|
![[Key]](/local/images/key_blue_header.gif)
Date |
|
|
|
P
e
r
s
o
n
a
l
A
t
t
e
n
t
i
o
n
|
M
o
n
e
t
a
r
y
V
a
l
u
e
|
|
|
*
|
5/2/10 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I was a Swift Nature Camp Counselor in the summer of 2008. When I applied for the position, I had decided late in my sophomore year in college that I wanted to become a camp counselor. I stumbled upon Swift Nature Camp and had the pleasure of meeting and being interviewed by Lonnie. I can honestly say that without doubt Jeff and Lonnie care more about kids than most teachers and youth directors that I have met. During training, every counselor knew the camp purpose was for the kids and it was not about the money. I loved my experience at Swift Nature Camp and I know the kids loved it too. I am not returning to Swift Nature Camp because I am now going on a missions trip to Venezuela and then going to graduate school to pursue a degree in school counseling. I know that my experience at Swift Nature Camp helped fuel my desire to not only help people but also have an ability to positively impact the lives of the youth. Nathan |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
*
|
4/30/10 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
This is a worst case example of the bad side of summer camp. Through my contact with other camper's parents I have found my experience was not unique. Swift camping means handing over your kids and money to some unmotivated high school kids. By the way, if you look at the other comments you can tell that they were really written by Lonnie (who is a foreigner) because they all have the same type of grammar errors (and are then copied and posted again). This is run strictly for the money and not for the children at all. Beware. |
|
|
Read this rating's feedback
|
*
|
3/7/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This is my 6th summer at Swift Nature Camp, and it offers all sorts of opportunities. Also it gives the 16 and 17 year-old CIT's and JC's a chance to develope their leadership skills and to figure new things out about themselves. When you are a JC or Cit there are other people your age to where you can learn what they do to bring their cabin together and its a good way to learn other ideas. For the campers though there are a variety of activities that develops different skills. There is boating and swimming which is for teamwork and just swimming. Archery and riflery for control in breathing and pacience. Arts and Crafts for creativity. Team course for teamwork and growth. There are also games at the camp so the campers can run around and just act like kids. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
*
|
3/6/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Swift is awesome!!!! Next year will be my 4th summer there. Its always the highlight of my year when I get to go to camp. I environment is very good because you really get to know everyone. You get to no each other really well because of the small camp size. When I first went I was a little worried about it because I didn't know other people who went to overnight camps, but I must say it was probably the best desition of my life! The greatest thing about it for me is that camp keeps on getting better year after year. I also love it because I have done stuff that other people I know haven't. It is also awesome because there are people who come to SNC from all over the US and even the world. To me that is amasing becasue before I went to camp I couldnt tell people that I know people from Poland, Mexico, Peru, and Columbia. Now I can. The activities and trips at SNC are also relly amazing! Before I had never even been camping now I've been camping at least 10 times! ? Teri |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
*
|
3/6/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I have been going to Swift for 8 summers and I love it there. It is like my home-away-from-home. I have met many great friends whom i still keep in contact with. While at camp you participate in many activities and go on camping trips. These activities give you new skills that are useful and make you a well rounded person.I have had many memories that will last a lifetime. The counselors are responsible people who are fun to be around. I have really enjoyed my time at Swift. I highly recommend Swift Nature Camp. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
*
|
2/14/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Swift is awesome! After this summer I'll have been there for 3 whole years! :-D The conselours are so funny and nice and the stuff we do is really fun. It's a tad bit expensive, but hey, if had a choice between any other camp in the world, and Swift, I'd choose Swift. Swift is amazing. Period. -Shades |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
*
|
2/13/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This camp is the best possible camp to send your kids to. The staff is amazing. Very well trained to deal with all aspect pertaining children.I sent my two girls last year for the 3 week session and they just loved it. My girls were 8 and 11. I have to admit I was very nervous about sending them for so long and so far away from where we live ( twin cities) so I went up to visit them. They were so happy. It was just like sending them to a relatives home. Lonnie and Jeff are very much dedicated to our kids it's very heart warming to know our kids will be care for just as they would at home. I most defiantly will send my kids back this year. Please feel free to call and ask me any question you might have about Swift Nature Camp. Sending your child here would be the best possible thing you could do for your child. Joanne Martinez 651-795-8180 jojo3269@comcast.net |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
*
|
