In the majestic state of North Carolina, where blue-ridged mountains touch the sky and coastal beaches sprinkle in the sun, lives a motley crowd of young inventors, scientists, engineers, and artists. These aren’t your average kids. No, siree! They are the STEAM/STEM whiz kids, equipped with a thirst for knowledge and a knack for creativity. Now, let's introduce our cool imaginary character, Professor Beakerhead. With bright, twinkling eyes hidden behind thick goggles, eccentric hair that seems to defy gravity, and a bubbling laugh that echoes through his wacky, gadget-filled laboratory, he is the guiding star of our STEAM/STEM kids. Professor Beakerhead, with a passion for pickles on his pizza and his mismatched socks, is the ideal mentor for our young wizards of NC. These NC kids can design robots that dance, build boats that float in mid-air, concoct potions that change colors, and engineer recycled-art masterpieces that would make Picasso jealous. They aren't afraid to get their hands dirty, whether that means digging up fossils in the Appalachian Mountains or discovering new species of crabs on the Outer Banks. Their minds are like sponges, soaking up information about the world around them and turning it into fabulous creations. But don't let their intellect fool you! They love a good laugh as much as the next kid. Prank wars often ensue with whoopee cushions under seats and invisible ink on reports. The favorite, however, is when they program their robots to serve Professor Beakerhead his least favorite dessert - broccoli ice cream! The STEAM/STEM kids live in a world where learning is an adventure, laughter is the soundtrack, and the possibilities are as wide as the North Carolina sky.
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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.
Parents looking for an outdoor summer camp experience for their children should consider signing them up for the Summer Garden Camps at the Arboretum. Campers will get to spend the week unplugged, learning, creating, playing and exploring the beautiful and diverse gardens. With camps for children from preschoolers to rising eighth graders, there’s something for everyone! Campers will gain an appreciation for nature while making friends and having fun. From playing games in the garden to exploring the unique attractions of the Arboretum, campers will find plenty of activities that will keep them engaged and entertained. The Summer Garden Camps provide a wonderful opportunity for campers to take a break from their screens and immerse themselves in nature. It’s a great way for children to learn, grow and make memories with friends while exploring the beauty of the Arboretum.
With our LIVE instructors, your child will have the opportunity to interact with their tutor in real time, allowing for more effective learning. Our online tutoring covers all academic areas from Kindergarten to 12th grade. We work with your child to develop a personalized academic plan to help them reach their goals. Our LIVE instructors are highly qualified and are dedicated to providing the best learning experience for your child. Our online tutoring is designed to provide your child with the highest quality instruction tailored to their needs. With our LIVE instructors, your child will have the opportunity to interact with their tutor in real time and work through their specific challenges. We strive to provide the best learning experience for your child so they can reach their academic goals.
At the Design Lab, we believe that design is a skill that can be applied to everyday life, and we are devoted to providing design education experiences to benefit the K-12 community and beyond. Our collaborative, interdisciplinary programs and resources are designed to give students and educators access to the tools they need to succeed. We are proud to have formed active partnerships with College of Design faculty, students, and alumni, in addition to our vibrant local community. Through these partnerships, we are able to provide immersive, engaging experiences that promote the development of design skills. Ultimately, our goal is to empower people to create a better future through design. The Design Lab strives to teach design as a way of thinking, and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to develop their design skills. We are dedicated to helping people think and create in innovative ways, and to use design to shape the future.