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The Best 9 Summer Camps

March 11th, 2010

When selectiing a Summer Camp for yourself or as parents it is important to listen to what parents and children have to say about the camp. This can be done on the phone or on the net you can go to www.campratingz.com. Notice the TOP RATED button. See Swift Nature Camp , as one of the Overnight Summer Camps in the top 10.

Swift Nature Camp, a Kids Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. We blend traditional summer camp activities while increasing a child’s appreciation for nature, science and the environment. Below is what our campers had to say

Swift is awesome! After this summer I’ll have been there for 3 whole years! :-D The conselours are so funny and nice and the stuff we do is really fun. It’s a tad bit expensive, but hey, if had a choice between any other camp in the world, and Swift, I’d choose Swift. Swift is amazing. Period. -Shades

The Swift Nature Camp offers kids an opportunity to mature and be on their own while having the support and help from the staff. The kids can bring their pet to the camp and get in touch with the nature. After 6 weeks at the camp, my 13 years old son became more responsible and thankful person. He is better organized at home and in school. He is going to the Swift Nature Camp this summer again.

I have been going to Swift for 8 summers and I love it there. It is like my home-away-from-home. I have met many great friends whom i still keep in contact with. While at camp you participate in many activities and go on camping trips. These activities give you new skills that are useful and make you a well rounded person.I have had many memories that will last a lifetime. The counselors are responsible people who are fun to be around. I have really enjoyed my time at Swift. I highly recommend Swift Nature Camp.

Swift is the coolest place I have ever been. I have made so many new freinds both living in the USA and in other countries. One of the good things about Swift is the limited number of campers at camp. It helps you get to know everyone. Also the age groups because there are younger kids and older kids and that realy helps getting to know people. The activities are very fun things like archery and rifelry I would have never done if I did not go to camp. Swift is the coolest place I have ever been to.

So before you make that final selection of a summer camp be sure that you check reference. As parents is is our responsibility to be sure our children will have a safe fun and enjoyable summer.

Swift Nature Camp is a Illinois Summer Camp. Boys and girls ages 6-15 enjoy traditional camp with that of a Science Summer Camp.

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Overnight Camp Safety issues

February 15th, 2010

Ten million children be going to Summer Kids Camps. As Parents we need to consider some new advice to protect campers’ health.

The new guideline, published in the June issue of the journal Pediatrics, was written by a team led by a University of Michigan Health System physician who specializes in camp health. Edward Walton, M.D., FAAP, FACEP, is lead author of the paper, which is an official policy statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics and was produced in conjunction with the American Camp Association.

This new policy suggests parents thoroughly determine if they are sending their child to the “right ” summer camp. Does it meet the child’s mental, emotional and physical well-being, as well as their interests and skills.

Camps need to give parents a complete and truthful view of what their camp activities involve. All summer camps whether it’s strenuous sports, rough wilderness camping, horseback riding — or intense music or computer practice, need to let the parent know what is expected of each child. Camps need to let parent know that some activities might be more difficult for some children.

Prevention of homesickness begins long before camp starts. Parents and doctors alike need to be involved.

“If parents discuss camp positively, avoid expressing doubts about a child’s ability to avoid homesickness, involve the child in preparations for camp, and arrange brief trips or sleep-overs away from home, children will be better prepared to go to camp,” says Walton. “Parents should also avoid making pre-arranged plans with their children about picking them up if they get homesick.”

The new guideline recommends that the pediatricians get involved with their local camps to ensure sure that standing orders are up-to-date. They can also act as medical backups instead of the local emergency rooms at hospitals.

Asthma and allergies also bring new challenges for camps. Parents need to teach their children how to use rescue inhalers or EpiPens (allergy-calming epinephrine injection devices). With or with out the summer camp. Camps need to help children have them nearby at all times.

Delay in not having these items handy can have real health consequences for the child.

The new guideline does not give detailed recommendations for camps that serve only children with special medical circumstances, such as cancer, physical disabilities, blindness, deafness or diabetes. But it recommends that camps work with local pediatricians and health professionals to assess children’s fitness to take part in such camps, and establish programs specific to them.

Selecting the best Summer Camp for your child is easier with a FREE resource Summer Camp Advice Find a Summer Camp

Swift Nature Camp is a Illinois Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional outdoors summer camp activities with that of a Science Summer Camp. that promotes an appreciation for nature.

