Anyone that has been to Swift Nature Camp can tell you that camp water is amazing. The taste is clean and the temperature is iced cold, it must have something to do with an extra deep well and natural sand filter.  

Parents often worry about health care at summer camp and one of the simplest things to do is stay hydrated.

At camp we encourage to carry a water bottle with them all the time. We know that that the medical field says that somewhere between 60-90 ounces of water each day should be consumed to lead a healthy lifestyle. Because our body is made up of 60% water, it is important to be hydrated keeping kids running all day long. We teach our kids that WATER is so important at camp especially on warm days. Often the 1st recommendation from our nurse is "go drink a full water bottle of water". Meals are always started with a glass or two of water. Here are just some of the ways we teach our campers that they are not getting enough water.

1. Are You Thirsty?
This is a simple one,  if you are thirsty, your body is talking to you, its saying that you need some more water. Thirst occurs when your body loses two percent of its water, so if you are drinking in enough water, you will rarely feel thirsty. At camp we quench our thirst with only water never bug juice, water seems to be the most effective.

2. What Color Is Your Pee?

Urine is a tell tale sign of you hydration. Often campers don't want to take a look but, the color of you urine is a great way to determine if you are dehydrated. A campers urine will be light yellow or even clear when drinking enough fluids. Yet when you see dark yellow, it's time to go get some water, this one of the best signs of dehydration.

3. Are You Overheating?

Water helps keep your body cool and stops organs from overheating. Hot days running around camp could lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Drinking cool water can help, so can slowing down, staying in the shade and  going swimming. This is the reason on super hot days at SNC we increase our water activities and our drinking water during meals to 4 cups per meal.

4. Is Your Skin Dry?

If you notice irregular flaky or dry skin, it could be caused to a lack of fluid. Sometimes if we notice a camper with dry skin we use lotion combined with a water bottle. After a few days we usually get the desired result.

Listening to a camp nurse is always good advice and in this case she can help you find the signs of dehydration and find that simple solution, "Pick up a water bottle and leave your sugar loaded soda and sports drinks behind".

Dr odzy Sluchacze Polskiego Radia,

Bardzo milo bylo mi goscic w radiowym studio dzisiejszego poranka. Dziekuje wszystkim sluchaczom za poswiecony czas, za wasze pytania i zainteresowanie naszym obozem.

Wiem, ze nie latwo jest wyslac dzieci w miejsce, ktorego nie znamy, do ludzi, o ktorych nie wiele wiemy, szczegolnie w dzisiejszych czasach. Jak pewno pamietacie, nasze dziecinstwo, zwlaszcza w Polsce bylo zupelnie inne. Trudniesze? Latwiejsze? Kto wie? Ale napewno mielismy wiecej przygod poza domem, czy to na kolonii, na obozie, u babci na wsi. Calymi dniami przebywalismy na lonie natury lapiac zaby, lowiac ryby, goniac, wymyslajac rozne gry i zabawy. Te wspomnienia mamy do dzisiaj i zawsze z nami pozostana.

Swift Nature Camp to wlasnie takie miejsce dla dzieci i mlodziezy. Dla mnie i dla mojego meza prowadzenie obozu to nie biznes, to nasza zyciowa pasja. Nasi uczestnicy aktywnie spedzaja wiekszosc dnia na wolnym powietrzu uczestniczac w wielu atrakcyjnych zajeciach. Moge tutaj wymiec te najbardziej ulubione przez dzieci: plywanie, tubing, canoe, kajaki, zeglarstwo, lucznictwo, strzelectwo, pracownia plastyczna, nasze obozowe zoo, gdzie mozna sie calymi dniami bawic z czteronoznymi ulubiencami, pracownia LEGO i wiele innych. Mamy dla kazdego cos ciekawego. 

