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 3-4:30 p.m.
- Please note, there is no camp Monday, July 3 or Tuesday, July 4
- Camp ends at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 18
Meet the Staff
- Camp Director | Asendra
- Assistant Camp Director | Allison
- Counselors | Kylie, Cassandra, Ava, Sarah
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.
Health & Wellness at Camp
Please monitor your camper for possible illness at home prior to arriving at camp each day. If your camper has a fever greater than 100° F or other illness, please keep your camper home for the day and contact our administrative office regarding their absence.
Wisconsin Youth Company follows CDC COVID-19 guidelines as well as standard communicable disease policies. If your camper tests positive for COVID-19, please let us know right away by emailing info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.
Families will be notified of COVID-19 exposure and other communicable diseases through signage posted at program. Wisconsin Youth Company programs follow current CDC, Public Health and Department of Children and Families guidelines in regard to face coverings at program.
Upon arrival, directors will complete a visual wellness check before campers enter their group.
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 3-4:30 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 the 24-hour attendance message line, 608-276-9898, if your camper will be absent. Please call before 8:30 a.m. if the message pertains to that day.
Camper Groups
Each camper will be assigned a group for the week. Each group will have a designated classroom space for use during the day. 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.
- Materials and toys will be cleaned and sanitized throughout the summer.
- Camper groups will be divided by age. If you have two or more children that you would like to request remain in the same group, please contact our administrative office.
- Each child 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.
- Campers will eat snack and lunch with their group either in the main camp area or outdoors.
- All campers must wash hands with soap and water before and after eating.
Field Trips
Details regarding field trips can be found on the This Week at Camp tab. Camp of the Lakes will typically take field trips on Tuesday each week; however, this is subject to change. Campers should come to camp prepared for the day’s field trip 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 connect with 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; however, this is subject to change. Camp of the Lakes 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 info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to the start of the camp week.
Keeping Camp Clean
We understand the need to keep camp clean is more important now than ever before. Because of this, we are implementing the following practices:
- Campers and staff will be required to wash hands often and thoroughly.
- Staff will clean and disinfect program materials on a regular basis.
- Facility staff will clean high traffic areas within the building including bathrooms.
- All disinfecting will happen in a room that is not accessible to campers. Disinfecting of group spaces will only happen when campers are not present.
- For cleaning, staff will use a detergent/soap and water solution.
- For disinfecting, staff will use EPA-approved products.
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.
Program Activities & Guest Presenters
Our summer team has been working hard to ensure that campers have a fun and enriching experience this summer. Campers will participate in weekly theme-based activities and off-site field trips. Weekly themes can be found on your camp’s website. Some additional activities could be led by guest presenters depending on the week. Details regarding guest presenters can be found on the This Week at Camp tab.
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.
Additional Program Information
Additional program related information can be found in the program handbook.
No Camp Days
There is no camp Monday, July 3 or Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Contact Wisconsin Youth Company
Summer Program Director, Nate Peterson
npeterson@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: 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 Camp of the Lakes Families! Summer camp is finally here, and we are so excited! We can’t wait to meet new campers, as well as seeing familiar faces. We have a fun week planned with all things Wisconsin.
Looking forward to kicking off a great summer Monday!
-Your camp directors, Asendra & Allison
Meet your Camp Staff!
What are you looking most forward to this summer at camp?
Asendra – Welcoming all campers, new and old, back into our inviting camp space to have yet another amazing summer! And swim trips, of course!
Allison – Swim and field trips!
Sarah – Getting to know campers and making lifelong memories with them!
Kylie – Seeing my kiddos from afterschool and meeting new ones!
Cass – Doing fun new activities and projects with the kids!
Cali – The awesome field trips each week!
Kelsie – Being at the art table and getting creative with the kids
Ava- Taking the kiddos on new adventures!
Weekly Activities
- Decorating camper lockers
- Get to Know you activities
- Kickball Tournament
Friday Fest! | This Friday, campers will celebrate our dairy state with a nice bowl of ice cream and an assortment of toppings to choose from! We will spend this time getting to know each other more with some fun activities!
