Science Camp

Science Camp Experiments

Visit: Science Camp
Weevil Rearing at Summer Camp
As the presents of Eurasian watermilfoil increases in the Northern part of Wisconsin Methods have been researched on reducing its population. One way is biological control using an increased population of the native milfoil weevil. Researchers from the University of Minnesota reported a substantial decline in the density of Eurasian watermilfoil when the weevil population reached two insects per stem.
Swift Nature Camp was pleased in the summer of 2011 to take on this project in part supported by the local lake association and the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “ This is REAL hands on Science” said Emily the Director at Swift in-charge of the little critters. Our goal was to start with a local population and create an even lager population to release back into the water. During the summer we had 10 tubs of 50 gallons each. These were home to our beginning brood of weevils. Every few weeks we fed them and hoped that they were reproducing franticly....

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

Read More...

Eurasian Water Milfoil

Science Summer Camps
images
Eurasian Water Milfoil
Eurasian milfoil first arrived in Wisconsin in the 1960's. During the 1980's, it began to move from southern Wisconsin to lakes and waterways in the northern half of the state. This migration took place mainly by boaters not removing fragments from their boats as they went from lake to lake. In Minong Wisconsin. the milfoil increase has happened over the last 10 years or so. Today, many lakes in the region are trying many ways to eliminate this nonnative invasive species.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

Read More...

National Parks & Christmas

NATIONAL PARKS & Summer Camps
Swift Nature Campers have spent time camping at the local National forests around camp, But, did you know you can make a part of those forrest a part of your Holiday Tradition. The 1.5 million acres of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) offers many forest products the public can gather. If a person is interested in gathering any forest products they must first purchase a permit for a minimal fee.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Summer Camp Gift Certificates

Minnesota_Camps-4-pp
Swift Nature Camp should be on your gift list!

The holidays are coming. And, once again, you're probably wondering what to get your children as a gift. Is your home already filled with every type of electronic item a child can want? We all have to much stuff so why not provide an experience that will live long past all the other stuff has been recycled.


permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

Read More...

Wisconsin Environmentalism

Wisconsin Outdoor Camp
As part of the the Environmental Community here is a recent email that was sent my way to encourage Wisconsinites and educators to get involved in current Nature and Science studies.

Greetings Environmental Educator!

I'm writing with great news for the environmental education community!
Representative Taylor (Monona) and Senator Larson (Milwaukee) have secured over 32 co-sponsors from both legislative houses for the
Wisconsin Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights.

Next steps and how you can help:
On January 5th, Representatives Taylor and Larson will publicly announce the bill and ask for the joint assembly to schedule a vote. With a great show of support from the EE community, we can ensure this bill's success. Here's what you can do:
1.
Sign on to support! - show your support of the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights and keep up to date on the bill's progress.
2.
Get out your art smocks - encourage children's groups to create artwork that expresses how and why spending time outdoors is of value.
3.
Come to the January 5th press conference at the state capitol - registration details to be announced.

To find out more about this initiative, including the official language in the bill, if your legislator is a co-sponsor, or who fellow supporters are, visit the
EEinWisconsin.org website.

Please pass along this exciting news to colleagues!

For questions or comments, please contact:

Betsy Parker
Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education - Networking & Advocacy Chair
(608) 209-2909 betsyjmp@gmail.com

Jennifer Giegerich
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters - Legislative Director
(608) 661-0845 jennifer@conservationvoters.org


permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Year of the Turtle

Visit: Green Summer Camp
turtle
With 2011 almost over did you know that it was the year of the Turtle?
If you did...What have you done about it.
If not there is still time to save nearly 40% of the turtles that are threatened .

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Wisconsin Environmental Plan

Visit: Eco Friendly Summer Camp
Summer_ Camp-5-pp
The Wisconsin Environmental Education Board (WEEB) has enthusiastically adopted and
supports the implementation of Wisconsin’s Plan for Environmental Literacy and Sustainable
Communities . This plan is the latest in a long line of environmental education initiatives in the
state . Beginning with the Conservation Movement in the late 1800s and early 1900s through
the Environmental Movement in the 1960s and 70s and on to today, residents of Wisconsin
have played a key role in shaping the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of individuals, groups,
and organizations with respect to environmental issues at the national, regional, and local
levels . As a new century has just begun, this plan provides a pathway for all of us to build
upon this prior work and move forward in developing an environmentally literate society
comprised of sustainable communities .

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

Read More...

