If you crave adventure and enjoy heights, this is the course for you. Climb through the trees at Dells Zipline Aerial Park and soar over rivers at Big Foot Zip Line Tours. Enjoy a challenge at Big Foot Ropes course, adventure down river on an Army Duck Tour, and take flight into the world of aviation while exploring the EAA Museum. Finally, end the week with a splash as we venture down zip lines 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
Explore anime from the past to the present and learn to create your own authentic manga art throughout the week. You will learn and practice figure drawing in the manga style and gain an understanding of how to draw and develop various facial compositions and expressions. Discover different types of Manga and Japanese stories while you develop and personalize your own manga drawing style. No experience is necessary, and all artists are welcome.
Instructor: AJ Popp
Splash 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 Lake Monona and Lake 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 on Friday! 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.
Presented by Corey Digman of Digman Fitness
June 29-July 2 | $90
July 6-10 | $105
July 27-31 | $105
Discover the best of Madison’s thriving art scene as you tour different locations throughout the week. Learn about glass-work at The Vinery, explore 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
Prepare yourself for the many responsibilities associated with caring for infants, toddlers and young children. Learn to make informed decisions regarding the health, safety and engagement of young children. Put your skills to the test as you work with children at one of our area day camps on the final day. Participants who complete the course satisfactorily and pass an exam will be Red Cross certified in babysitting and pediatric first aid and CPR.
Transportation provided to a Wisconsin Youth Company Day Camp on Friday.
Presented by CPR Specialists LLC
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 your own 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-tier 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 them all.
Instructor: TBD
Whether you have been baking for years or have never measured a cup of flour, this course will help you gain skills and confidence in the world of baking. Learn terminology, understand correct measuring techniques, and practice proper methods of blending ingredients to up your baking game. Understand the science behind your recipes as you learn to make sweet and savory doughs and crusts while practicing scoring techniques and lattice work. Bake delightful delicacies and master techniques that will help you confidently take on any culinary challenge.
Instructor: TBD
Enjoy a week of color and creativity as you explore the dyeing world. Learn various techniques to tie, twist, soak and dye to create unique and vibrant works of art. Design original patterns and translate your artwork into fashion with the magic of Batik.
Instructor: TBD
This half–day course for beginner 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. If you are a more advanced rider or want more of a physical challenge, check out our all–day Biking Madison 102 course!
Instructor: Wisconsin Youth Company Adventure Trip Leaders
Get some great exercise and learn to independently navigate the city during this fun week of biking. Decide where you want to go and learn how to get there using the many bike paths that run through Madison. This biking course is designed to help you get the most out of your bike as you embark on two wheeled adventures. You will need a multi-gear bike in good working condition, a bike lock, a bike helmet, and a water bottle. All riders must be capable of biking for several hours at a comfortable pace.
Instructor: Wisconsin Youth Company Adventure Trip Leaders
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 new 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
The city bus is your ticket to a week of adventure! Learn a valuable life skill and gain independence as you decide 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
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
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 the 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
It is recommended, but not required, that students take this course in combination with Cooking Skills.
In the second half of this suggested two-part course, you will be challenged daily to put your newly acquired knowledge from Cooking Skills to the 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
Attack a rook, defend your queen and avoid the checkmate. Discover the game that is an exciting battle of wits. Learn how to move the pieces and problem solve new challenges while playing opponents. Develop strategy from the opening phase right up to the end game. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose; it’s all about how you play the game. Focus your skills, knowledge and creativity in a different way each game. How will you decide your next move?
Instructor: Joe Monarski
Gain a well-rounded foundation of the circus arts as you learn basics of juggling, plate spinning and acrobatics. Amaze your friends with your daring Diablo tricks and dazzle them with your mad skills on the devil sticks. Try out tumbling and stride across the slackline. Improve your balance, focus and agility as you clown your way through a week of entertainment and laughter.
Instructor: Ali Beyer
Comic books, manga and graphic novels utilize art, literature and imagination to transport us on fantastic journeys. Learn how to use words and pictures together to tell a story and create comics of your very own as you practice basics of layout, angles, dialogue, and character design. All artists welcome, advanced skills are not required.