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How to Pick a Camp from a DVD

February 10th, 2010

So you’ve decided you want your child to go to summer camp? We are the owners of Swift Nature camp a Overnight Summer Camp in Wisconsin. 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 best summer camp.

Narrow your search to four or five possibilities, and then call or e-mail each camp to ask for information. Perhaps more important than printed materials, camps will send you a promotional video. Remember, these DVD�s are tools to help you find the right summer camp. But they are also tools for camps to SELL a place in their camp to you and your child. So keep that in mind when you view them.

Now it is time get to get your child involved. Sit down as a family and watch the videos. Let your child take the lead talking about what he or she saw, and tell you more about what he or she is looking for. You may need to do a little encouraging to get your new camper talking. Doing this persisitently will help you see what is important in a camp to your child. Prior to going to camp, please explain to your child that the videos are advertisements and that the reality may not always match what you see on the screen. It is good to stop for brief reality check now and then!

While viewing the DVD watch the little details for clues that will give you an inside look at the camp’s philosophy and strengths. While you’re watching, look for the following information:

Does the video answer your questions about the camp? While there should be additional questions that you will want to ask the director, the video should give you a comprehensive overview.

What does the video emphasize? Pay attention to what activities and facilities get the most time in the video.

;Does the video answer your questions about the camp? While there should be additional questions that you want to ask the director, the video should give you a comprehensive overview.

What does the video emphasize? Pay attention to what activities and facilities get the most time in the video.

What level of sports are shown, in terms of skill and sophistication? If you’re looking for a specialty sports camp, does the level of play look too advanced or too basic?

What philosophical qualities does the video stress? Does the video seem to be consistent with and complement the philosophies expressed in the camp’s printed materials?

What was your and your child’s general impression after watching? Sometimes a gut instinct may tell you what you need to know.

DVDs are a wonderful way to get a feel about each individual children’s summer camp, but it should not be the only factor in the important decision about a camp. Be sure to talk to the camp directors campers and parents.

Consider a program for your child is devoted to thefirst time camper.

Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional coed Minnesota Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals and science along with traditional camping activities. Swift specializes in programs for the first time camper as well as adventures for teens. Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz have been the owners since 1996 of this Summer Camp

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Summer Adventures for Teenagers

February 10th, 2010

While choosing the right Teen Summer Camps may be more complicated than selecting a general interest camp for a younger child, the rewards can be even richer. A teenager is in the midst of an incredible growth spurt. There is a literal physical change that you may see when your teen arrives home, but equally important are the emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social changes that a challenging summer program can produce in a child in this age group.

Finding the right summer program for teens is not all that different than that of a ten year old. It is important to find a safe, secure, and appropriate environment. Yet, teens need and are ready for new challenges and increased independence. Yearly, as interests expand and your child matures, reexamine your choice.

Remeber, interests, and abilities of a 13 year-old are quite different from that of a 17 year-old. So, when thinking programs, you should always keep in mind your child’s maturity. Supervision in many of the programs designed for teens is less than for younger children, so be sure to ask. One great resource is Summer Camp Advice, a free website that offers all sorts of information on how to select a summer camp.

Teens are part kid and part adult. So planning a summer program may be more complex than you think. Because many good programs fill up fast, you will want to try to focus early to avoid disappointment.

The best way to start is to sit down and listen to your child. Often you can strengthen your relationship with your teenager. Discuss with your child his interests, concerns, and values. You need to talk with your teen about what each of you want the summer to be. Look for opportunities for personal growth as well as just getting better in a sport. Be ready for ” I don’t want to do anything.”

Their are many teen programs available and its important to try to find the right one. As a parent do not give up right away. Sometimes you have to really look hard to find the right answer. The internet is a very useful tool for this. But it is helpful to know what kind of program you are thinking of. Is it: serving, traveling or adventure or a little of all. One great resource is Summer Camp Advice, a free website that offers all sorts of information on how to select a summer camp.

One of the best ways to reconcile your goals with your child’s is to piece together the summer with activities from both of your lists. Although it is more difficult and figuring things out may be more time consuming, your teen will get a broader experience for your work.

If you decide that your teen will stay at home, set up summer rules, expectation, chores, and schedules. This will be especially important and will help you in the long run.