Ale te zajecia to tylko czubek gory lodowej.  Dla nas rodzicow jest wazne by dziecko bylo aktywne, by probowalo nowych sportow i roznych ciekawych zajec. Jednak, co tak naprawde w zyciu sie liczy, to wartosci takie jak : uczciwosc, odpowiedzialnosc, niezaleznosc, dobre maniery, umiejetnosc pracy w grupie czy poprostu szacunek i uprzejmosc w stosunku do innych. I tego wlasnie swiadomie uczymy poprzez zabawe i inne inetersujace zajecia.

Czesto slysze od rodzicow pytanie : Co wy zrobiliscie z moim z dzieckiem?  I nie raz przerazilam sie slyszac taki zarzut. Jednak okazuje sie, ze rodzice sa zadowoleni, ze ich pociecha wrocila z obozu zmieniona na lepsze. Rodzice to widza.i doceniaja. Czesto po takim turnusie poprawiaja sie codzienne relacje miedzy dziecmi i rodzicami.  Kiedys ktos madry powiedzial, ze potrzeba calej wsi by wychowac jedno dziecko. To prawda, my jako rodzice nie jestesmy w stanie  byc rowniez mentorami dla wlasnych dzieci. To dwie rozne role i dzieci inaczej reaguja na to co rodzice mowia, a co mowia im osoby, ktore nie sa z ich rodziny. Dlatego nasz syn juz od wielu lat wyjezdza na pare tygodni na inny oboz, by tego wlasnie doswiadczyc.

Zapraszam do poczytania ponizszego artykulu o determinacji. Ja w przyplywie wolnego czasu pisze artykuly do gazetki wydawanej w Polskiej Szkole Sw. Faustyny Kowalskiej w Lombard, gdzie chetnie uczeszcza nasz syn i gdzie mamy grono zaprzyjaznionych rodzin, ktorych dzieci uczestniczyly w naszym obozie.

Nie przegapcie panstwo okazji i zapiszcie swoje pociechy przed 10 czerwca by otrzymac ta promcyjna cene. Prosze wejsc na nasza strone www.swiftnaturecamp, kliknac na "dates and rates" i przy powolaniu sie na Polskie Radio otrzymacie panstwo oferowana cene.

Determinacja. 



