More UW youth programs
Our campus is buzzing each summer with new learning opportunities offered by more UW-Madison schools, colleges and divisions for youth in grade school through high school.
Badger Dairy Camp
The Badger Dairy Program educates youth about the breadth of contributions to Wisconsin’s dairy industry and opportunities available in higher education and future careers. Including hands-on workshops, tours, and activities, students will learn from industry leaders in areas like land and water stewardship, animal health and welfare, farm business and community and more. They will additionally participate in college preparation workshops and network with peers, current students, and faculty through recreational campus activities.
Badger Sports Camps
The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to offer a variety of residential and commuter summer camps in addition to one day fall, winter, and spring camps. Additional information on the camps offered by each of our sport programs is available by selecting the Sports Camps drop down at the top of the page.
Business Basics
Learn about the undergraduate programs offered at the Wisconsin School of Business. Develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills through a fun, entrepreneurial challenge. Meet professors and staff from WSB departments. Participate in hands-on activities that promote community building, personal development, and career exploration.
College Access Program in Education
The College Access Program in Education (CAPE) is a two-week summer collegiate experience for rising high school seniors interested in academic majors/fields within the School of Education. CAPE students reside on the UW–Madison campus and take a two-credit course taught by faculty and staff in the School of Education. Much like first-year college students at UW–Madison, CAPE students engage in coursework that explores their academic and career interests.
Earth Focus Day Camp
Since 1991, Earth Focus Day Camp has created outstanding summer nature programs for children. EFDC helps children develop an understanding of how ecosystems work, nurtures a sense of wonder for nature, and guides children as they explore the habitats, plants, and animals of the Arboretum.
Engineering Summer Program
The Engineering Summer Program (ESP) is a free, three-week residential program for rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in engineering. Participants will experience living on UW-Madison’s campus while getting a sense of what it means to be a Badger Engineer. Beyond the ESP core curriculum of math, physics, chemistry and engineering design, students will participate in hands-on workshops, visit industry sites, go on field trips, and receive mentoring from faculty. Each ESP participant will build lifelong connections while furthering their passion for engineering.
Junior Business Badgers
Through Junior Business Badgers, rising 11th and 12th graders will explore different business career pathways through career networking events including job shadowing field trips to local businesses. Past summer job shadowing field trip locations include Trek Bikes, Epic, and WHEDA. Students will also learn about business majors and careers from top faculty and instructors from the Wisconsin School of Business.
Learning Together Family Classes
Offered monthly from May through August, one-and-a-half-hour Learning Together sessions are designed for children ages 3 to 5 years and their adult caregivers. Younger siblings are also welcome. We will share stories, an outdoor nature walk, and nature arts and crafts.
PEOPLE Precollege
The PEOPLE Precollege program supports students from 8th grade through high school graduation by helping them build the skills and knowledge to be successful in their high school and collegiate careers. The precollege program works with students to build competency in four areas: Build and Master Academic Knowledge, Build Cognitive Skills and Strategies, Build Self-Management Skills and Build Knowledge about College through Experiential Learning.
Pharmacy Summer Program
During this four-day residential camp students will learn from practicing pharmacists, current UW–Madison pharmacy students and PharmD admissions representatives through immersive activities to learn about the Pharmacy profession and Pharmacy school admissions processes.
Rec Well Summer Camp
Our summer day camp features recreational activities and on and off-campus field trips with partners including Outdoor UW, Babcock Hall Dairy Store, science labs, and more for 9 one-week sessions. We strive to provide a supportive and enjoyable environment for children ages 5 – 14 where learning and fun go hand in hand.
School and Youth Group Field Trips
Field trips take place outdoors and focus on experiential learning. Participants will practice observation and reflection skills while exploring the Arboretum with a Naturalist. Field trip topics are tailored to age groups and curricular needs. Topics include seasonal observations, ecosystem studies, and land history.
Wisconsin Union Summer Camps
From outdoor adventures and hands-on creative projects to leadership development, teamwork challenges and skill-building activities, each week of Wisconsin Union Summer Camp is led by Wisconsin Union staff who work to create a safe and welcoming environment. Wisconsin Union campers are encouraged to try new things, build friendships, and develop confidence through meaningful experiences to last a lifetime.