Field Trip | Tuesday, June 20 | Governor Dodge State Park | Depart at 12:30 pm. & return at 4 p.m.
- What to Bring | Good walking shoes, orange camp t-shirt, water bottle, small backpack
Swimming Trip | Thursday, June 22 | Goodman Pool | Depart at 1 p.m. & return at 4 p.m.
- What to Bring | Swimsuit, orange camp t-shirt, towel, swim shoes
Reminders
- Please send a nut-free lunch with your camper each day
- If you child has medications at camp, they must be dropped off on their first day of attendance.
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors |Hello Camp of the Lakes Families! Woohoo! We did it! We made it through the first week of camp and man, was it fun! Thank you all for navigating with us through this start up week!
Now onto Week 2 for more fun!
-Your camp directors, Asendra & Allison
Weekly Activities
- Ants on a Log
- Painted Zoo Animals
- Clean up the Barnyard Tournament
- Animal Masks
- Graham Cracker Bears
Field Trip | Tuesday, June 27 | Henry Vilas Zoo | Depart at 12:30 pm. & return at 4 p.m.
- What to Bring | Good walking shoes, orange camp t-shirt, water bottle, small backpack
Swimming Trip | Thursday, June 29 | Goodman Pool | Depart at 12:30 p.m. & return at 4 p.m.
- What to Bring | Swimsuit, orange camp t-shirt, towel, swim shoes
Friday Fest | We will be celebrating all of our animal adventures with an Animal Pancake Breakfast for all of our campers!
Reminders
- Please send a nut-free lunch with your camper each day
- If you child has medications at camp, they must be dropped off on their first day of attendance.
- If your camper is hoping to bring their own sunscreen and/or insect repellent to camp, please note that additional paperwork is required at drop off. WYC does provide sunscreen & insect repellent for all campers.
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors |Hello Camp of the Lakes families! Last week was animal-tastic! We had so much fun continuing to get to know everyone!
This week is Water Lovers week, and we can’t wait to splash into the fun!
-Your camp directors, Asendra & Allison
Staff Spotlight! What is your favorite water activity?
Asendra: Paddleboarding
Allison: Swimming
Sarah: Diving Board
Kylie: Water Balloons
Cali: Pool Toys
Ava: Paddleboarding
Cass: Blowing Bubbles
Kelsie: Boating
Weekly Activities
- Sea Murals
- Sensory Water Bottles
- Boat Building Challenge
Friday Fest: Ice excavations & ice pops!
Swimming Trip | Thursday, July 6 | Goodman Pool | Depart at 12:30 p.m. & return at 4 p.m.
- What to Bring | Swimsuit, orange camp t-shirt, towel, swim shoes
- Floaties and life vests are not allowed at the pool
Reminders
- Please email any swim level updates to info@wisconsinyouthcomapny.org, at the start of the week.
- Please send a nut-free lunch with your camper each day
- If you child has medications at camp, they must be dropped off on their first day of attendance.
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors |Hello Camp of the Lakes Families! This week is Mad scientists week, and we are excited to experiment and explore!
-Your camp directors, Asendra & Allison
Staff Spotlight! What was your favorite science experiment as a kid?
Allison: Oobleck
Sarah: Simple machines
Kylie: Elephant toothpaste
Cali: Slime
Ava: Growing crystals
Cass: Catapults
Kelsie: Lava lamps
Weekly Activities
- Lava lamp experiment
- Elephant toothpaste
- Magic Milk
Field Trip | Tuesday, July 11 | UW Geology Museum | Depart at 1:30 pm. & return at 4 p.m.
- What to Bring | Orange camp t-shirt, water bottle, small backpack
Swimming Trip | Thursday, July 13 | Sun Prairie Aquatic Center | Depart at 11 a.m. & return at 4 p.m.
- What to Bring | Swimsuit, orange camp t-shirt, towel, swim shoes
Friday Fest | We will be making slime!
