Summer Camp for the Obama's

phpThumb_generated_thumbnailjpgSummer Camp is Malia’s latest Adventure!
President Barack Obama says, Summer Camp is a rite of passage that countless kids experience: a summer at camp, bunking with a bunch of other girls in a wooden cabin or tent, sharing chores, swatting away mosquitoes and giggling the night away... it's a wonderful time that every child should experience. Read More...

Environmental Summer Camp

Visit: Science Summer Camps


jacobHey!
Jacob here, I will be in the Nature Center this summer teaching you all about the big beautiful outdoors.. I like to fish, hunt and play sports. This is my first summer at camp but at school I’m studying youth programming and camp management. I love being outside and making new friends... ( this is my new friend here in the picture :) It is going to be a great summer! Read More...

Summer Camp Instills Responsibility

Teen Adventure Camp
cabin life copyAs parents we love our children and we want the best for them. Yet, what is our goal? As much as we love them its to get our kids out of the house. Yes, we need to launch them into the real world. In order to make this happen successfully we need to raise independent, self-sufficient human beings. Accomplishing this goal requires prent to always be thinking. What is the best route to take between helpless...... Read More...

Summer Camp Discounts

Visit: Minnesota Summer Camps
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As most of you know SCHOOL is nearly over! And that means that the time you have been most looking forward too is here. CAMP! Have you invited your Friends to come to summer camp? You should, not only do you get a really cool hat but you save $300.00 Read More...

Summer Camp Shirt

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evolve
And the winner is.......
Thanks to all the campers and staff that placed their vote for the best Tshirt design. It was very close with this shirt only winning by 1 vote. Don’t worry , if you liked the others you will see them pop again next year and you can vote again. Read More...

First Time Going To Summer Camp

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bird&jeffAt long last, parents of children who are going to summer camp for the first time have a choice available that is directly tailored to the needs of their child. After listening for years to parents and children expressing what they feel is important for a positive first time summer camp experience, Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz, directors of Swift Nature Camp, have created Discovery Camp, a program designed to meet the specific needs of all new campers and their parents.

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Teens and Summer Camp

Visit: Teen Summer Camps
backpack2What are we to do with our teen this summer?” Many parents wonder. They are looking for a place that offer personal growth and independence but in a safe place, away from the pressures of today. Well the answer has been around a long time, its Summer Camp! Yep, Summer Camp!

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Benefits of Summer Camp

Visit: Minnesota Summer Camps
archery-copyAt Overnight Summer Camps, children are given the choice to take risks and try new things. This voluntary nature makes children more open to new experiences, with personal satisfaction as their motivation. Not only are there opportunities to try new things, but camp offers many areas for children to excel in. At a good general interest camp, the non-athlete can shine at arts and crafts, woodworking, or dramatic programs....

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Wisconsin Summer Camps

Visit: Wisconsin Summer CampssunsetWisconsin! When you hear that state mentioned, I'm sure you imagine cows, Harley Davidson motorcycles and the beautiful capitol of Madison. Yet, north of all that is the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Filled with all its natural beauty. In the sky you can see eagles all around swooping down to catch a fish in a nearby lake or stream. If your quiet you might just hear a loon or a wolf in the background. This is what America looked like 100 years ago. Until you experience the simple beauty, you can’t begin to imagine what you will find there.

Children thrive in Wisconsin Summer Camps.Camp offers your child a chance to...


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Experts say-Get Outside and Play

Visit: Nature Summer CampsbartAnyone can read a book about ecology or see a film about wild animals. But, today's children are missing contact with the outside world. Children learn more rapidly through natural curiosity, experimentation and discovery, rather than a classroom lecture. That's just part of the benefits that nature and the outdoors impart onto kids. And much of this can be done with guided purposeful hands on play.
The Wisconsin No Child Left Inside Coalition is working to develop an Environmental Literacy Plan for Wisconsin that will address the environmental education needs of Wisconsin's

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Summer Camp Safety

Visit: Summer Youth Camp
archeryChoosing a camp is a big decision faced by parents each and every summer. And the summer of 2010 is no exception.
When the last school bell rings, each summer parents want to know: Where to send their kids for camp? It's a choice that shouldn't be taken lightly. Any parent sending their child off better be a little nervous. Before making the decision, put together a list of requirements.
It will include:
You want it to be a safe place
You want it to have caring staff You want it to promote Fun but there is so much more.