Instructor: Ali Beyer
Travel around the world while staying put. As you learn about new ingredients and how to use them, your taste buds will take a tasty journey. Gain knowledge about many different dishes and how to make them in this course of cultural cuisines. Sample new styles of cooking and interesting ingredients to build delicious plates of popular international foods.
Instructor: TBD
It is recommended, but not required, that students take this course in combination with Chef’s Challenge 2.
The first half of this suggested two-part course will help you continue to build the foundations of becoming a great cook. Try out different cooking methods and learn how to handle tricky ingredients. Brush up on your knife skills and build your knowledge of seasonings. Practice making perfect eggs, sauces and pasta. Gain the confidence you’ll need to create your own dishes at home or in Chef’s Challenge 2.
Instructor: TBD
Explore the world of digital animation in this tech-friendly, hands-on course. Create your story lines, design your backdrop, develop your characters and then edit your productions. Bring your stories to life with stop motion animations and other technologies. You don’t have to be tech savvy to create awesome animation.
Instructor: Josh Ludke
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
Take your doodles to a whole new level. Explore techniques and materials used by professional artists to create your own images. Discover what you can do with charcoal, pastels, ink and chalk. Since drawing isn’t just for paper, we’ll introduce different surfaces to help you discover the depths of drawing.
Instructor: TBD
Take your role-playing adventures to the next level. Spend the week exploring short adventures in small groups while building you own dungeon master skills. Get tips and tricks from an instructor that has been running RPG adventures for more than 10 years. Discover how to add details and challenges to your game while keeping things interesting and the adventure moving.
Instructor: AJ Popp
June 29-July 2 | $90
August 3-7 | $95
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
Step into another world with fantasy board games. Discover new ways to strategize and problem-solve your way to victory with several fantasy-based board games such as Ascension and Talisman. Critical thinking and competition come together in different board game worlds and are sure to lead to a winning experience.
Instructor: Joe Monarski
Find out more about your food and where it comes from as you spend a week learning about various vegetables, fruits, and herbs and harvesting wonderful ingredients from local farms and gardens. Take home some tasty fruits and vegetables and gain hands-on experience with harvesting and gardening.
This course will take place off site. Transportation will be provided to local farms and gardens.
Presented by The Neighborhood Planting Project
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 the 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.
This course will take place off site. Transportation will be provided to Eagle School daily.
Instructor: Joe Monarski
June 29-July 2 | $100
July 27-31 | $110
August 10-14 | $110
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.
Wisconsin Youth Company has partnered with Digman Fitness to provide safe, high–quality fitness courses geared specifically toward middle school students.
Presented by Corey Digman of Digman Fitness
Learn about different styles of films and the history of film while you also try your hand at movie magic. Take a turn in the director seat to better understand what happens behind the scenes. Decide to tell a story through video, film a gripping documentary, or assemble clips for memories. Use editing programs and iMovie to help you take your films to the next level. Discover the power of your imagination as you show others how you see the world.
Instructor: TBD
This creative vocal course is all about podcasting. Get tips on how to figure out your podcasting niche and decide on content that sparks your interest as you learn how to plan, develop and record a podcast. Use your voice and other sound techniques to add depth to your program. Engage an audience with powerful storytelling, helpful advice, hilarious observations, or thought-provoking discussions. Discover the power of your voice and imagination as you design, write, and record your own show.
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. Learn how to cast, use equipment properly, 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
Exercise is essential for a healthy mind and body. With this course, you will learn tips to get the most out of exercise by better understanding muscles, different work out styles and stretching. Learn what it would be like to be a trainer by creating your own routines for the class, sample different types of workouts, and most importantly, have fun with fitness!
Wisconsin Youth Company has partnered with Digman Fitness to provide safe, high–quality fitness courses geared specifically toward middle school students.