Według Słownika Języka Polskiego determinacja to zdolność do podejmowania konkretnych, stanowczych decyzji spowodowana mocnym wewnętrznym przekonaniem i siłą woli. 
Jaka to wspaniała cecha charakteru... Ile by człowiek dał, by mógł  własnym dzieciom przypisać ten walor. Obowiązki w domu nie powodowałyby ciągłych konfliktów, lekcje byłyby odrabiane bez problemów  i narzekań, a to przekładałoby się na większą samodzielność naszych dzieci. Tego wszyscy chcemy dla naszych pociech, prawda? I tak naprawdę, dla siebie tez.
 Wiemy, że zdecydowanie, stanowczość i silna wola determinują osiągnięcie wielu celów. Ciężka praca popłaca, mówi stare powiedzenie. Ale czy zawsze przynosi satysfakcję , zadowolenie czy też jest powodem do  dumy z odniesionego sukcesu?
Z własnego doświadczenia wiem, że sukces nie zawsze przynosi satysfakcję. Często staramy sie zadowolić oczekiwania innych, i wtedy determinacja może przynieść skutki negatywne, takie jak stres, frustracje czy nawet depresję. 
Wychowując nasze dzieci uczmy je determinacji, ale takiej, która kierowana jest pasją, zainteresowaniami a nie strachem przed opinią i oczekiwaniami innych. Odłóżmy na bok nasze niespełnione marzenia z dzieciństwa i pomóżmy dzieciom odnaleźć to,  co na początku  będzie budzić w naturalny sposób ich zainteresowanie, a z czasem przerodzi się w  zamiłowanie a nawet pasję.. Proponujmy im rożne zajęcia, czy to sportowe, czy artystyczne. Dziecko od razu nie będzie wiedziało, czy lubi piłkę nożną, grę na pianinie czy teatr jeśli my jako rodzice nie damy mu możliwości by tego doświadczyło. Wspierajmy pasje naszych dzieci. Prawdopodobnie  będzie  to kosztem naszego wolnego czasu, tzw. „ świętego spokoju” i z cała pewnością  wygeneruje to dla nas dodatkowe  koszty finansowe. Jednak wierzcie mi warto podjąć to wyzwanie.
Wiemy, że mała iskra potrzebuje tlenu, by rozpaliła ognisko. 
Jeśli dziecko przejawia zainteresowania w danej dziedzinie, to należy tą namiastkę pasji stopniowo rozwijać. I ważne jest by zacząć od zabawy, by dziecko widziało, że to co robi daje mu radość i satysfakcję. Możemy oczywiście dzieci zachęcać ale musimy pamiętać, ze na tym etapie, ważne jest by dziecko sie dobrze bawiło, by z podjęta formą aktywności kojarzyły się mu tylko pozytywne przeżycia i emocje. To najlepsze wzmocnienie, które będzie budować prawdziwa determinację. Prawdziwa pasja nigdy nie zaczyna sie od ciężkiej pracy - zaczyna sie od zainteresowania i zabawy. 
Po tej fazie wstępnej należy uczyć dziecko jak radzić sobie z dyskomfortem, który pewnie się pojawi i   zabrzmi to  jak paradoks, jak czuć sie z nim wygodnie. To ważne by potrafić przeciwstawiać sie trudnościom. Najlepiej uczyć sie tego poprzez ćwiczenia w ich pokonywaniu . Róbmy to powoli, mimo niewygody nie poddawajmy się. W takich sytuacjach nauczmy dzieci, ze głębokie, powolne oddechy, relaksowanie ramion to bardzo pomocne narzędzia w chwilach stresu. Przyjmijmy niewygody i nie bójmy sie ich. Nie unikajmy trudnych rozmów, zaryzykujmy nasze relacje z innymi poprzez pokazanie kim naprawdę jesteśmy, co naprawdę czujemy. Zauważamy ludzi, którzy potrzebują pomocy i zaoferujmy im  ją. Nie odwracajmy sie od problemów innych ludzi. Nie bójmy sie tego. To ważna umiejętność, którą możemy przekazać naszym dzieciom. Róbmy to, co dobre, nawet jeśli jest to dla nas niewygodne.
Verba docent, exempla trahunt,
Seneka miał rację nie ma nic lepszego niż przykład szczególnie rodzicielski.
Determinacja, pasja, zaangażowanie w  swoje obowiązki to cechy, których  dzieci powinny uczyć się od nas, rodziców . Jeśli odnajdziemy w sobie pasję, będziemy gorliwi i niestrudzeni w swoich aktywnościach to wtedy możemy " zawojować świat".
Jola Lorenz
Wlasciciel obozu Swift Nature Camp  
www.SwiftNatureCamp.com

By Amelia Kinney

Posted on April 24, 2017

The Best Thing You Can Do For Your Kids This Summer? Let Them Be Bored

 

Child psychologists insist that boredom is an enriching experience.

With the rise of screen time and “helicopter parenting”, i.e. hovering, we’ve seen a decline in the good-natured negligence that many of us were raised with during the 80’s and 90’s, which consisted of “go outside and play, now.” Parents nowadays feel pressured to turn their children into productive little performers, by filling their time with camps, sports, lessons and play dates. And while there are advantages too, say, learning to play the piano, researchers insist that the absence of planned activities is also an enriching experience. The best thing you can do for your kids this summer? Let them be bored.

“Your role as a parent is to prepare children to take their place in society. Being an adult means occupying yourself and filling up your leisure time in a way that will make you happy,” explains Lyn Fry, child psychologist, “If parents spend all their time filling up their child’s spare time, then the child’s never going to learn to do this for themselves.”

For the same reason that mindfulness has spread like wildfire among the wellness community, children also need to learn strategies to contend with the fast-paced, virtually-ruled nature of modern society. We also know, as adults, that being stripped of our televisions, iPads, and obligations are bound to offer a refreshing perspective and force us to interact with our surroundings in a new and different way.

