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 | Crestwood Elementary | 5930 Old Sauk Rd., Madison
Camp Cell Phone | 608-445-8026
Camp Hours | Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Drop-off takes place between 7:30-9 a.m.
- Pick-up takes place Monday-Thursday between 4-5:30 p.m. and Friday between 4-4:30 p.m.
- Please note, there is no camp Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5
- Camp ends at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 16
Meet the Staff
- Camp Director | Allison
- Assistant Camp Director | Ayden
- Counselors | Victoria, Grace, Marcus, Peyton & Ally
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.
Dropping Off Your Camper
Where to Park | Limited parking is available along Old Sauk Road in front of Crestwood. Parking is available in the school parking lots. Enter through the main school entrance.
Drop-off Procedure | After entering the school building, walk through the doors and take your first left to find the gymnasium (main camp area). Camp staff will be waiting to walk you through the sign-in process. 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 to Camp
Please only send your camper with the following items. All items should be labeled 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 child’s first and last name
- Extra set of clothing, as needed
Please do not send your camper with any unnecessary items. Toys from home will not be 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: Monday-Thursday 4-5:30 p.m. and Friday 4-4:30 p.m. If you need to pick up your camper early, please coordinate that directly with the camp director in advance.
Pick-up Procedure | After entering the school building, walk through the doors and take your first left to find the gymnasium (main camp area). Camp staff will be waiting to walk you through the sign-out process. Camp staff will check your ID or confirm your identity before releasing your child to you. Because of the amount of campers and families we work with over the summer months, there is a chance that you may be asked more than once. Your patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated.
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 info@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, 608-276-9898, 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 of the Lakes will typically take field trips or have a guest presenter on Tuesday 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 info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org. Campers will be grouped by swim level with no more than 8 campers per group. Camp of the Lakes will typically swim on Thursday 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. Extra t-shirts can be purchased for $12 by emailing info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.
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 through DocuSign or by emailing info@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 easily be 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.
Snack Information
Snack information can be found in this document.
Additional Program Information
Additional program related information can be found in the program handbook.
Contact Wisconsin Youth Company
Summer Program Director, Janessa Palmer
jpalmer@wisconsinyouthcompany.org
Wisconsin Youth Company Administrative Office – Mailing Address
733 Struck St.- 45620
Madison, Wisconsin 53744
Phone: 608-276-9782 ext. 0
Fax: 262-547-0394
24-Hour Attendance Message Line (call or text): 608-276-9898
Email: info@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 on 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: 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: 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: 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.
Q: What is the time frame I can drop off/pick up my child?
A: Children can be dropped off and picked up throughout the camp day. Generally, it is preferred that your child is dropped off between 7:30-9 a.m. and picked up between 4-5:30 p.m. (4-4:30 p.m. on Fridays). If you will be dropping off or picking up outside of those hours, please talk with the camp directors at your camp location.
Q: Is there transportation provided by WYC for campers from summer school locations?
A: WYC does not provide transportation to camp following summer school sessions. Site specific information regarding arriving to camp following summer school can be found on the Welcome tab for that camp location. All transportation must be arranged through your school district.
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Hello families! We are excited to welcome new and returning campers to Camp of the Lakes! Get ready for a fun-filled summer.
Here are a few reminders for camp:
- Sunscreen is provided
- Please pack nut-free lunches
- Water bottles should be labeled with your child’s name
- Campers must wear gym shoes or sandals with a back strap (no flip flops)
Swimming Trip | No swim trip
Field Trip | No field trip
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Friendship bracelets
- Clay animal creations
- 3D all about me faces
- Kickball tournament
- Friday Fest: Popsicle party
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Hello families! We had a great first week of camp and can’t wait to continue the fun with our backyard bonanza theme!
Here are a few reminders for camp:
- Sunscreen is provided
- Please pack nut-free lunches
- Water bottles should be labeled with your child’s name
- Campers must wear gym shoes or sandals with a back strap (no flip flops)
- Site phone: 608-445-8026
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Thursday, June 20, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
Field Trip | Capitol tour, Tuesday, June 18, 12:30-3 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange shirt
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Paper plate animals
- Rock painting
- Collage art
- Mosaics
- Clean your room
- Relay race
- Animal tag
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors |
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
- Pack extra clothes
- Please pack lunches that are nut-free/non-microwaveable
- Water bottles should be labeled with your child’s name
- Site phone: 608-445-8026
- If you want to update your child’s swim level, email info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org
- Please send additional clothes that can get wet on Wednesday. Water activities in the afternoon.
Swimming Trip | Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center, Thursday, June 27, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
Presenter | Fired Up!, Tuesday, June 15, 9 a.m.
