Wander Wisconsin offers daily field trips and adventure-themed activities for campers entering grades 3-5 during select weeks over the summer months. Small group sizes and engaging staff provide the perfect environment for campers to challenge themselves, feel included, and build self-confidence.  Wander Wisconsin participants must be at least 8-years-old. 

Wander Wisconsin takes place several different weeks throughout the summer, with base camps in Verona and Madison. Program takes place 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Drop-off is 8-8:30 a.m. and pick-up is 4:30-5 p.m. 

  • Verona Base Camp (Weeks 1-5)  |  Badger Ridge Middle, 300 Richard St., Verona
  • Madison Base Camp (Weeks 6-9)  |  Shorewood Hills Elementary, 1105 Shorewood Blvd., Madison
  • Madison Base Camp (Week 10) | Crestwood Elementary, 5930 Old Sauk Rd., Madison

Wander offers different weekly theme-based adventures with daily field trips and hands-on activities. Most camp activities are held off-site. Transportation is provided via 15 passenger vans driven by trained Wander Wisconsin Adventure Trip Leaders or through school bussing partners. 

Wander Wisconsin programs typically visit waterparks, pools and lakes as a part of their weekly activities. Campers must be designated as intermediate swimmers or above to enroll in Wander Wisconsin. Please refer to the Program Handbook for information regarding Wisconsin Youth Company swim guidelines.   

Wander Wisconsin programs occasionally visit locations that require signed liability waivers for campers to participate in activities. Applicable waivers will be emailed via DocuSign. Please respond promptly to these requests to ensure a successful program for all participants. 

In addition to the activities listed in specific weeks, Wander Wisconsin include trips to local splash pads, pools or parks. Please note that all field trips are subject to change. Any changes to field trips will be shared with registered families via email by the Friday prior to the start of each camp week.

10 Programs
Open Registration
Registration Closed

Verona

This week campers explore the incredible geology and landscapes of Wisconsin through hands-on adventures and immersive experiences. They will tour Cave of the Mounds to see crystal formations up close, visit the UW Geology Museum to examine fossils and glowing minerals, and spend a full day exploring the rocky bluffs and glacier-shaped terrain of Devil’s Lake. Campers will venture through Eagle Cave, discover the unique formations at Natural Bridge State Park, hike to the stunning overlook at Gibraltar Rock, and search for agates while trekking through the gorge at Parfrey’s Glen. A peaceful nature walk at Rocky Arbor State Park offers a look at layered sandstone walls, and the week wraps up with an exciting afternoon at Boulders Rock Climbing Gym where campers can learn to climb and boulder in a supportive environment.

Destinations include:

  • Cave of the Mounds
  • UW Geology Museum
  • Devil’s Lake State Park
  • Eagle Cave
  • Natural Bridge State Park
  • Gibraltar Rock
  • Parfrey’s Glen
  • Rocky Arbor State Park
  • Boulders Rock Climbing Gym

This week invites campers into the fascinating world of animals as they explore how creatures big and small live, grow, and interact with their environments. We will visit the Henry Vilas Zoo to learn about wildlife from around the globe, observe butterflies up close at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and enjoy interactive time with animals at local petting zoos. Campers will take a wagon ride and explore working farms to see how animals are cared for and enjoy nature observation walks in Wisconsin State Parks to look for tracks, habitats, and signs of wildlife. We will cap off the week with an exciting trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo to discover even more amazing species. Throughout the week, campers discover just how much there is to learn from the animals around us and return with stories, insights, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Destinations include:

  • Henry Vilas Zoo
  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens
  • Wisconsin state parks
  • Milwaukee County Zoo

Buckle up for a week sampling the flavors of Wisconsin as campers discover where food comes from and try their hands at making dishes themselves. Campers will go berry picking, fishing, and tour local food museums to learn the stories behind some of their favorite treats. We will visit a local farmers’ market and farms to see how ingredients are grown and cared for, enjoy a cheese-making demonstration, and stop by Sassy Cow Creamery for a behind-the-scenes look at dairy production. Back at base camp, campers will get to chop, mix, cook, and bake as they create simple dishes together in the kitchen. By the end of the week, campers will have new skills, new tastes, and a deeper appreciation for the journey food takes from farm to table.

Destinations include:

  • Local food museums, farmers’ market, and farms
  • Sassy Cow Creamery

This week, campers adventure through Wisconsin’s most beautiful natural areas as they collect stamps in their park passport. They’ll explore the sweeping views of Blue Mounds State Park, walk the historic paths of Tower Hill State Park, and discover the cliffs, waterfalls, and forests of Governor Dodge State Park. Visits to the MacKenzie Center and Retzer Nature Center offer hands-on outdoor skills and wildlife exploration, while trips to Devil’s Lake, Mirror Lake, and Rocky Arbor State Park offer the chance to hike, observe unique rock formations, and enjoy the outdoors. Campers also step into Wisconsin’s past at Aztalan State Park and wander the striking landscapes of Kettle Moraine State Forest. We will travel far, explore wide, and build lasting memories in the heart of Wisconsin’s great outdoors. 