Swift Nature Camp may be the perfect fit for your teenager. Swift Nature Camp is unique among teen summer camps in that we provide teens a special opportunity to make friends in a relaxed and fun-filled environment, to build self-esteem and independence, and to challenge themselves with new physical and creative activities. We realize teenagers want to do things for themselves and are bored by a “normal” camp. So we provide an Adventure Camp program with loads of opportunities cabins often leave camp and go out into the big open wild and see the Apostle Islands, go to the International Wolf Center or find themselves canoeing down the Mississippi River.

Last and most importantly remember youth summers are limited and no adult ever looked back and rembers the good old days of sleeping in and watching television.

TO learn more how to select an Summer Camp visit Summer Camp Advice. Summer Camp

Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, Summer Science Camp for teens. Our programs are perfect for the first time camper or experienced camper. Learn more Overnight Summer Camps

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Three Loving Dogs For Children

February 9th, 2010

Made the decision to get a dog for a pet? Well, that is one smart decision and you will be so glad that you made it – congratulations. A dog makes such an awesome companion and truly a fantastic pet.

While your children are growing up, a dog is a wonderful presence in your house during those years. Studies have been done which show that there are indeed benefits associated with children being raised in a home where there is a dog.

Trying to decide which dog breed to get can be hard, so the following three choices might help you with that decision. Every one of them gets along with kids nicely.

The first breed is called a Viszla and has origins in Austria. It is so beautiful to look at because of the reddish brown coat it has. These dogs are medium sized and skinny, but they are really quick.

The most important thing to note is that this breed is quite loving towards children. They require lots of exercise, so a nice big back yard would be great for them. As long as they get their daily exercise, they will be just fine.

The Golden Doodle, a mix of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, is another breed that you might want to consider. It continues to get more and more popular, even though it is a relatively newer breed. This dog does have many good qualities also.

They are so gentle, loving, great around children and extremely smart. You will not have to worry about any shedding from them, so that makes them pretty easy for you to manage. This breed loves being outdoors playing fetch and will do well in a big outdoor area.

The third breed is the Dog de Bordeaux, originally called the French Mastiff. It is a breed that has French origins.

Except for the fact that it is brownish-red with blue-grey eyes and is more muscular, this breed does resemble a bulldog. These dogs are quite content to be in the house, so a yard is not required, and they are friendly beautiful animals.

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Boundary Waters Camping

February 6th, 2010

This year over 250,000 folks will travel to the Northwoods of Minnesota commune with nature and the outdoors. For the young adults and teens this oppertunity comes in the form of an Minnesota Adventure Camp.

When one thinks of the BWCA, they are reminded of a picturesque area in the northern third of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. between The International Boundary between Canada and the United States and extends nearly 150 miles while consuming nearly 1.3 million acres. The Canadians protected areas are Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park and Voyageurs National Park. The main means of transport in the BWCA is mainly canoing with over 1200 miles of canoe routes, 11 hiking trails and approximately 2000 designated campsites plus loads of Portages.

Something special happens, in this Minnesota natural area. Its the challenge and personal integration with nature that seems to offer freedom to those who wish to pursue an experience of expansive solitude. This Natural Wildlife area in Minnesota is a treasure. One realizes they are alone. Thsi is what it must have been like hundreds of years before the first strip shopping center. Trips to this area require all participants to be independent and self-sufficient. As you paddle days pass before you see any signs of civilization.

This joint sanctuary is the largest international area set aside for wilderness recreational purposes in the world. This area has served as a travel corridor for native peoples and, more recently, as one of the main routes to the west for European explorers and fur traders. The Voyageurs’ Highway rwas a heavily traveled route between an Canada and Minnesota. Modern-day living is nothing but a far off memory when one paddles along the magestic lakes.

So how did this come to be? Here is the short form.

July 10, 1930, the Shipstead-Newton-Nolan Act, the first statute in which Congress expressly orders land be protected as “wilderness,” is signed into law by President Herbert Hoover

September 3 1964, the Wilderness Act, U.S. is signed by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, establishing the U.S. wilderness preservation system and prohibiting the use of motorboats and snowmobiles within wilderness areas except for areas where use is well established within the Boundary Waters, defining wilderness as an area “where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man . . . an area of undeveloped . . . land retaining its primeval character and influence without permanent improvements.” This date is considered by many to be the birth of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Find the Bestt Summer Camps in Minnesota.