Summer Camp for 150 Years

Visit: First Time at Summer Camp
Summer_ Camps-95-pp
In honor of the 150th Anniversary of organized camp in the United States, Representative Chellie Pingree of Maine recognized the importance of camp experiences for children with comments that now appear in the Congressional Record. Her remarks highlight the importance camp experiences have in the year-round education and development of children. READ MORE

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Nature and Birds

Visit: Eco Friendly Summer Camps
1306255322-Brown-headed-cowbird-male-175It all started back in the days when American Bison ruled the Great Plains. At that time a rather nondescript grayish or black bird followed the herds around, feeding on seeds in the abundant supply of buffalo excrement. Settlers on the plains came to calling these animals buffalo birds.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Wildlife At Summer Camp

Visit: Nature Summer Camp

Science camp
It is spring in the Northwoods, black bears are emerging from their dens and looking for food. Since at this time of year most of their natural food sources are limited, they look for food from any source they can get it, including bird feeders, garbage cans, grills, etc.  It is best to keep these things put away until other food sources are available to them. 
Large groups of wild turkey have begun to break up and males are gobbling.  The fourth five-day spring wild turkey hunting period is Wed., May 4, through Sun., May 8.
An increasing number of migratory birds are continuing to show up in the area and more waterfowl are being seen on area lakes. Canada geese gostlings should start hatching around mid-May. Ruffed grouse should be drumming and woodcock and snipe should have started peenting.
In the evening you can hear the loud calling of wood frogs and spring peepers. Eagles are actively tending nests now and can also be seen migrating through the area this time of year. Ducks began their nest building in mid-April.
The current fire danger level for Price County is moderate; however, dry areas still exist and caution is needed until the grass greens up.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Earth Day - Kids Need More

Visit: Nature Summer Camp
Summer Camp100_4016-pp

On April 22, 1970, 20 million people across America celebrated the first Earth Day. It was a time when cities were buried under their own smog and polluted rivers caught fire. Now Earth Day is celebrated annually around the globe. Through the combined efforts of the U.S. government, grassroots organizations, and .........

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Nature Prescription

Visit:Nature Camp
Animal-camp__2193-tb
Read why todays families are getting a Nature Prescription, No pills required. Just get out and walk, explore and enjoy the outdoors. Summer camps are one place where Nature is an every day part of life, free of cell phones, ipods and the web. The only thing streaming has water in it. Learn more about the Nature Prescription....... Read More...

Nature Camp in Winter

Visit: Nature Summer Camp
100_6493
During our winter stay at camp a local camp neighbor, Delon came by with his snowmobiles and offered to take Forrest and I on a nature tour. It was exciting we had a sunny day with balmy high 20 temps. As we zoomed past Picnic Island ( see video) our first stop was to look for the eagles. They were both their and sitting near the nest. It is about this time that eagles start to lay their eggs. So a good sign that we will see eaglets this summer. From their we went off across the lake and to a snowmobile trail system that covers most of the state of Wisconsin. As we traveled we saw many deer trails cutting through the woods. Often they would cross the snowmobile trail, they seem to like snow that is packed down and easier to walk on. As we looked deep into the woods, we saw deer looking at us being careful not to move so as not to be seen. In all we saw... click to read and see more photos

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>


Read More...

A Fun Way Back to Nature

  Visit: Eco Friendly Summer Camps
Mn_Summer_Camp_4336-pp
 Summer school, all-year academic school, summer sports programs, and electronic media have become the elements of children’s summer activity in recent years. Children are kept occupied with indoor play activities. The playground has come indoors and narrowed in focus. The flickering light of computer monitors and handheld game screens has replaced sunlight and fresh air.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Kind Kids

julia_bird
National KIND Kid Contest

clear
Complete Details

Students in grades K-6 are invited to apply for the Humane Society of the United States' KIND Kid Award. One winner will be selected to win $100 and two runners-up will each receive $50.

Applicants should submit a detailed description of how they have helped animals, including photos.

Enter by January 15, 2011.


Resource Types: Contest/Award

Audience Served: Families, General Public, Home Schools, Non-formal Educators, Private Schools, Public Schools, Scouts/Youth Groups, Teachers

Age Groups: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Adults

Environmental Focus: Animals/Wildlife, Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecology, Endangered Species, Environmental Health, Habitats/Ecosystems, Marine Education, Nature Awareness, Outdoor Skills/Recreation, Place-based Education, Sustainability

Academic Focus: Character Education, Interdisciplinary, Science

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Animal Summer Camp

Visit: Animal Summer Camp
100_3689
Most of you campers knows this furry..not so much guy. Yep it is Apollo the bearded dragon. Some might think he was named after the space program. However, I think it was a Greek God. Currently lives with us but if you would like to adopt him till next summer give us an email and we can work it out. Want to learn more about Apollo...click below Read More...

Bears at Summer Camp

Visit: Science Summer Camps

bear02
Just last week when all the campers had left camp we looked out over the swimming area and there in the lake was a bear. Thats right a bear! He swam right to the steps and walked right up them shook himself off and went on his merry way on down the path to boating. It was quite a site to see.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
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!

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

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.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

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 ......

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

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......

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

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.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

No Child Left Inside

Visit: Nature Summer Camp
sunset-1
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.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

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!

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Outside Play

Visit: Swift Nature Camp Website
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....

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>


Read More...

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.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Nature Deficit

Visit: Swift Nature Camp Website
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 increase in obesity, attention disorders, and depression.



permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Nature Pictures

Visit: Swift Nature Camp Website
28883
Do you enjoy Nature? Do you like to take pictures?
Now it’s your chance to make the call! The National Wildlife Federation needs your vote!
Their Magazine has selected the finalists for this Photo Contest. The theme is “Nature in My Neighborhood.”  Now we need YOU to help choose the winner!
Vote for your favorite image today!  The top vote-getter receives an official NWF field guide and, if not already a member, a free one-year membership to National Wildlife Federation.  But we need to hear from you soon: Voting ends April 15!

