Summer on campus: Camps and conferences keep things humming
Just because you can find a seat on the Terrace these days doesn’t mean the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus is hibernating. In fact, there is a plethora of new opportunities this summer. The Wisconsin Idea, the belief that the university’s influence can and will reach every family in the state, is a yearlong belief, not just a semester- or nine month-long endeavor.
During the summer months, University Housing plays a large part in increasing the university’s influence, serving as host to youth campers, precollege students and adult conference guests. More than 90 groups will stay in campus residence halls this summer. Eighty percent are returning groups, with several new groups entering the fold this year.
Some of the annual groups that bring 250-900 guests include:
Malaysian Midwest Games: The games on Friday-Sunday, May 26-28, play host to Malaysian students from across the Midwest for a weekend of cultural unity and competition.
“It’s like a mini Olympics,” says Suriani Kempe, one of the Midwest Games committee members. “There’s a variety of competitions – everything from bowling and chess to soccer and tennis.”
The event concludes with Midwest night at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 28, at the Memorial Union’s Union Theater, 800 Langdon St. Prizes are awarded, and there will be cultural performances including traditional dances, singing, bands and skits.
College Days and Grandparents University: These two events enable attendees to turn back the clock and return to college life. College Days, Tuesday-Thursday, June 6-8, provides seminars and tours for retirees and senior citizens. Grandparents University allows grandparents and grandchildren (ages 7-14) to earn “degrees” through hands-on learning activities. Grandparents University runs Thursday-Friday, July 20-21 and 27-28.
The play’s the thing: The University Theatre summer season includes “The Taffetas,” opening on Friday, June 9; “Goodnight Irene,” opening Friday, June 16; and “Master Class,” opening Friday, July 7. “The Taffetas” and “Goodnight Irene” will be held in the Hemsley Theatre at Vilas Hall, 821 University Ave., while “Master Class” will be performed on the Mitchell Theatre stage, also at Vilas Hall. For times, prices and more information, call (608) 262-1500.
Hot summer nights: The Wisconsin Union offers free live music and entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Saturday, June 10, is summer’s official kickoff with TerraceFest as Union membership, required to participate in many of the programs, will be waived for the day. The Hot Summer Nights weekend music series continues throughout the summer, ending on Saturday, Aug. 19, with the Terrace Blues festival.
Come sail away: Hoofers, UW–Madison’s outdoor recreation organization, and picturesque Lake Mendota offer a chance to get out on the water. The Hoofer Sailing Club is the second largest inland sailing club in the country. Membership includes opportunities for instruction, youth programs and social events. The sailing club will offer free sailboat rides for Terrace Fest on Saturday, June 10. Also this summer, Hoofers will celebrate its 75th anniversary Friday-Sunday, Aug. 4-6.
Escape to nature: There’s plenty to see and do at the UW Arboretum this summer. Ecological restoration work parties will allow volunteers to help restore the land and learn about prairies and savannas. Several work parties are offered throughout the summer months. On the first day of summer (Wednesday, June 21), the Arboretum will conduct a tour providing an overview of the Wisconsin Native Plant Garden. Many arboretum walks occur during the summer from 8:30-10:30 a.m. New this summer, a discovery cart will help visitors explore pond life. For more information and event dates, call (608) 263-7888. The Arboretum Visitor Center is located at 1207 Seminole Highway.
Junior and senior music clinics: For 77 years, UW has offered bands, orchestras and choirs for junior and senior high school students. More than 900 students will spend a week in classes and rehearsals building their creative and performance skills. Performances will be held from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, and Saturday, July 1, at the Mosse Humanities Building, 455 N. Park St.
“It’s really gratifying to run a program that has such an impact on the larger community,” says Summer Music Clinic program manager Anne Aley.
The music clinics also offer more than 30 courses, ranging from Arranging to Jazz Theory and Rhythms to Humor in Music. The courses offer students information that might not be available to them in their schools.
“Once they come, they want to come back,” Aley says. “There’s tremendous loyalty in the program. It’s great to keep their enthusiasm of music going over the summer.”
Wisconsin 4-H Youth Conference: Witte Hall serves as host to the 4-H Youth Conference. This summer, 650 eighth-10th grade youths will participate in seminars and leadership teams. The leadership teams include an art team, drama company, press team, tech team and showcase singers. The students will explore the academic world of the research farms and the School of Medicine and Public Health, as well as the extracurricular world of Hoofers.
“For some of them this is their first exposure to the university,” says UW-Extension outreach specialist Kay Hobler. “And I’ve had students who have made Madison their college of choice because of this conference.”
More athletics on tap: UW–Madison softball camps, adventure cycling and the U.S. National Development Team rowing camp will keep numerous guests fit and active in the summer warmth.
