In the grand, bustling state of New York, nestled between the towering skyscrapers and the roaring Niagara Falls, lies a secret world. A world where kids are not just kids, but fearless horseback riders. And in this world, they don't just ride any horses. They ride on the back of magical, winged horses, soaring above the Hudson River and the Adirondack Mountains, their laughter mingling with the rustling leaves of the forests below. One of these daring riders is a young, freckle-faced boy named Benny. Benny didn't just have an ordinary freckled face, he had a constellation of freckles that when connected, mysteriously formed the shape of a horse. Benny was the proud rider of a horse named Bubblegum. Bubblegum was a magnificent horse, as pink as cotton candy with wings as glossy as marshmallow fluff. They were a sight to behold, a boy and his horse, flying over the twinkling city of New York, dodging hot dog stands, and startling pigeons in Central Park. Bubblegum loved to pull pranks. Once, he took a detour through the Bronx Zoo, causing quite a commotion among the monkeys and elephants. As they flew over Brooklyn, Bubblegum would usually swoop down and steal a pizza slice from the unsuspecting pizza makers. Benny would always blush a bright red, but Bubblegum would just snort out a laugh. The horseback riders of New York were a special breed, a blend of courage, mischief, and a love for adventure. They were the guardians of the skies, the pranksters of the rooftops, and most importantly, they were friends, sharing a bond that was as strong as the steel beams that held up the Empire State Building.
Read morebest horse-back programs in Hancock, NY
Dear Families, (currently our website is under construction) Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.
Camp Hilltop has been a part of the Hancock, New York community since 1924. This beautiful camp is situated on 600 acres of woodlands and fields, with a private lake, in the picturesque Catskill Mountains, just two and a half hours from New York City. This summer camp offers a variety of activities, including water skiing, wakeboarding, trapeze, hiking, horses, climbing tower, high ropes, and many sports, performing arts and arts and crafts. We strive to provide a safe, nurturing and non-competitive environment, with a four to one camper to counselor ratio, overseen by a mature, skilled and caring staff. Camp Hilltop is more than just a summer camp; it’s a place where children and young adults can find a friendly and fun community and explore the wondrous possibilities in their lives. Whether it be for two weeks or eight, we provide a safe and supportive environment that encourages campers to develop their skills, build relationships, and grow in confidence.
At French Woods Sports and Arts Center, teens can experience the classic American summer camp experience in the mountains. With modern facilities and mature staff members, teens can enjoy clean living and top-notch instruction. FWC offers teens age and content-appropriate activities to help them learn and grow, all while having fun! With hundreds of activities to choose from, kids can indulge in their favorite activities or try something new. At French Woods Sports and Arts Center, teens are provided with a balanced summer camp experience in a supportive atmosphere. With modern facilities and experienced staff, the center offers teens a safe place to explore their interests. Teens can take advantage of the 100s of activities available and gain valuable skills and knowledge. They can focus on their favorite activities or have the opportunity to try something completely new. French Woods Sports and Arts Center is the perfect place for teens to spend the summer. With a classic American summer camp experience, clean living, and world-class instruction, teens can gain valuable skills and knowledge. The center provides age and content-appropriate activities that are tailored to the individual interests of the teens. With hundreds of activities to choose from, teens can have the perfect summer at FWC.