Summer Camp 2020
Bulletin Regarding 2020 Summer Camp at Riveredge
May 22, 2020
Dear Riveredge Camp Families,
We have been working hard to adapt our programs, especially our day camps to provide a safe and memorable experience for all. After extensive review of our local guidelines as well as those provided by the Center for Disease Control, the American Camp Association and many others, our Riveredge leadership team believes we will be able to provide modified versions of our day camp experiences this summer.
We would like to share the high level protocols we have developed to allow you to make the best informed participation decision for your family. We know that there is no guarantee that all the well thought out protocols we are putting in place will eliminate 100% of the COVID-19 risk, but we will continue to adjust and follow any guideline changes to mitigate the risk as much as possible. We believe that the opportunities that camp provides for adventure, excitement, and the ability to grow and explore can all be done while we operate within our guidelines.
We also know that Riveredge is uniquely positioned to provide day camp options with social distancing practices in place. Because of our dispersed “home bases” for our camp program (versus everyone arriving at one main building), we can ensure small day camp groups will remain isolated from other groups at Riveredge. Families should make special note of what “homebase” their camper is assigned (River Outpost, Sugarbush House, Visitor Center, or Yurt Village).
What you can expect:
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Your child’s health and safety will be our first priority.
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If your child or a family member is considered high risk, please reach out to your primary care physician to see if camp is the right fit for you this year. If you are unable to attend in-person camp, we are working on a virtual camp week in August.
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Screenings: We are asking families to self screen for symptoms and keep track of daily temperatures for 14 days prior to attending camp. During camp, Riveredge will do daily temperature checks and screenings for staff and participants. We are asking families to continue their self checks for 14 days after attending camp as well.
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Face coverings will be required for staff and participants during drop off/pick up, when indoors, and if social distancing is a challenge. *Please let us know if your child is Deaf, hard of hearing, or may otherwise need accommodations.
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We will not be offering off site field trips or overnights for Garden, Explorers,or Guardians. Camps that previously had an overnight will instead have a full day of camp on Friday.
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Riveredge will not be providing the afternoon snack of popcorn. Campers will not be sharing any food or drinks. We do encourage families to keep the tradition alive and pack popcorn for a snack.
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Camper drop off/pick up will be no contact in designated “home-base” locations for each camp. To ease the drop off congestion it will also be staggered.
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Extended care from 7:30 am - camp start & camp end to 5:30 pm, will be available for those families that require it. Please let us know if you would like to use extended care.
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Smaller group sizes: Camps will consist of two sub groups of one adult camp leader and up to 9 campers and teen volunteers (10 people per group maximum). The staff, volunteers, and counselors will remain consistent throughout the week. Each camp will remain socially distant from other groups.
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Friend requests must be a mutual request and will be honored as space allows.
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Increased sanitation including frequent hand washing or hand sanitizer use
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And most importantly, a Riveredge Camp (although, slightly different than the past) that provides your child with the chance to make new friends, explore the great outdoors, and reconnect with their wild side.
Families are also welcome to view our summer camp’s Reopening Procedures due to COVID-19. Those may be found on our website.
We have complete trust in our staff to enforce these safety protocols in a fun and educational way that maintains the health and safety of everyone. We are proud and excited to be able to provide our camps this summer. We can’t wait for your child to unplug, explore nature, and play outdoors with us this summer.
We understand that, even with the new protocols in place, you may wish to cancel or refund your camp experience for 2020. If you do wish to cancel we ask that you consider donating your registration fee to help Riveredge or donate it to a camper who is in financial need this summer. Please contact us right away if you decide to cancel so we can process your refund. We will waive our refund policy for all cancellations between now and June 1. Cancellations after June 1 will be subject to our refund policy.
If your family is experiencing financial need please contact Steff Merten (smerten@riveredge.us) for more information on camperships. Camperships will be awarded June 1st.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate to a new normal,
Steff Merten
Riveredge Adventure Education Manager
Testimonials
She (my child) learned so much, and has such an appreciation and attitude of stewardship towards nature.
- Parent of Trailblazers 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
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
We have loved Riveredge’s camps since our now 12-year-old started back at 5! It is one of the best camps around.
- Parent of a Trailblazers 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
(Camp) fostered and nurtured his sense of independence and creativity.
- Parent of a Trailblazers 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
Exploration, curiosity, outdoors, nature = one unique camp. Every day was fun and different!
-Parent of Pathfinders Camper
The children have such a great time exploring, finding animals, getting dirty.
-Parent of Guardians Camper
It was epic and I had the best time of my life.
-Trailblazers Camper
Free play and exploration is awesome – much different than more scheduled and structured day camp programs.