Certainly, it is tempting, and perhaps we have been conditioned to feel that being bored is a waste of time. Not so— idleness is integral to allow our imaginations to grow. Dr. Teresa Belton, a visiting fellow at the University of East Anglia told the BBC that boredom is crucial for humans to develop “internal stimulus,” which, in turn, cultivates true creativity.

“There’s no problem with being bored,” says Fry. “It’s not a sin, is it? I think children need to learn how to be bored in order to motivate themselves to get things done. Being bored is a way to make children self-reliant.” Another way this helps kids is by eliminating the cycle of seeking validation for every little thing they do. Throwing out expectations is a tool to help kids truly know themselves and their preferences, and become more individually confident.

This summer, take away the screens and let kids simply do their own thing, such as playing with their toys in their room or outside in the yard. Experts also encourage writing a list of activities with children, including basic past times such as riding a bike, playing cards, drawing with sidewalk chalk, painting or reading a book. When your children approach you complaining of being bored, remind them to refer to the list. They’ll thank you later.

True Activist / //www.trueactivist.com/the-best-thing-you-can-do-for-your-kids-this-summer-let-them-be-bored/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">Report a typo

Enjoy a Summer Camp In the USA

Often parents ask: Why is an Overnight Summer Camp the right thing for my child? As a camp owner & director of a summer camp in the Midwest, this seems like an odd question. But then I have to stop and realize, that if a parent has not gone to a summer camp or even if you did go to camp, you might not understand how camp has changed over the years. First, I think it is important that I say, I cannot speak of all camps but I can talk about Swift Nature Camp and other fine Overnight Summer Camps. So over the last 25 years, summer camps have realized they are important in a child's development in 3 main ways. First, they connect kids to nature and then reduce or eliminate screen time. Second, Overnight Camps help children learn interpersonal skills that build confidence as they move into adulthood. Thirdly, free play is a big part of what happens at camp. This day and age kids are so scheduled, they no longer have time to just make up games and goof off and be creative. But what does all this mean to your child? Below are 10 areas your child will benefit from while at camp:

1. Diversity

Far too often we live in our little village or community. Swift Nature Camp exposes kids to people from all over. Last summer we had 20 states and 5 countries represented at camp. This helps kids learn that the world is big and that despite the distance and the difference in cultures, we all want the same thing, to feel cared for, feel safe, have fun. Camp creates a world of peace and reconciliation rather than conflict.

2. Self-esteem

When kids are away from parents, they need to be decision makers. They do this with the encouragement from "Older Brothers or Sisters" - their counselors. We understand kids may make mistakes and that's OK at camp, because we are there to redirect poor decisions to good decisions. Making good decisions and being responsible for yourself builds self esteem.

3. Nature

Most parents agree their children are outside much less than they used to be. This “nature deficit” is causing increased stress and weight gains in our youth. At Swift Nature Camp we get kids outside, teaching them about nature while having fun in it.

4. Independence

Self-development and  independence happen at camp because campers are empowered to be responsible for themselves, with guidance from camp counselors. The day starts with getting ready, which includes brushing your teeth, making your bed and sweeping your cabin. This helps kids learn how to take care of themselves.

5. Leadership

When living in a group, there are times that you will naturally speak up and lead the group. This builds a child's character while providing confidence as they interact with others.

6. Memories

So often kids are in programs to just spend their time. Swift Nature Camp provides children the opportunity to make lifelong memories. Often we hear "Camp friends are my best friends" Why? Because when you live with someone, you become much closer than just seeing folks casually during the day.

7. Friendships

Making friends is a skill that needs constant practice. Camp is a wonderfully friendly place that provides these opportunities. At SNC our campers tend to know most if not all of the other campers within a few short days. For our older campers it's a time of supporting the younger ones, and for the younger ones, it's a time to trust and ask for help from the older campers. Camp is all about friendships, thus teaching and giving practice to children how to be more socially confident.

8. Exercise

Camp life is filled with a get up – and get moving attitude. Camp is all about doing! Our days are action packed all the time, except for a brief rest period in the afternoon. So whether you are chasing frogs, swimming or shooting a bow , at Swift Nature Camp we are active all the time.

