‘Summer Camp’ Tagged Posts

Summer Camp Homesickness

Homesickness is a feeling that anyone can feel A strange, new place, even if it is exciting and fun, it is normal to miss home. Separation anxiety o...

 

Homesickness is a feeling that anyone can feel A strange, new place, even if it is exciting and fun, it is normal to miss home. Separation anxiety or homesickness is a normal part of childhood. It is appropriate, in loving, trusting family. Because your child loves and feels secure with you, separation can be scary and uncomfortable

A overnightSummer Camp often is difficult for a child, even if they know the seperation is followed by a family reunion. Children can easily get overwhelmed when adjusting to living with new people in a different place, . Even for children who enjoy new adventures a short bout of homesickness is a common reaction for kids new to summer camp.

Regardless of outcome, don’t measure success as a parent by your child’s adjustment to camp. Should your child do well and not feel homesick does not mean that they do not love you and need you. Also, if your child does poorly adjusting to camp, it does not mean that you have failed to create an independent child. For some campers , it feels as if they may never see you again . Be sure to put your child’s reaction into context, often all they need is comfort and reassurance that all is ok.

Anxiety can cause the least rational reactions in children as well as adults. Homesickness is a temporary feeling that can over come with adult support. The benefits of overcomes homesickness are enormous It increases self-confidence and self esteem. Don’t give up when you get that letter saying come pick me up I hate it here. Instead call the camp director and discuss how they might be able to help your child

There are times that with a great deal of thought and awareness a choise is made to bring your child home. Failure is a feeling that often is associated with an early leaving of camp. Sometimes a child is just not ready for camp or the camp is just not a good fit. If, after a real trial (7-10 days), and your child is not getting better, it’s time to make that trip to camp.

Should you make the decision to go get your child, try and work it out with the camp director. Feelings of failure may arise so you need to support your child. Save the evaluation for a week or so after camp, when you sort out what went went wrong with the experience. Help your child to understand that even though the camp experience was disappointing, he is not a failure because things were learned. Assure let your child confidence in him and a different program may be better in the future.

A uniqnue SLEEPAWAY CAMP , Swift Nature Camp offers a program designed only for first time campers. This Discovery Camp works because during the 12 days it allows camper to move past homesickness and into self confidence. This program limits campers to about 50 with 6 in a cabin with 2 or 3 staff. All campers are here for their first time, setting a level playing field for all campers. If your child is a little reluctant to leave home, look for a program that is especially designed only for first time campers

Picking a summer camp is no easy task learn more at Summer Camp Advice a guide for Home Sickness

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp a non-competitive, traditional coed overnight summer camp. This Illinois Camp for Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 promotes Nature, Animals & Science along with Adventure activities. Swift specializes in programs for the first time camper as well as Adventure Teen Summer Camp Programs.

Illinois Children Need Camping

 

Today’s young folks of Illinois people are enjoying less and less time outdoors. As parents we know we can have a profound impact on the lives of your offspring. It is your responsibility to introducing your kids to the outdoors for the first time. They may have environmental knowledge about Illinois outdoors which you may enhance or you may just make it a play date. These outside experiences might even awaken a passion for the outdoors that will stay with them forever. The first step is to take a little time for planning, it goes a long way towards a successful and safe outdoor trip. An outdoor field trip is a great educational experience for all involved. So enjoy your time with your kids.

The state parks, natural areas, conservation areas, recreation areas, and fish and wildlife areas of Illinois has information on camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, state park lodges and resorts, interpretive programs and many great ideas for places to visit and things to do in Illinois. I visited www.dnr.state.il.us

Did you know that IlIllinois has adopted may natural elements here a few:
Illinois State Tree – white oak
Illinois State Bird – cardinal
Illinois State Fish – bluegill
Illinois State Animal – white-tailed deer
Illinois State Insect – monarch butterfly

In Illinois here are just a few spots to think about going someday:

1)Belmont Prairie Nature Preserve
Downers Grove at jct. Hwy. 34 (Ogden Road) & Belmont Road
Belmont Prairie is a high quality remnant of the dry to wet prairies typical of the Northeastern Morainal Natural Division. The preserve is located within the Valparaiso Moranic System on the Keenyville drift which was formed over 12,000 years ago. For the most part, the upper north and east sections of the area contain moderately well to well drained soils. But soils on the lower slopes and in scattered pockets throughout the area are poorly drained. The dry-mesic prairie has a high forb diversity and low percentage of grass cover. The dominant species are porcupine grass and Canada blue-joint grass. The small wet-mesic and wet prairie contain moisture-loving species such as cordgrass, sedges, and blue-joint grass. A few wildlife species known to occur here are garter snake, fox snake, and meadow vole. The area was protected from development in the early 2)1970’s by cooperative efforts of The Nature Conservancy and the Belmont Prairie Preservation Association. One-third of the area was preserved through a gift by Alfred and Margo Dupree of Downers Grove.