-Parent of Trailblazers Camper
Great teachers – enthusiastic, worked really well with my “active” child, making sure he was safe.
-Parent of Discoverers Camper
I feel this camp creates a craving to understand and experience nature. We love it!
- Parent of 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 can’t believe all he has learned and done in such a short time. The leaders are excellent!
-Parent of Explorers Camper
The hands-on inquiry based learning matches his learning style!
-Parent of Trailblazers Camper
Discoverers
Eyes on Nature
Age Group: Preschool (3-4 years old) with an adult
Session 1: June 22-25, 9:15-11:15 am, M-Th
Session 2: June 29- July 2, 9:15-11:15 am, M-Th
Session 3: Aug 3-6, 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
Search for Nature's Wonders
Age group: Completed Half Day/Full Day Kindergarten (5-6 years old)
Session 1: June 15-19, 9 am-12 pm, M-F
Session 2: June 15-19, 1-4 pm, M-F
Fees: Member $160 Non-member $185
Spend fun-filled days traversing the trails and uncovering the many hidden wonders in the nooks and crannies of Riveredge. Become immersed in the natural world as you crawl the forest floor, climb the hillsides, and splash in the wetlands. All this hands-on exploration will be blended with a myriad of games, crafts, stories, and snacks to keep you going.
Pathfinders
Mission Exploration
Age group: Completed Full Day Kindergarten (5-6 years old)
Session 1: June 22-25, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th
Session 2: June 29- July 2, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th
Session 3: August 3-6, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th
Session 4: August 10-13, 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 wonders 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, stories, and snacks to keep you going.
Trailblazers
Secrets of Nature
Age Group: Completed Grades 1 or 2
Session 1: June 15-19, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
Session 2: June 22-26, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
Session 3: July 13-17, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
Session 4: July 20-24, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
Session 4: August 10-14, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
Fees: Member $255 Non-member $285
Nature is bursting with secrets and mysteries! Journey throughout Riveredge searching for secrets and solving mysteries of the forest, field, pond, and river. Join us for a week full of fun, hands-on learning adventures that will get you into the heart of the natural world. At the core of Trailblazer Camp is Trailblazer Island- our very own special world where we explore, build forts, climb, dig, and catch frogs.
Trailblazers
Nature's Enchantment
Age Group: Completed Grades 1 or 2
Session 1: June 29-July 3, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
Session 2: July 6-10, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
Session 3: July 27-31, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
Session 4: August 3-7, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
Fees: Member $255 Non-member $285
Let nature cast a spell on you as you discover a magical world most people miss! Legends, myths, and our own imaginations will be our guides each morning as we explore forest, prairie, wetland, and river habitats at Riveredge. Our afternoon home will be the ever-changing and always magical, Trailblazer Island!
Explorers
Eco-Mysteries
Age Group: Completed Grades 3 or 4
Session 1: June 29- July 3, 9 am-4 pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
Session 2: July 6-10, 9 am-4 pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
Session 3: July 20-24, 9 am-4 pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
Session 4: July 27-31, 9 am-4 pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
Session 5: Aug 3-7, 9 am-4 pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
Fees: Member $295 Non-Member $315
Calling all mystery and adventure seekers! Become a nature detective and spend a fun-filled week unraveling the riddles animals and plants weave throughout the landscape. Venture to Pike Lake State Park to hike the tower and spend an afternoon on the water. Adventure through forests, prairies, ponds and creeks...and way, way up in the trees! Under the guidance of a certified instructor, climb into a secret treetop world using ropes and special equipment. Don’t forget our overnight adventure complete with a night hike and campfire-roasted s’mores. Nature’s mysteries await you!
Explorers
Discovering Watery Worlds
Age Group: Completed Grades 3 or 4
Session 1: June 15-19, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)
Session 2: June 22-26, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)
Session 3: July 13-17, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)
Session 4: August 10-14, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)
Fees: Member $285 Non-Member $305
Hey Campers, come explore the Milwaukee River, Riveredge Creek, ponds and wetlands. Unravel riddles and follow clues to discover the secrets of the many aquatic wonders that we have at Riveredge. Our mission will be to discover the living things that call these unique watery worlds their homes, and how these unique watery worlds their homes, and how these special places affect all living things, including us. Join us for a week of wonder and play, including creeking in Riveredge Creek, floating on tubes, and kayaking at Mauthe Lake. Please note: Watery Worlds sessions do not include an overnight camp out.
