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At Swift Nature Camp, a Summer Camp in Northern Wisconsin, children play outside while learning about Nature and Science. Here are some helpful hints parents can do at home

Teachers tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is seeingwhat nature offers. Often this can lead to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural world we live in. THis is one of our fundamental principals at Swift Nature Camp
Walking or hiking through the woods is a regular part of Summer Science Camp.

However, with out having a purpose many times staff and campers merely walk along the trail without really noticing what is around them. They overlook the sounds, sights, textures and diversity of the ecosystem.

There are several interesting activities that can be done while walking through the woodlands. Simple supplies are needed, so it will take only a few minutes to collect them. Or you can prepare a Woodland Walk Kit ahead of time for supplies, and index cards with directions for the activities.

One you feel you have a feel for these activities invite your childrens friends to come along, I’m sure they too will enjoy being away from their scheduled lives and enjoy the peace of nature,

Make a Rubbing
Supplies: Paper, crayons or charcoal
Ahead of time: It is best to have experience at this before you help others.
Assignment: Search for trees, rocks and logs that have a variety of textures. Put the paper over the surface of the tree, rock or log, hold the charcoal or crayon at an angle, and rub over the paper so that the unique pattern is transferred to the paper.
Conversation: What did you discover by doing these rubbings?

Changes
Supplies: Clipboard and writing utensils
Ahead of time: think or research how things would be different if the land was developed
Assignment: Stop along the trail and look into the woods. Imagine that the land had sold this plot of land to a developer to build. How would that development changethings? What effect would it have on the habitat and food supplies of the animals living there? What would happen to the soil if the trees were cut down? How would the plants in the woods change? How would the threat of erosion increase?
Conversation: How have ecosystems near your home been destroyed? What changes have happened to the land?

Look a Tree
Supplies: Blindfolds
|Ahead of time: look for a place on the trail where there is a variety of trees.
Assignment: Find a partner and decide who will be blindfolded first. The sighted partner will lead his/her partner to a tree. The blindfolded child will explore the tree by touch and smell. Then the sighted partner leads his/her partner away from the tree. Once the blindfold is removed, that camper tries to locate the tree. Switch places and repeat.
Conversation: What have you learned about trees that you didn’t know before?

We at Swift Nature Camp hope this gave a sample of some of the projects we do out in Nature. If you child is interested in these sorts of activities have them join us next summer.

If this is your first time thinking about Summer Camp look at Summer Camp Advice a free website that helps parents fing the right camp for thier child.

About the authors: Lonnie Lorenz is the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional overnight Science Summer Camp. Both Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy Nature & Animals along with traditional camping activities. As a Summer Youth Camp Swift specializes in programs for the First Time Camper as well as Adventure Teen Camp programs

Nearly 40 years ago America celebrated the first Earth Day On April 22, 1970. At the time it was important to stress the importance of one planet. Celebrate life and to bring information on environmental issues Now earth day is a world wire day.Earth Day

Richard Louv, child advocacy expert, directly blames the lack of nature in the lives on today’s wired generation. He calls this phenomenon nature-deficit order and he links it to some of the most alarming trends for our kids. Including rises in obesity, attention disorders, and depression. Kids in Nature

Summer camps since the early 1900 have been getting kids outdoors and informing children about the environment. Yet, when folks talk today about camp it could be a skateboard camp or a math camp at a college campus. Summer camp is a wonderful way to get your child to have greater appreciation for the environment. Swift Nature Camp is a place that can help you develop you child’s joy in nature. .Environmental Camp

As an Outdoors Summer Camp, the focus is to blend traditional summer camp activities with an appreciation for nature and environment. We make Nature Fun! Here are some campers thoughts..

“Swift combines the best summer activities with learning. We have fun. doing all the activities but it the beauty of the nature that makes this place special”

“Last year a turtle came right up by our cabin and laid its eggs.”

“I love the animals in the Nature Center…I even brought my snake to show all the other campers.”

Listen, you can hear loads of birds especially in the morning. But its the loon at might that i really love.”

” It a child’s natural curiosity that makes our Science Camp work.” says Lonnie Lorenz the Director ” Frog hunts are always a favorite. They stay in the Nature Center for a day then released back in nature. When campers canoe down a river and see all the beauty they now feel that their is a reason to protect it.”

It’s the camps small size that helps us promote each child’s personal growth. We help children make good decisions and leadership in a supportive and noncompetitive environment away from home. Summer camp gives children the chance to make own decisions and learn from them.

Our Counselors are wonderful role models that promote perseverance, listening, teamwork and appreciation of differences, campers set new and high standards for their own behavior. This in turn brings their new found independence more in linewith what yu are trying to do at home. We are on your side.

The amzing thing about SNC is it gives each child a new place to try new things while making new friends. It is a new world. All you need is a personal development plan and you can be who ever you want to be. Some campers return year after year saying that “Camp gives me a place to bemyself with real people.”

For campers and staff the Northwoods provides a perfect environment for as a summer home. See what all the excitement is about.

Need help finding a summer camp that fits your child’s needs. Visit Summer Camp Advice Find a Summer Camp

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp, is an overnight Summer Camp with a a non-competitive, traditional focus . Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals & science along with traditional camping activities. Swift specializes in Teen Camp programs for the Teenage Campers as well as a First time Camper Program.