Why Teachers Choose CWES for School Groups
At the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES), we are dedicated to providing an educational, adventurous, and unforgettable experience for your students. Our programs are designed to meet state standards while challenging students to grow both socially and emotionally. When you bring your students to CWES, they will gain invaluable lessons, build lasting memories, and have opportunities for personal growth. Here are just a few of the many benefits students experience through outdoor learning at CWES:
- Increased engagement with learning
- Improved student behavior and focus
- Enhanced recovery from stress and fatigue
- Boosted physical health and well-being
- Development of essential social skills
- Strengthened self-esteem and confidence
- In-depth understanding of scientific concepts
Explore School Program Opportunities at CWES
We invite teachers to explore the diverse school program opportunities and resources listed below. Our hands-on, nature-based programs are designed to enhance classroom learning and provide students with memorable outdoor experiences. Discover how our unique educational offerings can support your teaching goals and inspire your students to connect with the environment in meaningful ways.
No matter the grade or the focus, CWES can accommodate your needs to create a fun and educational trip. You can create your own program by picking from our lesson menu or choose a special theme with specific lessons.
No matter the grade or the focus, CWES can accommodate your needs to create a fun and educational trip. You can create your own program by picking from our lesson menu or choose a special theme with specific lessons.
| Program Focus | Grade Levels | Possible Lessons |
| STEM | 4-12 | Global Positioning Systems, Cooperative Compass, Snowshoeing, Map and Compass, Lake Ecology, Solar Energy and the Sun |
| Wisconsin History | 4-8 | Native Americans, Early Explorers, Pioneers, Digging Up the Past, Lumberjack Olympics, Remembering the Forgotten Fire |
| Winter Ecology | 3-9 | Snowshoeing, Snow Walkers, Winter Lake Study, Winter Severity, Winter Survival Strategies, Survival of the Fittest, Slurp, Chilly Critters, Eco-Jeopardy |
| Outdoor Adventure | 4-12 | Archery, Canoeing, Survival Strategies |
| Forestry | 3-12 | Tree Identification, Forest Diversity, Forest for the Trees, Forest Habitat Suitability, Forest Inventory |
| Animal Adaptations | 2-8 | How Birds Make a Living, Beaver Adaptations, Skullduggery, Pond Study, Colorful Confusion, Snow Walkers, Leaps and Bounds, Wolf Pack Game, Sound Surveillance, Magnificent Mammals |
| Connecting to Nature | K-3 | Feathered Friends, Leaps and Bounds, Spring Fling, Micro-World Macro-Wow, Worm Wigglers, Five Alive, Magnificent Mammals, Pond Study, Colorful Confusion, Survival Lessons From Nature, Have Seed Will Travel |
| Team Building | 4-12 | Group Initiatives, Challenge Course, Cooperative Compass, Survival Strategies |
| Lake Study | 3-12 | Pond Study, Pond Power, Canoeing, Bottom’s Up, Lake Ecology, Moving Water |
| Art | 3-12 | Nature Photography, Nature Journaling, Art in Nature |
| Ecology and Conservation | 5-12 | Laws of Nature, Web of Life, Wolf Pack Game, Nation to Nation, Resource Management Role Play, Bird Trackers |
Planning a Trip
We want to make sure that you have everything you need to plan your trip to CWES. By working with the CWES Program Manager, you will be able to set up your sessions, lodging, food service, and anything else you might need. Please use the documents below to plan your trip.
- Reservation Form 2025/2026 – Make a reservation for next school year.
- Facility Use Rules and Procedures
- Rate Information – Description of prices and offerings for programming.
- Session Descriptions – Descriptions of program themes and all sessions for you to choose from
- Trading Post Price List– Selection of items
available for purchase in CWES Trading Post.
- Packing List– Suggested List of items to pack in all seasons.
- Directions to CWES – Directions from a variety of locations
- Teacher’s Role – Description for teacher’s responsibilities during trip to CWES
- Sample Permission Letter – For your use/modify to hand out to students and parents.
- CWES Telephone Information – To be shared with your school in case you need to be reached at CWES.
Virtual Learning
Check out the exciting videos created by CWES staff and practicum students, designed specifically for students to explore, learn, and enjoy!