Crex Meadows Youth Conservation Camp is not going to be held in 2024.  Please visit Northwest Wisconsin CEP’s Youth Services page for more information on our other youth programs (ages 14 to 24) or fill out THIS FORM to be contacted by a CEP staff member.

 

Established in 1996, the Crex Meadows Youth Conservation Camp offers high school students a positive learning experience where youth develop valuable work-related skills and a connection with the environment. The camp, located in the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area in Grantsburg, WI, serves at-risk, economically disadvantaged youth and youth with special education needs residing in the ten northwest counties in Wisconsin.

Learn. Earn. Play.

View Crex Meadows Youth Conservation Camp Video

Each summer, campers work with the WI Department of Natural Resources, Habitat for Humanity and other regional organizations on conservation and community improvement projects. Daily work projects are challenging but effort is rewarded in the form of a paycheck received after session participation. Skills gained throughout the session serve as great work experience for future jobs and life.

Work Projects Include:
• Canada goose banding and fish hatchery maintenance
• Barbed wire fence removal and prairie restoration projects
• Trail maintenance (boardwalk construction, brushing, clearing)
• Native seed harvesting
• Invasive species removal

In addition to the gaining valuable work skills, credit toward high school graduation is earned through the participation of daily science and skill-related curriculum. All classes are designed to be hands-on a geared to the development of basic skills.

Curriculum has included:
• Team Building and Leadership Development Activities
• Career Exploration and Assessments; Job Skill Development
• Science Curriculum: Animal tracking and ID, DNA extraction, Plant collection and ID, Water Usage
• Skill Development-Orienteering, Survival Techniques, Shelter building and Knot Tying

Who Can Come to Camp?

Youth, ages 14-18 are welcome to apply and interview for their spot at camp. A two-week session at the Crex Camp costs $1800 per camper though over one-third of the cost returns to the camper in the form of a paycheck. Each session includes two-weeks lodging, meals, a camp t-shirt and water bottle, work supplies including leather work boots, gloves and additional safety equipment as needed. Through multiple funding sources including federal, state, foundations, grants and private donations, CEP is able to provide sponsorship to cover camp costs for eligible students. To learn more about camper eligibility or to become a sponsor, email crexcamp@nwcep.org or call CEP’s Youth Specialist: Sara at 715-392-6081.

Crex Camp Brochure:
Crex Camper Brochure 2020

Parents, Guardians & Educators… Looking for more information?
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