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Summer Camps Versus Technology

Visit: Minnesota Summer Camps
034SToday, millions of children suffer from a lack of outdoor exposure and play, summer vacation only increases a parents' concerns about their kids spending days in front of the television, computer or electronic gaming.
Even with a challenging economy, many parents realize the benefits of investing in their kids' futures with the summer camp experiences . Summer Camp is a safe and nurturing place that promotes outdoor play but more importantly it builds important life skills.
Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder" and chairman of the Children & Nature Network, believes "Free play in natural areas enhances children's cognitive flexibility, problem-solving ability, creativity, self-esteem and self-discipline." and that "Children are simply happier and healthier when they have frequent and varied opportunities for experiences in the out-of-doors,"

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Summer Camp Anxiety

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001SSummer is on the way and children around the world are flocking to USA summer camps. THis uniquely American institution offers kids the opportunity to gain independence while learning school curriculums, music, sports, dance and acting camps. Yet one of the most popular is the traditional summer camp experience, where children play in nature and learn camping skills.

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Rock for Nature

Visit: Science Summer Camp



In 1969 a Summer Music Concert was created in was called Woodstock. Joe Cocker was there! Today, many years later he is creating Rock for Nature a concert that promotes biodiversity in nature and in our farms.

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Nature Rocks

Visit: Nature Summer Camp
logoWASHINGTON, DC -/PRNewswire/ — Today four of the nation's leaders and experts in bringing families and nature together, The Nature Conservancy, REI, Children and Nature Network, and ecoAmerica, announced the launch of Nature Rocks – an initiative created to inspire and empower parents across the country to take their families to play, explore and enjoy quality time in nature.

With summer fast approaching, parents are now focused on planning fun, family activities — determining the best activities to keep kids and parents busy and entertained during the summer months. Nature Rocks is an ideal solution to this need, as it has been designed to ensure that all families – regardless of budget, kids' ages or experience – can plan affordable and fun activities in nature that encourage family bonding ......

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Rifles at Summer Camp

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shooting2Often parents are a little surprised and concerned that their children learn to shoot a gun at summer camp.It is amazingly rewarding to hear a parent ask their child, “Are those real guns?” and the camper responds, “They sure are, we shoot .22 caliber guns’ as they beam with a huge smile.

Obviously, safety is our first priority at riferly, and every camper knows it. Our range is completely controlled and supervised. The guns and ammunition are always locked and stored separately. The riflery sport instructors are trained and all of the campers are taught the proper safety protocols when they choose riflery for one of their activities. Any goofing around and they will not shoot again for the summer. What we are not trying to teach is shooting critters, or being dangerous or even self-defence.

What we are trying to teach children is that they can have responsibility if they are able to handle it. Can you think of anything requiring more responsibility than being able to shoot a gun. Yet something is magical in that child’s smile, as they tell their parent about their bullseye.

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Summer Camp — As relevant as ever

Visit: Summer Camp
adventure-1-copyFor many Summer Camp Seems to be an old Fashioned summer activity, Yet writer Josh Noel, of the Chicago Tribune seems to have unique insight that every parent needs to hear. This summer institution is old-fashioned — and as relevant as ever.

Summer camp provides folks with a special place unlike any other, ask anyone who has been to summer camp. Camp is uniquely child centered.Providing an open and friendly place. It’s where you can put aside your reputation from school, avoid a lot of the drama, and just relax into who you really are. That’s a big part of why you make your best friends at camp; you’re not trying to impress or be someone else. It’s just you. All this with some really cool adults providing constant interaction.

Read the article from the Chicago Tribune by clicking on read more.


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ACA Celebrates 100 Years

Visit: Summer Camp
acaAs members of the the American Camp Association, we are pleased to recognize the National Summer Camp Association and accrediting organization, for their 100 years. Camp professionals have looked to the ACA to assist camp directors help maintain Best Practices. As its original name applies the “Camp Directors Association of America.” has been helping camps and their owners for 100 years.

