Thank you for choosing Wisconsin Youth Company Summer Day Camp!
Please note: Families are varied and the use of the word Parent(s) refers to the adult(s) who are responsible for the camper.
Please carefully review all tabs on this webpage prior to your camper’s first day of camp.
Location | Camp Connection at Merton Intermediate School | N68 W28320 Sussex Road, Merton
Camp Cell Phone | 414-380-8805
Camp Hours
June 10-28 & July 8-26
- Camp hours are Monday-Thursday 11:55 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Pickup takes place between 4:30 – 6 p.m. (5 p.m. on Fridays)
July 1-3 & August 5-9
- Camp hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Pickup takes place between 4:30 – 6 p.m. (4 p.m. on Friday, August 9)
There is no camp July 29 – August 2
Meet the Staff
- Camp Director | Samm
- Assistant Camp Director | Olivia
- Counselors | Catherine, Julia R., Julia D., Lisa
- Additional Support Staff | Stacey, Jennifer, Sam, Lorna
All staff have education and/or experience related to working with children. They receive training prior to the start of the camp season and are certified in first aid and CPR.
Arriving at Camp
Where to Park | Park in the Intermediate School parking lot and enter through Door 1 at the front of the Intermediate School. Once inside the school, walk forward and proceed to the ramp on your right. The program rooms will be at the top of the ramp.
Arriving from Summer School | Summer school will take place in the Intermediate School. When summer school ends each day, campers should proceed to our classrooms (117, 118, and 119) at the Intermediate School. Campers will walk by themselves to our program spaces. If Parents are dropping off their camper at our program space, they should wait with their camper until the staff member has signed them in.
Drop-off Procedure (Days without Summer School) | Camp staff will greet you at the doorway and you will sign your camper into camp. If you would like your camper to arrive independently by walking or biking, please contact the administrative office to authorize Independent Arrival.
Medications, Sunscreen and Insect Repellent | If your camper has medications, sunscreen or insect repellent, please bring these on the first day of their attendance. All items should be labelled with first and last name. Wisconsin Youth Company does provide sunscreen and insect repellent. Campers are not required to bring their own.
What to Bring
Please only send your camper with the following items. All items should be labelled with your camper’s first and last name:
- Sack lunch (nut-free) that does not need to be refrigerated or microwaved
- Gym shoes or sandals with a heel strap (no flip flops)
- Water bottle labeled with camper’s first and last name
- Extra set of clothing, as needed
Please do not send your camper with any unnecessary items. Toys from home are not permitted. Wisconsin Youth Company is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property, including clothing.
Picking Up Your Camper
When to Pick-up | Campers should be picked up during the designated pick-up timeframe listed above. If you need to pick up your camper early, please coordinate that directly with the camp director in advance.
Pick-up Procedure | Park in the Intermediate School parking lot and enter through Door 1 at the front of the Intermediate School. Once inside the school, walk forward and proceed to the ramp on your right. The program rooms will be at the top of the ramp. You can pick your camper up outside their camp room door: 117, 118, and 119. Staff will ask you to sign your camper out.
Independent Departure | If you would like your camper to walk home independently or meet you at your vehicle, please contact the administrative office to authorize Independent Departure. Campers cannot meet you at your vehicle unless they have prior authorization.
Authorized Pick-up Person | Only authorized pick-up people can pick up your camper. If you would like to add an additional authorized pick-up person, please email waukesha@wisconsinyouthcompany.org. All authorized pick-up people are encouraged to have a photo ID on them. With the safety of campers in mind, staff will check IDs if they have not met a pick-up person or do not recognize a pick-up person.
Absences
Please call or text the 24-hour attendance message line, 262-547-2326, if your camper will be absent. Please reach out before 8:30 a.m. if the message pertains to that day.
Camper Groups
Each camper will be assigned a group for the week. Groups will have no more than 18 campers.
- We will aim to keep your camper in the same group each week. Since some campers are only enrolled for a few weeks, some campers may change groups throughout the summer.
- Camper groups will be divided by age. If you have two or more campers that you would like to request remain in the same group, please contact our administrative office.
- Each camper will have a designated space to store their belongings. Campers should only bring essential items for the day.
