Choosing Wander Wisconsin - Parent Q & A

What is Wander Wisconsin’s philosophy and program emphasis?

A program of Wisconsin Youth Company, Wander Wisconsin is a non-profit travel camping program that emphasizes small group, outdoor camping and travel under the leadership of experienced, caring adult role models.  Travel and the outdoors both foster a sense of adventure and independence.  A safe and secure environment creates the conditions for campers to successfully step out of their comfort zones resulting in personal growth.  The community created by the small group and fostered by the trip leaders encourages campers to value themselves and others.  The variety of places and skills to choose from provides opportunities for campers to explore and pursue individual interests.  The unique and beautiful outdoor settings, as well as the leave no trace camping ethics modeled by leaders, encourages campers to value the environment.

What is the camp director’s background?

Jason Anderson has been the Division Director for over 10 years and has worked with youth for over 15 years.  He holds a master’s degree in Experiential and Environmental Education and is an active member (and former Wisconsin Section board member) of the American Camp Association.  Cheri Wilson is the Program Director.  She has worked with youth for over 20 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education.  Jason and Cheri are both supported by other Wisconsin Youth Company administrative staff members.

What training do the trip leaders receive?

Trip leaders are certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR and lifeguarding.  Trip leaders are trained in safety regulations, emergency procedures and communication, behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate staff and camper behavior, and specific procedures for supervision and leadership for the various settings and skills involved in the program.  Staff are also extensively screened, trained and tested for driving our vehicles.  Pre-camp training is one week long, and ongoing training occurs throughout the summer.  

What is the trip leader-to-camper ratio?

On overnight trips the ratio is one trip leader for every six campers.  On day trips the ratio is one trip leader for up to ten campers.  One male and one female trip leader are assigned to each coed overnight trip.

What are desired qualities in trip leaders?

We understand the trust you place in our organization and our trip leaders.  We are grateful to you for entrusting us with your child for a week or more during the summer. Trip leaders must be 21 years of age or older.  Trip leaders have worked with young people, are warm, caring, have a good sense of humor, are untiringly energetic, organized, flexible, outgoing, and are responsible employees.  Trip leaders must be experienced in outdoor settings and with the specific outdoor skills necessary for their assigned trips.

How does Wander Wisconsin handle homesickness and other adjustment issues?

Prevention is the best medicine. Parents and campers will receive a list of tips about how to prepare for being away from home prior to the trip.  Trip leaders will be intentional about welcoming campers, “breaking the ice”, informing campers about what is planned, building community and fostering friendships.  Campers will be engaged in fun activities throughout the day and into the evening.  If a camper experiences homesickness, trip leaders will offer comfort and help the camper set attainable goals.  Trip leaders will keep the Program Director well informed and she, in turn, will keep in touch with parents.  Parents are not able to contact the trip group directly, but may call 608-276-9782 or 800-238-1174 with questions or concerns.  We ask that campers do not bring their own cell phones, and we discourage calling home during the week.

How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?  How does Wander Wisconsin handle special needs?

Wander Wisconsin trips are designed to meet the needs of campers between ages eight and sixteen. Participating youth are responsible for exhibiting age appropriate maturity in order to meet the expectations set by the group as well as the staff. Wander Wisconsin directs its staff to provide supervision and guidance that is consistent, objective, and non-discriminatory.  The staff is trained in methods of group management and discipline, conflict resolution, and in normal child developmental characteristics. Wander Wisconsin staff make every effort to accommodate the special needs of children within the physical limitations of the program, the availability of program resources, and normal camper/staff ratios. Wander Wisconsin expects camp staff to be committed to serving youth with varying abilities, and to do this to the extent that the quality of programming given to all campers is not diminished. If a camper’s behavior, special needs or disabilities are such that a higher than usual level of staff involvement, a significant programmatic change, or an additional financial commitment is required for the camper to function on the trip, the Program Director will make an effort to work with the parents to explore how and whether the camper might benefit from the program. All parents of children with special needs must supply our staff with full information about the child’s special needs or disabilities in advance of attendance. Wander Wisconsin reserves the right to deny participation in subsequent trips due to behavior or special needs that cannot be accommodated in the camp setting. Removal of campers during a trip will be the decision of the Wander Wisconsin trip leaders and the Program Director.  If removal is necessary due to behavior or other special needs, any expenses will be the parent’s responsibility.

Are scholarships available?

Limited scholarship funds may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.  In order to provide a Wander Wisconsin experience for as many eligible campers as possible, available scholarships are limited to partial funding of one trip for each eligible child for the summer.  For scholarship information, please contact our office.

What about severe weather, medical or other emergencies?

Emergency procedures have been developed through collaboration with our organization’s Risk Management Consultant and other Wisconsin Youth Company administrative staff.  Parents receive a copy of Wander Wisconsin program policies after registration.  Trips are equipped with a cell phone and first aid supplies.  Emergency contacts, evacuation routes, and designated shelters are developed for each trip.  Wander Wisconsin is accredited by the American Camp Association and has a strong safety record.

What about meals and snacks?

Delicious, “kid friendly” food is an important part of a Wander Wisconsin trip.  Campers will be involved in menu creation and in food preparation throughout the week.  Parents have an opportunity to share information about food allergies or special diets on the health history and menu planning forms.

What do we need to pack for the trip?

Wander Wisconsin provides all camping supplies and equipment.  Participants must bring a sleeping bag, clothing, personal items, and special equipment, if noted.  A complete packing list will be included in your confirmation letter and is also available on our website.

Why is Wander Wisconsin accredited by the American Camp Association?

ACA accreditation verifies that a camp complies with 300 individual health and safety program-quality standards and assures parents that our program exceeds national standards.  The ACA Accredited Camp logo is a mark of distinction that only 25% of camps in the United States have earned and is proof of our commitment to a safe, high quality camping experience.  For more information about ACA go to www.campparents.org or call 765-342-8456.

What about references?

References are available upon request.  Please contact Cheri at 608-276-9782 ext. 24 or cwilson@wisconsinyouthcompany.org.

What if we have other questions?

Please contact us anytime with questions.  We would be happy to speak with campers or parents about any aspect of our program.

For more information check-out the American Camping Association Parent Page.