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Today, the environment is part of every political conversation, especially global warming. Yet, despite science a large number of people do not believe that it is a relevant issue. As the Director of an overnight summer camp with a science and nature focus, I find this amazing. I have said for years that if children come to a Nature Camp they will grow up with an understanding of nature. But more importantly they will develop a reason to preserve and protect the environment, even if it is for selfish reasons of having a place to do recreational outdoor activities, although I would hope it would be for more.

Surprisingly, research now confirms my thoughts. In a recent UK study it showed that based on data from more than 24,000 people in the UK, found that more frequent visits to nature for recreation resulted in greater appreciation of the natural world were strong predictors of pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs). Additionally, urban residents with high neighborhood greenspace reported more environmentally friendly behaviors than those in low greenspace neighborhoods.*

As a parent,  if you want to create positive long term environmental effects, one of the best way is to send your child to a Nature Summer Camp not unlike Swift Nature Camp. It may just be one of the best things you can do for your child and the environment.

*Alcock et al. 2020. Associations between pro-environmental behavior and neighborhood nature, nature visit frequency and nature appreciation: Evidence from a nationally representative survey in England. 

Summer camp is a special place it give children a place to call home that is less structured has less pressure than their home routines of school and sports. Plus it gives kids a chance to experience life in a screen free zone, just like the olden days. Yet when an overnight summer camp has an environmental Education focus, camp doubles up its value to campers and parents alike. 

At Swift Nature Camp is an environmental education summer camp in Wisconsin that is rooted in fun with nearly 50 different land and water activities its hard not to have fun. Learning new skills in a non competitive fun way allows each child to participate at their level and try to better themselves. To give children autonomy, camp daily gives children the opportunity to select the activities that they want to do that day. So in a way a camper get to create their own camp experience rather than having adults give them a schedule.  Kind of like the old days when chidden could just go outside and play.

Our campers love nature and environmental studies, so at Swift Nature Camp we blend camp activities with outdoor education along with summer fun.  Our goal is to have our campers uses an exploration to developing an hands on appreciation and understanding of the natural world in Wisconsin that is right outside their cabin door. .Our interactive activities utilize scientific skills of discovery, observation and investigation. Yet what are campers love is our Nature Center and Camp zoo. Here many native animals are kept as well as other small pets. Campers even have the opportunity to adopt an animal while they are at camp. These critters are for learning responsibilities and animal care. 

Our daily environmental classes seeks to teach campers about human impact on the environment and to be aware of how they are connected to nature. This individual responsibility is the key to teaching children about conservation.  our hydroponic garden project is special because the campers help catch the fish that help verbalize the plants living in the garden, this interaction helps make the concepts stick. SNC 

Not only do campers learn Environmental Education but this overnight summer camp in Wisconsin let's children learn skills in personal relationship building. Kindness and understanding are the corner stone to cabin life, helping to insure team-building and cooperation. To learn more about Environmental Education in Wisconsin

🌿 Environmental Summer Camp Near Minnesota

A Hands-On Nature & Science Camp Kids Truly Love

Looking for the best environmental summer camp near Minnesota where your child can unplug, explore nature, and build real confidence?

Swift Nature Camp is a top-rated overnight environmental camp for Minnesota families, designed for kids who love animals, science, and the outdoors. Just a short drive from Minneapolis–St. Paul, it’s a place where curiosity grows, friendships form, and kids feel completely at home in nature.

🌎 What Is an Environmental Summer Camp?

An environmental summer camp is more than just being outdoors—it’s about helping kids understand and connect with the natural world through hands-on experiences.

At Swift Nature Camp, children don’t just learn about nature…
they live it every day.

Campers:

Explore forests, lakes, and wetlands
Learn about ecosystems through real discovery
Build environmental awareness naturally through play
Develop a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors

🧪 Hands-On Environmental Science (Not Classroom Learning)

This isn’t school—it’s real-world environmental learning.

Our campers:

• Investigate ponds, insects, and wildlife habitats
• Take part in fun, interactive science experiments
• Learn by doing, exploring, and asking questions
• Discover how nature works by being part of it

We believe:

When kids experience nature firsthand, they don’t just remember—they understand.

🐾 A Unique Animal-Based Environmental Camp Experience

One thing that truly sets us apart as an Minnesota Environmental Education Summer Camp is our connection with animals.

Each camper:

• Adopts and cares for a pet during their stay
• Learns responsibility through daily care routines
• Builds empathy and confidence through animal interaction

We even allow campers to bring a small pet from home, making camp feel more comfortable and personal—especially for first-time campers.

🌿 Perfect for Kids Who Love Nature (Not Just Sports)

Many Minnesota parents find us because their child isn’t drawn to traditional sports camps.

This is the perfect fit for kids who:

• Love animals, nature, and being outdoors
• Enjoy exploring, hiking, and discovering new things
• Prefer creativity and curiosity over competition
• Thrive in a smaller, supportive environment

Here, kids find their people—other campers who are just as excited about frogs, forests, and discovery.

📍 Close to Minnesota, Easy for Families

Swift Nature Camp is conveniently located within driving distance of Minneapolis–St. Paul, making it one of the most accessible Environmental Education Summer Camps for Minnesota families.

Parents appreciate:

• A manageable travel distance
• The ability to stay connected
• A balance of independence and reassurance

And something special often happens…

Parents come expecting to visit or take their child out for a break—
but their camper is too busy exploring, learning, and having fun to leave.

💚 More Than an Environmental Camp—A Place to Grow

At its heart, Swift Nature Camp is about more than nature—it’s about growth.

Campers leave with:

• Greater independence and confidence
• Strong friendships with like-minded kids
• A deeper connection to the environment
• A sense of belonging and accomplishment

For many families, this becomes the summer highlight their child looks forward to every year.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Environmental Summer Camp

What makes an environmental summer camp different?

Environmental camps focus on nature, science, and outdoor learning rather than structured sports. Kids learn through hands-on exploration and real-world experiences.

Is this a good camp for first-time campers?

Yes! Our supportive environment and smaller community make this an ideal first-time overnight camp, especially for kids who may feel unsure at larger camps.

How far is camp from Minnesota?

We’re located within a short drive of Minneapolis–St. Paul, making it convenient for Minnesota families. Yes, less than 2 hours drive.

What do kids actually do all day?

Campers stay active with:

• Nature exploration
• Animal care
• Science activities
• Outdoor adventures

Every day is different, engaging, and fun.

Is this camp good for kids who don’t like sports?

Absolutely. This is one of the best environmental summer camps for non-sporty kids, focusing on nature, animals, and discovery instead of competition.

🎯 Find the Right Environmental Summer Camp Near Minnesota

If you’ve been searching for:

• An environmental summer camp near Minnesota
• A nature-based overnight camp for kids
• A science and animal-focused summer experience
• A welcoming camp for first-time or non-sporty kids

You may have just found the perfect fit.

👉 Take the Next Step

We’d love to help you find the right session for your child.

Reach out anytime to learn more, ask questions, or see why so many Minnesota families choose Swift Nature Camp year after year. If you feel your child needs to get off their screen and be out in nature at a Minnesota Environmental Education Summer Camp then Swift Nature Camp is a wonderful place to make it happen. We even have an exclusive First Time at Camp program, perfect for the child who is new to spending the night away from home.

Happy Trails,
Lonnie & Jeff 🌲
630-654-8036
www.swnc.camp
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