Why not learn about nature while in it? That is one idea of the swift nature camp. As fifth graders spend a few days and nights to learn.

A partnership with Northwood and Solon Springs school district brought fifth graders to the outdoors nature camp to learn. As an annual event, students visit this camp for three days, staying the night at Swift Camp on the Minong Flowage.

Camp’s History

This camp started back in the 1980s when Bill Matthias, the Northwood School Superintendent invited Solon Springs to come to the Swift camp. He moved to another job for a time and then returned to the camp in 2010. He now supports the revitalization and continuation of the camp every year.

“We’ve had it now, you know, for what is this, 14 years in the new era. And it’s just wonderful to come out here with the fifth-grade kids and they pick out great high school counselors and we have a parent for each cabin for the evenings.”

Many of the counselors and volunteers offer their time for this camp believing in the opportunities and options that students get allowing them to immerse themselves in nature to learn. One of the camp counselors who attended the camp during their education shared their perspective.

“Fifth grade is a great time for that because this is where they’re really figuring out what are the things in life that they want to do, what are going to be their interests as they get into their teen years. And so, if we can get nature and the environment as part of one of those things that they’re interested in, if we just get a few more of those kids that’s a win for sure.”

What happens at Swift Nature Camp?

Not only is the camp a chance for students to enjoy canoeing and nature, it is also still based in education with nine different classes. All the instructors for these classes are volunteers and most of them are experts in their field.

One of the volunteers recounted how the instructors she had during her camp experience helped her find her passion for teaching.

“And whether that was in the classroom or outside of the classroom, whether it was in co-curriculars, whatever it was, being able to provide that opportunity for me, I think, is what helped me get into education.”

Many parents and volunteers come each year to support the camp as students learn about invasive species, science experiments, and skills handy in nature just to name a few. One parent reflected his journey while on a canoe.

“I love just teaching the kids this stuff. I just grew up doing it a lot. I actually never went to summer camp or anything. We just did a lot of camping in the summer. So, I understand a lot of families just don’t get out and do this stuff. So, I think it’s a great opportunity for the kids who don’t have the opportunity to get out with their family. They can get out with their classmates and do this.”

The students have reported that they often write notes to family members and share about their experiences of the camp. One kid, Lincoln, allowed us to hear his note to his mother.

“Dear Mom, Thursday, September 12, we had an amazing breakfast with bananas, pancakes, and sausage. Our first class was aquatic invasive species and animal identification. Our second class was bird migration and homemade ice cream. I hope you’re doing well. Love, Lincoln.”