Destinations include:

  • Blue Mounds State Park
  • Tower Hill State Park
  • Governor Dodge State Park
  • MacKenzie Center
  • Retzer Nature Center
  • Devil’s Lake State Park
  • Mirror Lake State Park
  • Rocky Arbor State Park
  • Aztalan State Park
  • Kettle Moraine State Forest

Dive into the science of water this week as campers explore how this wondrous natural resource moves, shapes environments, and supports life in Wisconsin’s waterways. We will visit Devil’s Lake to create submarines, learn about water filtration, and investigate how different materials interact with water. Throughout the week, campers will ponder and solve challenges of water flow, buoyancy, and ecosystems, and engineer their own mini boats and dams. Adventures around Madison’s lakes, rivers, and creeks give campers the chance to test water quality, search for macroinvertebrates, and wade through hidden waterways to see aquatic habitats up close. Campers will broaden their understanding of the science behind water and develop a deeper appreciation for the freshwater world around us. 

Destinations include:

  • Devil’s Lake State Park
  • Local lakes, rivers, and creeks

Madison

This week is an invitation for campers to enjoy the outdoors while discovering the fun of making and sharing great food. We will learn fire building safety at the MacKenzie Center before roasting hot dogs and crafting the perfect s’more. Campers will work up an appetite with hiking and water activities like kayaking, before making their own snacks in our beautiful parks like Devil’s Lake State Park, Lakeview Park, and Picnic Point. Campers will also pick fresh fruits and vegetables at a local farm and end the week with an exciting trip to Noah’s Ark Waterpark. Throughout it all, we will enjoy a mix of adventure, creativity, and delicious treats!

Destinations include:

  • MacKenzie Center
  • Devil’s Lake State Park
  • Lakeview Park
  • Picnic Point
  • Noah’s Ark Waterpark

This week takes campers on a playful journey through Wisconsin’s local lore, legends, and curious oddities. We will explore the eccentric House on the Rock and go on a scavenger hunt for cryptids, wander through the mysterious Witches Gulch on a boat, and visit the reported UFO landing site at Tenney Park for a comedic alien egg hunt. We will also discover the strange and fascinating exhibits at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, wander Dr. Evermor’s outdoor sculpture park, and search for trolls throughout Mount Horeb. Full of adventure, imagination, and laughter, campers will build their curiosity and storytelling while uncovering the weird and wonderful side of Wisconsin. 

Destinations include:

  • House on the Rock
  • Witches Gulch
  • Tenney Park
  • Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum
  • Dr. Evermor’s outdoor sculpture park
  • Mount Horeb

This week is all about hands-on exploration in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Campers will visit the Observatory and Lab at the Biopharmaceutical Technology Center Institute to participate in experiments guided by working scientists. They will draw inspiration from gravity-defying art at various sculpture parks and design their own gliders and zip lines at Blue Mound State Park. We will delve into a variety of outdoor STEAM activities at the MacKenzie Center, then put our engineering skills to the test by designing bridges at Tenney Park. Campers will observe the unique and innovative architecture of the Mitchell Park Domes, experience the power of steam with a train ride at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum, and wander through the artistically engineered metal marvels at Dr. Evermor’s. Campers will engage their curiosity, creativity, and witness how STEAM comes alive in the world around them.  

Destinations include:

  • Biopharmaceutical Technology Center Institute
  • Blue Mounds State Park
  • MacKenzie Center
  • Tenney Park
  • Mitchell Park Domes
  • Mid-Continent Railway Museum
  • Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park

This week is all about getting out on the water and adventuring in Wisconsin’s beautiful lakes and rivers. Campers will spend time kayaking, paddleboarding, and even give logrolling a try. Trips to Devil’s Lake and Governor Dodge State Park offer plenty of water fun and outdoor exploration, including hiking, water games, and hands-on activities. And no Wisconsin water week would be complete without a visit to Noah’s Ark Waterpark, the country’s largest waterpark, where campers can dive into nonstop fun. Throughout the week, they will build confidence, teamwork, and a love for adventure while splashing, paddling, and playing in the great outdoors.

Destinations include:

  • Devil’s Lake State Park
  • Governor Dodge State Park
  • Noah’s Ark Waterpark

This week gets campers moving with a high-energy blend of sports, teamwork, and active play. The group will have the chance to step onto a semi-pro soccer field and learn more about Madison’s beloved Forward Madison FC team during a tour of Breese Stevens Field. From there, we’ll roll out the fun at a roller rink and then learn how to safely bounce off the walls at Boulders Rock Climbing Gym. Campers will also meet players and learn about the fast-paced worlds of rugby and lacrosse during tours with local teams. A visit to Urban Air offers excitement in the form of a trampoline park, while we add an artistic twist through creative activities like designing our own jerseys and building a Wander mascot. Throughout the week, campers stay active, build confidence, and strengthen teamwork while discovering the joy of sports and play.

Destinations include:

  • Breese Stevens Field
  • Boulders Rock Climbing Gym
  • Urban Air

2026 Wander Wisconsin Fees  |  Fees can be found on the Programs tab

Tuition assistance is available to families for all programs

Weekly Deposits  |  Deposits are applied toward weekly fees and are non-refundable and non-transferable. $50 per camper, per week

Schedule Changes & Fees 

  • Billing periods have changed. The last day to make a schedule change is by 5 p.m. on the Friday before the payment due date.
  •  Payment is due four weeks before camp starts. Reference the 2026 Payment Calendar.
  • Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable
  • Withdrawals from program before the payment deadline result in loss of deposit
  • Withdrawals from program after the payment deadline result in payment of all fees for that week
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