Swift Nature Camp is a Minnesota Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional summer camp with a Animal Summer Camp increasing a child’s appreciation for nature, science and the environment.

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Overnight Summer Camps Benefits

February 2nd, 2010

Parents who went to Overnight Summer Camp as a child can always tell you a cherished story they still remember in exact detail. To them memories of summer camp are lifelong reminders of experiences with a lifetime’s worth of value.

Few places on earth can provide a child with opportunities for never ending daily fun the way the best camps can. All of that great fun would be reason enough for anyone to want to be at an overnight camp, but summer camp offers much more to a child’s life, whether it’s a nature camp or animal camp or a science camp or a nonspecific resident camp.

Children’s camps are healthy places to be. Physical exercise is a natural part of a healthy child’s life, and camp is a natural provider of constant, safe exercise. The overnight camper’s intellect and imagination get plenty of exercise as well.

Kids at coed camps learn how to relate with members of the other gender as friends and equals. Skills of social interaction are creative and independent but stay in keeping with each child’s family teachings. Guided by adult friends and capable role models, counselors, campers get a valuable chance to apply what they have been taught at home in a larger social world.

Campers grow into themselves, setting newer and higher standards for their own behavior. The kids camp daily context is activities that encourage perseverance, listening skills, teamwork, and the ability to recognize similarities and appreciate differences in each individual. Self discovery becomes a lifelong habit.

Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz, directors of Wisconsin’s Swift Nature Camp for almost fifteen years, believe summer camp is a unique opportunity for dimensional childcare at the best value. The camp experience will add to ordinary child care the making of memories, the opportunity to come to a new place and try new things, the chance to gain skills and independence, and the time to make new and lifelong friends. Children that are Homeschooled really benefit from the experiences of a Homeschool Summer Camp

Swift Nature Camp is a non-competetive, traditional coed overnight summer camp where children ages 6-15 enjoy playing in nature, caring for animals and learning science. This Science Summer Camp provides Traditional camping activities include canoe trips, archery, riding, waterskiing and more. Learn more about this Illinois Summer Camp.

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Animal Camp, Summer Camps with Animals, Critters at Summer Camp

January 30th, 2010

Animals at Summer Camp? Say Yes to Letting your kids play with animals this summer as a part of the fun they can have at summer camp. Find a science camp, or a more broadly defined summer camp that includes animals as a part of their program offerings.

Getting to know animals through firsthand interaction reawakens a childs sense of connection with nature. Experience with animals as a camper can begin a growing and lifelong respect for nature.

At Swift Nature Camp, also known as a Science Camp, there is a unique pond aquarium gives kids a chance to see pond life from a frog’s point of view, while our Nature’s Neighbors live animal collection provides opportunities for up-close study and care of several common Northwoods residents as well as a few exotic immigrants. Campers with their own small animals are encouraged to bring them to camp to share with others. The animals live in the Nature Center, where all campers can enjoy and learn about them.

Working in conjunction with the Wisconsin DNR and the U.S. Park Service, Swift Nature Camp has also developed a hands-on environmental learning program which includes field trips, such as visits to a fish hatchery and state parks; hands-on field projects, like goose banding and butterfly counts; and exciting camp presentations, including visits with live owls.

Swift Nature Camp has a voluntary four-level program that rewards campers with a special patch of merit, and the categories include recognition of special skills with animals in categories like insects, pet care, bird watching, and horseback riding. Campers can choose just the right mix of play and learning to suit individual preference and need.

The summer camp you choose should facilitate a blend of play and challenge that is free of the stress of the school environment. The presence of animals in a natural environment can open the door to discovery, adding depth to the fun of going to a traditional summer camp.

Every camper is an individual and benefits from his or her own particular mix of play and skill development. Swift Nature Camp has found a way to accomodate that range with a voluntary merit program that includes experience with animals. A camper’s interaction with animals can be refined into skills involving horseback riding, insects, pet care and bird watching. These opportunities never come at the expense of fun!

The joy of discovering nature is the joy of discovering the world we live in. Living in a natural environment with access to animals is a perfect invitation for expansive play. Camp is a place where children can learn about animals as a participant rather than just receiving information. Camp is more fun and less stressful than school, and the world becomes the classroom.