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

  Read More...

Nature Center

Visit: Swift Nature Camp Website
101_4513One of our pride and joys at Swift Nature Camp is our Nature Center. It is a real log building that is nearly 70 years old. One of the things that makes this place so special is that it houses many of the smaller animals and pets that campers may bering to camp. We try to do our nature studies as often as possible outside but on occasion we need to be indoors and the Nature Center is a great place for those times. In the fall last year just before the first snow fall, we replace many of the rotten trim boards and had it repainted to preserve its lovely wood . It is the same deep red color but now you might notice a bit of a shine, not to mention its nice and clean....
click to see more photos

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Google Earth

Visit: Swift Nature Camp Website
Pasted Graphic 1Ever heard of Google Earth? Well, it lets you find everywhere! Including Swift Nature Camp! Can you find it here? A hint look at the bottom of the photo and you will see town...Maybe even the Village Scoop Ice Cream Shop. From there, go north and to the West. Still not sure? Try signing up for google earth and take a fly by. If you don’t know where to look try just typing in Swift Nature Camp and it will fly you right to camp. It is so much easier than taking the bus.

So be sure to go to
Google Earth and download the special program.
It’s cool to see camp from this view...Maybe this is what it is like being an eagle in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. So tune in to google earth and be you’ll be amazed.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>

Read More...

Lake Swims at Camp

Visit: Swift Nature Camp Website
walley2Charter into new waters this summer. For many kids, coming to camp is a big adventure! One of the biggest challenges is swimming in a lake. We all have had experience swimming in a nice blue pool. There is security in being able to see the bottom of the pool. Lake swimming is to enter the wild water and to cross a border. You pass the lake’s edge and you break the surface of the water itself. In doing so, you move from one realm into another: a new realm of freedom, adventure, magic and occasional danger. Watch out for those Turtles and Fish!

Swimming in open water is a new experience that's not to be feared, but embraced. Once you feel comfortable swimming in a lake, the world will open up to you and wherever you see water you will see a new adventure waiting.
Swift Nature Camp has over 1500 acres of water right out your cabin front door.

At Swift Nature Camp we have a wonderful swimming area full of fun toys, not to mention Wally (the water trampoline) & Sally (the slide). "Free Swim" is one of the most anticipated times of the camp day, but "Instructional Swim" is there to help give you build the confidence for those free swims. You can even earn
American Red Cross Swimming levels

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>


Read More...

Catch Frogs

Visit: Swift Nature Camp Website
100_3728Catching frogs from camps own beaver pond is a huge camp sport at Swift Nature Camp. it is a challenge too. The big Bull Frogs put up a big battle to free them selves. We even have a favorite bull from the biggest meanest frog of them all JIMBO. Yes he is our mascot and is pictured on this page.

Catching frogs is one of favorite things to do at this children’s summer camp. One of the best hunting spots is the lamp poles at night. You see the frogs come up from the pond at night looking for food and all the bugs hanging around the light will do just fine.
One might wonder are you eating all these favorite catches. Nope they gan spend on night up at the Nature Center Zoo where they hang with the other animals anc catches then its back to where they were caught at. Next summer, join us for some serious
frog catching..

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>


Read More...

Environmental Camp

Visit: Swift Nature Camp Website
100_3717When most folks think of a science they think of school and all those books and studying. However, Swift Nature Camp is all about having Fun while helps children to learn how and why to become good stewards of the environment. It is through direct experience and hands on activities that we inspire kids to be environmentally conscious when they return home. Our first goal is to be a kids summer camp but it is so much more,, it’s our dedication to the environment. Swift Nature Camp is fun with a purpose.

permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Animals at Camp

Visit: Swift Nature Camp Website
100_3172One of the best parts of being at Swift Nature Camp is the Animals. Thats why many think of S.N.C. as an animal camp. Animals are every where! First since you are out in Nature, if you take a little quiet time you just might see a some really cool birds like a Loon or a Woodpecker or some of the larger mammals like Bears and Porcupines. But most folks just like the animals in the Nature Center and in the Camp Zoo. There are all sorts of cool critters from Lizards to Hamsters and out in the Zoo are ducks and maybe even a goat or two. But Best of all is that campers can bring their own smaller critters to camp.


permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...

Camp Counselors are the Key

Visit: Summer Camp
MVC-011SaCamp is not about the buildings, or the activities or the skills one might learn. It is all about the the people. We at Swift Nature Camp know it is your child’s conselor that will set the tone of how much your child enjoys camp. This is why we hire almost exclusively college students that are majoring in some form child care . These wanabe teachers or psychology majors see coming to camp as a hands on experience getting them ready for the real world. Not just a fun in the sun summer job. That is one of the reasons we feel our counselors are the best!


permalink=”http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/blog”>
Read More...