Sign up to spend time at Upham Woods canoeing, exploring Blackhawk Island, and making new friends.
Registration will open on Tuesday, February 10th at noon!
Traditional Camp:
Who: Any youth entering 4th-8th grade for the 2026-2027 school year.
When: August 1-4, 2026
Registration Fee: $320
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 2026-2027 school year.
When: July 19-22, 2026
Registration Fee: $342
Outpost Camp is an exciting introductory camping experience where youth spend time canoeing and sleeping in tents. 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 across 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. Like last year, 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 and 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 Traditional 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 January 6 at noon – January 26 at 8am.
- Virtual interviews will take place the week of February 2-6.
- On-site counselor training is Saturday, April 11 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.
- Process:
- Applications will open in February with camp registration.
- Virtual interviews will be scheduled by email individually.
If you have questions or accommodation requests, please reach out to uphamwoods@extension.wisc.edu!