Snack & Lunch
It’s important campers start each day with a good breakfast prior to camp, and bring a nutritious and satisfying lunch.
Sack lunches must not require refrigeration or microwaving; milk is provided. A morning and afternoon snack will be provided. Some campers have life-threatening allergies (like a peanut or tree nut allergy). For this reason, WYC requests that campers bring a nut-free lunch. All snacks served at camp are nut-free.
Field Trips & Guest Presenters
Details regarding field trips & Guest Presenters can be found on the This Week at Camp tab. Camp Connection will typically take field trips or have a guest presenter on Friday each week; however, this is subject to change. If a field trip is scheduled, campers should come prepared for the day with appropriate footwear, their camp t-shirt, and water bottle.
Swimming Trips
Details regarding swim trips can be found on the This Week at Camp tab. To review your camper’s swim level please contact your camp director or email waukesha@wisconsinyouthcompany.org. Campers will be grouped by swim level with no more than 8 campers per group. Camp Connection will typically swim on Wednesday each week; however, this is subject to change. Camp will only visit local pools with lifeguards on duty and an option for zero-depth entry. Some weeks, camp will visit a splash pad instead of pool. Campers should come to camp prepared with a swimsuit, towel, and camp t-shirt.
Please review Wisconsin Youth Company’s swim guidelines to ensure accuracy. If your camper has been previously enrolled in a WYC camp program, their swim level may not match their current swimming skill. To help ensure a successful week of camp for your child and WYC staff, please update this information by emailing waukesha@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to the start of the camp week.
Spending Time Outdoors
Counselors will be encouraged to take their campers outdoors as much as possible. Campers will have water, sunscreen and shade available to them while outdoors. Please send your camper dressed for the outdoors, every day.
Parent Contact Information
It is important that Parents can be easily reached throughout the camp day. Please verify your contact information in your parent portal and contact the administrative office if changes need to be made.
In the event that camp staff contact you requesting that your camper be picked up for illness or other reasons, we ask that you do so immediately. If you are unable to pick up your camper immediately, please arrange for emergency pick-up individuals. These individuals must be listed as authorized pick-up persons on your account.
Changing Account Information
Written notification is required to make any changes to your account information (i.e. phone numbers, pick-up persons, emergency contacts, etc.). An email from the email address on-file is sufficient. Your account password is required to make changes.
Additional Program Information
Additional program related information can be found in the program handbook.
Contact Wisconsin Youth Company
Program Manager, Jennifer Niggemeier
jniggemeier@wisconsinyouthcompany.org
Wisconsin Youth Company Administrative Office
Address: 300 Cottonwood Ave. Suite #6 , Hartland, WI 53029
Phone: 262-547-8770 ext. 0
Fax: 262-547-0394
24-Hour Attendance Message Line: 262-547-2326
Email: waukesha@wisconsinyouthcompany.org
Use the above address, fax, email and phone number for payments, registration and billing inquires, and other general information. You may also access your account online through the Parent Portal.
Q: Who can drop off and pick up campers?
A: Following Wisconsin Youth Company policy, campers may only be dropped off and picked up from camp by authorized pick-up person(s) listed on their registration.
Q: What happens if my child gets sick while at camp?
A: Each camp has a designated space available to use in the event that a camper gets sick. While in this space, they will remain supervised by staff. Staff will call for immediate pick-up. Please ensure that your camper is picked up as soon as possible.
Q: Can I pick up my child from a field or swim trip?
A: Pick-up from an off-site field or swim trip is an option when needed by families, although is not preferred. Please coordinate specific details with the camp director at your child’s camp location. Please note off-site pickup is not always an option. Field and swim trips are pre-determined and will not be altered to accommodate pick up or drop off for children.
Q: When will my camper receive their camp t-shirt and when do they need to wear it?
A: Campers will receive their t-shirt during their first week of camp. Campers should wear their t-shirts on all field and swim trip days.
Q: Do I need to provide sunscreen and insect repellent for my camper?
A: Wisconsin Youth Company provides sunscreen and insect repellent for all campers attending summer programs. WYC uses Rocky Mountain brand 30 SPF lotion sunscreen and Cutter DEET-free insect repellent. Families may provide their own sunscreen and/or insect repellent. Please contact our administrative office at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org for Dane county families and waukesha@wisconsinyouthcompany.org for Waukesha families for additional details.
