Summer Camp 2021
COVID-19 Information
October 29, 2020
Dear Riveredge Camp Families,
As the situation continues to evolve, Riveredge will continue to adapt our programs while keeping the health and safety of our families at the forefront. We will continue with masks, small cohorts, social distancing, and spending as much time outside as possible.
At the time of this post, we plan to run all of our overnight camps as planned. In the event that we are unable to do so, sessions with an overnight will instead have a full day of camp on Friday. If your child or someone in your household has Covid-19 or has a possible recent exposure, please do not attend camp. We will work with you to find an alternate week to attend, transfer funds to summer 2022, or provide a refund.
Testimonials
Riveredge Camps are the perfect combination of education and unstructured exploration. Our son attended Discoverers and his transformation was nothing short of miraculous this year. He went from crying when someone else was holding a frog near him to trying to catch frogs himself.
-Parent of Trailblazers and Discoverers Campers
Exploration, curiosity, outdoors, nature = one unique camp. Every day was fun and different!
-Parent of Pathfinders Camper
[My child] couldn’t wait to return each morning and couldn’t stop talking about his experiences each afternoon. Very pleased with the overall experience.
- Parent of a Garden Wonders Camper
I like this camp so much because catching frogs and turtles and being outside in nature is the best thing you can do.
- Explorers Camper
My children had a lot to say when they came home from camp about their fun days. Not only were they dirty, but they were exhausted! They both want this camp to continue and can’t wait to come back again next year.
- Parent of a Trailblazer and Explorer Camper
Great teachers – enthusiastic, worked really well with my “active” child, making sure he was safe.
-Parent of Discoverers Camper
(Camp) fostered and nurtured his sense of independence and creativity.
- Parent of a Trailblazers Camper
The children have such a great time exploring, finding animals, getting dirty.
-Parent of Guardians Camper
The camp experience was excellent for all three of my kids. They had fun and had a much needed outdoor camp experience!
-Parent of Trailblazers, Explorer, and Guardians Campers
My child loved camp and every morning was excited to go, and sad to leave in the afternoon. My son asked to go to camp the entire summer! We will definitely be back!
-Parent of Pathfinders Camper
It was epic and I had the best time of my life.
-Trailblazers Camper
You are all very patient and gifted individuals (not to mention enthusiastic) and extremely caring and great examples of respect! Thanks a bunch!
-Parent of Explorers Camper
We love how interactive Riveredge is and how the kids are encouraged to get dirty and really explore without restriction.
-Parent of Discoverers Camper
I was impressed with the safety measures taken while also allowing camp to be fun and somewhat normal.
-Parent of Explorer and Discoverer Campers
She (my child) learned so much, and has such an appreciation and attitude of stewardship towards nature.
- Parent of Trailblazers Camper
Discoverers
The Hunt for Nature Tracks
Age Group: Preschool (3-4 years old) with an adult
FULL Session 1: June 21-24, 9:15-11:15 am, M-Th
FULL Session 2: June 28- July 1, 9:15-11:15 am, M-Th
FULL Session 3: August 9-12, 9:15-11:15 am, M-Th
Fees: Member $110 Non-member $135
Experience the wonders of summertime and learn about the amazing world of insects, flowers, birds and pond life with a Riveredge Educator. Parents join in the fun with their camper as we explore diverse habitats and create projects that go along with our theme. Spend time with your child in nature and all eyes will be opened!
Pathfinders
Dare to Explore
Age group: Completed Half Day/Full Day Kindergarten (5-6 years old)
FULL Session 1: June 14-18, 9 am-12 pm, M-F
FULL Session 2: June 14-18, 1-4 pm, M-F
Fees: Member $160 Non-member $185
Dig, splash, run, and jump into nature in this fun-filled camp. Our days will be spent uncovering many hidden wonders of the forests, wetlands, and prairies at Riveredge. Whether we’re turning over rocks and logs in search of critters, creating cool nature crafts, playing exciting games or listening to stories, you can be sure of one thing . . . we’ll be having FUN!
Pathfinders
Leaping Into Adventure
Age group: Completed Full Day Kindergarten (5-6 years old)
FULL Session 1: June 21-24, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th
FULL Session 2: June 28- July 1, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th
FULL Session 3: July 5-8, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th
Fees: Member $225 Non-member $255
Explore all that Riveredge has to offer as you uncover and investigate the adventures of the animal kingdom. Each day, study a different type of animals including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Learn and explore the wild places they inhabit. The fun-filled exploration will be mixed with games, crafts,and stories to keep you going.
Pathfinders
Go Wild!