Presented by Corey Digman of Digman Fitness
Glass fusing is a popular art form that involves the process of stacking glass and melting it in a hot kiln to create unique and beautiful pieces of art. In this course you will complete several projects and discover the chemistry behind the melting and fusing of glass. Create original pendants, slumped plates or scrap glass vases. Projects completed on the last day will have to be picked up the following week at Middle School U. Students must wear closed-toed shoes as well as provided goggles and gloves. Safety precautions are followed by The Vinery and Middle School U, but participants should be aware of the risks associated with glasswork.
This course takes place off site. Transportation provided daily to The Vinery.
Presented by The Vinery
Open the door to the world of mosaics and transform glass scraps into beautiful and unique art. Use glass in endless color combinations and learn how to safely use tools to cut and shape pieces for your projects. Explore different types of adhesives and grout used to put your pieces together. Work in a glass studio to create projects from mirrors to stepping–stones and take your unique pieces home to display or give as gifts. Students must wear closed-toed shoes as well as provided goggles and gloves. Safety precautions are followed by The Vinery and Middle School U, but participants should be aware of the risks associated with glasswork.
This course takes place off site. Transportation provided daily to The Vinery.
Presented by The Vinery
Swing your way to a hole in one! We’ve partnered with First Tee of South Central Wisconsin to provide an awesome week of golf instruction. Work with a skilled golf instructor to learn the basics and brush up on your technique. This course will review the fundamentals of golf including grip, club selection, stance, swing and more. Clubs will be provided, or you can bring your own set.
This course takes place off site. Transportation provided daily to Vitense Golfland.
In partnership with First Tee of South-Central WI
June 22-26 | $120
June 29-July 2 | $95
Join us for the ultimate gym games sampler. From dodgeball to capture the flag, you will get to play a variety of active gym favorites. Learn a range of skills to develop your hand–eye coordination, agility, and speed. Practice the games and sports that you know and love while learning some new ones along the way. This is sure to be an awesome course of active fun.
Wisconsin Youth Company has partnered with Digman Fitness to provide safe, high–quality fitness courses geared specifically toward middle school students.
Presented by Corey Digman of Digman Fitness
Science is meant to be explored through trial, error, and making a mess! Go beyond textbooks and partake in some mind-blowing, hands–on experiments that will help you make sense of the world around you. From chemistry to geology and electrical engineering to magnetism and physics, you will get a chance to play within multiple fields of science and see for yourself how things work.
Instructor: TBD
It is recommended, but not required, that students take this course in combination with Vegetarian Cooking.
The first half of this suggested two-part course that focuses on choosing better ingredients, learning nutrition facts and building healthy habits. Contrary to popular belief, healthy food can be delicious. Learn some healthy recipes, practice maintaining balance and find substitutions for healthier options. Practice heart healthy preparations and cooking methods to create dishes that will satisfy your taste buds and fuel your body. Use what you have learned in this course to make healthier vegetarian versions on popular dishes in the afternoon with Vegetarian Cooking.
Instructor: TBD
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, Natural Bridge State Park and Ferry Bluff State Natural Area. Good hiking shoes, water shoes and stamina for sustained hiking 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 1.
The first half of this suggested two-part course focuses on basics like knife skills, terminology, different cooking methods, flavor profiles, and the do’s 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 in Chef’s Challenge 1.
Instructor: TBD
Sign language is one of the most expressive and useful languages in the world. Imagine being able to silently talk, sign complex thoughts underwater, or communicate with someone far away. This introductory course will help you learn basic vocabulary, practice signing with friends, and give you some insight into the world of deaf culture and history.
Instructor: Meta Cucinotta
Discover the art of jewelry making and create your own pieces using an array of styles, supplies and techniques. Learn techniques for stamping, pendant making, beading, and wire working. Explore modern twists on a skill that is hundreds of years old as you design unique and personalized pieces. We’ll provide the jewelry making tools, you select your elements and get creative.
Instructor: TBD
Take your love of role playing to a whole new level with character-driven type of game-play that is conducted in the physical world. LARP combines elements of improvisational acting, immersive gaming and costuming. Focus on conflict and resolution independently and in teams as you pursue goals within a fictional setting represented in the real world. Get moving, get creative, get thinking, and get into this fantastic foray.
