Swift nature Camp is so much more than FUN. Our tree of Values helps campers concentrate on the importance of group living skills. The life skills that are so important to yourself and to others. The tree has 12 branches that include: Responsibility, Persistence, Honesty, Enthusiasm and a host of others. Nation wide there is a program called Character Counts. This is our program and each day we use these values. But it’s when we focus on them and keep them in the forefront of our daily life that it helps us make good choices. Daily we might see these values as you help another camper carry a hiking pack or maybe as you forgive a camper that touched your stuff. Swift Nature Camp, like life has many opportunities to use the SNC tree of values. After all camp is just a little piece of life that you will never forget.

When Swift Campers think of camp they think of playing outdoors in Nature but they automatically think of the animals in our camp zoo and Nature Center. Our campers are crazy for critters and nature and critters. Not only do we have animals at camp we have guest speakers bring in some animals to camp that we all can appreciate. We have lots of animal related activities and offer the opportunity to interact with animals. Plus, you can even bring your own pet from home. How cool is that? An animal camp that lets you bring your own pets!

1. What's the camp's philosophy?

1. What's the camp's philosophy?

2. How does the camp recruit, screen and train its staff?

3. What about return rates?

4. What's the ratio of counselors to campers?

5. How old are the counselors?

6. What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby?

7. How does the camp handle conflicts and Discipline?

8. What does a typical daily schedule look like?

9. Will the camp be transporting the children?

10. Ask for references.

On our recent trip to Swift Nature Camp we had a chance to meet up with Tom Nilcen aka SUPER TOM.
Most of the campers know him as the kind , friendly caretaker at SNC. Yet, Tom is so much more, he is always willing to help. A day never goes by when he doesn’t help someone. But one thing that most do not know is he is a jokester! Thats right he love to play pranks at camp. So if you happen to see something a little out of place and it brings a smile to your face, chances are its Tom. Swift is so fortunate to have a wonderful guy like him at camp. This will be his 9th summer at Swift Nature Camp and next to camp the thing he loves most is being in the Northwoods on his winter sled!

Lake that camp is situated on is known for its good fishing. Just ask a few of the campers that used their skills this summer to get a few of the pike, bass or pan fish in the lake. However, winter is another time to go fishing, for some they say its the best. They build a little house put it on skis and take it out on to the lake. Look closely and you will see a fishing shack pictured out near picnic island.. Then drill a hole in the ice and wait for the fish to come. On the day we were there, fishing was taking place but we saw no whoppers leave this shack...better luck next time!

Swift Nature Camp is known for our eagles. Daily we see eagles in the air, in nests and even swooping down to catch a fish in the lake. But how many knew that once it started to get a little colder and the lake freezes over these eagles migrate south in search of food. They as a pair fly south often along the Mississippi River and finally settle on a winter home in Florida.. Cant say that these birds are dumb! Well after we had a camp show in Minneapolis last week we saw plenty of eagles beginning their flight Northbound. So i can surely tell you we will have American Bald Eagles again this summer at Swift Nature Camp. And that is a wonderful opportunity for all of us at Swift.

Now is the time for all of us to be thinking Summer and CAMP. As our hearts turn to the warm days and clear skys of the Northwoods you probably are wondering :what does the Camp shirt of 2009 look like?”
Well now you can Vote to help make it come true. At the time of this writing the “tree” shirt was in the lead. So VOTE