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 first day of camp.
Location | The Waunakee Village Center | 333 S Madison St., Waunakee
Camp Cell Phone | 608-445-8097
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 | Amanda
- Assistant Camp Director | Andres
- Counselors | Stella, Michael, Alex & 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.
Dropping Off Your Camper
Where to Park | Parking is available behind the Village Center along E. 3rd Street. Enter through the rear porch area of the building.
Drop-off Procedure | After entering the rear of the Village Center, staff will be waiting to walk you through the sign-in process. If you would like your child(ren) 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 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 rear of the Village Center, staff will be waiting to walk you through the sign-out process. Sign-out could also take place outdoors as weather allows. Camp staff will check your ID or confirm your identity before releasing your camper to you. Because of the amount of children 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!
Tuesday Pick-Up Procedure | The Village Center hosts Concert in the Park on Tuesday evenings, meaning you cannot drive down to the lower entrance to pick up your child. Please park in the upper lot and walk down the road, or take the steps to the lower level to pick-up your child on each Tuesday.
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 Pleasant Valley will typically take field trips or have a guest presenter on Thursday 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 Pleasant Valley will typically swim on Tuesday 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 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.
Additional Program Information
Additional program related information can be found in the program handbook.
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 (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 from Amanda and Andres, the Camp Pleasant Valley director team! We are excited to meet all of you next week and can’t wait for an amazing 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:
- Get to know you games
- Bridge building
- Group kickball
- Friday Fest dance party!
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | We are excited to welcome our campers to our Globe Trekkers week!
Each week, we will have a specific social-emotional goal. Together as a camp, we will work to earn a special Friday reward based on their ability to show that skill. This week will build community by showing kindness to self and others.
Here are a few reminders for camp:
- 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 | Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center, Wednesday, June 19, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Swimsuit — children are welcome to wear their suits to camp
- Orange camp shirt
- Towel
Field Trip | Henry Vilas Zoo, Thursday, June 20, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange camp shirt
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Games from around the world
- Animal building with Play-Doh
- Animal bingo
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | This week is our Backyard Bonanza! We will explore our local community and all that is offered right here in our backyard.
Students did a fantastic job working together to show kindness to self and others. This week, we’ll focus on teamwork!
Here are a few reminders for camp:
- On Tuesday nights, there is a concert in the park behind the Village Center. Pick–up is from the front entrance on those nights
- Water bottles should be labeled with your child’s name
- Campers must wear gym shoes or sandals with a back strap (no flip flops or slides)
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Tuesday, June 25, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Swimsuit — children are welcome to wear their suits to camp
- Orange camp shirt
- Towel
Field Trip | Wisconsin State Capitol, Thursday, June 27, 9:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange camp shirt
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Corn hole
- City planning & building
- Ultimate football
- Nature walk
- Walking trip to the big park
- Solar s’mores
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | This week is for our Water Lovers!
As we will do lots of water activities this week, feel free to send your kiddos with (or in) a swimsuit each day or with a spare change of clothes.
Reminders:
- No program Thursday or Friday this week.
- There is a concert in the park behind the Village Center on Tuesdays. Pick-up is from the front entrance on those nights.
- Pick-up on Fridays is by 4:30 p.m.
Swimming Trip | Sun Prairie Aquatic Center | Tuesday, July 2, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Swimsuit — children are welcome to wear their suits to camp
- Orange camp shirt
- Towel
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Drip drip drop-water sponge relay
- Water balloon toss
- Under water sensory bottle
- Sink or float experiments
- Build-your-own boats
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors |For the past couple weeks, we have talked about our emotions as zones. Blue zone: sad, tired, moving slowly. Green zone: happy, calm, ready to learn. Yellow zone: anxious, excited, some loss of control, And red zone: angry, loud noises, loss of control.
This week, we’ll learn about different strategies to use when we’re in each zone, and how to recognize which zone someone else may be in.
Here are a few reminders for camp:
- No field trip this week so orange shirts are only needed on Tuesday
- Friday pick-up is at 4:30 p.m.