9/19/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This camp was a god send. I have sent my kids to numerous YMCA camps but nothing even compares to Swift. The love and compassion Lonnie and Jeff give to these kids is amazing. they make every kid feel very loved and cared for. This was my girls first year here. I was a little nervous sending them so far away for 3 weeks but Lonnie let me come and visit them on the weekends.When I came up to camp my girls were so happy I have not seen them just frre and careless in a long time. all they had were great stories about all the fun things they had done and the great Ice cream Jeff took them to go get down town. If you truly want your kids to have the best time of their life's send them to Swift. My girls are begging to go to the 6 week camp. I'm already saving up. God bless you Lonnie and Jeff. You really made a difference in my girls life. Signed Joanne Martinez ( Bela and Rosie's mom) |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
*
|
8/11/09 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Ian: I loved everything at this camp, and everybody was really nice to me. I want more people to know about this amazing camp, but on one overnight trip, there were holes in the water jugs, and then when we got water, there was a hole in the cooking pot too, so we couldn't really cook much. Bill: Check your equipment first!! The staff are very supportive of the kids and parents, our son's counselor took the time to write to us, just to let us know that he was doing well. They don't just teach the kids about nature, they also emphasize being a responsible person. The social values and interactions are very positive. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/4/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Swift was the BEST camp i have ever attended! the staff was carring, the whole camp was maintained perfectlyy and every cabin participated in frequent and awesome activities. They pay attention to table manners and make them fun. SNC has changed me as a person inside and out. with a limit of around 2 or 3 candies a week, it was a very healthe 2 weeks. I wait eagerly for the summer so that I can attend once again. -Gaby, A Former Camper. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/4/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
The Swift Nature Camp offers kids an opportunity to mature and be on their own while having the support and help from the staff. The kids can bring their pet to the camp and get in touch with the nature. After 6 weeks at the camp, my 13 years old son became more responsible and thankful person. He is better organized at home and in school. He is going to the Swift Nature Camp this summer again. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/3/09 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
Since it was going to be the first time my daughter was away from home, I did alot of research on away camps. I did not know anyone who had sent their son/daughter to away camp, so I had to rely solely on my research, visit to the facilities, and gut instinct. At the end of camp, after I picked my daughter up, I knew I had made the right decision with Swift Nature Camp. She had nothing but memorable experiences to share on the way home; I knew the camp had made a positive impact on her life. This is a great experience for those who love the outdoors, or for those who have not had enough exposure to the outdoors and need more. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/3/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I love SNC! The best place I go all summer. My 7th year comming up and I can't wait! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/2/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My kids love this camp. My daughter had a chance to go to Europe two summers ago but she said that she could go to Europe when she is older! Great, good old fashion camp with loads to do. No competitive pressures. Great staff. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/1/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
EXCELLENT camp! Great staff! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
11/14/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
You can't get much better than Swift. Swift Nature Camp is like a second family. You always feel welcome and wanted. Jeff and Lonnie have greated and maintain a great summer program full of opportunities beyond your imagination. Where else can you go from being a clown, to jumping on a water trampoline to dinner over a campfire with just you and your cabinmates. If your looking for a camp where your adveturous side will be tested Swift is also the place, offering different camping and day trips from Kayaking the fish creek estuary into Lake Superior, volunteering at the Vince Shutte Bear Sanctuary, or paddling to Picnic Island a 1/4 of mile off shore from camp and having your own private oasis. The staff care about you and it's like the theme song to Cheers, "Everybody knows your name". As someone who has moved on from the camping days into my adult years, thinking about starting a family, when my kids are older, I'd send them to Swift in a heartbeat. You'll be glad you went, I am. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
*
|
10/13/08 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
This year is going be my fourth year there. This camp has very good activities and has the bestfood in the world. Some of the activities are archery, boating,swimming, team course,etc. Most of the time you will have two Consulars and a JC or a CIT. The staff are very nice to you and we go camping every once in a while. I think that you should really go here. It is a great camp!!! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
10/4/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I worked as an office assistant and CIT coordinator in 2008. The camp directors make sure the Swift children have a great time at camp while they explore nature with hands on activities which adolescence will develop a deeper understanding of nature and acquire life long skills that they will utilize at camp, school, home and the work place. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