Instructor: TBD
Using Lego kits, design and build a variety of robots that can complete several simple tasks. Explore, problem-solve and get creative while you learn how machines work. Compete with your bot and begin to understand a variety of concepts throughout this course including basic engineering principles, gearing and gear ratios, electric motors and energy, problem-solving, and communication.
Instructor: TBD
Learn the basics of machine sewing techniques and get creative with fabric during this week of sewing fun. Choose your pattern, select your material and stitch away. We’ll visit a local fabric store where you can select fabric to design your own unique project to take home.
Transportation provided for a field trip to JoAnn Fabrics.
Instructor: TBD
Take a trip through the flavorful town of Madison as you learn about tastes, textures, and pairings. This is not a cooking course, but rather a chance to gain an in-depth knowledge of tastes and ingredients. Enjoy three days off site touring and tasting at some popular local hot spots. Compete in blind taste tests and come up with unique and delicious flavor combinations for herbs, fruits, and cheese. Observe demonstrations for making complex dishes and taste the differences between store bought and homemade. Practice being a food critic by describing food in depth and learning culinary vocabulary that will make you sound like a true expert.
Some days of this course will take place off site. Transportation will be provided to various local food destinations.
Instructor: TBD
Work together with a team to solve a variety of puzzles and riddles as you embark on this fun quest around the city. Each day will be at a new location where you will complete various tasks and challenges to gain points for your group and become Quest Champions. Locations will include the Capitol building and State Street, Vilas Zoo, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and Urban Air.
This course takes place at MSU and off site. Transportation will be provided on certain days.
Instructor: Josh Ludke
Get creative and resourceful as you discover the endless possibilities for art using unused objects found in everyday life. Design multilayered projects using a variety of materials and techniques. Explore various styles of art and play with textural elements to find something that suits you. Save the planet as you reuse materials and re-purpose scraps into something beautiful.
Instructor: Josh Ludke
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
Combine your love of nature with artistic creativity during this week of natural art. Make beautiful rock art, sculptures with foraged natural materials, and many different types of nature prints. Create clay impressions and sand art, and try out nature weaving or design your own wind chimes. Play with shadow and light, and get inspired by the world around you.
Instructor: Josh Ludke
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. Learn and practice traditional track and field events while also trying out funny original courses and designing your own.
Wisconsin Youth Company has partnered with Digman Fitness to provide safe, high–quality fitness courses geared specifically toward middle school students.
Presented by Corey Digman of Digman Fitness
Get fit in the fresh air with a week of outdoor sports and games. Develop your critical thinking, hand–eye coordination, teamwork, agility, and speed as you compete in a wide range of activities. From well-known sports like soccer, baseball, and flag football to entertaining games like cornhole, four-square, kick croquet, and giant Jenga, this course has something that everyone will enjoy.
Wisconsin Youth Company has partnered with Digman Fitness to provide safe, high–quality fitness courses geared specifically toward middle school students.
Presented by Corey Digman of Digman Fitness
Explore painting with watercolor, acrylic and water-based oils while learning the different techniques and styles to use with each of them. Pull inspiration from the works of well-known painters and let new creativity flow through your brush. No matter how you paint it, this class will challenge and inspire you.
Instructor: Ali Beyer
Let the games begin as you join us to play and improve at a plethora of popular sports like volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball, flag football, and tennis. Learn a range of skills to improve your overall athleticism. Practice the games and sports you know and learn something new along the way. Take your skills to the next level with a bit of competition and tournaments to end your week. Get up, get moving and have some fun!
Wisconsin Youth Company has partnered with Digman Fitness to provide safe, high–quality fitness courses geared specifically toward middle school students.
Presented by Corey Digman of Digman Fitness
Get creative, get connected, get coding! Discover the basics of programming and coding with a Micro:bit. This micro-computer has programmable features, including LEDs, buttons and sensors that respond to movement, light, Bluetooth and more. Create games, make music and explore the endless possibilities. Build your programs then upload them for hours of hands-on programmable fun. Take your Micro:bit home and continue the coding fun! Learn more about Micro:bit at https://microbit.org/.