To learn more about the early days of the ACA
SEE VIDEO


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First Time At Summer Camp

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  • At long last, parents of children who are going to summer camp for the first time have a choice available that is directly tailored to the needs of their child. After listening for years to parents and children expressing what they feel is important for a positive first time summer camp experience, Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz, directors of Swift Nature Camp, have created Discovery Camp, a program designed to meet the specific needs of all new campers and their parents.

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Camp for Every Child

Visit: Nature Summer CampPasted Graphic
Often Parents are curious if Swift Nature Camp has specific programs for certain aged children. Are SNC programs better for young children- a first time at camp, middle school- looking for new activities or teenagers- searching for teen adventure. Since we feel we do so well in all these areas let us give you a few reasons why.

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Welcome To Swift Nature Camp

Visit: Nature Summer Campfamily-photo
Hey everyone last fall we took a trip to the zoo and saw the largest Loon ever seen by man. So BIG we had to catch a ride on his back. We naturally had to get next to it to have our picture taken. Can’t wait till next summer when the loons head on back to camp.
Here a few facts about the Common Loon......

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Duluth Minnesota in the Top 25

Visit: Nature Summer Camp
tubingRecently Backpacker Magazine set out to find the best cities to raise kids in Nature. Suprisingly, or maybe not, Duluth was ranked in the top 25. These are the best places in America to “beat Nature Deficit Disorder.” Read more at Outdoors Camp. That’s not too surprising when you think about all the incredible fun outdoor things to do around Swift Nature camp. Remember Lake Superior, Apostle Islands, Amnion Falls, Superior Hiking Trail and THe Boundary Waters. So nest summer do What Back Packer Magazine Recommends go Play Outside in the Northwoods of Minnesota.

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No Child Left Inside

Visit: Nature Summer Camp
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The Wisconsin No Child Left Inside Coalition is working to develop an Environmental Literacy Plan for Wisconsin that will address the environmental education needs of Wisconsin's pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade schools and will pay special attention to creating more opportunities to get kids outside. The Plan will recommend a comprehensive strategy to ensure every child graduates with the environmental skills and knowledge needed to contribute to a sustainable future.

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John Muir Award

Visit: Nature Summer Camp
Nature camp The John Muir Youth Award program was launched in Dunbar, Scotland in April, 1996 by the John Muir Trust of the United Kingdom. Dunbar was chosen to launch the program because it was the birthplace of John Muir. Thirty-eight students satisfied the award criteria and were the first recipients of the award.

The Sierra Club, through its volunteer John Muir Education Committee, operates the John Muir Youth Award in the U.S.A. Interested schools, nature centers, youth camps, or individuals are welcome to participate! The first John Muir Youth Award recipients in the USA were 19 students from the John Muir School in Portage, Wisconsin, located near Muir's boyhood home, and was awarded in June, 1997. Read on to learn how to enter!

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Best Summer Camps

Visit: Nature Summer Camp
Best Summer Camps
5 Reasons to Watch a Summer Camp Video
Best Summer Camps.

So you've decided you want your child to go to summer camp? Before getting camp information you should have a goal in mind. Make a list of things you feel you want your kid to gain from a summer camp experience. Make sure it's not just about activities. What about a camp's physical attributes, like cabins or tents? Is it a small, personal camp or a large camp with loads of campers? Once you have this information, you can create a check list to help compare camps and narrow down your search for the

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Science Summer Camp

Visit: Nature Summer Camp
sunset
Swift Nature Camp, is a Summer Camp in Wisconsin where children play outside while learning about Nature and Science. Here are some helpful hints parents can do at home. Experts tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is noticing what nature offers. Such observation often leads to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural world. Science Summer Camp


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The Right Summer Camp Choice

Visit: Swift Nature Camp WebsiteAdventure-Camp-411-pp
THE RIGHT CAMP MAKES A DIFFERENCE

It is being lost! Today less and less children are getting to go to summer camp. The wonderful experience of summer camp has been a way of life for generations of American children. Sleeping away from home and making new friends is a time of increased independence and maturity.For others who did not get the opportunity to go to Outdoor Camp they just don't understand the importance.

