A Loon Story, More than A Story
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.
the story tels of three friends–Black Bear, Loon & Walleye, one furry, one feathered, one sporting fish scales–and each wishes for the gifts of another. As you can imagine ech wish for the others coat. 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. But when their wishes mysteriously come true, each realizes a disadvantage: 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.
This is a story for all generations and a reminder of the importance of trying new things, understanding our own true nature, and having faith that we are all perfectly designed to fulfill our own unique purposes in life. Know yourself well! Value your gifts!
Summer Camp is a wonderful opportunity 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, always knowing that if it doesn’t work out they can start over with little consequences…kinda 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.
Thinking of a sending your child of to camp? Try Summer Camp Advice a Free reference for parents looking for the Best Children’s Summer Camps.
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.
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