9. Activities

Camps like ours provides numerous activities that can develop into life long passions. Kids can do so many activities that it is just a matter of time till they find the one that's best suited for them. Camp exposes many children to hiking, fishing, sailing, swimming, archery & canoeing all for the very first time. These passions can continue to grow throughout their life.

10. Engagement

Often we just look for something to eat up the time for our kids. Yet, as parents we know we should be doing more, but we are busy and have a life of our own. So, summer camp gives you back your time while assuring you that your child's needs are being met to the highest degree. The number one comment we hear from parent is "what have you done to my child"? We used to get worried, but after all these years of being a camp director, I see that it's just parents' way of telling us that their child has changed for the better during their time with us. We are intentional in what we do and maybe those parents' questions are why we do camp every summer.

If you would like to chat more about Swift Nature Camp or learn more about our Overnight Summer Camp For The First Time Camper please give us a call at 630-654-8036. We would love to help out.

Dear Lonnie & Jeff
I don’t know if I said this to you but SNC changed my life, the time I spent with you guys was easily the most amazing and wonderful I’ve ever had. Been there, in another country, away from my family and friends made me realize how much I love and need them, this experience made me more mature, responsible and (in my parents words) a better man… Thanks to that summer now I’m closer to my Dad, I learnt to forgive problems I had with old friends and what I think it’s the most important thing is to value everything life and God has given to me.

You have one of the best jobs in the world, working for kids it’s a huge blessing and I wish you the best luck for all the upcoming summers (hopefully one of those I will be able to comeback). Keep being awesome and doing everything the way you do because I can tell it’s working not only for campers, but for your staff. Thank you so much, God bless you and Swift Nature Camp.

Thank You Again
Salomon

To all potential staff reading this, SNC Changed my life it will change yours if you you are open to change. Learn more about Swift Nature Camp

As the summer approaches many Parents are wondering if summer camp is right for their first time camper. As the Camp Director of a Exclusive program for the first time campers in Wisconsin, we often talk to parents that tell us "their child is not ready”. Obviously, parents know their children best. Yet, often we wonder if this is true or if it is just a parent not understanding the benefits of summer camp. Maybe even being a little bit selfish to keep their child home. Either way what most parents do not understand is that the time that a child has to go to summer is short. At most kids have 9 summers to go to camp as a camper. It goes quick, I know my son will be entering his last summer at a Wisconsin summer camp…and it is hard for me to believe his time has passed.

So why should a first timer at summer camp embrace this experience? Because, the right summer camp can be the ideal first step away from home and family, in a safely created environment for learning independence. Camp provides a break from the ever invasive SCREEN, giving campers a new found freedom. Summer camp prolongs childhood, where a child friendly community promotes fun and joy away from the modern stress for achievement.

A first time camper at an Overnight Wisconsin Summer Camp will be be exposed to fun, friends, nature and activities. Yet, its the Soft Skills that campers discover and develop over the course of every summer that have an impact on that camper starting the very first year.

Overnight Summer Camp Provides:

• 1. Affirmation:  A simple word of affirmation can influence a child’s life. When we are recognized from outside it can turn into recognition from the inside. Building ones confidence.
• 2. Art: By nature we all want to create. When a child is free from the pressure of competitive achievement they are free to be creative.
• 3. Challenge:  When we Encourage a child to dream big dreams. They will accomplish more than they thought possible… and probably even more than you thought possible.
• 4. Compassion/Justice:  Life isn’t fair. It never will be – there are just too many variables. But when a wrong has been committed or a playing field can be leveled, we want our children to be active in helping to level it.
• 5. Contentment:  The need for MORE material things is society is out of control. Therefore, one of the greatest gifts we can give children is a genuinely appreciation for what they have. This contentment leaves them to find out who they are.
• 6. Encouragement: Words are powerful. They can create or they can destroy. The simple words that a counselor or mentor might choose to speak can offer encouragement and create positive thoughts for a child to build from.  
• 7. Natural Beauty:  Beauty surrounds us. A forest, a lake, a frog can inspire our children to find beauty in everything they see and in everyone they meet.
• 8. Generosity: When we live with others we experience generosity. . Generosity is a consistent quality of heart regardless of whether the medium that reflects it is time, energy or material things.
• 9. Mistakes are accepted: Kids are kids. That’s what makes them so much fun… and so desperately in need of our patience. We need to give them room to experiment, explore, and make mistakes early, when consequences are so much less severe. We learn more form mistakes than successes.
• 10. Meals Together: Meals together provide an unparalleled opportunity for relationships to grow, the likes of which can not be found anywhere else. Helping children the life skill of conversation and friendship.