In many books and movies summer camp has been the scene. To name a few, "The Parent Trap" and "Indian Summer". Yet, the majority of these movies and books are not realistic. Either they sugar coat the camp experience or they make it just horrible. Summercamp! , the documentary is one of the most realistic true stories about kids at summer camp. Filmed at Swift Nature Camp in Wisconsin, it truely shows how the kids interact and what makes camp so special. During the filming over 300 hours of film was shot to make this charming 90 minute feature. This documentry shows camp like it really is, this is no glossy brochure or promotional DVD, it just shows kids living life with new friends and in new siuations.......


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Reason for Summer Camps

Visit: Swift Nature Camp WebsiteSuimmer camp
Top Reasons for Summer Camp
He was 10 and I knew he was looking for more than a summer of day care and TV shows. So I wondered if SUMMER CAMP was the right place for my son.
My son, currently 15, has attended Swift Nature Camp for four years and we are going to send him back for as long as we can. He loves it. Although, he has ADHD and is very smart, but has trouble at school with attention-seeking ploys.
The counselors and directors at SNC have a great, hands-on approach to leadership, social skills development and confidence-building......read on

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Peace! We strive for it at Camp

Visit: Swift Nature Camp Website

Nearly 25 year ago John Denver said these words to encourage us to believe in our heart and soul that war needs to end. Yet here we are with our children fighting and dyeing for our county and to protect our freedoms.


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Halloween Fun

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summer camp fun
Halloween has got to be one of those times of year that is most like summer camp. IT IS OK TO GET CRAZY! I think deep down we all love to dress up in some wacky way and make others laugh. Remember those crazy days at camp when you wore something outlandish or dressed like someone else? This picture is of a costume that Forrest and I wore for a local Halloween party. Can you guess who we are? We won a prize for one of the best costumes. Please be kind this Halloween and do not participate in mean tricks...it’s just not nice :)

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Outside Play

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summer_camp_1967-tbLET’S GO PLAY OUTSIDE
These days parents heavily schedule their children making it more difficult for children to get outside and play. It seems as parents, we give much more importance to technology than nature. After all do your kids see you more at the computer screen or taking a walk in Nature? Enough Said! Kids folllow their parent examples and it is estimated that most children spend nearly 6 hours a day in front of some sort of screen.

Famed author Richard Louv, of Last Child in the Woods: is alarmed by this untouching of nature. He calls it Nature-deficit disorder and sad situation in child development. He feels there is a link between lack of outdoor play and and increase in obesity, attention disorders, and depression.

Summer Camp is just one place that can help children learn to appreciate nature as well as teach children independence and friendship....

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A Feel Good


After watching this I was so touched I had to put it here. I hope that some of our summer camp kids feel this good after coming to camp.

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Because of Camp

BOC PSA_billboards[Underwood]
What do Emma Roberts, Lisa Loeb, Blair Underwood, Frank Sesno, Ashlan Gorse, and Lisa Raye have in common? They all believe who they are today is, at least partly, because of camp. Many of todays adults have fond memories of Summer Camp and realize it is about so much more than fun. BECAUSE OF CAMP

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Camp is the Best

100_3597-tbVisit: Swift Nature Camp Website
Ever since I was seven, I am now sixteen so almost nine years, my mind and heart have resided in the beautiful North Woods at Swift Nature Camp. Anyone who knows me may tell you I was not always the best camper. But as the years went by, I grew from what I learned over the years and especially what I learned at SNC. For anyone who is a new camper this year, one of the best things I could tell you is just relax and don't worry about anything. At Swift you are with family and believe me from the moment you step onto the soft soil or hot asphalt there are smiling faces from people who you will quickly add to your collection of friends. One of the best things about SNC is that you do not have to hide your real self behind a mask or a wall. No one will judge you so just be yourself and trust in those around you.

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Children in Africa

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Visit: Swift Nature Camp Website
Yesterday, we went to an event that was an interactive tour showing the plight of children in Africa. It highlighted how nearly 12 million people in Africa are infected with the aids virus, many of which are children. Not only are these areas poor but many of the children have no parents at all. These children need help, they need someone to take care of them. World Vision is trying to do something for these children. You can help!
Because of the enormous and rapidly increasing number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC),
World Vision believes that providing effective care means looking beyond our existing community operations to partner with faith and community-based organizations in order to reach as many affected children as possible. We have seen that effective care for orphans and vulnerable children involves addressing 7 core needs:

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