Sign up to spend time at Upham Woods canoeing, exploring Blackhawk Island, and making new friends.
Registration will open on Monday, March 3rd at noon!
Traditional Camp:
Who: Any youth entering 4th-8th grade for the 2025-2026 school year.
When: August 16-19, 2025
Registration Fee: $315
View last year’s schedule here! This year’s schedule will have some changes to make camp exciting for returning youth but many camp favorites like swimming and water carnival will remain the same!
Outpost Camp:
Who: Any youth entering 8th-10th grade for the 2025-2026 school year.
When: July 19-22, 2025
Registration Fee: $335
Outpost Camp is an exciting introductory camp experience where youth spend time canoeing and camping. The camp will spend the first night at Upham Woods as everyone learns the basics of camping, cooking outside and canoe safety before we head out as a group to paddle the Wisconsin River and spend the next 2 nights camping on Blackhawk Island. Note: Blackhawk Island is a rustic camping experience with no running water or flush toilets.
Notice: Please make sure you have read and agree to our youth expectations before registering for camp. These will also be emailed out with the camp welcome packets approximately one month before camp starts. A change from last year is that cell phones will not be allowed at camp. A break from cell phones has been shown to have many mental health benefits and allows everyone to more fully engage in activities and with each other.
Volunteer at Camp! Come to camp for free!
Youth Counselors:
- Who:
- Older youth who want to develop their leadership skills, be a positive role model, and support others at camp.
- Youth entering 9th-12th grade may apply to be a counselor at the August youth camp.
- Youth entering 11th-12th grade with tent camping experience may apply to be a counselor for the July outpost camp.
- Process:
- Applications will be accepted Feb 3-23.
- Virtual interviews will take place the week of March 3-6.
- On-site counselor training is Saturday, April 26 from 10 am-7 pm.
Adult Chaperones:
- Who: Anyone over the age of 18 who wants to facilitate a safe, inclusive camp experience.
- Must be able to: Pass a background check, agree to camp policies, complete required UW-Madison trainings and attend a virtual training session before camp.
- There is a need for specialized chaperones such as first aid coordinator (requires certifications), dining hall coordinator etc.
- Applications will open in March with camp registration.
If you have questions or accommodation requests, please reach out to uphamwoods@extension.wisc.edu!