Swimming Trip | Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center, Tuesday, July 9, 12:30-4 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Swimsuit — children are welcome to wear their suits to camp
- Orange camp shirt
- Towel
Presenter | Magic presentation, Thursday, July 11, 12 p.m.
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Space puzzles
- Learning magic Tricks
- Space sensory bin
- Gravity maze
- Laser maze
- Space kites
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | This week at camp, we will learn to understand how someone else is feeling and show compassion. Students will be body language detectives to figure out the best way to manage a social situation.
Swimming Trip | Sun Prairie Aquatic Center, Wednesday, July 17, 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
- Swimsuit
- Towel
Field Trip | Dane County Fair, Thursday, July 18, 12:30-4 p.m.
- Campers will be at the fair on Hometown Hero Day. There will be a Canine Starts Stunt Show, a Magic Factory Show, and lots of animals to see.
- Campers should wear their orange t-shirts to camp and should not bring any other items.
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Making carnival games out of cardboard and other recycled materials
- Round up the Sheep Game
- Fair Animal Crafts
- Lucky Ducky Matching
- Potato Sack Relay Races
- Kool-Aid Slushies
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | This week we will focus on mindfulness. We will learn the phrase: “Being mindful means, being present & aware, using our thoughts and emotions, for love and self-care.” Now that students have practiced being more aware of their emotions, we will work on showing compassion to self and others when those big feelings come up, and learn more strategies for how to take care of our body and mind.
Swimming Trip | Sun Prairie Aquatic Center, Tuesday, July 23, 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
- Swimsuit
- Towel
Presenter | Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Thursday, July 26, 12 p.m.
- Orange camp t-shirts are not needed on this day
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Insects and bugs project
- Making volcanoes
- Shadow clocks
- Nature sensory bin
- Mindfulness in nature
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | This week, we’re celebrating the joy of making a mess (and cleaning it up, of course). Campers will make lots of art projects throughout the week and will also build their creativity and collaboration skills.
Families are welcome to check out the Camp Pleasant Valley art display Friday, August 2 at pick-up time!
Swimming Trip | Sun Prairie Aquatic Center, Wednesday, July 31, 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
- Swimsuit
- Towel
Presenter | Fired Up!, Thursday, August 1, 1:30 p.m.
- Orange camp t-shirts are not needed on this day
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Art mural
- Marble painting
- Baking project-cupcakes!
- Bubble painting
- Chalk art
- Zentangles
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | This week at camp we’re celebrating the Olympics with a week of Record Setters!
We will work on building effective communication and strong sportsmanship through competitive and collaborative activities.
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Tuesday, August 6, 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
- Swimsuit
- Towel
Field Trip | Sauk City Riverfront Park, Thursday, August 8, 12:30-4 p.m.
- This park has a large playground and splash pad so campers should wear or bring their swimsuits to camp
- What to bring:
- Orange camp shirt
- Swimsuit
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Marble rally races
- Salt dough medals
- Lego challenges
- Minute-to-Win-It Games
- Camp Olympics
- Making breakfast
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors | This week we will welcome more campers at the Village Center!
We will focus on making new friends, including others in play, showing flexibility, and having a BLAST! We are so excited to celebrate the Best of the Best with all the BEST campers.
Swimming Trip | Sun Prairie Aquatic Center, Wednesday, August 14, 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
- Swimsuit
- Towel
Field Trip | Discovery World, Tuesday, August 13, 9 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
- We will leave camp at 9 a.m. so campers MUST be at camp on time, as the bus cannot wait for arrivals.
- What to bring:
- Orange camp shirt
- Disposable lunch
Field Trip | All Camp Extravaganza, Lakeview Park, Friday, August 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- What to bring:
- Orange camp shirt
- Disposable lunch
Weekly Projects & Activities:
- Drip Drip Drop
- Kickball
- Capture the flag
- Bubbles
- Big park trip
- Tie-dye shirts
- Ice cream party
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