Thank you for choosing Wisconsin Youth Company Summer Day Camp!
Camp Open House:
- June 12, 4-5 p.m.
- June 13, 12-1 p.m.
- Meet staff, see the camp space, drop off meds
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 | Badger Ridge Middle School | 300 Richard St. Verona
Camp Cell Phone | 608-445-8013
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 Friday, July 4
- Camp ends at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 15
Meet the Staff
- Camp Director | Amanda
- Assistant Camp Director | Kylie
- Counselors | Chloe, Trina, Karen, Tyler, Jake, and Trey
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 in the large main parking lot located in front of Badger Ridge Middle School. You will see the main entrance, door #5.
Drop-off Procedure | Enter through door #5. After entering, follow the signs to proceed down the hallways. Camp is located in the cafeteria on the left. Once inside, staff will be there to guide you through the drop-off process.
Campers Arriving from Summer School | Wisconsin Youth Company staff will walk to Sugar Creek Elementary daily at 11:45 a.m. during summer school weeks to pick up children attending summer school and half day camp program. Wisconsin Youth Company staff will stand outside of door #1 at Sugar Creek. When summer school is released, campers should meet the staff outside Sugar Creek. Staff will verify attendance before walking to Badger Ridge Middle School for lunch and the rest of the camp day.
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. Siblings must have their own individual sunscreen or insect repellent, if providing their own. 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 | Enter through door #5 during pick-up time. After entering, follow the signs to proceed down the hallways. Camp Wildcat is located in the cafeteria on the left. Camp staff will greet you and provide instructions for signing your child out of program. If you arrive to pick up outside of the designated pick-up time, please call the camp phone number, as the doors will be locked.
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!
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, Wisconsin Youth Company 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 Wildcat 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 info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org. Campers will be grouped by swim level with no more than 8 campers per group. Camp Wildcat 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. 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 Wisconsin Youth Company camp program, their swim level may not match their current swimming skill. To help ensure a successful week of camp for your child and Wisconsin Youth Company 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.
Summer Payment Information
The summer payment calendar can be found in this document.
Summer Payment Information
The summer payment calendar can be found in this document.
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 inquiries, 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. Wisconsin Youth Company uses Coral Isles 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: You can update this information through DocuSign or by emailing info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org prior to the start of the camp week.
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 Wisconsin Youth Company for campers from summer school locations?
A: Wisconsin Youth Company 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:
We are excited to kick off this summer and meet our new Verona community! We have both new and returning staff at Camp Wildcat this year, so former campers will see some familiar faces. This week we’ll focus on establishing our routines and expectations for camp, while having a lot of summer-themed fun! Thank you from the whole Wildcat team for helping us start the year off right!
Amanda Prathivadi and Kylie Hollenstein
General Camp Reminders:
- Use Door 5 to enter and follow the signs to program space
- Bring water bottles with name labels
- Pack a lunch each day (nut-free & non-microwaveable)
- Drop off meds
- Pack an extra change of clothes
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops)
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Thursday, June 19, 12:30-3:50 p.m.
Items to bring:
- Swimsuit
- Orange camp t-shirt
- Towel
Field Trip | McKee Farms Park, Friday, June 20, 1-3:45 p.m.
Items to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt
Weekly Activities & Projects:
- Featured book: The Smart Cookie
- Summer collages
- Name game
- Get-to-know-you games
- Kickball
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors:
This week, we will explore the magic and mythology of the medieval times. Students will have building challenges, create fantastical creatures, and play games built for a kingdom. Our social-emotional learning goal will focus on conflict resolution, where we will practice how to have empathy for others and also advocate for ourselves to solve problems.
We have summer school in session this week as well. Campers will be picked up from the summer school with a welcome sign that says “Camp Wildcat!” outside of the Sugar Creek entrance. We’ll then choose our meeting location and start our routines. Students will continue practicing our camp rules: Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be a Problem-Solver. We’re off to a great start and can’t wait to continue the fun!
Amanda Prathivadi and Kylie Hollenstein
General Camp Reminders:
- Use Door 5 to enter and follow the signs to program space
- Bring water bottles with name labels
- Pack a lunch each day (nut-free & non-microwaveable)
- Drop off meds
- Pack an extra change of clothes
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops)
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Wednesday, June 25, 12:45-3:50 p.m.
