If you crave adventure and enjoy heights, this is the course for you. Enjoy a challenge at Big Foot Ropes course and venture down river on an Army Duck Tour. Take flight into the world of aviation while exploring the EAA Museum then have a fun day hiking at Gibraltor Rock and Ferry Bluff. Finally, end the week with a splash at Dolphins Cove water park! Set your eyes to the sky and prepare for your feet to leave the ground because this week will fly by. Participants in this course must be a swim level yellow or green as indicated on the swim and aquatic activity permission form.
This course takes place off site. Transportation will be provided each day.
Instructor: Wisconsin Youth Company Adventure Trip Leaders
Dive into a week of water adventures and experience many of the aquatic activities that Madison has to offer. Learn all about paddling, different strokes, and water safety. Put your skills to the test on the waterways of Monona and Mendota. Venture to Rutabaga for some stand-up paddle board fun, then grab a kayak and take an adventure down river. Slide into the weekend at Noah’s Ark Waterpark at the end of the week! Swim, paddle, and float your way through this week of awesome aquatic adventures. Participants in this course must be a swim level yellow or green as indicated on the swim and aquatic activity permission form.
This course takes place off site. Transportation will be provided each day.
Instructor: Wisconsin Youth Company Adventure Trip Leaders
Practice focus, patience, and goal setting in a fun, safe, and engaging environment. This course will cover all the basics of stance, notching an arrow, proper grip, techniques for drawing, and variations of aim while under the guidance of our National Archery in the Schools Program trained instructor who upholds the highest safety practices. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never picked up a bow or if you’re an experienced archer, come challenge yourself and try your hand at this awesome activity.
Instructor: Rob McCoy
Discover the best of Madison’s thriving art scene as you tour different locations throughout the week. Explore Madison’s museums, wander through an outdoor sculpture park at Dr. Evermore’s, and see a successful printmaking operation at Tandem Press. While viewing arts of all styles, you will have a chance to take inspiration from your surroundings and reflect upon your experiences to create your own pieces.
This course takes place off site. Transportation will be provided each day.
Instructor: Josh Ludke
It is recommended, but not required, that students take this course in combination with Cake Decorating.
The first half of this suggested two-part course focuses on developing delicious and unique flavors of cupcakes and cakes. Learn classic flavor combinations and get creative with original creations. Gain confidence in the world of baking as you learn terminology, understand correct measuring and blending techniques, and learn the proper way to mix ingredients. Impress your friends and family with your skills in filling cupcakes, making multi-tiered cakes, and using various colors. Take the Cake Decorating course in the afternoon to decorate these tasty masterpieces with amazing frosting tricks and edible décor that will wow everyone.
Instructor: TBD
Enjoy a week of color and creativity as you explore the dyeing world. Use melted wax to create unique, complex designs and learn various techniques to tie, twist, soak, and color. With access to sewing machines and an instructor to guide you, you’ll have the option of turning your dyed fabric into original and vibrant works of wearable art.
Instructor: TBD
This half-day course for beginner to intermediate bikers will help you learn the basics of bike safety, proper use, and city riding. Become more independent, active, and environmentally friendly as you learn to make your way safely and confidently around this bike-friendly city. You will need a multi-gear bike in good-working condition, a bike lock, a bike helmet and a water bottle.
Instructor: Wisconsin Youth Company Adventure Trip Leaders
The city bus is your ticket to a week of adventure! Learn valuable life skills and gain independence as you decide, as a group, where you want to go, and then navigate your way by learning how to use the city bus system. Plan your day with destinations such as Ultrazone Laser Tag, Escape in Time, Urban Air, or Goodman Pool. The course fee includes admission fees to all destinations and a Madison Metro city bus pass that you can use for the rest of the summer. Participants may go on a field trip that includes swimming and must be a swim level yellow or green as indicated on the swim and aquatic activity permission form.
Instructor: Josh Ludke
It is recommended, but not required, that students take this course in combination with Baking Cakes & Cupcakes.
