Why Swift Nature Camp Is the #1 Rated Summer Camp in Wisconsin

As a camp director who has spent over 30 years at Swift Nature Camp, I know that parents searching for the best traditional summer camps in Wisconsin often start with one big question: Who can I really trust with my child? It’s a question that deserves an honest answer. Reviews matter, and real parent feedback matters even more. That’s why so many families turn to CampRatingz, where Swift Nature Camp is proudly listed as the #1 rated summer camp in Wisconsin based on parent reviews.

Let me be clear: camp is full of challenges. It’s not Disneyland, and it’s not meant to be. But those challenges — the healthy, age-appropriate kind — are what help kids grow stronger, more confident, and more independent. At Swift Nature Camp, we’re intentional about every part of the experience. High ratings don’t happen by accident. They come from a culture built on small moments, personal connections, and staff who truly put kids first.

Every summer, I watch the same beautiful scene unfold. A bus pulls up to the Northwoods. A camper steps off — sometimes excited, sometimes nervous, sometimes unsure. And right away, one of our counselors steps forward with a warm smile and says, “We’re really glad you’re here.” That moment sets the tone. Our camp is intentionally small, and that small size is one of the biggest reasons families choose us. We know every child by name. We understand who needs extra reassurance, who’s ready for a challenge, and who simply needs someone to listen.

Once kids feel safe, something wonderful happens: confidence starts to grow. I’ve seen campers who arrived shy suddenly volunteering for the talent show by the end of the session. Kids who barely touched a canoe at home discover they can paddle across the lake with pride. Campers who were unsure about making friends end up leaving with inside jokes, memories, and friendships that last far beyond the summer. To me, that’s what a traditional summer camp in Wisconsin should be — a place where nature, friendship, and personal growth come together in real and meaningful ways.

Another thing I hear from parents time and time again is how many campers choose to return year after year. Children don’t beg to go back to a place that didn’t care for them. They return to places where they felt safe, valued, challenged, and supported. Parents often tell me their child comes home more confident, more independent, and already counting the days until next summer. That kind of loyalty says more about Swift Nature Camp than any brochure ever could.

For families looking for a traditional Wisconsin summer camp — one grounded in nature, community, and genuine personal growth — I truly believe Swift Nature Camp is worth exploring. Our focus on each child, our caring and experienced staff, and our intentionally small size are exactly why parents have given us such strong reviews and why we’ve earned our spot as one of the best camps in Wisconsin.

If you want your child to spend their summer growing, exploring, making real friends, and feeling truly supported, I’d be honored to welcome your family to the Swift Nature Camp community.

— Lonnie
Camp Director, Swift Nature Camp