Find adventure, camp fun at CWES this summer
For the Metro Wire
Discover outdoor adventures and new skills at summer youth camps through the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES), operated by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Located 19 miles east of Stevens Point on Sunset Lake in Amherst Junction, CWES has 200 acres of forests, lakes and wetlands as well as a tree climbing system. Staff members are trained in first aid, CPR, outdoor skills, games and waterfront safety. Camp scholarships may also be available.
New this year is an online registration system and a new camp offering, “Outdoor Leaders,” for ages 16-18. The camp provides hands-on discovery of outdoor careers through field trips, guest speakers and engaging activities and offers college credit.
Counselor in Training (CIT) opportunities are available for students ages 16-17 who can volunteer at one of the weeklong summer camps. Contact Tom Quinn, [email protected], for details.
This year’s summer offerings include:
· Summer Camp Sampler, Saturday, May 5, free – Explore CWES from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a taste of summer camp options and meet the staff. Lunch is included. Call 715-346-2937 by Tuesday, May 1, to reserve a spot.
· Everything Under the Sun, June 10-15, ages 9-11, $400 or $440 with optional horseback ride – The camp has several choices, including kayaking, archery, crafts or nature photography.
· Outdoor Skills, June 17-22, ages 10-12, $400 – Hone skills in fly fishing, tree climbing or shelter building then test them in the Outdoor Skills Olympics.
· Hike and Climb Adventure Trip, June 17-22, ages 14-16, $450 – Enjoy rock climbing, hiking and camping at Devil’s Lake State Park.
· Sky’s the Limit, June 24-29, ages 11-13, $400 – Enjoy traditional camp activities as well as an overnight campout at the outpost.
· Outdoor Leaders, July 8-12, ages 16-18, $375 – Explore outdoor careers with hands-on experiences. College credit available.
· Outdoor Odyssey, July 15-20, ages 12-14, $450 – Traditional camp activities are featured as well as several day trips and an outpost overnight stay.
· Pedal and Paddle Adventure Trip, July 22-27, ages 12-14 – Enjoy camping, biking the Elroy-Sparta Trail and kayaking the Kickapoo River.
· Earth Explorers, July 29-Aug. 1, ages 7-9, $300 – The week includes swimming, crafts, pond exploration and campfires.
· Everything Under the Sun, Aug. 5-10, ages 9-11, $440 – The same offerings as the first camp, plus a tubing excursion on the Waupaca Chain of Lakes.
· Elements, Aug. 12-16, ages 9-12, $350 – Explore the themes of earth, sun, water and wind.
· Day Camps – 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., ages 5-10, $60 per day includes lunch, snacks and waterfront time with these themes:
o Dragonfly Detectives, Thursday, July 5
o Garden Growers, Friday, July 6
o Crafty Critters, Thursday, July 12
o Towering Trees, Friday, July 13
The CWES camp program is accredited by the American Camp Association, which means practices are reviewed by experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross and other youth agencies to assure up-to-date safety standards.
To register or find more information on CWES and its offerings, go to www.uwsp.edu/cwes or call 715-346-2937.