Q: How do I update my child’s swim level?
A: The easiest way to update your child’s swim level is to contact the administrative office at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org for Dane county families and waukesha@wisconsinyouthcompany.org for Waukesha families. You can also fill out necessary paperwork at your child’s camp location, but due to the volume of changes and the workload of camp staff, it is preferred that you contact the administrative office. Please note changes are not immediate.
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors |
Hello families!
Welcome to Camp Connection! We are all excited for camp this year and have been preparing everything to ensure everyone will have an amazing summer. Our first week of summer is Summer Kick-Off. Throughout the week, we will do lots of group games and team building games. There will be a lot of new faces, both staff and campers, so we have lots of activities to make everyone comfortable, safe, and most importantly — have fun!
Your camp director and assistant director are Ms. Samm and Ms. Olivia, respectively. Ms. Samm is currently the 4K Wrap lead teacher at Merton Intermediate and Ms. Olivia is returning this summer after being the 4K AM lead at Magee Elementary.
Camp counselors are Ms. Lisa, Ms. Catherine, and Ms. Julia. Ms. Lisa will be with the children in kindergarten and first grade. She started with WYC with the 4K AM wrap program before taking over as lead at Cushing Elementary. We are excited to welcome her back to Merton!
Ms. Catherine will be with the children in grades second and third. She is the site supervisor at Merton.
Ms. Julia is returning to camp this year and will be with the children in grades fourth, fifth, and sixth. She is returning to Camp Connection this year after spending her school year at away at college.
We will also have Ms. Lia who will be floating between rooms and helping all the age groups. She worked with WYC’s Dane County camps last year and is ready to jump into Camp Connection!
I am excited for the team we’ve built for camp and I know this is going to be the best summer ever!
Our swim trips will be every Wednesday (weather permitting). We encourage all campers to arrive to camp in their swimsuits on this day. This allows for a quick transition from the school to the bus since we will leave at 12:30 p.m.
Every Friday we feature a field trip or presenter at camp.
This week, we will go to Horeb Pool on Wednesday, June 12. We will leave camp around 12:30 p.m. and return by 4 p.m.
On Friday, June 14, our camp will have a presenter from Milwaukee Public Museum! They will visit camp from 11a.m to 2 p.m. for a presentation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our site phone, 414-380-8805, or via email Ms. Samm at slee@wisconsinyouthcompany.org or Ms. Olivia at oodegard@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.
Let’s make this the best summer ever!
Sincerely,
Camp Connection Staff
Swimming Trip | Horeb Pool, Wednesday, June 12, 12:30-4 p.m.
Field Trip | Presenter from Milwaukee Public Museum, Friday, June 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Weekly Projects:
- Camp group flag, friendship bracelets, making an indoor garden
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors |
Hi families!
We had a great summer kick-off and our first week was a success! We took the time to get to know the campers and counselors, worked together to make a safe and fun environment for everyone, and participated in get-to-know-you games. Everyone had a great time for the first of many swim trips, as well as our Milwaukee Public Museum presenter.
This week’s theme is Record Setters, which leans toward Olympic themes, including relay races, and a fun food project making medals out of Oreos!
Like every week, we will be going to Horeb Pool for our swim trip. We will arrive at the pool at 1 p.m. and return to school at 4 p.m. We encourage all campers to arrive at camp in their suits to make transition times a little quicker; thank you to those who did that!
Our presenter this week is Half Twisted, Half Knot which will is a magician/entertainer coming into perform. It sounds like a great experience for all campers!
Summer fun facts:
The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece in Summer of 1896.
Popsicles were made by accident.
The Eiffel Tower can become 6 inches taller in the summer due to extreme heat causing the metal at its base to expand. The top of the tower can also tilt away from the sun by up to 7 inches.
As always feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns to Ms. Samm at slee@wisconsinyouthcompany.org or Ms. Olivia at Oodegard@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.
Swimming Trip | Horeb Pool, Wednesday, June 19, 12:30-4 p.m.
Presenter | Half Twisted, Half Knot, Friday, June 21, 11 a.m.
Weekly Projects:
- Relay races
- Making medals out of Oreos
- DIY medals
- Olympic ring crystals
- Olympic bracelets
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | We are already entering week three of camp! This week’s theme is Natural Wonders. We will take the time to become one with nature, go on walks, and make some tasty food projects.
Last week during record setters, we did a lot of group games, Jeopardy, minute to win it, and relay races. To say they had a blast is an understatement. It has been so fun seeing the campers building new friendships, revisiting old ones, and making memories. It’s been such a good start to summer!
Camp closes at 5 p.m. on Friday.
Any questions or concerns reach out to Ms. Samm at slee@wisconsinyouthcompany.org or Ms. Olivia at Oodegard@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.
Swimming Trip | Horeb Pool, Wednesday, June 26, 12:30-4 p.m.
What to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt, swim suit, towel
Presenter | Jellis Market, Friday, June 28, 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m.
What to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt
Weekly Projects:
- Nature walks
- Fruit pizza
- Dirt cups
- Dough portraits
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Camp Connection is running full days this week. Our camp hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Camp will be closed July 4-5 for the holiday. We hope you all have a fun safe weekend!
If your child will not be in attendance this week, please let Samm or Olivia know as well as the registration team.
Swimming Trip | Horeb Pool, Wednesday, July 3, 12:30-4 p.m.
What to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt, swim suit, towel
Weekly Projects:
- Frozen t-shirt race
- Sprinkler
- Water balloons
- Drip, drip, drop
- Water sponge toss
- Beach pudding
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | We had so much fun doing water activities before the long weekend. The older campers put on a wonderful 4th of July fair for the younger campers. Everyone had so much fun at the pool! We hope you all enjoy the holiday weekend!
Please reach out to Ms. Samm at slee@wisconsinyouthcompany.org or Ms. Olivia at Oodegard@wisconsinyouthcompany.org with any questions or concerns.
Swimming Trip | Horeb Pool, Wednesday, July 10, 12:45-4 p.m.
What to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt, swim suit, towel
Presenter | Ms. Stacey, Friday, July 12, 1:30 p.m.
- Ms. Stacey will lead campers on a project painting piggy banks
Weekly Projects:
- Paper squishies
- Walking water experiment
- Edible paint
- Egg drop
- Summerween party
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | This week’s field trips are a little different, Wednesday is the county fair, and Friday is a splash pad trip! Last week we had a blast making messes, creating beautiful paintings, and enjoying all things sensory! A big thank you to Ms. Stacey for coming in and doing a painting project with us!
Swimming Trip | Nixon Splash Pad, Friday, July 19 from 12:45-4 p.m.
What to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt, swim suit, towel
Field Trip | Waukesha County Fair, Wednesday, July 17 from 12:45-4 p.m.
What to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt, water bottle and tennis shoes
Weekly Projects:
- DIY popsicle stick Ferris wheels
- Puffy pain cotton candy
- Pie eating contest
- Fair games!
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Campers had a blast playing minute-to-win-it games and going to the fair! The splash pad was also a great change of pace and added some excitement to the week!
There is no camp the week of 7/29-8/2. If you have questions, reach out to Ms. Samm at slee@wisconsinyouthcompany.org or Ms. Olivia at Oodegard@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.
Swimming Trip | Horeb Pool, Wednesday, July 24, 12:45-4 p.m.
What to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt, swim suit, towel
Presenter | Retzer Nature Center, Friday, July 26, 1 p.m.
- No orange camp shirt needed on this day
Weekly Projects:
- Around the world activities
- Campers will make passports to travel to different countries and participate in different crafts and games from other cultures
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | This is our last week of camp. Thank you for making this summer such a success and we wish you nothing but the best for the upcoming school year. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone again next summer!
Camp hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Friday, August 9 will be 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Swimming Trip | Nixon Splash Pad, Wednesday, August 7, 1-4 p.m.
What to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt, swim suit, towel
Field Trip | Milwaukee County Zoo, Friday, August 9, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
What to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt, comfortable walking shoes with a backstrap
Weekly Projects:
- Edible mosaics
- Painting with cool whip
- Color wars
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