Age group: Completed Full Day Kindergarten (5-6 years old)
FULL Session 1: August 2-5, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th
FULL Session 2: August 9-12, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th
Fees: Member $225 Non-member $255
Spend a full day at camp traversing the trails and uncovering many hidden wonders in the nooks and crannies of Riveredge. Let your imagination go wild as you splash in the wetlands, crawl the forest floor, and slither through the prairie in search of the creatures that call Riveredge home. All of this hands-on exploration will be blended with games, crafts, and stories to keep you going.
Trailblazers
Journey into the Heart of Nature
Age Group: Completed Grades 1 or 2
FULL Session 1: June 14-18, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
FULL Session 2: June 21-25, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
FULL Session 3: July 12-16, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
FULL Session 4: July 19-23, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
Fees: Member $255 Non-member $285
Hey campers! Do you like to explore new and interesting places like forests, ponds, rivers, fields and even islands? Then Trailblazer Camp is what you are looking for! During this week full of amazing explorations you will “blaze a trail” to many awesome places at Riveredge. Along the way, you’ll discover that everything in nature is important and special. Each morning, we’ll discover a different habitat and its plants and animals. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Trailblazer Island-our Trailblazer home!
Trailblazers
The Magic of Nature
Age Group: Completed Grades 1 or 2
FULL Session 1: June 28- July 2, 9am-4 pm, M-F
FULL Session 2: July 5-9, 9am-4 pm, M-F
FULL Session 3: July 26-30, 9am-4 pm, M-F
FULL Session 4: August 2-6, 9am-4 pm, M-F
FULL Session 5: August 9-13, 9am-4 pm, M-F
Fees: Member $255 Non-member $285
Imagine a landscape of enchanted forests and fields populated by gnomes, fairies, and talking animals. In this session of Trailblazers camp, we’ll discover the magic hidden in nature through exploration, imaginative play, and storytelling. Each morning we will read a story or legend and explore its themes in different habitats at Riveredge. Each afternoon we’ll venture to our magical hideaway, Trailblazer Island.
Explorers
Eco-Adventure
Age Group: Completed Grades 3 or 4
FULL Session 1: June 14-18, 9 am-4 pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
FULL Session 2: June 28- July 2, 9 am-4 pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
FULL Session 3: July 5-9, 9 am-4 pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
FULL Session 4: July 26-30, 9 am-4 pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
FULL Session 5: August 9-13, 9 am 4 pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday- 9 am dismissal Friday)
Fees: Member $295 Non-Member $320
Explorers, are you ready to make forts, climb trees, and find adventures of all kinds? Join us for a week of exciting habitat explorations and learn how to find adventure wherever you are in the great outdoors. During the week we will canoe and swim in Heron Pond, hunt for reptiles and amphibians, and explore the Milwaukee River. Under the guidance of a certified instructor, we’ll climb into the treetops using ropes and special equipment. Throughout our adventures, we'll discover how nature sustains and engages all living things, including us!
Explorers
Bioquest
Age Group: Completed Grades 3 or 4
FULL Session 1: June 21-25, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)
FULL Session 2: July 12-16, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)
FULL Session 3: July 19-23, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)
FULL Session 4: August 2-6, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)
Fees: Member $285 Non-Member $310
Exploring woodland, prairie, pond, and creek ecosystems is what Explorers do best. Experience an incredible week of unraveling the secrets of biodiversity at Riveredge as we search for the smallest bugs to the largest trees. We’ll discover the amazing living things that can be found hiding underneath stones in the creek and within the petals of prairie flowers. Join us for a week of wonder and play, including river exploration, swimming, and campfires. We’ll also enjoy an off-site field trip to Yahr Park for fishing, hiking, and kayaking.
Guardians
Outdoor Survival Skills
Age group: Completed Grades 5 or 6
FULL Session 1: June 21-25, 9 am-4 pm, M-F (no overnight)
FULL Session 2: July 12-16, 9 am-4 pm, M-F (no overnight)
FULL Session 3: July 19-23, 9 am-4 pm, M-F (no overnight)
Fees: Member $285 Non-member $315
During this exciting, fun-filled week campers will learn how to travel and survive in the outdoors. This Guardian camp focuses on teaching essential outdoor skills such as fire making, water collecting, shelter building, and creating camp crafts. These skills help to build self-confidence and deepen the campers’ appreciation of the natural world. We’ll practice orienteering with a compass and hand-held GPS unit, and maybe discover geocaches along the way. Campers will spend a day at Yahr Park hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
Guardians
Wilderness Awareness
Age group: Completed Grades 5 or 6
Session 1: June 14-18, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9am dismissal Friday)
Session 2: June 28- July 2, 9 am-4 pm, M- Th (Overnight Thursday - 9am dismissal Friday)
Session 3: July 5-9, 9 am-4 pm, M- Th (Overnight Thursday - 9am dismissal Friday)
FULL Session 4: July 26-30, 9 am-4 pm, M- Th (Overnight Thursday - 9am dismissal Friday)
Fees: Member $295 Non-member $325
Come explore the wilderness of Wisconsin! Venture to the hidden places of Riveredge through the challenge of geocaching, reach new heights with tree climbing, and go for a swim in Heron Pond. We will get muddy and explore new locations at Riveredge. Finally, we’ll top off the week with an overnight at Riveredge and the opportunity to experience the trails after dark.