9/10/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
best camp ever!!!!! I wish I stayed for 6 weeks! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
9/10/08 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Swift is the coolest place I have ever been. I have made so many new freinds both living in the USA and in other countries. One of the good things about Swift is the limited number of campers at camp. It helps you get to know everyone. Also the age groups because there are younger kids and older kids and that realy helps getting to know people. The activities are very fun things like archery and rifelry I would have never done if I did not go to camp. Swift is the coolest place I have ever been to. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
9/9/08 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My 13 1/2 year old son came home very happy from camp this year and definitely wants to return next year. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
9/9/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I have been a counselor at Swift Nature Camp for 3yrs, and I have got to say that it has been an amazing experience; it's gets better each summer. I love the fact that it's a smaller camp, because the campers and staff really get to know each other and develop lasting friendships. It's really like a family there. I love it!!! There only so many words that can describe SNC, you've just got to experience it. You won't regret it! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
9/8/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Our son JJ just loved camp!!! He really loved the Arts and Crafts and liked the swimming. He even saw some kidsa that he goes to school with whie there. He has his album and is just waiting for the yearbook and video!!!! He said that he enjoyed being around the counselors and was pleased when they told us (Mom & Dad) that he gave the best hugs!!!! He has aready made plans to go next year and wants to be there for 3 weeks this time. Your camp gave him a chance to be independent,learn new things from nature and also made him not so scared of the dark! We really appreciate the fact that his counselor took the time to write us and let us know how he was doing . He liked that we had a camp-pac sent for his birthday and that he had a cake and abit if celebration with everyone there. He had taken some of the items he had found at camp for a talk before his class describing the things he learned-like the piece of wood that looks exactly like a brain and stuff he made. Thank you-Thank you!!!! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
9/8/08 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Swift is a place to make new friends and try new things. The staff encourages you to be yourself and have tons of fun. Kids from all over the world come to swift to have a good time. The councilors are like your older brothers and sisters. They treat you like a friend, not like their superior to you. I would sugest everyone come to Swift!!! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
9/8/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Our 8-year-old son LOVES Swift! So much so, that upon our arrival to pick him up after Discovery Camp, his first words weren't "Hi mom and dad," but "can we sign me up for next year?" The counselors and staff at Swift are tops -- they really care about each child. Communication between Swift and signed up families during the year before camp starts is fantastic: we ALL appreciated knowing what to expect at camp. While our son was there, he made some terrific friends from all over the country; grew more adept at some skills he already possessed; and tried new things as well! When we picked him up at the end of camp, he was so self-assured as he took us on a tour of camp, introducing us to his new friends and showing us his favorite places. Swift is a place he feels 100% comfortable in. We've already signed him up for next summer -- and it's only September :) THANK YOU, SWIFT! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
9/8/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
We love this camp! Our son attended for five years and our daughter for six. She calls it her "summer family". We offered her a chance to go on a trip to England instead but she said she'd rather go to camp. Don't miss this traditional camp experience. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
8/8/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
this is the best camp in the WORLD! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
5/8/08 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I've gone to swift for about 4 years and it's been a great expirence. When you go their it feels like a secound home. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
5/1/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This will be my 7th summer going to sift and I love it!!!! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
4/30/08 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Both my son and daughter love Swift Nature Camp. They come home with wonderful stories about new friends, daily activities, special activities, wildlife and their great counselors. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
4/29/08 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Good but not great |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
4/27/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I felt safe sending my son to camp over the years. They take great care of him and he always felt safe. The camp provides education, cultural and event programming that is useful for a developing child. I would highly recommend the camp! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
