Monday 29 October 2012

Summer Camp Means More in Minnesota

By Caroline Lichtenburger


Summer Camp in Minnesota means more than the pristine beauty of lakes, forests and eagles flying overhead. Summer Camp is a new home with another family. But camp isn't just any family or any home, Swift Nature Camp is a special Minnesota Camp.

This summer home is filled with acceptance, love, encouragement, and true, down to earth friends who you will end up calling your camp family. Your counselors act as parents, older siblings, etc. They are great people to look up to. The campers are great friends for life. You may even end up looking at them as siblings. Acceptance is everywhere, no one kicks you out of the cabin because of who you are. Your uniqueness is celebrated. This is the main reason why I love Swift Nature Camp...it's so much more than just having fun.

Activities are everywhere at summer camp, there is so much to do. Here are just a few: Archery, Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Tubing, and Riflery. You are never bored and active all day long. The counselors help you get better regardless of that your skill level is. All activities are noncompetitive and so we all support each other, rather than worry who is best.

When I think of Swift, I think of trips. I'll never forget the Superior Hiking Trail or going to Ely. What an adventure! I loved the trails, nature, and sights of the forest. It was fun getting to know the other persons that hike with you. The wildlife you see is extremely cool. We saw hawks, bald eagles, deer, ospreys, trout, and carp. This is why I love Minnesota Summer Camps

Cabin life is all about learning about others. We come from all over America and even other countries, to meet at a Minnesota Summer Camp. In each cabin there are 10 campers and 2 very kind counselors. Our goal is to become a team for the 3 or 6 weeks we are there. Sure, we had our fights, but always they are resolved and we grow closer because of them.

I always loved the Nature Center. It is a great place to learn about Nature and the Environment. The Director is always fun and teaches us loads of cool things but its not at all like school. There are all sorts of animals that are fun to observe and hold. One day they even made me feel a little more comfortable when I was homesick.

I'm returning to Swift Nature Camp a wonderful Summer Camp in Minnesota for years to come.




About the Author:



No comments: