Summer CampS

summer 2025

Summer Camps

June through august 2025

Located in parks mostly on the West side of Madison. Here are the locations:

June 2-6 at Olin Park
June 9-13 at Lake Farm County Park *NEW*
June 16-20 at Marlborough Park 2 spots left
June 23-27 at Wingra Park/Glenwood Park
July 7-11 at Lake Farm County Park
July 14-18 at Marlborough Park
July 21-25 at Hoyt Park
July 28-Aug 1 at Wingra Park/Glenwood Park *NEW*
Aug 4-8 at Marlborough Park
Aug 11-15 at Olin Park
Aug 18-22 at Wingra Park/Glenwood Park 1 spot left
Aug 25-29 at Hoyt Park 2 spots left

Summer camps are offered in a weekly format; running Monday through Friday.

Programming will include cooking, games, mindfulness, reading, fire building, foraging, arts and crafts, exploring the outdoors, and learning about nature.

Drop-off each day is at 9:00 am, with early drop-off available starting at 8am. Pick-up is at 3:00 pm.

If you need to pick you your child at a later time, after care is available until 4:30pm. Cost of care before and after camp is $12 per hour.

Bridge care is available. Please add a note in the sign-up form if you need transportation help to or from programming.

Bundle Special: Sign up for 4 weeks of programming, get $200 off!

Inclement Weather Alternative Location:

In the event of inclement weather, we will transition as a group to the nearest public library or start the day there (depending on the timing of the weather event). Families will be notified by text of location change by 8am at the latest the day of. There will also be to pickup your child early if you prefer.

Indoor time at libraries will include reading, fun research projects, games, arts and crafts, and of course, play!

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION

Activities

Clubs and camps include a variety of nature-based, experiential activities. The goal is child-centered, flexible and creative learning based on practical skill building, connection to nature and being in the present moment. For kids ages 4 to 12 years old.

Cooking

Knowing how to prepare food is an essential and often overlooked skill. Alternating between sweet and savory options, we will use local, organic, fresh, whole foods. Once the garden starts providing produce we will utilize that as much as possible. We will be cooking outdoors using both fire and camping stoves.

Gardening

Gardening is both a useful and meaningful activity. It has been proven to reduce anxiety and improve mood, focus and concentration. Direct connection to the food we eat develops awareness of interactions between humans and the environment. We will be gardening in a plot at Marlborough Gardens.

Exploration

This topic covers a broad range of activities, from hiking, to bug catching, pond dipping to shelter building. Exploration is a way to get a bit outside our comfort zone and get curious about the natural world.

Nature Art

Using natural materials such as pressed flowers and leaves, clay, wax, and plant dyes develops a deeper appreciation for nature and fosters creativity and mindfulness.

Want to Learn More?

I am happy to chat over the phone to answer any questions or give more detail. My programming is also flexible! Reach out if you have any special requests in regards to timing, location or activities.

Get In Touch

Frequently Asked Questions

do you offer carpooling or bridge care?

If you are interested in carpooling with other parents let me know and I can help coordinate. I can offer bridge care to a maximum of 4 kids (if one child is able to be in the front seat, if not then 3). Reach out if this is something you might need.

are start times flexible?

Yes. We will have a ‘soft start’ with introductory activity at the beginning of clubs and camps. Soft start is a 30 minute window after the listed start time of choice time/free play unless otherwise noted. Please let me know if you need to arrive early.

what if i can't pick up my child until after the end time?

Reach out and I’ll see what I can do to meet your scheduling needs.

what is your cancellation policy?

A deposit is required at the time of registration to help provide for programming and administrative costs.

If you need to cancel the programming that you signed up for 1 month or more before programming begins: a refund will be given, minus the minimum deposit, which is 50% of programming cost.

If a cancellation is made 1 month or less before the program begins, a prorated Sprouts credit will be given for 50% of programming cost.

If programming has begun, a prorated Sprouts credit will be given if a family needs to cancel the rest of the program due to extenuating circumstances.

If Sprouts programming makes the call to cancel due to illness or inclement weather: a make up date will be offered or a Sprouts credit will be given.

Payment Plans:

If cost is a barrier, payment plans are available. Please reach out to ilsa@sproutsnatureschool.com for more information and to enroll in a payment plan.

will you have a first aid kit?

I will keep first aid with me at all times. I am First Aid and CPR trained and certified. Please let me know if your child has any particular allergies.

what does my child need to bring?

Water bottle

Bug spray

Sunscreen

Hat

I always recommend bringing a rain jacket and waterproof/mud proof shoes. An extra change of clothes is recommended just in case. I will keep extra clothing on hand in case of emergencies.

ARE SNACKS PROVIDED?

After school clubs will always have a snack provided. Camps will also include an afternoon snack. Please bring a morning snack and lunch for full day camps. Please note any dietary restrictions or preferences when you register.

what if the weather is bad?

If it’s raining and there is a shelter at the park we will still have our session. If there is thunder and lighting we will wait 30 minutes in the shelter and if the storm continues we will move to the closest public library. There will also be the option to pick up early. If the ‘real feel’ temperature is under 20 degrees or above 95 degrees we will typically reschedule, but families will be involved in the process.

why the broad age range?

Sprouts programs are open to kids from ages 5 through 12. I have found that when kids of a variety of ages work together there is collaboration, mentorship and growth. Activities such as cooking and gardening are well suited for kids of all ages. Once someone masters a skill, then helps another learn, it helps develop teamwork, confidence and cooperation.