Sara Button has recently written a story, Black Bear, Loon & Walleye: A Fable from the Northwoods. As Directors of Swift Nature Camp an Environmental Summer Camp in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, this story holds a special place in our hearts. It is such a good story we put a copy in our camp library for all our staff to share with their children.

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.

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.

Ech night as our camp counselors read stories to the children a familiar call is heard in the background. As the loon calls it brings this story to life and makes it a special evening. If coming to the Northwoods is not as easy for you use the CD that comes with the book has loon sounds along with a guitar and the story read aloud.

If you are looking for a summer camp for your child try Summer Camp Advice a free reference for parents looking for the perfect Summer Camp.

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