Blog Posts

Day 1 of Camp Swift 2021

7/28/2021

Camp Swift is officially back in action! The rain couldn’t stop us from having a very successful day 1 filled with lots of fun and laughter! Today would not have been possible without our incredible counselors, who have already proved themselves as great role models and our dedicated support staff!

Campers arrived this morning at 11 o’clock and were greeted by Director of Fun, Zach Schawelson and Director of Special Programs, Kara Sherman, who provided a cheerful, fun introduction to Camp Swift. We then had a yummy pasta lunch, followed by everyone taking a trip to the Krazy Keppies store and loading up. After that, we went into different programs all afternoon, had a yummy dinner, then wound down the day with a fun evening programs for each unit. Staff Director, Matt Wall made sure that everything ran smoothly and made us even more excited for Camp Swift Day 2.

This year’s theme for Camp Swift is the Olympics, of course! All our programming and decorations are Olympic themed and we have assigned each cabin a country to represent this week. This has included learning about Olympic sports, playing them, and practicing the values that Olympians live their life by. We might even have a future Olympian among us!

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SWIFT STATEMENT

6/8/2020

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Swift Youth Foundation stands in solidarity with all those who are fighting for a better and more just world. In our 40 years of existence, we have never stopped doing the work to provide year-round resources and programming for communities that may not otherwise have them and to offer nothing but love, respect, and dignity to every single person that touches our organization.

At Swift, we envision a future of youth and teens who are equipped with the leadership skills to reach their full potential and are inspired to carry out a lifelong commitment to their communities. We know that this vision cannot be fully realized for our community until systemic injustice and racism are eliminated from our society and we believe unequivocally that black lives matter.

Among our core values is a belief that youth, teens and young adults with a commitment to social action are critical in building a better world. That’s why we are proud to be an organization that empowers the voices of people of color and support them when they use their voice to make a difference. We also want our volunteers, donors and providers to be proud of their involvement in our organization every step of the way. We will continue to listen to their voices so that we can be better serve our community.

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Meet Hannah Dowd!

1/31/2020

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I graduated from Arizona State University In the fall of 2020. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a minor in Educational Studies from the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. I GREW UP IN DENVER, COLORADO AND CAME TO PHOENIX FOR THE HEAT, AND HAVE LOVED EVERY STIFLING DAY SINCE. I LOVE BEING OUTDOORS, HIKING, AND EXPLORING THE CITY.

How did you first become involved with Swift Youth Foundation?
I first became involved with Swift as a Swift After School volunteer at Swift Club ASU, after finding them at an involvement fair not long after I started at ASU. Going to Swift After School quickly became part of my weekly schedule and my favorite of my week. I officially joined the Swift staff in January 2020.

Why did you decide to more deeply support Swift and join the Swift Staff?
I decided to join the Swift staff because I had fallen in love with going into the schools every week and getting to interact with the kids. By joining the staff, I hoped to be able to make even more of an impact in the schools and at camp because of how much I support and believe in the work the Swift Youth Foundation is doing. I believe that the impact has only begun and that Swift will continue to touch the lives of children, preparing them for their potential and supporting the community as a whole.

What is your favorite Swift program and why?
My favorite Swift program is Swift After School because it was how I was introduced to the organization so it will always hold a special place in my heart but in addition to that, I believe the After School programs have the unique pleasure of going into the youth’s world and allowing us to work with them in their own setting and be a part of their lives in their community. It is gratifying and humbling for me to be offered the pleasure to interact with these children in their world and hopefully have an impact on them.

At Camp Swift, are you Team Grilled Cheese or Team Tomato Soup?
I of course, am Team Grilled Cheese! Between my love for cheese and bread and my lack thereof for tomato soup, I am Team Grilled Cheese through and through.

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2019 Swift Annual Review

12/30/2019

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Meet Team Swift 2019-20!

12/2/2019

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Each year approximately 125 high school teens serve as volunteer counselors at Camp Swift. Their time at Camp Swift is often described as "the most life-changing and eye-opening experience" they have ever had. For teens who want to continue their leadership journey and expand on their social, communication, and leadership skills; Swift offers year-round growth development opportunities. One of these opportunities is Team Swift.

Team Swift members are all former teen mentor counselors who chose to take their leadership journey to the next level and act as ambassadors for the organization. From taking on fundraising campaigns to engaging in community outreach activities and assisting with Swift program development and facilitation, Team Swift members are empowered to play an active role in running our nonprofit organization! So with out further ado....