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Black Bear, Loon & Walleye: A Fable from the Northwoods a story by Sara Button holds a special place in our hearts. As Directors of Swift Nature Camp an Nature Summer Camp in the Northwoods of Wisconsin,our campers can see this story unfolding right in front of their eyes. It is so special we keep a copy in our camp library for all to read.

Black Bear, Loon & Walleye tells the story of three friends–one furry, one feathered, one sporting fish scales–and each wishes for the gifts of another. Black Bear longs for shiny scales to look flashy and impress his friends; Loon wants to sport and enviable fur coat; and Walleye wants to fly. But when their wishes mysteriously come true, each realizes a disadvantage: Bear’s scales can’t keep him warm, Loon can’t fly with fur weighing her down, and Walleye has bad eyesight and is no good at flying even with feathers.

Black Bear, Loon and Walleye take a wild adventure that teaches them lessons that are timeless universal truths. The friends learned a valuable lesson that day, to appreciate each others gifts, but most of all to value their own. Trying new things is important, because you might find something that you really enjoy. But if it doesn’t work out, you still get to know yourself better. So each characters learned that they each have special gifts and that they need to always appreciate the others gifts, while valuing their own.

This is a story for all generations and a reminder of the importance of trying new things, understanding our own true nature, and having faith that we are all perfectly designed to fulfill our own unique purposes in life. Know yourself well! Value your gifts!

At our summer camp a wonderful opportunity arises to promote each child’s personal development by providing fun, friendship and leadership in a supportive and noncompetitive environment away from the daily life of a child’s home. Camp provides children an opportunity to act on their own, be self-reliant and try things for themselves, always knowing that if it doesn’t work out they can start over with little consequences after all it’s camp. This is like the books’ stars Black Bear, Loon and Walleye.

Ech night as our camp counselors read stories to the children a familiar call is heard in the background. As the loon calls it brings this story to life and makes it a special evening. If coming to the Northwoods is not as easy for you use the CD that comes with the book has loon sounds along with a guitar and the story read aloud.

If you are looking for a summer camp for your child try Summer Camp Advice a free reference for parents looking for the perfect Children’s Summer Camp.

Swift Nature Camp is a Wisconsin Minnesota Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional Overnight Summer Camp activities with an appreciation for nature, animals and the environment.

categories: books, book reviews, kids books, summer camp, kids camp, nature camp, outdoors camp, overnight summer camp, reading, recreation, travel, parenting, kids, teens

Shortly, nearly 10 million children be going to Summer Camps. But before they go, health experts are issuing strong new advice to both parents and camp directors, and recommending new precautions to protect campers’ health.

The new guideline, published in the June issue of the journal Pediatrics, was written by a team led by a University of Michigan Health System physician who specializes in camp health. Edward Walton, M.D., FAAP, FACEP, is lead author of the paper, which is an official policy statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics and was produced in conjunction with the American Camp Association.

the key to this policy is parents need to thoroughly determine whether a camp is right for their child’. Don’t just assume its great because your childs friends are going. One need to assess if it meets their childs mental, emotional and physical well-being, as well as their interests and skills.

That means, Walton says, that camps should provide parents with a complete picture of what their programs involve, whether it’s strenuous sports, rough wilderness camping, horseback riding — or intense music or computer practice. If an activity raises risk for kids with certain medical conditions, for instance scuba diving and asthma, camps should tell parents about those risks ahead of time.

Homesickness prevention, the authors write, should start weeks before a child goes off to camp, and can be led by parents with the help of the doctor or other health care provider who performs the child’s pre-camp health assessment.

Walton, suggests “Parents should also avoid making pre-arranged plans with their children about picking them up if they get homesick. If parents discuss camp positively, avoid expressing doubts about a child’s ability to avoid homesickness”.

The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines say the pediatricians need to be involved with camps in their local have up to date protocols and help as medical backups for camp health personnel.

The increasing numbers of children who have asthma and allergies also bring new challenges for camps. The new guideline recommends that parents teach their children how to use rescue inhalers or EpiPens (allergy-calming epinephrine injection devices) long before the kids go to camp, and to work with camp officials to specify what situations might require children to use the devices. And camp officials are advised to allow children who know how to use such devices to carry them or have them nearby at all times.

Delay in not having these items handy can have real health consequences for the child.

The new guideline does not give detailed recommendations for camps that serve only children with special medical circumstances, such as cancer, physical disabilities, blindness, deafness or diabetes. But it recommends that camps work with local pediatricians and health professionals to assess children’s fitness to take part in such camps, and establish programs specific to them.