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Painting
- Play-Doh creations
- Oil marble art
- Shaving cream art
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Even though this week of camp will be short, we are excited to have lots of wet and wild fun! Please make sure your child(ren) has clothes on daily that can get a little wet as we will be doing lots of water games and activities. Looking forward to seeing you on Monday!
– Allison and Ayden
Reminders:
- Have child(ren) wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops)
- Pack extra clothes
- Pack lunches that are nut -free/non-microwavable
- Water bottles with name labels
- If you want to update your child’s swim level email: info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org
Swimming Trip | Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center, Tuesday, July 2, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Drip, drip, drop
- Relay race
- Watercolor painting
- Wednesday Fest: Dress up in beach clothes & water balloons
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | This week, we will become world travelers by learning, creating, and seeing what our planet has to offer!
- Sunscreen is provided daily
- Please pack lunches that are nut-free/non-microwaveable
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
- Site phone: 608-445-8026
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Thursday, July 11, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Towels
- Swimsuit
Field Trip | Henry Vilas Zoo, Tuesday, July 9, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange shirts
- Shoes with back strap
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Origami
- Clay
- Paper hats
- Painting
- “Ojos de Dios” craft
- Simon says
- Animal tag
- What time is it Mr. Fox?
- Friday Fest: ice cream social
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Hello families! We are excited to head to the fair this week and enjoy some fun filled activities at camp.
Reminders:
- Sunscreen is provided daily
- Pack nut-free lunches
- Have child(ren) wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
Site phone: 608-445-8026
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Thursday, July 16, 12:30-4 p.m.
- Campers are welcome to wear their swim suit and orange t-shirts to camp
- What to bring:
- Orange camp shirt
- Sandals with strap/water shoes
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Swim goggles
Field Trip | Dane County Fair, Thursday, July 18, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange t-shirt
- Small backpack
- Water bottle
- Tennis shoes or sandals with a strap
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Balloon pop
- Duck pond
- Cup knock down
- Ring toss
- Paper plate clown craft
- Friday Fest: Talent show
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Hello families! This week we are excited to explore the wonders of nature through fun projects and activities with our campers!
Reminders:
- Sunscreen and bug spray are provided daily
- Pack nut-free lunches
- Pack extra clothes for your child(ren)
Site phone: 608-445-8026
Swimming Trip | Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center, Thursday, July 25, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange camp shirt
- Swimsuit
- Towel
Walking Field Trip | Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, Owen Conservation Park, Tuesday, July 23, 1-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange t-shirt
- Water bottle
- Tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Sunshine art prints
- Nature scavenger hunt
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Hello families! We are excited to continue the fun as we move into August with our Record Setters week! Time flies when you’re having fun.
Swimming Trip | Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center, Thursday, August 1, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange camp shirt
- Swimsuit
- Towel
Field Trip | McKee Farms Park, Tuesday, July 30, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange t-shirt
- Water shoes
- Swim clothes
- Towels
- Small bag
- Water bottle
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Minute to Win it games:
- Balloon in the air
- Relay race
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Hello families! We are excited to jump into August and travel out of this world with fun games, activities, and more.
Helpful reminders:
- Sunscreen & bug spray are provided
- Pack nut-free lunches
- Have child(ren) wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
- Site phone: 608-445-8026
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Thursday, August 8, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange camp shirt
- Swimsuit
- Towel
Presenter | Magic, Tuesday, August 6, 12 p.m.
- No orange t-shirt is needed this day
Walking Field Trip | Bordner Park, Wednesday, August 7, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange t-shirt
- Walking shoes with a backstrap
- Water bottle
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Build your own cardboard spaceship
- Moon dough
- Going to the moon
- Astronauts and aliens tag game
Monday = Pokémon Card Day
Friday = Friday Fest
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Hello families! We had a great time this summer at Camp of the Lakes! Our final week is our best one yet — ending with the All-Camp Extravaganza!
Helpful reminders:
- Sunscreen & bug spray are provided
- Pack nut-free lunches
- Have child(ren) wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops or slides)
- Final day of camp is August 16. Pick up by 4 p.m.
- Site phone: 608-445-8026
Swimming Trip | Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center, Tuesday, August 13, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange camp shirt
- Swimsuit
- Towel
Field Trip | Havens Petting Farm, Wednesday, August 14, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange camp shirt
- Water bottle
- Walking shoes with a backstrap (no flip flops or slides)
Field Trip | All Camp Extravaganza, Lakeview Park, Friday, August 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Camp t-shirt
- Walking shoes with a backstrap
- Sack lunch
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Decorate your own camp t shirt
- Friendship bracelet making
- Slime
- Scavenger hunt
- Ping pong Tournament
Monday = Pokémon Card Day
Thursday = Water day
- What to bring
- Swimwear or quick dry clothes
- Extra clothes
- Towel
- Sandals with a backstrap
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