Reminders
- Please email any swim level updates to info@wisconsinyouthcomapny.org, at the start of the week
- Please send a nut-free lunch with your camper each day
- If you child has medications at camp, they must be dropped off on their first day of attendance.
- Please send your camper with their orange t-shirts on field and swim trip days- Tuesdays & Thursdays!
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Hello Camp of the Lakes families! We can’t believe that we are already in Week 5! We can’t wait to celebrate County Fair week with all of our campers!
-Your camp directors, Asendra & Allison
Staff Spotlight! What was your favorite part of the fair?
Asendra: Carnival rides and fair food
Allison: Fair food
Sarah: Hanging out in the cow and goat barns
Kylie: Eating the food
Ava: Seeing the animals
Cass: The rides
Weekly Activities
- Carnival games
- Guessing booth activity
- Ferris wheel craft
- Popcorn bar & DIY tattoos
Swimming Trip | Tuesday, July 18 | Sun Prairie Aquatic Center | Depart at 11 a.m. & return at 4 p.m.
- What to Bring | Swimsuit, orange camp t-shirt, towel, swim shoes
Field Trip | Thursday, July 20 | Dane County Fair | Depart at 12:30 & return at 4:15 p.m.
- What to Bring | Orange camp t-shirt, water bottle, small backpack
- Please do not send any money with your camper. Money will be provided.
Friday Fest | We will wrap up our fair-tastic week by bringing the fair to camp with funnel cakes and face paint. We cannot wait!
Reminders
- Please email any swim level updates to info@wisconsinyouthcomapny.org at the start of the week.
- Please send a nut-free lunch with your camper each day.
- If you child has medications at camp, they must be dropped off on their first day of attendance.
- Please send your camper with their orange t-shirts on field and swim trip days: Tuesdays & Thursdays.
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Hello Camp of the Lakes families! Last week was a blast and we loved seeing all the fair-tastic things that the fair had to offer!
We look forward to jumping into Week 6 to turn our silly levels up and clowning around!
-Your camp directors, Asendra & Allison
Staff Spotlight! What was your favorite summer treat?
Asendra: S’mores
Allison: Fruit pizza
Sarah: Watermelon with salt
Ava: SpongeBob popsicles
Cass: Boba
Weekly Activities
- Paper plate clowns
- Scarf juggling
- Clown ties
Field Trip | Tuesday, July 25 | Circus World | Depart at 10 a.m. & return at 4:15 p.m.
- What to Bring | Orange camp t-shirt, water bottle, small backpack
- Send your camper(s) with a paper bag/disposable lunch. Everything in their lunch should be disposable.
Swimming Trip | Thursday, July 27 | Sun Prairie Aquatic Center | Depart at 12:30 p.m. & return at 4:15 p.m.
- What to Bring | Swimsuit, orange camp t-shirt, towel, swim shoes, goggles
- No swim floaties.
Friday Fest | Clown cupcake competition
Reminders
- Please email any swim level updates to info@wisconsinyouthcomapny.org at the start of the week.
- Please send a nut-free lunch with your camper each day.
- If you child has medications at camp, they must be dropped off on their first day of attendance.
- Please send your camper with their orange t-shirts on field and swim trip days: Tuesdays & Thursdays.
- Morning drop-off window is 7:30-9 a.m.
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Hello Camp of the Lakes families! This summer has been blossoming beautifully and the fun that we are having is unmatched!
We are so excited to jump into Week 7 and continue all the amazing camp fun!
-Your camp directors, Asendra & Allison
Staff Spotlight! What was your favorite cookout food?
Asendra: Brats and corn on the cob
Allison: Cheeseburgers
Sarah: Grill foil packets
Ava: Corn on the cob
Cass: Kebabs
Weekly Activities
- Dirt cups
- Picking peaches
- Garden murals
- Lunch picnic
Field Trip | Tuesday, August 1 | Lakeview Park & Splashpad | Depart at 1 & return at 4:15 p.m.