Garden Wonders
Garden Delights
Age Group: 6-8 year olds
FULL July 26-30, 9am-4pm, M-F
Fees: Member $290 Non-member $315
The Riveredge Children’s Garden is a magical place full of mysteries to explore, plants and animals to meet and delicious sights, smells, and tastes. Be ready for adventure as we journey through forests, prairies, ponds, and the river to discover how they are similar to our garden. This fun-filled week includes fishing, digging, catching frogs, hosting a kids’ farmers market, feeding chickens at the farm, and much more.
Garden Wonders
Green Thumbs and Dirty Knees
Age Group: 8-10 year olds
FULL August 2-6, 9am-4pm, M-F
Fees: Member $290 Non-member $315
Come and explore the bounty of the Riveredge Children’s Garden as we unravel the secrets of plants, the glory of pollinators and the joy of simply digging in the soil. Discover how the garden is like other ecosystems as we journey through forests, prairies, ponds and rivers in search of adventure and fun. Our week will also include river tubing, swimming, fishing, a harvest quest and other surprises along the way. We’ll top our week off with a kids farmers market, and many other surprises along the way.
Garden Wonders
Culinary Creations
Age Group: 10-12 year olds
FULL August 9-13, 9am-4pm, M-F
Fees: Member $295 Non-member $320
Have you ever wished that you could cook like a Top Chef? You are in luck! Garden Wonders: Culinary Creations will push you to flex your culinary muscles. With the help of guest Chefs, you will learn new recipes, participate in a culinary cook-off, share your delights with other camper families, and spend a week perfecting your foodie skills. You get all of these great activities with a side of river exploration, hiking, and of course getting dirty along the way!
Stewards
Outdoor Adventures
Age Group: Completed grades 7-9
June 21-25, 9am-4pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9am dismissal Friday)
Fee: Members $295 Non-members $325
During this leadership focused week, we’ll look inwards and outwards as we learn the skills necessary to be a successful camp counselor, and challenge ourselves in a variety of exciting outdoor pursuits. Spend the week hiking, swimming, and paddling. We will try out our leadership skills with younger campers, and challenge ourselves as we paddle through Horicon Marsh. When the sun sets, we’ll explore the trails in search of wildlife and glimmering stars on our overnight campout. Come prepared to make new friends and experience new challenges- Riveredge style, of course!
Stewards
Devil’s Lake Outpost Adventures
Age Group: Completed grades 7-9
FULL June 14-18, 9am-4pm M-F(overnight Thursday at Devil’s Lake)
Fee: Members $360 Non-members $390
During this leadership focused week we’ll look inwards and outwards as we learn the skills necessary to be a successful camp counselor, and challenge ourselves in a variety of exciting outdoor pursuits. We will try out our leadership skills with younger campers and build a lasting legacy with land stewardship. On Thursday we will make our way to Devil’s Lake State Park to hike, paddle, and explore one of Wisconsin’s most glacially impacted areas. We will return from this high adventure trip Friday afternoon.
Questers
Pictured Rocks Backpacking and Canoeing Trip
Age Group: Completed Grades 7-12
FULL
Saturday, July 10 – Friday, July 16
(We will meet at Riveredge at 7am on Saturday, July 10 and return by 8pm on Friday, July 16)
Pre-Trip meeting: Tuesday June 29@ 6:30pm (for all parents and trip participants)
Pre-Trip packing party: Friday July 9@ 6:00-7:30pm (for all trip participants, parents welcome)
Fees: $615
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has been highly rated in Backpacker Magazine as one of the best places to escape to in the Upper Peninsula. Our journey will include views of gorgeous vistas of sandstone cliffs that tower 50 to 200 feet above the water. We'll head to the Beaver Basin and spend a couple of days canoeing and hiking around the inland lake and exploring the shores of Lake Superior. We'll camp in backcountry sites in the peaceful wilderness and practice "leave no trace" principles. You provide a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, hiking boots, and backpack and we'll provide the rest. (Riveredge has a limited number of backpacks and sleeping pads available for those who sign up first.) Space is limited, so sign up early for this exciting adventure!