Central Wisconsin Environmental Station Summer Camp

Discover the Perfect Summer Adventure: CWES Summer Camp Registration Now Open!

Summer Camp Registration is Open at Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES)!
Discover the ultimate outdoor adventure this summer at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES), where registration is now open for exciting day camps and immersive residential programs! CWES, accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), guarantees a safe, high-quality, and fun-filled experience for every camper. From exploring scenic nature trails to engaging in hands-on eco-learning activities, our camps are perfect for young adventurers of all interests and skill levels.

At CWES, we prioritize the physical, social, and mental well-being of every camper. Our diverse range of activities and learning experiences is thoughtfully designed to meet each camper’s unique needs, interests, and abilities. Whether your child seeks an active challenge or prefers creative exploration, our camps provide the right balance of fun, growth, and discovery.

Why Choose CWES?

• Highly Trained Staff: All CWES staff undergo a comprehensive training program, including a dedicated day focused on mental health preparedness, ensuring they are equipped to support every camper’s well-being.
• Age-Appropriate Programs: Camps are tailored for specific age groups, verified during registration, to create meaningful and engaging experiences.
• Inclusive Challenges: Activities are designed to offer varying levels of difficulty, ensuring that campers of all physical capabilities and interests can participate and thrive.

Make this summer unforgettable—secure your child’s spot at CWES today and inspire their love for the outdoors!

Explore our programs below and register today through CampDocs to secure your spot and give your child a summer experience they’ll never forget!

CWES is an ACA accredited camp!

ACA is the only national accrediting body for camps of all types. ACA’s accreditation standards focus on health, safety, and risk management, and are used as benchmarks by government entities. ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s commitment to the well-being of campers and staff

 

Summer Camp Opportunities

From Day Camps to Residential, we have several options for your camper. Explore the options below and visit CampDoc to register. Registration for each camp closes two weeks before the start date. CWES offers limited partial scholarships for campers. To apply, please complete a Scholarship Application Form. We also encourage you to seek out scholarships from your own local community organizations. See the list of sponsors below of organizations who have sponsored campers!

Day Camp Opportunities

Jr. Naturalists Day Camp: Ages 5-10

Dates: August 11-15, 2025, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Cost: $375/camper ($350/each additional sibling)

Get to know the camp experience through waterfront time at Sunset Lake, crafts and games while attending the Day Camp. Camp runs 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Discover the wonders of Wild Wisconsin! Join us at CWES daily for a blend of engaging camp activities and immersive nature programs. Delight in waterfront swimming, delve into the fascinating lives of beavers and explore your creativity in nature crafts.

To register a camper, log in to CampDocs and create a profile.

Adventure Trips

Hike and Bike: Ages 14-16
*Size limit: 12 campers

Dates: July 27-August 1, 2025

Cost: $550

Explore stunning views at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore! Hike past wonderful waterfalls to Chapel Beach and see the massive dunes at Log Slide Overlook. Catch a ferry to Grand Island National Recreation Area, where you’ll pedal along 20 miles of pristine Lake Superior shoreline. All this while camping near the finest beaches in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

To register a camper, log in to CampDocs and create a profile.

Residential Camps

Earth Explorers: Ages 7-9

• Dates: June 15-June 18, 2025
• Cost: $375

• Experience the magic of residential camp life at CWES with a three night-stay. This camp is a great introduction for new campers. Earth Explorers will create cherished memories through nature exploration, games, songs, and stories around the campfire, and fun at Sunset Lake.

Forestry Skills Camp: high school juniors and seniors (must have completed your junior or senior year of high school in 2025)

• Dates: June 15-June 20, 2025
• Cost: Free with limited, full scholarships

• Thinking about a career in the forest industry? The Forestry Skills Camp is an immersive training experience in chainsaw safety/operation, portable sawmill use, lumber drying, tree harvester operation, tree identification and more! Campers will gain hands-on experience with skills necessary for careers in forestry and forest products, taught by professionals in the industry. This camp provides 1 forestry credit at UWSP.

• To be considered for the Forestry Skills Camp, you must complete the application. Applications are due April 19th. Awardees will be notified by May 1, 2025.

Everything Under the Sun: Ages 9-11

• Dates: July 6-July 11, 2025
• Cost: $515

• Just like the name suggests, campers are immersed in the full spectrum of camp experiences! Join us for an enriching week filled with swimming and boating on the lake, camp crafts, archery, and exciting evening programs that include night hikes and stargazing.

Outdoor Skills: Ages 10-12 

• Dates: July 27-August 1, 2025
• Cost: $515

• Enhance your proficiency in backcountry abilities and wilderness knowledge. This week’s featured activities encompass outdoor cooking, fire-building techniques, and embarking on a day trip to our overnight property across Sunset Lake.

Sky’s the Limit: Ages 11-13

• Dates: August 3-8, 2025
• Cost: $515

• Reach new heights and participate in specially designed activities to build upon traditional camp programming. Develop your canoeing skills through T-Rescue training on Sunset Lake, advance your climbing skills at tree climbing, and cap off your adventure with an unforgettable overnight at Raccoon Run, our exclusive wilderness site.

To register a camper, log in to CampDocs and create a profile.

Get Ready for an Amazing Summer Camp Experience!

Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime with our helpful packing lists and a Parent Info Packet full of everything you need to know. Make summer camp safe, fun, and unforgettable!

Parent Information Packet Day Camp Packing List Overnight Camp Packing List Adventure Trip Packing List

Counselor In Training (CIT)

Are you 16-17 years old and interested in being a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) at CWES this summer?  CWES has the perfect opportunity for you.

As a CIT you would spend a week at camp shadowing a counselor.  You will get the chance to learn how you might become a future CWES employee.  See all of the behind-the-scenes activities that it takes to run a successful camp. We typically take 1-2 CITs a week for our program. The CITs arrive before our campers and work with our counselors to experience “counselor life” for one camp. There is no cost and no pay. The CITs receive experience, food and lodging for during their stay. This volunteer opportunity is open for each of the following residential camps:

• Earth Explorers (ages 7-9) June 15-18
• Everything Under the Sun (ages 9-11) July 6-11
• Sky’s the Limit (ages 11-13) August 3-8

If you have questions, please contact Tom Quinn, CWES Director at tquinn@uwsp.edu.

Apply to Be a Counselor In Training

Camp Sponsors

The Central Wisconsin Environmental Station thanks all of the individuals and organizations that sponsor campers to come to CWES for summer camp. If you are interested in being a sponsor this year, please complete the following form and return it to the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station.

All summer campers will register on-line. Once we receive your sponsor form with the list of campers for the 2023 summer camp session, we will send out a letter or email to each camper with a unique code. The camper will use this code when registering online as their form of payment. Please send your form in as soon as possible and we will hold spots for the youth you would like to sponsor. If spots are not held, camps may fill.

Sponsor Pledge Form 2024