2)Kemper Park Nature Preserve
Kane County
Location and Access:
Rt. 68 and 25 in Carpentersville, head north on Rt. 25 for 1.2 miles to Hazard Rd. East (Right) on Hazard until it ends. Kemper Park is a thirteen acre nature preserve is an addition to Helm Woods Nature Preserve, a larger forested tract of dry-mesic upland and northern flatwood forests. Kemper Park Nature Preserve is contiguous to Helm Woods and is comprised of similar plant communities. The dry-mesic upland forest is dominated by white, red and black oaks while the flatwoods are dominated by swamp white oaks, ashes and elms with swamp sedge and fowl manna grass occurring frequently in the understory. Many forbs, especially spring ephemerals, sedges, grasses and shrubs can be found throughout the entire woodland complex. Garlic mustard is a major problem in this preserve. Prescribed burns have been implemented to control this invasive species.

3)Cap Sauers Holdings Nature Preserve
Cook County
Hwys. 12/20 and 45 west of Hickory Hills, take Hwy. 45 south 5.5 mi. to McCarthy Road, turn and go west on McCarthy Road 1.5 mi.
Cap Sauers Holdings Nature Preserve, at 1520 acres, is the largest nature preserve in northeastern Illinois. Dominant geological features include the rolling topography typical of the Valparaiso Moraine of the Morainal Division of northeastern Illinois and an esker. The Visitation Esker is one of the best defined examples of this glacial feature in the state. Most of the site is composed of young upland forests, and disturbed prairie and oak savanna communities. Much of the former prairie and oak savanna communities are now threatened by brushy native and non-native species that have advanced because fire has been suppressed. The Forest Preserve District of Cook County and The Nature Conservancy have embarked upon an ambitious project to restore much of this site to its presettlement condition.

OK, you’re not an outdoorsy folk but you know you children need to get outside. No problem their are many outdoor programs, classes and Illinois Summer Camps available in and around your home.

Finding Overnight Camps is a great place to find camp information try SummerCampAdvice.com

Swift Nature Camp is a Coed Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional camp programs with that of a Science Summer Camp to promote a better appreciation for nature.

Myths About Summer Camp

 

There are myths about Overnight Summer Camp summer camp that may dissuade some parents from sending their child. They think that the typical camp is way too expensive, too exclusive, or too time consuming. Ask your self why you are not sending your child to camp?

However, these days there is no such thing as a typical camp. The more than 8,500 camps across the country offer something for every budget, interest, personal schedule, and ability.

Below are a few summer camp facts:

* A national survey of American Camping Association (ACA)-accredited camps reveals that camp enrollment has increased by approximately 8-10 percent each year since 1992.

* Last summer, 65 percent of camps surveyed gave out camperships. Total amounts given per camp ranged from small contributions to $1,000,000.*

* Approximately 500,000 jobs are filled each summer by college students, teachers, doctors, nurses, food service directors, and may others who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of almost nine million children and youth.

The above facts may dispel some camp myths , bit the biggest myth is that summer camp is all about fun. The benefits to young people of a summer at camp have long been discussed and more recently evaluated. What are they? Simply put, they are opportunities. Opportunities not exclusive to camps but rather concentrated at camp, where under the direction, supervision, and influence of caring counselors, young adults can learn to become more independent, more confident, more self-aware, and more giving toward others. These are just some of the life lessons learned at camp says Stephen Wallace, M.S. Ed.

To learn more about Kids Summer Campsvisit the ACA website

Learn more about Minnesota Summer Camps. Swift Camp is for boys and girls 6-15. We blend traditional summer camp activities with a nature and Science Summer Camps.

Summer Camp for the Homeschoolers

 

Children that are Home Schooled can benefit greatly from the summer camping experience. Despite, age, gender,grade level or religious background. Home School Summer Camps provide a special area where children can be independent, and that’s a key part of growing up. Camp counselors model perseverance, listening, teamwork and appreciation of differences. Helping children see successful behavior and away from the family. This in turn brings new found independence in line with your at-home teachings. After all as parents we understand somethings just can’t be taught by us.

How do you know you are picking the right camp for your homeschooler? I suggest you first look for a small camp, that can give your child individual attention. Often Home Schooled children get lost in the crowd. When picking a camp do your work in advance this will help ensure that your child has an enjoyable summer.

Summer Camp Benefits For Children Residential (overnight) camp offers home schooled children a wonderful opportunity to socialize with other children in a new and exciting environment. Often long-lasting friendships are forged at summer camps each year. Campers often return year after year making camp their summer home. Some continue on till they are past camper age and participate in a Counselor in Training program for teens or even become counselors passing on the traditions of summer camp.