In the second half of this suggested two-part class, you will frost and decorate your own delicious 3-dimensional creations. Learn to layer the cakes and cupcakes baked in Baking Cakes & Cupcakes and explore various methods for making fun shapes. Learn piping techniques and discover the amazing things you can do with chocolate and sugar. Sculpt fondant and whip up new frosting recipes. Enjoy the challenge of thematic decorating competitions and create original masterpieces with things that you can find at home.
Instructor: TBD
Observe the complexity and power of physics and explore the creative side of engineering as you work in teams to create one-of-a-kind chain reaction contraptions. Learn principles of mechanics, measurement, and design as you create interactive machines that use a series of pulleys, dominoes, and wheels. Learn to challenge yourself and make completing simple tasks a vehicle for engineering ingenuity and artistic expression
Instructor: TBD
It is recommended, but not required, that students take this course in combination with Intro to Cooking.
In the second half of this suggested two-part course, you will be challenged daily to put your newly acquired knowledge from Intro to Cooking to test to create flavorful forkfuls that are sure to wow the judges. Each day your team will be provided with new mystery ingredients which you must use to create a dish that shows off your skills, creativity, and understanding of food.
Instructor: TBD
Work independently and with teams to create unique puzzle rooms in which others must discover clues, solve problems, and accomplish tasks. Apply your crafty creativity to try to stump your peers and discover some fun new ways to design mysteries and conundrums. Weave an intricate web that will leave others stumped as they try to figure out your ingenious ingenuity.
Instructor: TBD
Madison is home to some of the finest disc golf courses in the state. Hone your skills by trying out different discs and learning their tricks. In Ultimate Frisbee, you’ll use teamwork, accuracy and athleticism to move the disc down the field with your team. No matter your speed, this course is for you.
Some days of this course will take place off site. Transportation will be provided to disc golf parks.
Instructor: TBD
Discover urban landscapes and diverse habitats with hands-on experiments at Aldo Leopold Nature Center. We will dig deep to investigate the hidden gems within the wetland, prairie, and woodland communities. Find out how ecosystems coexist and rely on each other to create unique habitats for different types of wildlife. Whether you’re doing a pond dip or digging in the mud, this course will uncover new knowledge and a greater understanding of the world around you.
This course will take place off-site. Transportation will be provided to Aldo Leopold Nature Center daily.
Presented by Aldo Leopold Nature Center
As an Olympic sport and a time-honored symbol of nobility, the sport of fencing represents one of the most exciting and challenging athletic events. This introduction to this sport will allow you to experience some of that excitement as well as the tradition and self-discipline which marks fencing as a unique martial art. Necessary equipment and protective clothing is provided.
Instructor: Joe Monarski
Stay active and try your hand at a variety of field sports for a week of athletic fun. Get your heart racing with sports like soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, flag football, and more. Be a part of a team and gain an understanding of sports that you love and others you may not have tried.
Instructor: TBD
This enjoyable past time is one of the best ways to spend a summer’s day. Visit some of Madison’s hottest fishing spots, spend time in beautiful natural areas learning about different types of fish, and how to successfully catch and release them. Practice how to cast and use fishing equipment properly. Learn knot tying, fishing safety, and fish identification. Get hooked for a week of angling fun and adventure! Please bring water shoes.
This course will take place off site. Transportation will be provided to all off site locations.
Instructor: Wisconsin Youth Company Adventure Trip Leaders
This course is designed to provide you with opportunities to be social, discover things you have in common with your peers, and make lasting connections. Throughout the week, you will be given opportunities to build up the MSU community and be a part of creating the culture of this program. Take part in some guided activities such as book swaps and chapter reads, video shares, song shares, group art projects, group board/ card games and puzzles, icebreakers, Mario Kart tournaments, outdoor sports/games options, nature walks, and great conversations. Present your own hobbies and ideas to the group as you share time and space with other students in a supportive, fun, and encouraging environment. For students who are new to MSU, this can be a great introductory course to learn what it’s all about.
Instructor: TBD
Whether you are a pro or have never stepped foot on the green, this course will allow you to learn more about one of the oldest sports in the world while you enjoy time outside and with peers. Practice at the driving range and spend time perfecting your short game at Vitense Golf.
This course takes place off site. Transportation provided daily to Vitense Golfland.