Presented by Maydm
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 29-July 2 | $95
July 27-31 | $115
August 10-14 | $115
Dive into a different world with RPGs. If you have enjoyed 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. Draw upon your creativity and build your storytelling 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
Customize your army and bring fearsome monsters to life through stylistic painting techniques used to add depth and color to any role–playing game. Unleash the excitement and fantasy tied to painted miniatures and the imagination. Whether you have always wanted to complete an awesome custom paint job for your minis or you don’t know a gnome from a kobold, this course will help you discover an awesome new hobby that will give a new dimension to your games.
Instructor: Joe Monarski
Experience the thrill of creation while learning the basics of making 3 dimensional art. Using modeling wire, carve out clay or construct 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 Ludke
Mold, decorate and experiment with soaps, scents, lotions, bath salts and more! Add your favorite scents to a variety of different soap and lotion bases to see what you can create. Mix in your colors, select your base and start creating. Personalize your soaps and turn them into gifts or keep them for yourself.
Instructor: TBD
June 29-July 2 | $100
July 13-17 | $110
Make a high-quality, one–of–a–kind, stained glass panel. Choose your pattern and glass colors, and our instructors will guide you through the whole process. The steps include pattern work, glass-cutting, grinding, foiling, soldering and applying patina. Students must wear closed-toed shoes as well as provided goggles and gloves. Safety precautions are followed by The Vinery and Middle School U, but participants should be aware of the risks associated with glasswork.
This course takes place off site. Transportation provided daily to The Vinery.
Presented by The Vinery
Risk it all on a roll of the dice, move your pieces carefully on the board and put your brain to work with this week of strategy building. Play some of your favorite games and be prepared to learn new ones. Gain insights into good sportsmanship, cooperation and social etiquette that make face-to-face board games more fun to play with each turn.
Instructor: Joe Monarski
Get outdoors and make the most of summer with this course full of physical activity and stimulating games. Develop your critical thinking, hand–eye coordination, agility, and speed as you compete in fun outdoor activities like giant Jenga, ladder ball, capture the flag, Kin-Ball, and many versions of tag. This wide selection of fun is sure to be an active and exciting way to spend the week.
Wisconsin Youth Company has partnered with Digman Fitness to provide safe, high–quality fitness courses geared specifically toward middle school students.
Presented by Corey Digman of Digman Fitness
Make sure your last days of summer don’t go to waste as you join us for this final week of fun, warm weather adventures. Begin the week with a nice stroll through Vilas Zoo. Then, get outdoors and into nature while hiking, swimming, and cooking out at a Wisconsin State Park. Learn something new at the UW campus and be awed by a tour of Camp Randall. Compete in an interactive scavenger hunt at Wizard Quest and prepare to be shocked and amazed by the sites at Ripley’s Believe it or not. Finally, wave goodbye to summer with a visit to Noah’s Ark 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
The science and chemistry of candy making and baking join forces with culinary creativity to provide a recipe for fun in this candy and chocolate making course. Make a variety of tasty treats and discover the secrets of creative cookie concoctions to invent new recipes. Truffles, chocolates and toffees are just the beginning of what’s in the mix. Learn tried and true techniques to make delicious sweets that are sure to impress at our parent’s evening event.
Instructor: TBD
Learning to be part of a team is a fun and essential part of life. Warm up with some dynamic group activities to help you practice communication and cooperation, and discover how to use your own strengths and weaknesses. Play a variety of games like handball, floor hockey, soccer, and volleyball where you will have to rely on your team members to reach a common goal.
Wisconsin Youth Company has partnered with Digman Fitness to provide safe, high–quality fitness courses geared specifically toward middle school students.
Presented by Corey Digman of Digman Fitness
Calling all aspiring scientists! Spend time touring the UW campus learning from professors and faculty in a variety of science fields. Explore and learn at venues including the Physics Museum and Primate Center. Get hands-on at the Stem Cell Lab and Biotech Workshop. Venture to Babcock Dairy Hall for a tour and a tasty treat! Join us for a week of discovery and hands-on exploration.