Finding the Right Summer Camp for your you is no easy task, Si, visit a FREE resource Summer Camp Advice at Summer Camp

Swift Nature Camp is a Illinois Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional outdoors summer camp activities with that of a Science Summer Camp. that promotes an appreciation for nature.

categories: health care, summer camp, overnight summer camp, science camp, doctors, parenting, recreation, outdoors, travel, kids, teens

Sara Button has recently written a story, Black Bear, Loon & Walleye: A Fable from the Northwoods. As Directors of Swift Nature Camp an Environmental Summer Camp in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, this story holds a special place in our hearts. It is such a good story we put a copy in our camp library for all our staff to share with their children.

Black Bear, Loon & Walleye tells the story of three friends–one furry, one feathered, one sporting fish scales–and each wishes for the gifts of another. Black Bear longs for shiny scales to look flashy and impress his friends; Loon wants to sport and enviable fur coat; and Walleye wants to fly. But when their wishes mysteriously come true, each realizes a disadvantage: Bear’s scales can’t keep him warm, Loon can’t fly with fur weighing her down, and Walleye has bad eyesight and is no good at flying even with feathers.

In this rich, modern-day fable, Black Bear, Loon and Walleye take a wild adventure that teaches them lessons that are as universal as they are timeless. The friends learned a valuable lesson that day, to appreciate each others gifts, but most of all to value their own. Trying new things is important, because you might find something that you really enjoy. But if it doesn’t work out, you still get to know yourself better. From that day on, the three friends agreed to always appreciate each others gifts, but most of all to value their own.

All who read This is a story will remember the importance of trying new things, understanding our own true nature, and having faith that we are all perfectly designed to fulfill our own unique purposes in life. The bottom line, Know yourself well and Value your gifts!

Summer Camp is a wonderful opportunity to promote each child’s personal development by providing fun, friendship and leadership in a supportive and noncompetitive environment away from home. Camp provides children an opportunity to act on their own, be self-reliant and try things for themselves, always knowing that if it doesn’t work out they can start over with little consequences…kinda like the stars of our book.

At camp we read to all our campers each and every night, for the children they can hear the loons out side with their playful sounds. It truly makes the evening one to remember. If for you, getting to the Northwoods is not so easy for you, you can use the books enclosed CD that has loon sounds along with a guitar background and a reading of the story.

If you are looking for a summer camp for your child try Summer Camp Advice a free reference for parents looking for the perfect Children’s Summer Camp.

Swift Nature Camp is a Wisconsin Minnesota Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional Overnight Summer Camp activities with an appreciation for nature, animals and the environment.

categories: books, book reviews, kids books, summer camp, kids camp, nature camp, outdoors camp, overnight summer camp, reading, recreation, travel, parenting, kids, teens

So you are thinking of sending your child to summer camp! Here are a few questions you need to ask that may affect your child’s stay at camp. If an area is really important for your child and you can not find the information be sure to call the Summer Camp Director and ask questions.

Facilities: Look at the condition of the facilities. Do the buildings they show signs of wear and a lack of maintenance, Though well worn and rustic buildings are perfectly ok, make sure that they are not being neglected. Specific things you’ll want to look for and ask about include:

Bunks: * Do children live in cabins, tents, or dorms? * How many beds are in each cabin? * Are they bunk beds or individual cots? * How do the campers choose which beds they want? * Where do the campers store their belongings? * Are the cabins to crowded? Is there enough storage space? Has the camp overbooked and crowded extra campers in? * Are the cabins clean? Are beds made by the campers and belongings stowed? * How many counselors sleep in each Cabin?

Bathrooms: * How near the cabins are the toilets? Does each bunk have it’s own toilets or is there a common bathhouse? * If there is a common bathhouse? Do children walk alone at night? Is the path lighted? * Are there showers in each bunk or a common area? * If the camp is coed, how separate are the shower facilities? Where? * How often and who cleans the facilities?

Waterfront or Swimming Pool: * Is the pool large enough to accommodate all swimmers? * Are the waterfront areas for swimming, boating, water skiing and diving separate and clearly marked? * What kind of waterfront equipment is provided? * What is the level of waterfront supervision and ratio of lifeguards to swimmers? * Are life jackets always worn during water sports? * Are swimming areas clearly marked? * How do they account for swimmers? Buddy board?

The Grounds: * Are playing fields freshly reseeded and mowed? * Are the trails clearly marked? * Is the equipment in good condition? * Does the camp have the activities your child wants?