Jeff Lorenz Owner of Swift Nature Camp an Children’s Summer Camp in Wisconsin says “Summer Camp provides children the chance to assume leadership roles within the cabin. Without parents or siblings around campers often show their true colors and excel in leading thus improving their confidence level”.

The many activities available at summer camp gives children the opportunities to try new things and discover new skills. From canoeing and Arts & Crafts to Swimming, Hiking and Horseback riding the list of activities available at different camps are of the utmost benefit to the children who attend.

Choosing the Best Summer Camp If your child has never been away from home and is under eight a local day camp might be the best choice. However, If your child feels comfortable with overnights away from home a residential camp is the way to go. Do not be afraid to challenge your child by giving him or her new opportunities, that’s what summer camp is all about. Home schooled children are a bit more attached to their family so gong to camp maybe a little harder sell to the child and the parents. So, both may need to work a little harder to get ready for a sleepaway camp experience. But, it will be well worth the effort.

There is comfort in the familiar so pick a camp that has some activities your child feels comfortable with. Maybe a Non competitive camp would be best for your child? Traditional summer camps provides opportunities in many areas giving a child comfort in some things a child has tried before as well as activities that ask him to leave their comfort zone.

Many summer camps offer an open house day early in the season that allows parents and children to come and visit for a day and tour the grounds. Some even offer work weekends, which are a great way to get to know the staff and the grounds. This is a perfect venue to put a child’s fears at ease and make sure a camp is the right one.

References from past campers are wonderful tools in deciding if a camp is a good fit. These folks can even make your child feel more comfortable in their decision. Be sure to ask them about their feelings, activities and experiences. Older campers are very happy to share their family home with new campers and tell how camp has shaped their lives.

Checking for accreditation is also a vital step in choosing a camp. Most provinces and states have a camping authority, which holds camps using their logo to a set of standards far above a camp not operating under their banner. Check that the camps you are looking at are (ACA) American Camp Association approved.

Lastly, and probably most important talk to the Camp Directors. In this age of internet websites its easy to make a decision with out ever had personal contact with the directors or owner. Parents often have strong intuition when making decisions that will affect their children and these should always be taken into account. Discuss any feelings and concerns with the camp staff. If parents are still uneasy after following all of these steps, the camp being considered is likely not the right one for their child.

For more information on Finding a Children’s Summer Camp see SummerCampAdvice.com, A free informational website for parents searching for camp information.

Swift Nature Camp is a Overnight Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. The focus is to blend traditional summer camp activities with that of a Science Summer Camp. A first time camper program is available as well.

Summer Camps For Older Kids

 

Parents of teenagers can find a summer camp that suits the needs of their child. Wisconsin Camps like Swift Nature Camp Kids Summer Camp offer coed teen summer camp programs that are just for teenaged campers up to 15 years of age. A Counselor in Training Program offers a transition for teens aged 16 and 17. As a parallel to its summer camp programs for pre-teens, Swift Nature Camp offers a full range of camp activities of interest to teens. Hiking, climbing, ceramics, horseback riding, tennis, kayaking, and whitewater rafting are perennially popular programs among teen campers.

Teens Summer Camp provides teens a special opportunity to make friends in a relaxed and fun-filled environment, build self-esteem and independence, and meet the challenge of new physical and creative activities. Most teens want to do things for themselves and are bored by even the thought of a “normal” camp. Swift Nature Camp has created the Adventure Camp program, loaded with opportunities for cabin mates to leave camp and go out into the big open wild. There are opportunities to take trips to the Apostle Islands, go to the International Wolf Center, or find the way to the Mississippi River.

All children, especially those in their teenage years, need a break from the accelerating competition of today’s world. An intimate, friendly and non-competetive environment for teens fosters positive encouragement. The atmosphere of acceptance brings a welcome balance to young lives. Even first time campers quickly and smoothly adjust to life as a camper in this kind of setting.

Teens grow up too quickly and still are kids at heart, they too need to play. An Adventure Teen Camp should challenge your teen to do new things. Camp is not school! Interaction with animals can be a perfect way for a teenager to learn by natural discovery of play.

Campers come to love and remember the fun, the companionship and the life in a beautiful natural setting among caring staff and instructors, . Many teen campers return summer after summer, returning to see friends and enjoy everything they have come to know as camp life. Summer camp is a great place to find real relief from the pressures of home, school and competetive sports. be oneself and a perfect place to make lifelong friends. Camp is the open door to self discovery.

Find more information about great Teen Summer Camps by visiting Summer Camp Advice Find a Summer Camp

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional coed overnight Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals & science along with traditional camping activities. Swift specializes in programs for the Teenage Camper. To learn more click Teen Summer Camps

The Best 9 Summer Camps

 

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.

Overnight Camp Safety issues

 

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.

How to Pick a Camp from a DVD

 

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

Summer Adventures for Teenagers

 

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

Boundary Waters Camping

 

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.