Mission Statement: The Crex Meadows Youth Conservation Camp will provide a positive learning experience where youth develop valuable work-related skills and a connection with the environment.
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.
APPLY for Crex Camp 2021!
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 one of CEP’s Youth Specialists: Sara at 715-392-6081 or Travis at 715-682-9141 x119.
Crex Camp Brochure:
Crex Camper Brochure 2020
Parents, Guardians & Educators… Looking for more information?
Parent-Guardian-Educator-Information
2021 Application:
CrexConservationCampApplication2021