Items to bring:
- Swimsuit
- Orange camp t-shirt
- Towel
Reminder: Please submit any swim level change requests to the registration team at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.
Field Trip | Winnequah Park, Friday, June 27, 1-3:55 p.m.
Items to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt
Reminder: Wear good walking shoes. Bug spray is provided.
Weekly Activities & Projects:
- Featured book: The Bad Seed
- Treasure map creations
- Make your own shields
- Paper bag dragons
- Marshmallow structures
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors:
This week is for the Water Lovers! We will learn how to calm our bodies with mindfulness strategies to build emotional awareness and self-management skills. We will also play lots of water games, so make sure to include an extra pair of clothes and/or swimsuits throughout the week! Program is closed Friday, July 4.
Amanda Prathivadi and Kylie Hollenstein
General Camp Reminders:
- Use Door 5 to enter and follow the signs to program space
- Bring water bottles with name labels
- Pack a lunch each day (nut-free & non-microwaveable)
- Drop off meds
- Pack an extra change of clothes
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops)
- Please call the attendance line if your child will not be able to attend camp
- No camp Friday, July 4
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Wednesday, July 2, 12:45-3:50 p.m.
Items to bring:
- Swimsuit
- Orange camp t-shirt
- Towel
Reminder: Please submit any swim level change requests to the registration team at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.
Weekly Activities & Projects:
- Featured Book: Jabari Jumps
- Water bins/sponges
- Making boats
- Water games
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors:
This week we will engage with the magic of science! Campers will create experiments, test out hypotheses, and explore live-action role play with Middle School U students on Thursday! We will learn how to use assertive language to advocate for our needs and set boundaries with others, and work together to meet our social-emotional learning goal for the week. We can’t wait to get mad about science together!
Amanda Prathivadi and Kylie Hollenstein
General Camp Reminders:
- Use Door 5 to enter and follow the signs to program space
- If you drop off before 9 a.m. or pick up before 4 p.m., please use Door 10
- Bring water bottles with name labels
- Pack a lunch each day (nut-free & non-microwaveable)
- Drop off meds
- Pack an extra change of clothes
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops)
- Please call or text the attendance line at 608-276-9898 if your child will not be at camp
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Wednesday, July 9, 12:45-3:25 p.m.
Items to bring:
- Swimsuit
- Orange camp t-shirt
- Towel
Reminder: Please submit any swim level change requests to the registration team at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.
Field Trip | UW Geology and Physics Museums, Tuesday, July 8, 12:45-3:50 p.m.
Items to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt
Weekly Activities & Projects:
- Featured book: The Sour Grape
- Magic milk
- Live-action role play
- Magical potions
Welcome to Camp!
A note from the directors:
This week, we will make and play carnival games, and enjoy the fun of the county fair. We will learn about ways to collaborate and work together to reach a goal through play, team-building exercises, and group challenges. Campers will enjoy classic carnival treats and run their own lemonade stand. We are excited to see what fun and interesting sights await us at the fair!
Amanda Prathivadi and Kylie Hollenstein
General Camp Reminders:
- Use Door 5 to enter and follow the signs to program space
- If you drop off before 9 a.m. or pick up before 4 p.m., please use Door 10
- Bring water bottles with name labels
- Pack a lunch each day (nut-free & non-microwaveable)
- Drop off meds
- Pack an extra change of clothes
- Have kids wear tennis shoes or sandals with a strap (no flip flops)
- Please call or text the attendance line at 608-276-9898 if your child will not be at camp
Swimming Trip | Goodman Pool, Wednesday, July 16, 12:45-3:50 p.m.
Items to bring:
- Swimsuit
- Orange camp t-shirt
- Towel
Reminder: Please submit any swim level change requests to the registration team at info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.
Field Trip | Dane County Fair, Friday, July 18, 12:45-3:50 p.m.
Items to bring:
- Orange camp t-shirt
Reminder: Please do not send your child with money for the fair. We won’t go on any rides or play any carnival games. We’ll celebrate together with snacks, drinks, and games at camp.
Weekly Activities & Projects:
- Featured book: The Good Egg
- Animal crafts
- Animal tag games
- Animal bingo
- Carnival games
- Lemonade stand dramatic play
Stay tuned for more details.
Stay tuned for more details.
Stay tuned for more details.
Stay tuned for more details.
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