Dinning Hall:Your child will spend alot of time in the Dinning Hall. Be sure the Camp understand this and work to make it a clean, exciting and nutritious experience If you have special dietary needs don’t be forget to make sure they can accommodate your needs. Summer kids Camp *Can the whole camp to be served in one seating? * Do cabins eat together or split up? * How are meals served, buffet style or family style? * What if your childr doesn’t like the main meal? what are the alternatives? Is there a salad bar? * Are snacks served? How and what are the snacks? * What is a typical menu? * What are ther credentials of the cook? * Is the kitchen inspected by local authorities? What are the safety and cleanliness standards?

Remember this article has to do with the comforts of camp and not with safety at camp. The American Camp Association has a certification program that looks at over 300 different aspects of camp. It is always best to select a camp that has been ACA Accredited. ACA CAMPS

You can learn more about selecting athe best Summer Camp by visiting Summer Camp Advice. It’s FREE information about Summer Camp

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the Directors of Swif Nature Camp a non-competitive, traditional coed Overnight Summer Camp for Boys and Girls Ages 6-15. SNC promotes Nature with Science Summer Camp programs.

categories: Summer Camp, Science Summer Camp ,kids camp, Wisconsin Camp, Overnight Summer Camp, Outdoors, Parenting, Family, Travel, Recreation, Teens, nature, Kids, Family, Sports

Homesickness is a feeling that anyone can feel A strange, new place, even if it is exciting and fun, it is normal to miss home. Separation anxiety or homesickness is a normal part of childhood. It is appropriate, in loving, trusting family. Because your child loves and feels secure with you, separation can be scary and uncomfortable

A Summer Camp provides separation followed by a reunion. Yet, emotionally, it can be difficult to accept especially for children. Early on while adjusting to a new environment and living with new folks, children can get overwhelmed and even scared. Kids who enjoy new adventures and love sleepovers with friends may experience homesickness but usually it is limited.

It is important that you don’t measure your success as a parent by your child’s adjustment to camp. Even if your child has a difficult time adjusting to camp, it does not mean that you have failed to create an independent child. It may be difficult to understand how hard your child finds the first few days at camp. At times, it’s almost as if your child believes that he or she will never see you again. Put your child’s reaction into context. She may not be looking for a logical response from you, rather, what she wants is comfort and reassurance.

Anxiety can cause the least rational reactions in children as well as adults. Homesickness is a temporary feeling that can over come with adult support. The benefits of overcomes homesickness are enormous It increases self-confidence and self esteem. Don’t give up when you get that letter saying come pick me up I hate it here. Instead call the camp director and discuss how they might be able to help your child

Should you ever give up? Sure, but don’t act to quickly, unless you feel their is a problem more than just homesickness. Feelings of failure often accompanies those who return early. Sometimes, a child is just not ready for camp even with the best of intentions and efforts on the parents and camp. Especially, when it’s just not a good fit. If, after a week or ten days with the best efforts of your camp, your child is clearly not adjusting, it may be time to bring your camper home. Usually going for a visit does not help the situation.

Should you make the decision to go get your child, try and work it out with the camp director. Feelings of failure may arise so you need to support your child. Save the evaluation for a week or so after camp, when you sort out what went went wrong with the experience. Help your child to understand that even though the camp experience was disappointing, he is not a failure because things were learned. Assure let your child confidence in him and a different program may be better in the future.

A uniqnue First Time at Camp program is offered by Swift Nature Camp. It is designed only for first time campers. This Discovery Camp works because during the 12 days it allows camper to move past homesickness and into self confidence. This program limits campers to about 50 with 6 in a cabin with 2 or 3 staff. All campers are here for their first time, setting a level playing field for all campers. If your child is a little reluctant to leave home, look for a program that is especially designed only for first time campers

Picking a summer camp is not all that simple, Do the research at Summer Camp Advice, a FREE online guide for Summer Camp

Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz have been the owners & Directors of Swift Nature Camp since 1996. Swift is a non-competitive, traditional coed overnight Summer Camp for Boys and Girls Ages 6-15. In addition to traditional adventure camp activities we promote Nature as a Science Summer Camp, with fun hands on activities. So learn more about our first time camper at Summer Youth Camp.

categories: Summer Camp, Science Summer Camp, Camp Homesickness, First Time Camper, Kids Camp, Summer Youth Camp, Camp, Overnight Summer Camp, Environmental Camp, Midwest Summer Camp, Outdoors, Parenting, Family, travel