Why send a Child to Overnight Summer Camp?

Every summer millions of children go to an overnight summer camp. But Why? Oh sure, some parents just need daycare. But the vast majority of parents that are thinking about sending their child to overnight summer camp, do not take this responsibility lightly. They do their research by going to camp fairs, talking to friends, taking camp tours and chatting with references. Why do all this? Because when you select the right Overnight Summer Camp for your child, it will be a life changer and an experience they will want to repeat summer after summer.

So how does summer camp change kids lives? Not every camp is the same, so I can only speak about our overnight summer camp. Swift Nature Camp is located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. We cater to children 6–15, with a leadership program for our 16 & 17-year-old campers. Our small camp blends old-fashioned camp activities on land and water, with environmental and nature learning. Plus we have a camp zoo, where children who love animals can even adopt one while they are at camp.

Here are ways that children’s lives are changed because of camp:

1) Great Staff- When you get young people who are dedicated to kids full time, your child feels it. Camp counselors have boundless energy and enthusiasm- something parents often lose as they get older. It’s like having the best big sister or brother in the world who really cares about you. They want you to be your best. So children look up to these counselors and since they are role modeling positive values, your child will pick those up and bring them home.

2) Communal Living- Yes, your child will be living in a cabin with 5–8 other children of their own age, building new friendships and developing strong new social circles. For most children, this is a new experience. When you live with others, you have to be a little less worried about yourself and be thinking more about others. That is part of the natural progression of kids from self to others. Camp pushes them a little further along this road.

3) Nature-This day and age we live our lives inside. There is a big beautiful world out there that children should learn about and they should not be afraid of. All of science is saying, humans, need to be connected to their environment, enjoy the beauty of the simple things in life. That’s why at SNC, we often take our kids to the lake to quietly enjoy a sunset.

4) Independence- Today we have so many types of parents, and often we see loving parents that hold their children back, not intentionally. But, sometimes they just don’t see that kids need and want to get out on their own, make decisions on their own and try new things. A Nature Camp is a safe place to try things, make mistakes and move on. This is all part of growing up and camp is the safe and supervised place this takes place.

5) Play is an amazing tool. It helps children get exercise, lose weight and feel better. More important, Free Play can help children resolve conflict, problem solve and be creative. Daily, at camp have 1.5 hours dedicated to free play, where campers can do the activities they want to do. This is like the old days when children could just go outside and play.

One thing we hear from parents every summer is “I wish I would have sent my child to Swift Nature Camp sooner” you see, childhood is a once-off thing. Too soon it’s over, and you can’t reclaim the years, but you can look back on incredible memories. That’s why summer camp is so important — it’s a fun, positive experience where children can simply be children and have the time of their lives. Overnight summer camp is a vital part of a child’s personal growth and development

It’s the small size and attention to detail that makes camp so successful at promoting each child’s personal development. Sending your child to Swift Nature Camp is a gift, one your child will cherish for the rest of their life. Maybe that’s why 92% of our campers want to return each summer.

For More Information:

Camp

W7471 Ernie Swift Rd.

Minong, WI 54859

Phone: 715–466–5666

Email — swiftcamp@aol.com

Website: http://swiftnaturecamp.com

The Secrets To Kids Summer Camps

Residential Summer Camp provides a place where boys and girls can practice Teamwork and Independence        http://swiftnaturecamp.com

Often when campers reflect upon their time living at summer camp they recall 3 critical things: 1- Living in a cabin with 9 other children, 2- Playing from sun up to sunset, 3- Being out in nature and most recently a 4th has been added that of being screen free!

These areas have been the foundation of summer camps for boys and girls for over 100 years. Today's children require these experiences even more than in the past.
Because like all of us, children have become too dependent on technology.
Adults have paved the way for children to learned that screens are their reality. So playing outside, making face to face connections and being responsible are less important than just a generation ago. Residential summer camp for boys and girls still provides these opportunities.

"Once you take a screen away from a child they return to explore their physical environment" says, Jeff Lorenz Director of Swift Nature Camp. Free play is often the result. at kids summer camps, children get out side they run, jump laugh and play for fun. Fun then has a new meaning because it is no longer digitally found like on MindCraft but in all the physical activities camps have to offer. Fairly quickly children realize how much time they spend on line and how they could be doing other things.

When girl and boy campers put down their phones and look up they notice the trees, animals and sky's that residential camps provide. Nature now takes on a new meaning because no longer is it a pixel on a screen but something they touch and become a part of. Jeff Lorenz, believes that the stick is one of the best toys a child can have. It promotes creativity, sharing and safety. Plus, they can even learn the science of a stick. Sadly many schools and parents feel they are to dangerous to be a toy.

Often, play then leads to face to face relationship building. When we look up from our screens we see the faces of those around us and begin to learn the skills that are needed to responsibly interact with others. A valuable skill this day, which is being lost.

Kids Summer Camps provides Campers a sense of independence and responsibility. How? By being responsible to their cabin mates to help keep their cabin and area clean during the summer. Campers learn to make their bed, wash their clothes and work with their camp friends . So in this one activity children learn: to communicate with each other, to problem-solve, to be responsible and to be accountable.

The best residential summer camp directors dissect all parts of a camp day and look for ways to give campers the opportunity to try new things and gain from those experiences. After all, camps in the Midwest are all about helping children live with others, Play outside, appreciate nature and become responsible parts of society.