July at Upham Woods was filled with incredible events and memorable experiences! We kicked off the month with an exciting open enrollment camp, where our visitors had a blast singing songs, making s'mores, playing volleyball, and hiking Blackhawk Island. Sheboygan County 4-H made a significant contribution by providing brand-new lifejackets, ensuring the safety of our visitors during their aquatic adventures. Dane County 4-H campers had a fantastic time canoeing, hiking, and making new friends, all while enjoying the beautiful weather. 

We also hosted an archery workshop for Outdoor Afro participants, fostering skills, community, and a connection with nature. The feedback from the workshop was heartwarming, with a volunteer leader expressing gratitude for the warm spirit and vibe. Upham Woods also had the pleasure of sharing our love for reptiles with the community at the Sauk County Fair, and we engaged in self-care activities with the Trailways Counseling team, including yoga and meditation. 

We are incredibly thankful for Tracy and her service dog, Halo, who volunteered at our camp. Halo, a trained service dog from Journey Together Service Dog, was a delightful addition to our camp community. Always with a wagging tail, they warmly greeted campers and staff and even captured many of the cherished moments you saw in the pictures. Halo's presence also offered great comfort to those who needed it, easing feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. We deeply appreciate both Tracy and Halo for their positive impact on the lives of many campers last week.

Service dogs are specially trained to assist people with disabilities, providing valuable support tailored to individual needs. From aiding with mobility to alerting their handlers about impending seizures, service dogs are dedicated helpers, not pets. Under the protection of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity. Once again, thank you, Tracy and Halo, for enriching our camp's spirit of inclusivity and hospitality!

We are delighted share that Upham Woods is now an official partner and host for AAW (Access Ability Wisconsin). Our team underwent comprehensive training on utilizing the all-terrain wheelchair at beginning of this month. We also had our first successful reservation on July 11th! We extended a warm welcome to the first-time user, Shawn. We supported his troop at Scout Camp. 

We are dedicated to support all individuals to embark on incredible outdoor explorations. The all-terrain wheelchair can help individuals with disabilities to independently enjoy outdoor activities. To learn more about our partnership and how you can reserve the all-terrain wheelchair, visit out website at https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/uphamwoods/aaw-outdoorsaccess4all/.

July is disability pride month and specifically July 25th is the anniversary of the ADA passing. In order to celebrate, Upham Woods shared resources that highlighted the meaning of Disability Pride Month and ADA. We also shared how Upham Woods provided transformative outdoor experiences that are accessible to all individuals. We believe in the power of nature to inspire and educate. We encourage all individuals to understand, promote empathy, and provide tools to advocate for disability rights and inclusion. To ensure an enhanced experience for campers and visitors, Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center has been busy with construction and maintenance projects this June. Our volunteers and staff built new stair boxes, dug run-off channels, and tampered gravel,  improving accessibility and safety for all. We express our deepest gratitude to Walworth County 4-H for their generous funding and support.

As we continue to enhance our facilities, we are also excited to announce the addition of new mattresses, ensuring comfortable accommodations for our guests. Upham Woods welcomes further contributions and donations to support our ongoing efforts in providing exceptional outdoor education experiences. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those who visit Upham Woods.

We are excited to announce that we are working with local 4-H members to host an ASL day camp this year! This event is being planned by Deaf/Hard of Hearing youth who communicate with ASL. August 13 from 9:30 am-4 pm. $10. Sign up today!

Mark your calendars for an exciting day of exploration and discovery at the 2023 Wisconsin Insect Fest! Join us at the Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center on Saturday, August 19th, starting at 2 PM. This family-friendly event offers a delightful mix of indoor and outdoor insect-themed activities suitable for all ages. From educational presentations and hands-on experiences to live insect encounters and guided insect hikes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss the insect survey after sundown and a cookout-style dinner in the evening. 

We will hold an Open House celebration on August 5th at the Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center. We invite you to come and celebrate the partnership between Access Ability Wisconsin and Upham Woods with activities including test driving all-terrain wheelchairs, archery, outdoor survival skills, and an opportunity to meet our beloved Upham Woods turtles. 

We are excited share that, starting from September, we will host 3 clubs this fall in partnership with Dells/Delton Parks and Recreation Department. We have options for both youth and adults! Come see us throughout September for our archery club, eco-explorers club or wellness club!

Welcome to the 10th annual Snapshot Day! On Saturday, August 19, 2023 you and volunteers across the state will gather together to help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Snapshot Day is a statewide, one-day event connecting volunteers, water lovers, and local groups in a search for aquatic invasive species (AIS). You can help protect Wisconsin’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands from these invasive plants and animals that negatively impact habitat, wildlife, recreation and health. 

The power of collaboration: furthering accessibility at Upham Woods

A Memorable Intergenerational Nature Adventure

If you care deeply for the work and mission of Upham Woods and want to help provide a sustaining source of support in the future, consider creating a legacy gift by including the University of Wisconsin Foundation and specifying a restricted gift to Upham Woods in your estate plans. You may prefer to include in your will or trust a sum of money, a percentage of your estate, a specific asset, a work of art, or a piece of real estate that you wish to give. For more information on how to leave a bequest, contact Molly Schmidt, Senior Director of Development, Division of Extension at 608-224-9843, email Molly.Schmidt@supportuw.org, or click the button below.