- What to Bring | Swimsuit, orange camp t-shirt, towel, swim shoes, goggles
Swimming Trip | Thursday, August 3 | Middleton Aquatic Center | Depart at 11 a.m. & return at 4:15 p.m.
- What to Bring | Swimsuit, orange camp t-shirt, towel, swim shoes, goggles
- No swim floaties.
- Please send your camper with a paper bag/disposable lunch for this trip. We will have lunch during the trip.
Friday Fest | Water day
We will be soaking up the fun by getting soaked! Please send your camper(s) with water gear and a towel.
Reminders
- Please email any swim level updates to info@wisconsinyouthcomapny.org at the start of the week.
- Please send a nut-free lunch with your camper each day.
- If you child has medications at camp, they must be dropped off on their first day of attendance.
- Please send your camper with their orange t-shirts on field and swim trip days: Tuesdays & Thursdays.
- Morning drop-off window is 7:30-9 a.m.
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | Hello Camp of the Lakes families! This summer has been a blast so far and we are keeping the fun going until the very end!
-Your camp directors, Asendra & Allison
Staff Spotlight! What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Asendra: Las Vegas
Allison: New York
Sarah: Jamaica
Ava: Puerto Rico
Cass: Switzerland
Weekly Activities
- Cow headbands
- Wheel barrel races
- Homemade butter
- Cow chow
Field Trip | Tuesday, August 8 | Sassy Cow Creamery | Depart at 1:15 & return at 4:15 p.m.
- What to Bring | Orange camp t-shirt, shoes with a backstrap
- Please send your camper in tennis shoes to navigate the farm ground comfortably.
Swimming Trip | Thursday, August 10 | Goodman Pool | Depart at 12:30 & return at 4:15 p.m.
- What to Bring | Swimsuit, orange camp t-shirt, towel, swim shoes, goggles
- No swim floaties.
Reminders
- Please email any swim level updates to info@wisconsinyouthcomapny.org at the start of the week.
- Please send a nut-free lunch with your camper each day.
- If you child has medications at camp, they must be dropped off on their first day of attendance.
- Please send your camper with their orange t-shirts on field and swim trip days: Tuesdays & Thursdays.
- Morning drop-off window is 7:30-9 a.m.
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | We did it! Another successful summer for the books! This summer was full of so much fun and we’re so glad we got to experience it with all! Round of applause for Camp of the Lakes, because we were lit!
We can’t wait to see you all next summer!
As a reminder, camp ends at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 18.
-Your camp directors, Asendra & Allison
Staff Spotlight! What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Asendra: Seeing the amazing returnees and meeting the amazing new campers!
Allison: Water day
Sarah: Water slide races
Ava: Racing on the water slides
Cass: Dance parties
Friday Fest
- End of summer giveaway bags
Field Trip | Tuesday, August 15 | Discovery World | Depart at 9:30 a.m. & return at 4:30 p.m.
- What to Bring | Orange camp t-shirt, water bottle, walking shoes
- Please send a bag/disposable lunch.
Swimming Trip | Wednesday, August 16 | Middleton Aquatic Center | Depart at 12:15 & return at 4 p.m.
- What to Bring | Swimsuit, orange camp t-shirt, towel, swim shoes, goggles
- No swim floaties.
Field Trip | Thursday, August 17 | All Camp Extravaganza, Lakeview Park | Depart at 10 a.m. & return at 4 p.m.
- What to Bring | Orange camp t-shirt, water bottle, walking shoes
- Please send a bag/disposable lunch.
Field Trip | Friday, August 18 | McKee Farms Splashpad | Depart at 12 & return at 3:30 p.m.
- What to Bring | Orange camp t-shirt, swimsuit, water shoes, towels
- Please send a bag/disposable lunch.
Reminders
- Please email any swim level updates to info@wisconsinyouthcomapny.org at the start of the week.
- Please send a nut-free lunch with your camper each day.
- If you child has medications at camp, they must be dropped off on their first day of attendance.
- Please send your camper with their orange t-shirts on field and swim trip days: Tuesdays & Thursdays.
- Morning drop-off window is 7:30-9 a.m.