At Swift Nature Camp, we specialize in creating an amazing First-Time Camper experience, where kids can explore nature, build friendships, and enjoy over 70 land and Water fun activities including our camp hands on zoo. Away from screens, celebrity culture, and academic pressures, our child-centered overnight camp encourages personal growth through exciting activities and caring staff. SNC helps campers develop confidence, teamwork, leadership, and compassion, all while making unforgettable memories in the great outdoors!
THE SWIFT NATURE CAMP ADVANTAGE
1) Same Directors and Owners for 30 years, We are parents and understand children.
2) Dedicated to camper physical and emotional safety with Registered Nurse Living at camp.
3) Less than 100 campers, allowing us to provide individual attention for each child.
4) 50% Returning Staff - Dedicated to each camper's personal success.
5) We create a summer family where campers look forward to returning year after year.
6) Campers & Staff come from all over the USA and the World.
7) Beautiful Northwoods location on a 1500 acre lake.
8) We promote face to face interactions with no Screens.
9) Over 60 Land & Water Activities, including: Animal, Nature, Lego.
10) Positive Family Values.
11) Accredited by American Camp Association.
BUILDING GREAT KIDS
We are committed to guiding children to be their best.
Through self-discovery we encourage campers to become more independant, kinder and filled with a better understanding for others.
Happy Trails,
Lonnie & Jeff
Swift Nature Camp is based in Oak Brook, IL but the camp location is in Minong, WI.
DISCOVERY CAMP - 1st Timer Camp (12 Days)
June 1-June 13
Boys & Girls 6-12, Cost $1550
More Info of Discovery Camp
Currently boy & girl beds available-
This is our exclusive 2025 beginner camp program for our younger campers, Girls & Boys ages 6-12. It's designed for the "first time" camper who may be a little reluctant to leave home. Our goal is to have every camper succeed so we keep camp size small (less than 60 campers) and give additional counselor support by having 2 counselors for every 5 campers. Plus we have a Money Back Guarantee for our Discovery Campers. Limited to 70 children.
Be sure to look at our First Time at Camp Guide
PATHFINDER CAMP (12 Days)
June 15-June 27
Boys & Girls 7-12, Cost $1700
Currently boy & girl beds available-
This is our 2025 traditional camp program for returning and new campers who are comfortable leaving home. This program is a blend of our Discovery Camp & Explorer Camps. It will feature all camp activities plus one canoe or backpack camping trip on camp property. Limited to 100 children per session with 10 children and 2 counselors in a cabin.
EXPLORER CAMP (3 WEEKS)
Explorer 1 Explorer 2
June 29-July 18 July 20-August 08
Boys & Girls 8-15, Cost $2550
Explorer I-Currently boy & girl beds available-
Explorer II-Currently boy & girl beds available-
This is our traditional program for returning campers or new campers who are comfortable leaving home. This program incorporates our old fashioned outdoor camp activities plus canoe, backpack & bike camping trips. Each trip is geared toward a camper's skill and ability. Limited to 75 children per session.
ADVENTURER CAMP (6 WEEKS)
June 29-August 08
Boys & Girls 8-15, Cost $4900
Currently boy & girl beds available-
This program is for campers who wish to accomplish more during the summer and have the time available. Many returning campers select this program. Adventurer Camp is a combination of both explorer camps sessions. Campers can leave with parents between session or stay at camp. Between Session care is available- see additional charges. Limited to 20 children.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING -CIT (6 WEEKS)
June 29-August 08
Boys & Girls 16 & 17, Cost $3000
Currently: 8 boys & 8 girl beds available
Our Teen Leadership Program is for 16 & 17 year olds who are looking to have some fun while they prepare to enter college and the workforce! For half of the program, they'll live and work with two counselors in a cabin, learning about child development, honing their leadership skills, and much more. For the other half, they will get the opportunity to work in all other areas of camp, gaining real-world skills and experience that set them up for future success. Our Teen Leaders walk away from this program more confident, independent, and resilient than ever! A bonus 2 weeks are available in our "Pathfinder" session for Teen Leaders who wish to spend even more time at camp!
Leadership Program Limited to 8 Boys & 8 Girls.
CANADIAN CANOE TRIP (5 days)
August 11-15
Boys & Girls 14-17, Cost $850
Currently Available
This Boundary Waters Adventure is open to older campers who are physically active and have canoeing experience. Our trip is a wonderful opportunity to see the pristine Boundary Waters area of Canada and northern Minnesota. Current campers receive first options for this trip. Limited to 7 children.
Learn more about Swift Nature Camp
Business Review
A Mom's Thoughts About SNC:
My first batch of kids (28 and 24 now) attended Swift Nature Camp directed by Lonnie and Jeff Lorenz who live in Oak Brook. Many summers of a natural 'kid med' are some of their fondest memories. Their faces still light up when we talk about it and revisit the 'camp movies'. My eldest went on to be a counselor and loved it. Campers and counselors come from all over the world which adds depths of understanding for everyone.
Mom Puts Trust In SNC
Swift Nature Camp has been a favorite childhood experience for my boys each summer since 2003. I trust the directors, I adore the counselors, I appreciate the outside active fun, and I love the gorgeous setting. And, I love that it's cheaper than my daughter's camp! Swimming, canoeing, fishing, tubing, riflery, archery, crafts, camp fires, camping trips, clowning, & good ole' capture the flag in the woods are some of what my kids love about Swift.
Why the World Needs Summer Camp: An Essay to Parents
It is not easy for parents to make the decision to send their child away into the waiting arms of strangers who promise to take care of them — people who promise to show them the wonders of nature, fun, new skills, and friendships. As a parent of two children, even I struggle with the idea, and I have been around summer camps my entire life.
Read more:
https://swiftnaturecamp.com/parents-information/testimonials
