DISCOVERY CAMP A Special 12 Day Camp designed especially for the First Time Camper

For years we have listened to parents and children express what they feel is important for a positive first time camping experience. At Swift Nature Camp our Discovery Camp is a nurturing program that meets the specific needs of all new campers and their 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 8 campers with 2 staff members. That's only 72 campers (ages 6-12) and 26 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 realize the importance of 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 doing what they wish to spend more time at. 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 program allows the perfect length of time for first time campers  to gain autonomy, leave their homesickness behind, and feel comfortable with their newfound 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, I think it's important that parents KNOW their children are 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. Do you have any questions? Please call, we look forward to hearing from you.

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Why look for an ACA Camp

Swift Nature Camp is proud of its first time camper program that is dedicated only to those children who have not gone to camp before and are slightly reluctant to leave home for the first time. Our caring staff and small size allow us to give personalized attention to each child, making for a positive first time camp experience.