Once upon a time, in the nature-kissed state of Wisconsin, vibrant with brilliant shades of green and blue, lived a bunch of cool, curious, and incredibly adventurous kids. These were no ordinary kids, for they were the trusted companions of the legendary character, Whiskers the Witty Woodchuck. Whiskers, with his twinkling eyes and chuckling laughter, was an expert in unveiling the wonders of the natural world for his little friends. Our story begins on a sunny day in Wisconsin, the land of cheese, cherries, and captivating natural beauty. The kids from the charming towns and bustling cities, often found themselves on extraordinary escapades with Whiskers. They explored the dense forests, raced along the sparkling rivers, and climbed the highest bluffs. They even had a secret handshake, which included a series of tail wiggles and paw bumps inspired by Whiskers. These Wisconsin kids, they knew how to give even the loons, the state bird, a run for their money, in terms of their love for nature! They were always up to their ears in interesting activities, be it leaf racing in the rivers, making flower crowns, or turning fallen trees into pirate ships. And boy, were they good at mud-pie making! With Whiskers the Witty Woodchuck as their humorous guide, the kids of Wisconsin would often be found with their cheeks rosy from laughter and their hearts full of love for their state’s beautiful outdoors. On every such adventure, they discovered a new story, a new lesson, and a new love for the natural world. For in Wisconsin, every child knew, the best classroom was the great outdoors! And so, the days passed filled with laughter, adventure, and a whole lot of Wisconsin wilderness!
Read morebest nature programs in Appleton, WI
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.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes provides girls in Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with the opportunity to become empowered young leaders, building courage, confidence, and character. With the support of over 6,000 volunteers and 15,000 girls, the organization strives to make the world a better place by offering programs that allow girls to explore their interests, develop their skills, and make lasting friendships. Girls can take part in activities like tree climbing, hiking, and environmental advocacy that will help them create positive change in their communities and beyond. With the help of adult mentors and millions of Girl Scout alumnae, the sky is the limit for these brave and confident girls.
Appelton Memorial Park is a beloved community hub for outdoor fun and recreation. It is the largest and most diverse of Appleton Parks, boasting 143 acres of lush green, playgrounds, trails, and a fishing pond. Families can make use of the seven softball diamonds, the Miracle League Field, and the Appleton Family Ice Center. The park also has a pavilion and amphitheater that can be rented out and the Scheig Center and its surrounding gardens are open to visitors. In the winter months, when there is enough snow, areas of the park are groomed for cross-country skiing and a sled hill is available for all ages. Appelton Memorial Park is the perfect place to gather with family and friends and enjoy the great outdoors.
Bubolz Nature Preserve is the perfect place for families to come together and enjoy the beauty of nature! With educational programming offered year-round, parents and children can explore the unique blend of habitats found on the preserve while learning about the importance of protecting our environment. Additionally, the preserve provides a variety of recreational opportunities for families to enjoy, including hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and more. At Bubolz Nature Preserve, families can have fun while also learning about the importance of preserving our natural environment. By providing educational programming and recreational activities, the preserve encourages appreciation for the outdoors and a healthy appreciation for nature. With its unique blend of Northern and Southern habitats, Bubolz is an important natural area in Northeast Wisconsin that the community can come together to appreciate and enjoy.