Guardians
Animal Tracking
Age group: Completed Grades 5 or 6
Session 1: June 15-19, 9 am-4 pm, M-F (no overnight)
Session 2: June 22-26, 9 am-4 pm, M-F (no overnight)
Session 3: July 13-17, 9 am-4 pm, M-F (no overnight)
Fees: Member $285 Non-member $305
From aquatic insects to Wisconsin Mammals, we’ll spend the week tracking animals of various habitats! Extra stealth and attentiveness will be needed as we follow animal signs leading us throughout the sanctuary. We’ll visit hidden lookouts, set trail cams, and lure animals to our hiding spots. We’ll venture to Mauthe Lake for a paddling experience and float the Milwaukee River in search of crayfish and adventure! Please note: Animal Tracking sessions do not include an overnight camp out.
Guardians
Earth Skills
Age group: Completed Grades 5 or 6
Session 1: June 29- July 3, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
Session 2: July 6-10, 9 am-4 pm, M- Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
Session 3: July 20-24, 9 am-4 pm, M- Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
Session 4: July 27-31, 9 am-4 pm, M- Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
Fees: Member $295 Non-member $315
Foods, Fibers, and Finding your way! Harvest and prepare wild edibles, improve your cartography (map making) abilities, and find a hidden treasure. Utilize primitive pigments in artistic creations, float on tubes, and practice your Leave No Trace skills at the sanctuary. Venture to Pike Lake State Park to hike the tower and spend an afternoon on the water. Connect with the forest as you climb into the treetops using ropes and special equipment under the supervision of trained tree-climbing facilitators.
Garden Wonders
Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots
Age Group: 6-8 year olds
July 27-31, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
Fees: Member $285 Non-member $305
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 rivers 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
August 3-7, 9am-4pm, M-F
Fees: Member $290 Non-member $310
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 field trip to a local organic farm.
Garden Wonders
Cooking up a Storm
Age Group: 10-12 year olds
August 10-14, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
Fees: Member $295 Non-member $315
Have you got what it takes to Cook up a Storm this summer? It’s an unforgettable week full of cooking, learning, team adventures and FUN! Each day, campers will be challenged to create delicious eats and treats straight from the Riveredge Farm. Campers will explore how natural systems support both humans and wildlife by visiting a variety of habitats. Throughout the week, we will get our hands dirty as we gain a new appreciation of where our food comes from by harvesting, planting, and preparing vegetables for the whole family to enjoy. Our week will include a field trip to Port Fish Aquaponics and of course our famous Farmer’s Market.
Stewards
Outdoor Adventures
Age Group: Completed grades 7-9
June 22-26, 9 am-4 pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday - 9 am dismissal Friday)
Fee: Members $295 Non-members $315
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 Sheboygan 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
Mirror Lake Outpost Adventures
Age Group: Completed grades 7-9
June 15-19, 9 am-4 pm M-F (overnight Thursday at Mirror Lake -4 pm dismissal Friday)
Fee: Members $360 Non-members $385
During this leadership focused week we’ll look inwards and outwards as we learn the skills necessary to be 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 Mirror 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
Boundary Waters Canoe Trip
Age Group: Completed Grades 7-12
Saturday, July 11 – Friday, July 17
(We will meet at Riveredge at 7 am on Saturday, July 11 and return by 8 pm on Friday, July 17)
Pre-Trip meeting: Tuesday June 30 @ 6:30 pm (for all parents and trip participants)
Pre-Trip packing party: Friday July 10 @ 6:00-7:30 pm (for all trip participants, parents welcome)
Fee: $615
Journey to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota for an experience of a lifetime. Spend a week swimming in the crystal clear lakes, catching delicious fish and exploring majestic forests & tranquil beaches. On this exciting adventure, we will travel by canoe through some of the most pristine land in the country. We’ll camp in backcountry sites in the peaceful wilderness and practice “leave no trace” principles. You provide a sleeping bag, pack, and personal items and we’ll provide the rest. Space is limited on this wilderness canoe camping adventure, so sign up early!
Expeditioners
Bike the Elroy Sparta Bike Trail
Age Group: Completed Grades 7-12
9 am Monday, July 6- 4 pm Friday July 10, 2018
Fee: $550
Pre-Trip meeting: Monday June 29 @ 6:30 pm (for all parents and trip participants)
Are you ready to take on a new challenge?! Join us on a trip to the very first and most popular Rails to Trails bike path in the U.S. this 32.5 mile bike trail features three railroad tunnels which are over 140 years old that vary from .25 to nearly a mile long. The trail winds through woods with fern and moss-covered cliffs, and small streams lining both sides of the trail. With an easy grade of no more than 3% it is perfect for bikers of all skill levels. We will spend our days biking, hiking, swimming, and camping using “leave no trace” principles as we explore the driftless area of Wisconsin. All participants must provide their own helmet, bike lock, and bike (bikes are available for rent along the trail) in trail ready condition.