Central Wisconsin Environmental Station Summer Camp

Discover the Perfect Summer Adventure: CWES Summer Camp 2026!

Summer Camp Registration at the 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 through CampDoc 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: June 22-26 & August 10-14, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Cost: $404/camper ($380/each additional sibling)

Join us daily for a blend of engaging camp activities and immersive nature programs. Delight in waterfront, crafts, campfires, and delicious food.

Week 1:
Imagination runs wild! Through the magic of storytelling and play, campers will learn all about Wisconsin’s First Nations, the formation of Sunset Lake, the sea that used to
cover Wisconsin, the constellations we see at CWES, and so much more!

Week 2:
Curious about plants and animals? Each day has a theme: CWES plants, insects, fish and amphibians, birds, and mammals.

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

Adventure Trips

Kickapoo Canoe Adventure Trip: Ages 14-16
*Size limit: 12 campers

Dates: July 19-24, 2026

Cost: $572

Experience the wild beauty of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region on a backcountry adventure. Spend a night at Wildcat Mountain State Park, then paddle 20 miles along the winding
Kickapoo River. Campers will then spend two nights unwinding beneath the stars at the stunning Kickapoo Valley Reserve.

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

Residential Camps

Earth Explorers: Ages 7-9

• Dates: July 5-8
• Cost: $394

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 2026)

• Dates: June 14-19
• Cost: $450
  • If the cost of attending Skills Camp presents a financial burden, please be in touch with Jared Schroeder, jschroed@uwsp.edu. A limited number of scholarships may be available.

An immersive training experience in chainsaw safety/ operation, portable sawmill use, lumber drying, tree harvester operation, tree identification and more! 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, 2026.

Everything Under the Sun: Ages 9-11

• Dates: June 14-19
• Cost: $542

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.

Excursions: Ages 13-15

• Dates: June 21-26
• Cost: $542

It’s like one of our adventure trips, just without the overnight camping! Campers will participate in a high ropes course, rock climb at UWSP’s climbing wall, explore Schmeeckle Reserve, canoe down the Wisconsin River, and hike at Rib Mountain State Park.

Challenge Quest: Ages 11-13

• Dates: June 28-July 3
• Cost: $542

“Outplay. Outlaugh, Outfun.”
Designed for campers who love friendly competition, team challenges, and over-the-top fun. Each day brings a new land and water surprises: maze races, creative build-offs, puzzles, and goofy stunt challenges. Earn points, conquer quests, and be the G.O.A.T. at summer camp.

Outdoor Skills: Ages 10-12

• Dates: July 26-31
• Cost: $542

This camp is all about learning the technical skills needed to be successful
in wilderness settings. We’ll focus on activities like knot tying and lashing, fire building, orienteering, advanced canoeing techniques and rescues, fishing, and reading the night sky.

Sky’s the Limit: Ages 11-13

• Dates: August 2-7
• Cost: $542

Sky’s the Limit is your camper’s first opportunity to spend a night away from CWES. Campers will learn how to set up and take down a camp, follow Leave No Trace principles, and cook outdoors as they prepare for an overnight trip to our Raccoon Run wilderness site.

To register a camper, log in to CampDoc 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:

• Everything Under the Sun (ages 9-11) June 14-19
• Earth Explorers (ages 7-9) July 5-8
• Outdoor Skills (ages 10-12) July 26-31
• Sky’s the Limit (ages 11-13) August 2-7

If you have questions, please contact Chip Refsguard, Program Manager, at crefsgua@uwsp.edu

Apply to Be a Counselor In Training

Camp Sponsors

The Central Wisconsin Environmental Station [CWES] 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 CWES.

All summer campers will register online. Once we receive your sponsor form with the list of campers for the 2026 summer camp session, we will send out a letter or email to each camper with a unique code to use when registering online. 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. Sponsors will be billed upon registration.

Sponsor Pledge Form 2026