For Registered Families

Camper rules & expectations

Camper Expectations Agreement (PDF)Camper Behavior Expectations (PDF)

Above To the right are expectations and rules campers abide by while attending a UEC Summer Camp. Please review the documents and share with your child before attending camp.

Thank you for signing up for Summer Camp at the Urban Ecology Center (UEC)! We’re excited for days filled with fun, exploration, and new friendships!

We've included general information below to help you and your camper have a smooth start to your session.

Please note:

You’ll receive an email 1–2 weeks before each camp session with details, including counselor information, weekly reminders, and what to bring.
For multi-week camps, information will be sent out before the first week.

What to wear

A head-to-toe guide for camper attire

Please dress your child appropriately for the weather and for getting dirty outdoors.

Hat

for sun protection

T-shirt

(or swim shirt) that covers the shoulders is required for all campers on days that your child is swimming/wading/otherwise wearing a swim suit.

Closed-toe Shoes

your camper can hike and run in. NO flip flops, crocs or open-toe sandals please!

We’ll be outdoors rain or shine, unless it’s unsafe to do so (due to thunderstorms or poor air quality, for example). On hot days we’ll have misters, sprinklers, and/or water play. We’ll monitor the weather and update you as needed.

What to bring

Gear up for great days!

Start with a backpack your camper can carry throughout the day. Be sure to pack their lunch, water bottle, and extra clothes. Please label your child’s backpack with their name in a conspicuous area.

Lunch & Snacks

Please pack a healthy lunch and two snacks for your child each day. A nutritious lunch, based on USDA guidelines, includes a fruit, vegetable, protein, and milk*. Avoid packing foods high in sugar and simple carbs, as they don’t provide the nutrition kids need to thrive. Please don't pack sugary drinks. For more on USDA nutrition guidelines, visit choosemyplate.gov.

Water Bottle

Please send a reusable water bottle. Children will be responsible for carrying their own bottles during the days’ activities. We will have drinking water available to refill as needed. Please label your child’s water bottle with their name.

Extra Clothes

For Kindergarten campers, please pack a full change of clothes (socks, underwear, shirt, and bottoms) in a labeled zip-top bag. They will not need to carry this on a daily basis, so it should be separate from their backpack.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out which location my child's camp is at?

Each camp has a code in its session name. We have three locations so be sure to check the location code when registering. The location is also shared in the email reminders and posted locations on our website.

Location code and addresses are:

RP = Riverside Park – 1500 E. Park Place, Milwaukee, WI 53211

MV = Menomonee Valley – 3700 W. Pierce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215

WP = Washington Park – 1859 N. 40th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208

How do I sign up for Before and/or After Care?

Before and After Care are available on weekdays for registered campers during the weeks they are enrolled in camp. We ask that you register in advance, though last-minute registration is available if needed. Visit urbanecologycenter.org/before-and-after-care to register online. You can sign up for the entire week or specific days. To select individual days, click "show individual events" on the registration page.

How do I check in or out?

All campers must be physically signed in and out on the daily sign-in sheets before they can join or leave their camp. Campers may arrive to check in between 9:15-9:30am and check out between 3:30-3:45pm.

Campers can only be signed out by adults indicated on their registration form. If additional adults need to be added to a camper’s list, please let the camp director know.
Campers arriving or leaving their own accord must have an alternate arrival and/or release form on-file (https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/forms/pdf/0104.pdf)

Where can I find daily sign-in/out?

Look for temporary signs directing you to the check-in area at your location. In good weather, check-in/out will be held outdoors. In bad weather, you’ll find us outdoors under a canopy or moved indoors.

Riverside Park check in may be at the west entrance to the building (under the tower).
Menomonee Valley check in may be in the greenspace across the street from our main entrance.
Washington Park check in may be at the main entrance on the east side of the building near the circle drive. Please do not block the circle drive for other parents.

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What do I do if my camper needs a late drop-off or early pick-up?

We kindly ask that you try to minimize late drop-offs and early pick-ups whenever possible. Our campers spend much of their day away from the branches, making it tricky to coordinate different drop-off and pick-up times.

If late drop-off or early pick-up is necessary, please contact the Camp Director at the location when you’re onsite or call 414-626-7300 for any branch.

If your camper is running late to camp (for arrival after 9:30am), please call 414-626-7300 and leave a message.

Remember, all campers must be signed in and out daily. Please do not drop off or pick up your child without doing so.

How do I contact the camp team?

For assistance on camp days between 7:45am and 5pm, contact the Summer Camp team via email or phone.
- Phone: 414-626-7300 (Please leave a message rather than call multiple times, we may be assisting campers and will get back to you as soon as possible!)
- Email: education@urbanecologycenter.org (Emails may not be answered immediately.)
If your child isn’t checked in by 10 AM, the primary parent/guardian will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding!

What will the campers do?

Learn and play in nature! Campers may explore the park adjacent to the camp location or may go on field trips to other parks and green spaces around Milwaukee. An email will be sent 1-2 weeks before the start of each camp with more detailed information about each camp’s specific activities. Express permission for daily field trips will be requested at the time of sign-in on the day of the trip.

*Why must I provide milk in my child’s lunches?

As a licensed Day Camp in Wisconsin, the Urban Ecology Center must ensure all participants have nutritious meals while in our care. According to USDA guidelines, a nutritious lunch includes a fruit, vegetable, protein source, and milk. Staff may provide verbal or written reminders about these guidelines.

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If your child cannot consume milk, a signed note from their healthcare provider is required, specifying the restriction and the milk alternative(s) you will include in their meals.