4/27/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Oh swift nature camp. Where to start? Well, SNC is by far the best camp i have ever been to in ALL aspects. You dont only become more environmentaly conciouse, but worldly as well... i hope that you choose SNC the next time you looking for a fun filled summer... :) ~Sawyer Erickson |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
4/27/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I thought snc was one of the best camps ever everthing was awesome there its almost summer!!!!! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
4/26/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
An extremely good camp |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
4/26/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
One of my favorite places on earth! It is always so much fun! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
4/25/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
THEY WERE GREAT. THEY WOULD ALWAYS LISTEN TO ME, SINCE I WS SO NEW. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
4/24/08 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
As a parent I have been very pleased and am sending my boys back for a fourth year - one of them will be a CIT (Counselor in Training)this year!. From my point of view this camp provides the perfect combination of some activities that everyone does (so my kids have done some things that I would never be able to get them to do) and times when they can pick their own activities. Best of all, Lonnie knows each kid as an individual and, should they hit any rough spots (as one of mine did one year) really makes an effort to help them work through it. When my kids get off the bus at the end of camp they have a glow that is beyond description. I highly recommend this camp. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
4/19/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Camp was very fun. I liked everything about it. Getting to go on trips was so much fun because we don't go on camping trips at home. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
2/2/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
SNC IS UTTERLY AMAZING. There isn't really much to criticize about it, besides the fact that sometimes you really don't like some of the other campers, but that's bound to happen at ANY camp. Parents, if you're looking to send your children to a summer camp, this camp is a great choice. During my years at Swift, I've always had counselors who were involved and were fun to be around, my cabinmates have always been amazing people with the exception of maybe 3? The camp directors are amazing people, the activities are super fun and keep you involved, while not becoming monotonous, and there are so many other great things about Swift I could tell you about, but why not find out for yourself? (That and if I kept writing I'd most likely reach the character limit...) I love this camp, as I'm sure many, many, MANY others do. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/20/08 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
Its one thing I can't wait for each year, while waiting for the new year all I think about is camp. I wish the winter would go bye quiker because camp is my 2nd home. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/19/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Swift is a great camp. I have been there 6 times. After you get into going you won't want to stop. Swift is great. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/19/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I love SNC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/19/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
staff is 5 because everybody I see in staff always says," hi hows it going?" |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/18/08 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Good Stuff. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/18/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
The camp is all about getting everyone involved whether it's by socializing or engaging in numerous activies SNC provides |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
1/18/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
i love SNC |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
8/17/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
SWIFT IS MY SECOND HOME. IVE BEEN GOING FOR 4 YEARS, AND THIS YEAR WAS THE ONLY YEAR I DIDNT GO. IT WAS AWFUL NOT GOING... THIS CAMP IS LIKE FAMILY, THE PEOPLE ARE AWESOME. ITS TOO STRICT A LOT THOUGH, BUT IF YOURE LOOKING FOR A GOOD CAMP TO GO TO, GO HERE FOR 6 WEEKS. ITS BETTER THAN 3. -LEXIE. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
6/1/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This is a one of a kind place! I gave up australia and oregon to go to camp for 6 weeks this year! Everything is great and Like most people I call it SNC my second home!!!!! You will love it there!!!!!!!!!! Everything is great, the food, the cabins, the trips, all ecept DANNY FISHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (sorry inside joke) It is all like one big happy family and you won't be able to every leave. this is my 5th year comming up and I love the place. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
|
|
2/2/07 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
Worst camp I've ever been to. The counselors varied from negligent to outright bullies. I had lice for three weeks but none would allow me to go see the nurse. They would also frequently ostracize me from the group. The tents were rotting, the canoes leaked, and the sailboat sank. The dock fell apart, and people got sick from the lake. Terrible camp. |
|
|
Read this rating's feedback
|
|
|
1/31/07 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
This camp is one of a kind. They have the most caring staff you find at any camp. |
|
|
Registered users can respond to this rating
|