Instructor: Wisconsin Youth Company Adventure Trip Leader
Experience some of the most beautiful trails and waterways in southern Wisconsin. Spend three days on the water kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Take to the land for two days of hiking through geologic history at Devil’s Lake State Park. Build up your boating skills and end the week on a trip down the Wisconsin River. Good hiking shoes, water shoes, and stamina for sustained hiking & paddling are necessary. Participants in this course must be a swim level yellow or green as indicated on the swim and aquatic activity permission form.
This course takes place off site. Transportation will be provided each day.
Instructor: Wisconsin Youth Company Adventure Trip Leaders
Bring your ideas to life with ink printing. Learn to use a brayer, select your ink and roll out an assortment of prints. Design your image, pick your favorite printing technique and create a set of unique prints. Keep the ink flowing all week by exploring multiple print styles and ink types. Discover famous ink prints from your favorite artists and find inspiration to create new ones of your own.
Instructor: Josh Ludke
It is recommended, but not required, that students take this course in combination with Chef’s Challenge.
The first half of this suggested two-part course focuses on basics like knife skills, terminology, different cooking methods, flavor profiles, and the dos and don’ts of cooking. Observe multiple demonstrations of cooking techniques, develop a well-rounded understanding of kitchen techniques, and gain the confidence you’ll need to take on creating your own dishes at home or later in Chef’s Challenge.
Instructor: TBD
Students will spend the week discovering various techniques of jewelry making, beading, bead making, wire working, pendant making, and other wearable art options. With inspiration from their peers and insight from a qualified instructor, students will have the space, tools, and materials to bring their own designs to life.
Instructor: TBD
Glass etching, wood burning, wire sculpting, and resin art are the focus for this week. Provided with an array of materials and demonstrated techniques, students will have the freedom to try out these mediums and create their own masterpieces.
Instructor: TBD
Techniques and tips for collage, paper art, painting, spray painting, drawing, and calligraphy be provided for students throughout the week. They will be given the time, space, supplies, and direction to create art of their own design and desire using these mediums.
Instructor: TBD
Mixed media is a visual art form that allows you to use a variety of materials to create a unique and textural piece of art. Combine drawing, painting and collage with a wide range of processes such as relief printing, imprints, marbling, stenciling, sponging on paper, wood, and canvas. This course will allow you to stretch your creativity and experiment with different art methods as you discover new techniques.
Instructor: Ali Beyer
This week of exciting and challenging obstacles and relays will help you grow individually and practice working as a team. Sprint, hurdle, and crab walk your way to victory. Enjoy some time at Urban Air and put your skills to the test in the Ninja Warrior course. Learn and practice traditional track and field events while also trying out original courses and designing your own.
Instructor: TBD
Mold, throw, and sculpt your way through clay. Gain hands-on experience with professional quality pottery wheels and learn pottery wheel throwing techniques from a trained artist. You won’t know what your creativity will bring until you turn on your imagination and spin out something great!
Instructor: Josh Ludke
Check out one of the hottest sports around as you build your strength and agility. This course will cover all the basic skills that are needed to climb safely indoors as you take on a series of challenging courses. You will progress through the week learning knots, belaying skills, climbing techniques and proper stretching for healthy, injury-free exercise.
This course takes place off site. Transportation provided daily to Boulders Climbing Gym.
Presented by Boulders Climbing Gym
Check out one of the hottest sports around as you build your strength and agility. This course will cover all the basic skills that are needed to climb safely indoors as you take on a series of challenging courses. You will progress through the week learning knots, belaying skills, climbing techniques and proper stretching for healthy, injury-free exercise.
This course takes place off site. Transportation provided daily to Boulders Climbing Gym.
Presented by Boulders Climbing Gym
Whether you’re interested in aviation or just like to watch things explode, this course is for you. Throughout the week you will have the opportunity to build, decorate, and safely test your own model rocket. Learn about basic science and physics involved in rocketry and participate in fun challenges and experiments to better understand this field. This course is sure to be a blast.
