can help them learn new skills, make new friends, and develop independence.

Second, summer camps can be a great way for children and teenagers to unplug from technology and reconnect with nature. In today's digital age, it can be easy for children and teenagers to become overly reliant on screens and technology, and summer camps can provide a much-needed break from this. At summer camp, children and teenagers can spend time outdoors, exploring nature, and participating in activities that require them to be physically active and engaged.

Third, summer camps can be a great way for children and teenagers to learn new skills and develop new interests. Many summer camps offer specialized programs and activities that can help children and teenagers learn about new subjects and pursue new hobbies. For example, a child who is interested in science and technology might attend a summer camp that offers instruction in these areas, while a child who enjoys the arts might attend a camp that offers drama, music, or visual arts programs.

Finally, summer camps can be a great way for children and teenagers to develop independence and responsibility. At summer camp, children and teenagers are often required to take care of themselves and make their own decisions, which can help them develop important life skills such as self-reliance, problem-solving, and time management.

Overall, the concept of summer youth camp is still relevant in 2023 because it provides children and teenagers with an opportunity to have a fun and rewarding summer experience, unplug from technology, learn new skills and develop new interests, and develop independence and responsibility. Whether children and teenagers are interested in sports, the arts, or outdoor adventure, there is a summer camp that can meet their needs and interests. Learn more about Swift Nature Camp at http://SNC.Camp

Memorial Day 1-3pm
Come Meet The Swift Nature Camp Staff
Ask Your Questions
Kids Play Games
Meet Critters from The Camp Zoo



This OPEN HOUSE is always a big hit. It is a great time to meet other campers and Staff! We will play games and answer any last minute questions you might have about camp, it's perfect as a "getting to know you time" before camp starts. If you are still not sure if Swift is the place for you this summer - stop on by, we love to talk about Swift Nature Camp.

WHEN: Monday May 29th

TIME: 1pm-3pm

WHERE: Willowbrook Wildlife Center (Glen Ellyn, Il -near College of DuPage) We hope you can make it to this fun program. Please dress for the weather. If you have any questions call us at 630-654-8036.

Happy Trails

Lonnie & Jeff

DIRECTIONS
WILLOWBROOK WILDLIFE CENTER IS LOCATED

Camp Corner Newsletter
Just returned back from camp after a few weeks. While you are busy finishing up school we are busy getting ready for your summer camp adventures to start. Here are just a few things that we have been doing.
 
Who Stole the Swift Nature Camp Sign?

No need to worry... After 23 years we thought it was time to give the old sign a makeover. So as you come over the last hill on your way into camp please be sure to take a special look at the New camp sign and tell us what you think.
 
MORE CANOES = MORE FUN
 
We have nearly doubled our canoe fleet for 2017, bringing our total number of canoes to near 40 in all.  Perfect for those Adventurous Canoe Trips we will be having this summer.
 
 

What Happens Before You Arrive to SNC?

Pre Camp is all about doing projects, so when you arrive, you can enjoy all the updates. This is Luis (from Mexico) It is his 2nd summer at SNC. He is usually seen around camp helping Super Tom fix and repair things.  Here Luis is replacing the benches on the Pontoon boat -Dah G Dah. Be sure and ask Luis to your table for Lunch some time, he loves hanging with the campers when he has time.
 
 
Super Tom
Every Summer Camp has a few unsung heroes, that work timelessly to make camp special for everyone. Super Tom is ours, he has been with camp since 2001 and he is the only member of the camp staff that lives on the camp property all year long.During winter it can get pretty lonely at camp with no other folks around. Maybe that's why every summer he is so excited to see us all. Tom is always ready to fix things that need fixing but more importantly he is ready to have a chat, so be sure to say "HI" to him when you see him at camp.
 
 
 

MEET GRISHIN
Grishin has lived in New Zealand for half of his life and the other half he lived in South Africa. Be sure to have him speak his native language for you... it is unlike any I have ever heard before. Grishin is sort of a sportsy guy and has played cricket and rugby for his school teams, he was even captain.  Do you think he is playing with an Erector Set in this picture? NOPE, he is actuall helping to rebuild to Boating Docks.
 
 
Welcome Billy

This is Billy's first summer at Swift Nature Camp. He is from Mexico and and will be helping Super Tom and Luis during the summer. One of our goals is to finish restaining the cabins, so that will take a lot of time and energy to sand off all the old paint to get them ready for stain. This will be Billy's main project of the summer- 5 more cabins to go.
Can you tell what Billy is working on in this picture? It's Dah-G-Dah the Pontoon Boat. For 2017, New carpet, floor boards and paint have been added.
Will it be the same color?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Did You Know that Swift Nature Camp had a full length Documentry made at camp? It follows a few of our campers around a normal day of camp.  The makers of the movie had a full range of the camp and were able to film anything they wished. The story that developed was a surprise to us all.
SEE IT NOW FOR FREE
 
Be sure to get all the latest information so you are ready for 2017.
  • This Summers Information

  • Willy is happy to be back at camp. We will be celebrating his 10th Birthday. For him he is getting older and not as active as past summers. He has developed a slight limp and has become hard of hearing. So you might just see him lying down and sleeping, waiting for you to give him a belly rub.
    He can't wait for that....

HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT TO THE OPEN HOUSE

Winter

25 Baybrook Ln.

Oak Brook, IL 60523

Phone: 630-654-8036

swiftcamp@aol.com

Camp

W7471 Ernie Swift Rd.

Minong, WI 54859

Phone: 715-466-5666

swiftcamp@aol.com