So as a parent, ask yourself if you need a team to be part in raising your child. If you say yes,  let your child be a 1st time camper at summer camp in Wisconsin this year. You will be surprised how they personally grow and develops during their adventure at camp. Be sure to see why Swift Nature Camp creates an Exclusive Summer Camp for 1st Time Campers.

Every summer millions of children go to overnight summer camp. But Why? Oh sure, some parents just need day care. But the vast majority of parents that are thinking about sending their child to overnight summer camp, do not take this responsibility lightly. They do their research by: going to camp fairs, talking to friends, taking camp tours and chatting with references. Why do all this? Because when you select the right Overnight Summer Camp for your child, it will be a life changer and an experience they will want to repeat summer after summer. Maybe thats why children from all around the world come to USA Summer Camps

So how does summer camp change kids lives? Not every camp is the same, so I can only speak about our overnight summer camp. Swift Nature Camp is located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. We cater to children 6–15, with a leadership program for our 16 & 17 year old campers. Our small camp blends old-fashioned camp activities on land and water, with environmental and nature learning. Plus we have a camp zoo, where children who love animals can even adopt one while they are at camp.

Here are ways that children’s lives are changed because of camp:

1) Great Staff- When you get young people who are dedicated to kids full time, your child feels it. Camp counselors have boundless energy and enthusiasm- something parents often loose as they get older. It’s like having the best big sister or brother in the world who really cares about you. They want you to be your best. So children look up to these counselors and since they are role modeling positive values, your child will pick those up and bring them home.

2) Communal Living- Yes, your child will be living in a cabin with 5–8 other children of their own age, building new friendships and developing strong new social circles. For most children this is a new experience. When you live with others, you have to be a little less worried about yourself and be thinking more about others. That is part of the natural progression of kids from self to others. Camp pushes them a little further along this road.

3) Nature-This day and age we live our lives inside. There is a big beautiful world out there that children should learn about and they should not be afraid of. All of science is saying, humans need to be connected to their environment, enjoy the beauty of the simple things in life. That’s why at SNC, we often take our kids to the lake to quietly enjoy a sunset.

4) Independence- Today we have so many types of parents, and often we see loving parents that hold their children back, not intentionally. But, sometimes they just don’t see that kids need and want to get out on their own, make decisions on their own and try new things. A Nature Camp is a safe place to try things, make mistakes and move on. This is all part of growing up and camp is the safe and supervised place this takes place.

5) Play is an amazing tool. It helps children get exercise, loose weight and feel better. More important, Free Play can help children resolve conflict, problem solve and be creative. Daily, at camp have 1.5 hours dedicated to free play, where campers can do the activities they want to do. This is like the old days, when children could just go outside and play.

One thing we hear from parents every summer is “I wish I would have sent my child to Swift Nature Camp sooner” you see, childhood is a once-off thing. Too soon it’s over, and you can’t reclaim the years, but you can look back on incredible memories. That’s why summer camp is so important — it’s a fun, positive experience where children can simply be children and have the time of their lives. Overnight summer camp is a vital part of a child’s personal growth and development

It’s the small size and attention to detail that makes camp so successful at promote each child’s personal development. Sending your child to Swift Nature Camp is a gift, one your child will cherish for the rest of their life. Maybe that’s why 92% of our campers want to return each summer to this Wisconsin Summer Camp.