You can learn more about selecting a wonderful summer camp by visiting Summer Camp Advice Find a Summer Camp

Before you select a a summer camp see how 3 things in picking a camp, and if your are looking for the best camp seeKids Animal Camps

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Tales of the Northwoods

January 20th, 2010

Sara Button has recently written a story, Black Bear, Loon & Walleye: A Fable from the Northwoods. As Directors of Swift Nature Camp an Environmental Summer Camp in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, this story holds a special place in our hearts. It is such a good story we put a copy in our camp library for all our staff to share with their children.

This is a story of three friends–Black Bear, Loon & Walleye, one furry, one feathered, one sporting fish scales–and each wishes for the gifts of another, not unlike many of us. Black Bear longs for shiny scales to look flashy and impress his friends; Loon wants to sport and enviable fur coat; and Walleye wants to fly. One day when their wishes magically come true, each realizes the faults : Bear’s scales can’t keep him warm, Loon can’t fly with fur weighing her down, and Walleye has bad eyesight and is no good at flying even with feathers.

In this rich, modern-day fable, Black Bear, Loon and Walleye take a wild adventure that teaches them lessons that are as universal as they are timeless. The friends learned a valuable lesson that day, to appreciate each other’s gifts, but most of all to value their own. Trying new things is important, because you might find something that you really enjoy. But if it doesn’t work out, you still get to know yourself better. From that day on, the three friends agreed to always appreciate each other’s gifts, but most of all to value their own.

All who read This is a story will remember the importance of trying new things, understanding our own true nature, and having faith that we are all perfectly designed to fulfill our own unique purposes in life. The bottom line, Know yourself well and Value your gifts!

Summer Camp is a wonderful opportunity to promote each child’s personal development by providing fun, friendship and leadership in a supportive and noncompetitive environment away from home. Camp provides children an opportunity to act on their own, be self-reliant and try things for themselves, always knowing that if it doesn’t work out they can start over with little consequences…kinda like the stars of our book.

Ech night as our camp counselors read stories to the children a familiar call is heard in the background. As the loon calls it brings this story to life and makes it a special evening. If coming to the Northwoods is not as easy for you use the CD that comes with the book has loon sounds along with a guitar and the story read aloud.

If you are looking for a summer camp for your child try Summer Camp Advice a free reference for parents looking for the perfect Summer Camp.

Swift Nature Camp is a Minnesota Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional Overnight Summer Camp activities with an appreciation for nature, animals and the environment.

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Summer Camp, Now What

January 13th, 2010

With over 6,000 Summer Camp in the United States, finding the RIGHT camp can be a hard task. So start doing your research.

Start searching for a camp at least a year before you enroll. This gives you the chance to actualy visit the camps that you are considering while they are in session. This way you can view the camp facilities, but also the campers. Thus, giving you a chance to get a feel for the program and its personality. Few plan this far inadvance, so don’t lose hope. You should start by late fall or early winter. Some summer camps fill up quickly and may be full by spring.

The worst thing to do is pick a camp by what all the other kids are doing. You need to examine your kids needs and wants. This allows you to compare different programs. Before making a commitment, it is always a good idea to take a look at all programs that meet your child’s needs.

Some ways to find camps include: Word of Mouth, Churches or Synagogues, Library, Newspapers & Magazines, Local Camp Fairs and Private Camp Adviser’s. However the most popular theses days is the web. By going to your search engine and typing the summer camp plus the state a huge array of camp listings will show up. You can also get info from camp directories, which have many camps listed and a short overview of each camp. However, one of the best is American Camp Association

Get a check list from summercampadvice.com it will help you keep your goals in mind. Then start your search . Once you have narrowed your search to five or so possibilities, then get the information. In addition to printed materials, most private camps also have a promotional video. .

Try to make a journey to camp while they are in session.You will learn the most through talking and seeing what camp is really like. Call and ask the Camp Director for a toure and most will even invite you for lunch. If you can, review the camp’s promotional materials beforehand so you have good questions and might even have specific areas you want to see.

This article was only a beginning for those looking for a wonderful camp experience. See our website at Searching for Summer Camps to learn so much more.

Swift Nature Camp is a , a non-competitive, traditional Coed Summer Camps for Boys and Girls (6-15 years). At this Science Summer Camp, Children enjoy animals and nature as well as traditional camping adventures. This Wisconsin Summer Camp specializes in programs for the First Time Camper as well as Teen Campers.

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