Instructor: TBD
June 14-17 | $110
July 18-22 | $125
Through a process of structured decision making, students will act out roles within a narrative to contribute to collaborative storytelling and imaginative exploration. If you enjoy table-top role-playing games, this course will help you find new ways to plan adventures, build a character and play these social group games. Add a dramatic flair as you draw upon your creativity and critical thinking skills. You will learn about new resources and some tried and true tricks of the trade from an instructor who first started gaming in 1978.
Instructor: Joe Monarski
Through a process of structured decision making, students will act out roles within a narrative to contribute to collaborative storytelling and imaginative exploration. If you enjoy table-top role-playing games, this course will help you find new ways to plan adventures, build a character and play these social group games. Add a dramatic flair as you draw upon your creativity and critical thinking skills. You will learn about new resources and some tried and true tricks of the trade from an instructor who first started gaming in 1978.
Instructor: Joe Monarski
Experience the thrill of creation while learning the basics of making 3-dimensional art. Using modeling wire, carving out clay, and constructing designs with other materials throughout the week. Unleash your inner artist as you design, build, and sculpt like the masters. Investigate the history of sculpting and use your skills and tools to discover new ways to express yourself.
Instructor: Josh Ludtke
Learn about what goes on behind the stage as you collaboratively design and create pieces for an upcoming performance with Wisconsin Youth Company’s Theater Immersion Camp Production of “The Wind in the Willows.” Transform simple materials into props that add depth, humor, and amazement into a play as you help the audience suspend disbelief.
To see your set design in action, register for Theater Immersion Camp July 18-29.
Instructor: Ali Beyer
Explore and experiment with principles of science, technology, engineering, art, and math by completing a series of challenges. Create your design and use provided materials to construct your vision. Work collaboratively to solve problems, test your theories, and discuss ideas for improvement. Develop your strategic problem-solving skills through trial and error in a fun, investigative atmosphere. Delve into new concepts and share your knowledge with others while participating in some friendly competitions. Some activities include but are not limited to the following: gravity experiments, use of magnetic force, engineering with recyclables, creating energy, employing simple machines, creative engineering competitions, and timed assemblies.
Instructor: TBD
Get ready for some unplugged gaming fun. Challenge your mind and activate your imagination as you enjoy some friendly competition. Play old favorites and discover new games while uncovering strategies and helpful gaming tips. Learn traditional and not-so-traditional card games while using strategy and creativity. Participate in a round-robin game tournament or use the uninterrupted time to play longer, more complex versions of your favorite games.
Instructor: Joe Monarski
Summer may be coming to an end, but the adventures don’t stop! We’re combining our favorite summer trips with some brand-new destinations for an awesome summer’s end. We’ll explore land and water at Devil’s Lake State Park and the Original Wis. Dells Ducks. We’ll travel to Milwaukee for a hands-on experience at Discovery World Museum. We’ll experience wonder and intrigue at Wizard Quest and Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Campers will explore the unique House on the Rock landmark and, of course, we’ll send summer off with a splash at a Wisconsin Dell’s Waterpark.
This course will run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Participants in this course must be a swim level yellow or green as indicated on the swim and aquatic activity permission form.
Instructor: Wisconsin Youth Company Adventure Trip Leaders
Gain confidence, think on your feet, and build your presentation skills through an introduction to the basic concepts of theater arts. Use various creative drama practices to stimulate your imagination through movement and role-play. Learn to use proper techniques for body and voice control and follow or give stage directions. Laugh with friends through theater games and activities that will help you explore depth of emotion. Partake in fun writing activities to better understand and analyze characters as you explore, learn, and discuss elements of drama. Some activities include: Improvisation games, Podcasts, vocal theater, sound effects, skits, script writing, character development, murder mysteries, journal writing one act plays, creating social media content, movies, creative writing.
Instructor: Andrea Hill
Get outside and be active as you make the most out of your summer with a week of fun water games, projects, and relays. Enjoy launching water balloons, partake in amazing water experiments, and create dazzling liquid art. Students will also enjoy two field trip days. They will enjoy a day at Goodman Pool and a day at Dolphin’s Cove. Participants in this course must be a swim level yellow or green as indicated on the swim and aquatic activity permission form.
Instructor: TBD