This course takes place off site. Transportation provided daily to UW-Madison Campus.
Presented by UW-Madison
It is recommended, but not required, that students take this course in combination with Healthy Cooking.
After learning about healthier options and recipes in Healthy Cooking, you will be challenged to make healthier vegetarian dishes. Go beyond salads and discover how to create fabulous vegetarian meals with simple ingredients. Explore recipes from lasagna to bruschetta and stir fry to ramen. Find recipes for snacks, soups and entrees to create mouth-watering meals and savory dishes to share.
Instructor: TBD
Being active and staying fit isn’t just about running or sports. This course is designed to introduce you to new forms of exercise. Try out some unique and fun games and activities involving mini trampolines, floor scooters, earth balls, scoop toss, elastics, and slacklining.
Wisconsin Youth Company has partnered with Digman Fitness to provide safe, high–quality fitness courses geared specifically toward middle school students.
Presented by Corey Digman of Digman Fitness
Create a website and make a difference! Discover how website development can inform and inspire others. Work as a team to build a business platform by using various websites design techniques and tools to bring your idea to life on the web. Go beyond the coding and make an impact using the web.
Presented by Maydm
Join us as we explore Wisconsin’s unique geological features and other hidden gems. Venture under the earth into Cave of the Mounds and Eagle Cave to view stunning arrays of crystal formations, dripping stalactites, and a gemstone mine. Take a hike and cool off with a swim at some of Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks. Enjoy a Duck tour through the Dells and walk through Baxter’s Hollow. Expand your knowledge at the Natural History Museum, UW Geology Museum, and Burnie’s Rock Shop. Finally, get a chance to pan for gold! Make sure you are prepared for rough terrain walking and bring appropriate footwear (no flip-flops), a daypack and a water bottle. Participants in this course must be a swim level yellow or green as indicated on the swim and aquatic activity permission form.
This course will take place off site. Transportation will be provided each day.
Instructor: Adventure Trip Leaders
Get outside and be active as you make the most out of your summer with a week of fun water games and relays. Enjoy launching water balloons, partake in amazing water experiments, and create dazzling liquid art. Finally, have a blast with a trip to Dolphin’s Cove Waterpark to enjoy water slides, the lazy river, and a water zip line. Participants in this course must be a swim level yellow or green as indicated on the swim and aquatic activity permission form.
Instructor: TBD
Have fun creating your own visual masterpieces and learning various techniques to add creative flair to handwritten projects. Improve letter forms, learn how to use calligraphy pens, make your own bullet journals, practice various fonts and design your own original word art décor. With the calligraphy techniques learned in this course and your own creativity, you can discover fun, unique and interesting ways to bring any writing project to life.
Instructor: TBD
This week of exciting fitness will get your heart pumping and your feet moving. Wisconsin Youth Company has partnered with the YMCA to offer a dynamic week of fun and unique opportunities. Partake in daily pool activities like aqua dance, water relays, and log-rolling. Then move on to other nontraditional classes like beginner CrossFit, Karate, and Werq/Zumba a fitness that combines pop, rock and hip-hop with yoga-like moves. This course is all about diverse exercises and sampling new movement to find an exercise that suits you. Participants in this course must be a swim level yellow or green as indicated on the swim and aquatic activity permission form.
Presented by YMCA of Dane County
Join this course to play and learn about popular sports from around the world. Cricket, Handball, Kho Kho, Sepak Takraw are well known in many parts of the world but many Americans have never heard of them. This week will give you the opportunity to try your hand at some of these games as you grow your cultural awareness and your athleticism.
Wisconsin Youth Company has partnered with Digman Fitness to provide safe, high–quality fitness courses geared specifically toward middle school students.
Presented by Corey Digman of Digman Fitness
Relax, restore and rejuvenate while discovering how yoga can help you gain strength and flexibility. Connect with your inner yogi with the use of different breathing techniques and exploration of various styles of yoga from slow flow to fusion yoga. Refocus your energy inward and create mindfulness tools to take with you and keep your yoga practice flowing.
Instructor: TBD
