Arts Camp FAQs

Who can attend Arts Camp?
Arts Camp is designed for children entering grades 1-6 in the fall of 2024. Campers will be divided into four groups and attend age appropriate sessions with peers of a similar age.

What does a typical day of Arts Camp look like?
The daily schedule starts with drop-off from 8:00–8:30am and pick-up for families not using after camp care from 3:00–3:30pm. After care begins at 3:30pm and ends at 4:30pm. Each day begins with a nature walk around the park, and throughout the day, campers will experience 45-minute age-appropriate sessions. These sessions vary by week. For June, sessions will be Nature, Theater, Dance, and Vocal Music. For July, sessions will be Nature, Visual Art, Science/Engineering, and Instrumental Music. We sprinkle in fun activities, games, and break times outside to enjoy the weather and the nearby playground. Lunch is served mid-day from 11:45am–12:30pm, as well as a snack mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

Who are the camp instructors?
In addition to the Wilson Center’s experienced Education Staff, the Wilson Center’s daily camp instructors include teaching professionals from the Wehr Nature Center, First Stage, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, and long-time Arts Camp instructors Tiffany Knopow and Cindy Sinotte, as well as our newest instructor Kris Lombardi.

What are behavioral expectations?
All Arts Campers are expected to be respectful to other campers, staff, animals, volunteers, spaces, and Wilson Center property. This includes following directions, using appropriate language, and non-violence toward all living and non-living things. The Wilson Center reserves the right, upon notification of parents, to dismiss any child for conduct that the camp administrative staff deems detrimental to the well-being of other campers, staff, or overall operation of the camp.

Will the campers share their projects and performances pieces?
There will be a presentation on the Friday of camp. This will be an in-person presentation lasting about an hour from 3:30-4:30 and may vary slightly each year to include an open house segment or meet the needs of the theme.  

What is included in camp fees?
Your camp fees include all activities, workshops, art supplies, and materials necessary for your child’s day at camp. Fees also include daily snacks and a camp t-shirt.

What if my student can no longer attend camp? What is the Wilson’s Center’s refund policy?
The Wilson Center reserves the right to cancel camp if enrollment is insufficient. If camp is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, any tuition paid will be refunded in full and any registered campers will be notified by email and by phone. No refunds or tuition credit will be given once the camp has begun. You must notify us of your student’s withdrawal from camp at least three weeks prior to the camp start date in order to receive a partial refund. There is a $25 administration fee per camper for all refunds.

Do you provide snacks & lunch?
The Wilson Center will provide a healthy mid-morning and afternoon snack for your child. All lunches must be brought from home. Please also note that ALL lunches must be nut free and Arts Camp staff is unable to heat up meals. On Fridays, we have a pizza party lunch! If you child has special dietary needs, please contact our Education Department at 262-373-5023.

What if my child has a food allergy?
The Wilson Center will do its best to accommodate for children with food allergies. However, the Wilson Center cannot be held responsible for any cross contamination that may occur during food preparation or food sourcing. If your child has a SEVERE food allergy, for the safety of your child, we highly recommend that he/she bring their own bag lunch and snacks with them to camp. Our camp is nut free.

Can I pick up my child early, or pick them up late?
The Wilson Center does have extended care available for campers, for an additional fee. After camp care is offered until 4:30pm, after which all available staff will be busy setting up the building for the next day of fun and exciting experiences. Please make arrangements for your child to arrive on time and be picked up on time.

What if more than one of my children is registering or my child wants to register with a friend?
Please submit one form per child. Friends or siblings who wish to be in the same group must be in a similar age range if they plan to be in camp sessions together. Please request when registering.

What does my child need to bring?
Comfortable clothing should be worn for hiking, sun and bug bite protection. Please have your child wear closed toed shoes: no flip flops or crocs! We also recommend that children bring a reusable water bottle to camp every day for easy access to water. Click here to read the complete camp policies and procedures.

Why do I need to fill out a media release?
Throughout Arts Camp, Wilson Center photographs and films campers. Video clips and photographs also may also be used to promote camps in the future or shared with our sponsors and funders to thank them for their generous support of our programs. We will respect the rights of families who wish for their child not to be photographed. By giving the Wilson Center media release permission, your child’s image may also be used for other promotional publications. Click here to see the full media release.

Can I volunteer for Arts Camp?
The Wilson Center provides volunteer opportunities for high school and college students during the summer! Better known as “Green Shirts,” these volunteers make the lives of our campers special while gaining coordination program facilitation experience. Click here for more information on volunteering.

If you have additional questions, please contact our Education Department at 262-373-5023 or education@wilson-center.com.