Once upon a time, way over on the east coast of the United States, lies an enchanting land named New York. Now, it isn't just skyscrapers and bustling streets, oh no, it's stuffed to the gills with lush green forests, sparkling lakes, and towering mountains. And in this magical place, you’ll find a bunch of sprightly kiddos, known as the "Nature Ninjas". The leader of the Nature Ninjas is a wacky, woodland critter named "Sly Squirrel". Sly is no ordinary squirrel though, he wears bright green sneakers, a cap full of acorns, and carries a magical acorn amulet around his neck. He's as funny as a chipmunk on caffeine, and with the help of his magical amulet, he guides the Nature Ninjas on their wild escapades. These sparky kids, brimming with curiosity and donned in their favorite adventure boots, set off into the wilderness. They explore enchanted forests that whisper stories of the ancient ones, climb the mighty Adirondack mountains that try to tickle the sky, and canoe down the Hudson River, which flows like a ribbon unwinding its way through the state. They try to decode the tweets of the birds, engage in muddy wrestling matches with earthworms, and hold their breath to see if they can outdo the turtles in underwater staring contests. They often lose, though, and surface gasping, faces red as ripe apples, only to burst into peals of laughter. The Nature Ninjas and their antics make New York's woods and wilds echo with laughter and life. With their funny guide, Sly Squirrel, the kids of NY make the state’s nature, not just a place of trees and trails, but a land of laughter, learning, and endless adventures.
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Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.
Skye Farm is one of five camp and retreat centers in the Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Under the leadership of staff and dedicated volunteers, the camp is supervised by the Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries, and overseen by the Committee on Camp & Retreat Ministries. The mission of Skye Farm is to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and be God’s love with our neighbors in all places. At Skye Farm, we believe in three core truths: that there is a God, that God loves us, and that God desires a relationship with us. All of our activities and programming are designed to reinforce this.