Wander Wisconsin

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 stroll through the expansive Timbavati Wildlife Park, home to 75 different species, and get a chance to feed deer at the Wisconsin Deer Park. The group will learn about animal rehabilitation and experience a “Nature’s Self Defense” educational program at The Wildlife in Need Center, then have the opportunity to observe nature as they hike through Wisconsin state parks to look for tracks, habitats, and signs of wildlife. We will cap off the week with a trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo to discover even more amazing species and experience an exciting virtual reality gorilla trek. 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
• Timbavati Wildlife Park
• Wisconsin Deer Park
• The Wildlife in Need Center
• 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. The group will take an educational tour of Rennebohm Park Gardens, where they will learn basic plant identification and how different vegetables grow; then they’ll get a chance to get their hands in the dirt by helping community members to weed and water. 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
• Rennebohm Park Gardens

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

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 crafting the perfect s’more and enjoying a day of fun and a ballpark dog while watching a Mallards Game! 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, 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. 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

Outdoor Eats is all about combining the joy of cooking (and eating) with the great outdoors! We’ll start the week by practicing fire safety as we cook up some delicious kabobs and sweet corn at the MacKenzie Center. Then we’ll head to Devil’s Lake to make cast-iron pizzas, followed by a trip to Lake Kegonsa, where you’ll choose from favorites like walking tacos, cinnamon rolls on a stick, wild s’mores combos, or foil packet creations. Stroll through a local farmers’ market and check out delicious snacks at the Global Market, then enjoy a hot dog while catching a Nightmare’s game! You’ll practice meal planning and budgeting as you go, cook up lots of tasty treats, and visit some favorite spots to make the most out of your summer!

In this course, students will:

• Develop practical life skills, including fire safety and outdoor cooking techniques
• Build confidence and independence through budgeting and meal planning
• Combine hands-on learning with outdoor nature exploration

Instructors: Wisconsin Youth Company Adventure Trip Leaders

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. The group will experience hands-on interactive exhibits and possibly pet a stingray at Discovery World and put their 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 and creativity, and witness how STEAM comes alive in the world around them.

Destinations include:

• Biopharmaceutical Technology Center Institute
• Blue Mounds State Park
• Discovery World
• 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 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 learn about and try out sports like rugby and lacrosse during lessons and play time with local teams, and cool off on the ice with some scheduled skate time. We’ll soak up the end of summer at Governor Dodge State Park’s beach and local pools and have a blast jumping around and trying to conquer a ninja warrior course at Urban Air. Throughout the week, campers stay active, build confidence, and strengthen teamwork while discovering the joy of sports and play.

Destinations include:

• Breese Stevens Field
• Roller rink
• Boulders Rock Climbing Gym
• Governor Dodge State Park
• Urban Air