Swift Nature Camp

Key Highlights

• ✓Successfully facilitates a child's first summer away, fostering independence, exploration, and lifetime friendships (R1, R4).
• ✓Operates as an 'old fashioned true nature summer camp' emphasizing kindness, friendship, inclusivity, and confidence through teamwork (R2, R5).
• ✓Features a 'First Time Camper program' specifically designed to support children new to being away from home (R4).
• ✓Boasts a highly positive, dedicated, and caring staff and counselors who bond well with campers (R2, R3, R4, R5).
• ✓Provides a wide range of engaging activities including fishing, archery, nature hikes, arts and crafts, boating, swimming, and building (R3, R4).
• ✓Focuses on growth and independence, leading to newfound confidence and a sense of accomplishment in campers (R4).
• ✓Offers a traditional camp experience with no cell phones, real unprocessed food, healthy snacks, lake swimming, campfires, and sleeping under the stars (R5).
• ✓Maintains a 'safe place' environment where children are well taken care of, supported by registered nurses for peace of mind (R2, R3, R5).
• ✓Directors Jeff and Lonnie are praised for creating an exceptional environment (R3, R4).

Standout Features

• ⭐Specialized 'First Time Camper program' (R4).
• ⭐Positive and dedicated counselors who foster strong bonds (R2, R3, R4).
• ⭐Presence of great camp registered nurses for parent peace of mind (R2).
• ⭐Delicious and healthy food, including a popular Sunday buffet (R3, R5).
• ⭐Comfortable and 'nice cabins' (R3).
• ⭐Diverse activity list: fishing, archery, nature hikes, arts and crafts, boating, swimming, building (R3, R4).
• ⭐Emphasis on camp songs, jokes, and traditions (R4).
• ⭐Strict 'no cell phones' policy promotes genuine outdoor engagement and social interaction (R5).
• ⭐Traditional outdoor activities: swimming in the lake, campfires, sleeping under the stars (R5).

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • Campers/staff are not permitted to have Food, Gum, or Soda in cabins or around camp to avoid attracting critters.
• • After-dinner treats available from the camp store.
• • Staff snacks usually available in the staff lounge; staff provided a special location to store their food/pop and consume it there, not in front of campers.
• • GUM is never permitted at camp.
• • No junk food (mentioned in testimonial as part of 'down to earth' experience).

🛡️Safety Policy

• • Physical and emotional safety is the first priority.
• • Registered Nurse lives at camp and runs the Health Center.
• • ACA (American Camp Association) Accreditation.
• • Camp staff may search a camper’s belongings if there is reason to believe contraband is present (drugs, tobacco, vapes, alcohol, weapons, or other inappropriate/illegal items).
• • Zero tolerance for illegal use of drugs; random drug tests for staff throughout summer (includes amphetamines, methamphetamines, morphine, cocaine, marijuana). Positive test results in termination.
• • Alcohol strictly prohibited on camp property, during camp programs, or anytime with campers. Underage drinking (under 21) not permitted, even off-camp. Excessive lawful alcohol use not permitted. Returning to camp under influence will result in dismissal.
• • Smoking or tobacco products not permitted on camp premises or in the presence of campers; only non-smoking applicants hired for staff positions.
• • Staff must not engage in compromising situations with campers, including physical violence, sexual activity, harassment, emotional abuse, or other inappropriate actions.
• • Verbal or non-verbal put-downs or swear words are not permitted for staff or campers.
• • Topics not to be discussed: Politics, Religion, Sex, Drugs, Drinking, and other Mature Content.
• • Staff required to submit evidence of good health (health examination form, no more than one year prior to camp).
• • Tuberculosis Test for all staff during orientation.
• • Parents are told not to give gifts or money to staff to maintain fairness and professional boundaries.
• • Counselors receive Red Cross CPR and First Aid training (provided at staff orientation if not current).
• • Optional Red Cross Lifeguard training available for staff (6 days prior to orientation, intense 8-hour days, strong swimming skills required).
• • Campers sleep with 2 counselors in cabins (ratio 2 counselors per 10 children).
• • Staff Curfew: 11 PM to be back in camp, 12 AM to be in bed. Every other night, counselors must go to bed with children by 10 PM and stay in cabin.

📅Booking Policy

• • Enrollments accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• • Waiting list available once sessions are full (enroll to access waitlist option).
• • Minimum deposit of $250 required with online registration (credit card or ACH).
• • Payment Schedule: $200 with registration. Remaining balance divided equally and due on the 1st of February, March, April, May. Final balance due June 1st.
• • Online registration system for account management, tracking paperwork, and payments.
• • Counselor employment begins May 16th, 2025 at 9 AM and ends August 10th, 2025 at 3 PM.

🚗Parking Information

• • Parents may drive their child to and from camp on the appropriate day (implies parking available at camp).