Skip to main content
                                                                               
 

Ages 13-17: Wildways Leadership Camp

June 13-16, 2023
9:00am drop off – 3:00pm pick up

This exciting camp for teens will allow youth to work on their camp skills and deepen their knowledge of the land with most activities based right at camp.  This camp will begin with a challenging hike into base camp and a solid paddle on the river when we depart but will balance daily physical activity with time to enjoy being in nature and learn more of the area's ecology. There will be time to focus on the details of setting up an efficient camp, developing wilderness skills like fire building and foraging, and time for observing and experiencing the land through periodic solo time and nature awareness activities. There will be emphasis on cooperation and communication, on ecology and mindfulness of the natural landscape, and on gently pushing personal boundaries in a safe and supportive backcountry setting. New foods will be tasted, new experiences will be had, and new connections with the land and one another will be remembered for a long time. A detailed gear list will be provided.  An additional female staff will be available to chaperone overnights.

Prerequisite: Wilderness Adventure Day camp (see above) or equivalent experience.
Fee: $355 (3 meals per day will be provided)
Limit: 10 youth
Registration Deadline: May 30, 2023

Instructors:  Nicholas WazeeGale is a long-time resident of the Driftless region and is a passionate naturalist, outdoorsperson, forager, craftsperson, and dedicated instructor. He has been teaching summer camps and day programs at KVR for 18 years and he teaches a variety of programs in wilderness skills and traditional craft with the Driftless Folk School. He and his wife also run a handcrafts business and conduct programs through their business.

 Willow Lovecky is an ecologist with a particular fondness for insects, but really, she is a naturalist at heart. She graduated from University of Wisconsin - Madison with a B.S. in entomology and certificate in American Indian Studies. Willow has spent a lot of time with bumble bees and other pollinators but loves all insects! She can be found looking through stacks of field guides identifying birds, trees, and bugs. Willow aims to encourage people to slow down and appreciate the natural world, especially the creatures that have six legs.

Jordan Marshall is a high school Social Studies teacher with a passion for spending time outdoors. He enjoys wilderness backpacking trips in addition to local adventures with his family.

 

Ages 13-17: Leadership Trail Camp

July 18-21, 2023 

9:00am drop off - 3:00pm pick up

 Come join us on this challenging four-day, three-night adventure for teens only.  Leadership Trail focuses on active skill building and the practice of hard skills such as backpacking, navigation, and canoeing.  Campers will deepen their experience in the wilderness environment and gain hands-on leadership and interpersonal skills.  This is a self-contained wilderness trek designed to develop endurance and self-confidence by pushing personal boundaries in a safe and supportive backcountry setting. Experienced wilderness instructors Nicholas Gale and Bill Humphrey will teach subjects such as proper selection and use of outdoor gear, shelter building, wilderness cooking, weather safety, and wilderness navigation.  Campers will provide their own backpacks, sleeping bags, and personal clothing and are expected to carry personal as well as group gear in backpacks.  Pack weight is typically 30-35 lbs and hiking distances are approximately 4-5 miles daily.  Tents will be provided as well as food and cooking gear. A detailed gear list is provided with registration confirmation. An additional female staff will be available to chaperone overnights.

Prerequisite: Wilderness Adventure Day camp (see above) or equivalent experience.
Fee: $355 (3 meals per day will be provided)
Limit: 10 youth
Registration Deadline: July 4, 2023

Instructors: Nicholas WazeeGale is a long-time resident of the Driftless region and is a passionate naturalist, outdoorsperson, forager, craftsperson, and dedicated instructor. He has been teaching summer camps and day programs at KVR for 18 years and he teaches a variety of programs in wilderness skills and traditional craft with the Driftless Folk School. He and his wife also run a handcrafts business and conduct programs through their business.

Jordan Marshall is a high school Social Studies teacher with a passion for spending time outdoors. He enjoys wilderness backpacking trips in addition to local adventures with his wife and 5-year-old son.

 





 

 

 
Group photo of the campers

Ages 13-17: NEW! Black Ghost Fly-Fishing Camp 


July 24-28, 2023

 9:00 am – 3:00 pm


Join us as we enter the hidden gem that is driftless fly fishing. This is a 5-day exploration of the creeks that flow through the KVR for ages 13-17. This fly-fishing camp will focus on building independence through fly-fishing skills. Anglers will be provided a rod and reel combo, tackle, flies, and a small pack for day trips while we adventure through local spring fed creeks. Angler and instructor Dalton Yocum will teach fly-fishing basics like fish behavior, knot tying, casting mechanics, fly tying, and other essential fly-fishing skills. Packs generally weigh 3-5 lbs. and hiking distances are typically 2-3 miles daily, at times in remote, backcountry locations. Students will "wet wade" during this camp, meaning no waders will be used.  There will be no overnight trips.  In the event of inclement weather, indoor fly-fishing and fly-tying activities will be taught.

Prerequisite:  Youth aged 16 and over before or during camp are required to obtain a 2023 WI DNR fishing license including trout stamp prior to camp.
Fee: $165 (youth must pack own lunch) 

Limit: 10 youth

Registration Deadline(s): July 10, 2023

Instructor: Dalton Yocum is a longtime angler, Driftless native, and social studies teacher. Dalton grew up running around the KVR and started fly fishing when local guide Bob Blumreich took him under his wing and created a fly-fishing fanatic. When Dalton doesn't have a fly rod in his hands, he is tying flies in his home that are covered in fur and feathers or taking others out to introduce them to the art that is fly fishing in driftless waters. Dalton enjoys teaching all ages about learning poise, composure, respect, ethics and stewardship as an angler while chasing some of the most aggressive and beautiful fish the world has to offer. Some of Dalton's favorite flies are the Black Ghost, 1" death punch, trailing shuck olive, Elk Hair Caddis, and the black foam beetle, just to name a few. Dalton also enjoys hunting whitetail deer, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family. He is excited to introduce this fun and exciting hobby to new anglers. 



 


Printable Form

The Kickapoo Reserve Management Board acknowledges that the state and federal lands that comprise the Reserve fall within the ancestral homelands of First Nations people including the Hooçak Nation. We recognize the sovereignty of the Hooçak and other First Nations and will work towards a shared future by continuing to create collaborative opportunities to protect and preserve these lands.

Kickapoo Valley Reserve | S3661 State Highway 131 | La Farge, Wisconsin 54639 
Phone: 608-625-2960 | FAX: 608-625-2962
kickapoo.reserve@krm.state.wi.us

Facebook logo