The University of Wisconsin-Superior is committed to providing educational and life-enriching experiences for individuals across all age groups. This is especially evident through the university’s youth programs, which offer a wide range of opportunities for children and teens.

New Leadership in Camps and Clinics

Recently, Nicky Wilson was appointed as UW-Superior’s new camps and clinics manager.

In this role, Wilson will work collaboratively with campus staff and industry partners to develop engaging and fun summer programs for youth. This position was made possible through workforce development funding.

“We’re focusing on computer science, health care, business and accounting,” said Wilson. “We are also responding to regional interest in leadership training for youth and fun extracurricular opportunities like our new eSports team.”

To better understand the needs of the community, the university has launched a survey that will be distributed to families in local school districts. The survey aims to gather feedback on preferred camp topics and scheduling to help UW-Superior customize its summer offerings for maximum engagement.

“We’ve already begun discussions with faculty and staff about potential summer camp ideas,” said Wilson. “Our goal is to offer several new summer camp opportunities starting in 2025 and we’re excited to roll out new opportunities as soon as possible.”

Little Yellowjackets Camp

As children start to complain that there’s nothing to do this summer, UW-Superior’s Campus Recreation Department is stepping in with a fun and educational solution.

Little Yellowjackets Summer Camps will return for 2025 with eight weeks of sessions beginning June 11 and ending July 28. The program offers a safe, educational and fun adventure for children in grades K – 6 (based on the 2024-25 school year).

Each weeklong session allows campers to engage in a variety of activities at UW-Superior’s facilities. Daily schedules include a range of programs, with drop-off between 8 and 8:30 a.m. at the Marcovich Wellness Center. Sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with pick-up between 4:30 and 5 p.m.

The camps focus on core values such as teamwork, communication and sportsmanship. Activities like arts and crafts, swimming, water safety and outdoors, are geared toward children at beginner and intermediate skill levels. Staff work closely with campers to develop and define their skills in supportive atmosphere.

Enrollment in all camps is limited, with group sizes ranging from a minimum of eight to a maximum of 20 for weeklong camps and 16 for short-week camps. This allows for a low child-to-counselor ratio typically around 7-to-1. Each camp is staffed by three counselors ensuring personalized attention for all participants.

General registration opens the week of March 24. For more information, contact Sean Monnier.

Community Music School

Since its launch in 2021, the UW-Superior Community Music School has been tremendously successful, offering lessons and group music classes to nearly 60 students aged 3 to 17. With the ability to provide lessons in voice and 12 different instruments, the school has quickly become an important resource for aspiring musicians. Through a unique partnership with Schmitt Music, families can make instrument payments over time, and once the instrument is paid off, the family receives a credit for those payments.

“The UW-Superior Community Music School is a space that provides access to music teaching and learning,” said David Potter, director of the Community Music School and assistant professor/coordinator of music education at UW-Superior. “We offer individual music lessons, group classes and professional development opportunities for university students and music educators.”

The school employs 15 UW-Superior students – all recommended by faculty. Early success has enabled the Community Music School to grow with the goal of continuing to be responsive to the community. Future plans include offering lessons to younger children and toddlers, as well as an adult songwriting class.

In keeping with the Community Music School’s goal of promoting lifelong learning, the school has recently introduced a new group music class for children ages birth to 2 years. This class began January 28 and takes place every Tuesday from 3 to 3:45 p.m. It is taught by Potter and music education students at UW-Superior.

Rooted in the work of Dr. Edwin Gordon’s music learning theory, the class is intended for infants, toddlers and their caregivers. Together, the group engages in songs, chants, movement, listening and play for the purpose of nurturing musical development and audiation. Parents and caregivers are also provided with resources and activities they can use in their own homes.

An additional aspect of the Community Music School – professional development opportunities – benefits music teachers throughout the region. The Community Music School offers professional development sessions every semester, including a full-day workshop in January, providing music teachers with professional development credit.

To learn more about the Community Music School, call 715-394-8115 or email music@uwsuper.edu.

Sports Camps and Clinics

UW-Superior’s Yellowjacket Athletics offers a wide range of sports camps and clinics for players of all ages and skill levels. UW-Superior and Yellowjacket Athletics provide a variety of outstanding opportunities to further develop athletic skills. These camps – which include basketball, volleyball, tennis, track and field, and soccer – provide instruction on the fundamentals of each sport as well as sport-specific strategies.

Participants benefit from guidance and feedback from UW-Superior coaches and student-athletes, with a focus on improving athletic performance and skill development. Whether campers are beginners or advanced, these camps offer valuable opportunities to hone their abilities

For more information about upcoming Yellowjacket Sports Camps and Clinics, call 715-395-4619 or email sports@uwsuper.edu.

A Gateway to Experimental Learning

Youth and high school programs at UW-Superior provide students of all ages with valuable experiential learning experiences in a university setting. Participants engage with university faculty and staff, gaining access to university facilities and resources that enhance their learning.