A Fish Story, A Lesson From Life

A Black Bear, Loon & Walleye: A Fable from the Northwoods a story by Sara Button holds a special place in our hearts. As Directors of Swift Nature Camp an Overnight Summer Camp in the Northwoods of Wisconsin,our campers can see this story unfolding right in front of their eyes. It is so special we keep a copy in our camp library for all to read.

This is a story of three friends Black Bear, Loon & Walleye, one furry, one feathered, one sporting fish scales--and each wishes for the gifts of another, not unlike many of us. Black Bear longs for shiny scales to look flashy and impress his friends; Loon wants to sport and enviable fur coat; and Walleye wants to fly. One day when their wishes magically come true, each realizes the faults : Bear's scales can't keep him warm, Loon can't fly with fur weighing her down, and Walleye has bad eyesight and is no good at flying even with feathers.

In this rich, modern-day fable, Black Bear, Loon and Walleye take a wild adventure that teaches them lessons that are as universal as they are timeless. The friends learned a valuable lesson that day, to appreciate each other's gifts, but most of all to value their own. Trying new things is important, because you might find something that you really enjoy. But if it doesn't work out, you still get to know yourself better. From that day on, the three friends agreed to always appreciate each other's gifts, but most of all to value their own.

Tying new things, is the reminder of the this story as well as the importance of runderstanding our own nature, and having faith that we are all perfectly designed to fulfill our own unique purposes in life. This is a lesson that young and old alike need to be reminded of.

At Summer Camp the opportunity arises daily to promote each child's personal development by providing fun, friendship and leadership in a supportive and noncompetitive environment away from home. Camp provides children an opportunity to act on their own, be self-reliant and try things for themselves. Camp provides few long lasting consequences, so children know that if it doesn't work out they can start over much like the stars of our book.

At night as our camp counselors are reading the campers hear the traditional call of the northwoods, the loon in the background. It truly makes it a special evening. If coming to the Northwoods is not as easy for you use the enclosed CD that has loon sounds along with a guitar background.

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Swift Nature Camp is a Wisconsin Summer Minnesota Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional Overnight Summer Camp activities with an appreciation for nature, animals and the environment.