For the past twenty-eight years WYSP has provided Chippewa Valley youth with an opportunity to develop their leadership, academic, and athletic skills. This year the program is getting a new name (WYSP) Wisconsin Youth Program. In addition to traditional sports such as basketball and softball, participant's ages ten to sixteen years old receive specialized education on topics including drugs and alcohol and nutrition. They receive transportation to camp at no charge (if they are in the Eau Claire and Altoona School Districts) and also receive two federally-subsidized meals on site. In addition, each camper may receive a free medical examination and dental cleaning and screening.

One unique feature of WYSP at UW-Eau Claire is our Senior Program a component designed specifically to meet the changing needs of our thirteen to sixteen year old participants. Senior Program activities include special opportunities not available to younger participants, including training in the Crest Fitness Center on campus, access to the campus climbing wall, and guidance in resume-writing and personal finance.

History

In 1968, representatives of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports piloted the WYSP concept during the summer at two university athletics facilities. On March 17, 1969, the White House announced that the federal government was committing $3 million to establish a sports program for economically disadvantaged youth, to be called the National Youth Sports Program. The federal grant has significantly increased since then, and strong congressional support remains for WYSP objectives. Funding appropriations are renewed on an annual basis.

WYSP Creed

"I am a good sport at all times and conduct myself with decency and honesty. I do my best to get along with others and have pride in myself. I put forth my best effort in all competition and always compete fairly."

"Walk Tall, Talk Tall, Stand Tall!"

Donations are graciously accepted to support the WYSP program.

Click here for more details on WYSP and how to make a donation.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Click here for more details on sponsorship opportunities for the Wisconsin Youth Sports Program (2.5mb Adobe PDF)

1. When does registration begin?

   Registration for 2009 begins on Monday, April 13, 2009.

2. How do I register my child for camp?

   You may either call Recreation at (715) 836-3377, (715) 836-3378, or stop by our office from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in Hilltop Center on the UW-Eau Claire campus.

3. Is there any charge for camp?

   NO! Camp is FREE for all participants!

Give Kids A Smile Day

• Friday, February 6, 2009
• 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
• CVTC Health Education Building
• Free day of dental care including: cleaning, x-rays, sealants, dental work
• Please call today for an appointment: 833-6370

Ice Fishing Contest at Lake Altoona

• Saturday, February 21, 2009
• 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Purchase tickets at the Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) or the day of the event
• *Wisconsin fishing license required*
• Cost: $10.00

Shamrock Shuffle

• Sunday, March 8, 2009
• 9:00 am Registration, 10:00 am Run/walk
• $13.00 advanced registration; $16.00 race day; $18.00 team member
• Pre-register at Hilltop Recreation Center
• Run/walk starts at the American Legion on Water Street

Blugold Triathlon

• Saturday, April 25, 2009
• 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
• $15 advanced registration; $20 race day
• Race begins on the Campus Mall
• Pre-register at Hilltop Recreation Center

REC-FEST Early Birdie Golf Outing

• Friday, May 8, 2009
• Tee times start @ Noon
• Princeton Valley Golf Course
• Pre-register at Hilltop Recreation Center

Below is a list of the awards our WYSP program has won. The Silvio O. Conte Award of Excellence is awarded to the school with the #1 WYSP program in the nation; to even be a considered finalist you must be in the top five programs. A Meritorious Award is given to a school that has an exceptional program. There were approximately 200 participating schools this past year.

• 2005: 25th Anniversary
• 2004: Silvio O. Conte Award of Excellence
• 2003: Silvio O. Conte Award Finalist Meritorious Award
• 2002: Silvio O. Conte Award Finalist Meritorious Award
• 2001: Silvio O. Csonte Award Finalist Meritorious Award
• 2000: Meritorious Award
• 1999: Meritorious Award
• 1998: Silvio O. Conte Award of Excellence
• 1997: Silvio O. Conte Award Finalist Meritorious Award
• 1996: Silvio O. Conte Award Finalist Meritorious Award
• 1995: Meritorious Award
• 1994: Meritorious Award
• 1993: Meritorious Award
• 1991: Silvio O. Conte Award of Excellence
• 1988: Meritorious Award

Right-click (on Macintosh computers, click and hold) on each link, and choose "Save Target As...". Then browse to the folder in which you want to save the file, and click on "Save".

All Staff

WYSP Presentation (Powerpoint)
Staff Computer Usage (Word)
Staff Handbook (PDF)

Professional Staff

NEW Block Plan (Word)
Activity Lesson Plan
Activity Lesson Plan Guidelines (Updated 5/23/07)
Lesson Plan Submission Guidelines
WYSP Blank Schedule

Auxiliary Staff

NEW Block Plan (Word)
Educational Speaker Form (Word)
Education Lesson Plan (Word)
Education Lesson Plan Guidelines
Lesson Plan Submission Guidelines
WYSP Blank Schedule

Lifeguards

Lifeguards will work in the McPhee pool supervising the WYSP participants and staff and organizing swimming activities. As well as testing the skills of everyone who enters the pool.

Lifeguards
Please fill out the criminal background check form, counselor/volunteer/swim staff application, and two employee recommendation forms (found at the bottom of this page) along with a copy of your certifications and return with your resume to Lisa M. Schuetz no later than Friday, April 03, 2009 at 4:30pm.

Counselors

Counselors are in charge of supervising and leading groups of participants through their day. As a counselor, you will eat with the participants, play sports alongside participants, lead group activities, and serve as a role model.

New Counselor Applicants
Please fill out the criminal background check form, counselor/volunteer application, and two employee recommendation forms (found at the bottom of this page). Return to Lisa M. Schuetz no later than Friday, April 03, 2009 at 4:30pm

Returning Counselors
Please submit a letter of interest including what age group you would prefer to work with (10-16 year olds) with your resume to Lisa M. Schuetz no later than Friday, April 03, 2009 at 4:30pm

Volunteers

Volunteers will be assigned certain jobs based on their skills and interests. It could be assisting the the counselors with their groups or assisting a professional staff person set up and teach their activity.

New Volunteer Applicants
Please fill out the criminal background check form, counselor/volunteer application and two employee recommendation forms (found at the bottom of this page). Return to Lisa M. Schuetz no later than Friday, April 03, 2009 at 4:30pm.

Returning Volunteers
Please submit a letter of interest including what age group you would prefer to work with (10-16 year olds) with your resume to Lisa M. Schuetz no later than Friday, April 03, 2009 at 4:30pm.

Note: Counselors and volunteers can also pick up the application materials at the Hilltop Recreation Office.

Professional & Auxiliary Staff

Professional Staff will be instructing the participants in a sport following detailed lesson plans as well as keeping all campers active. Auxiliary staff will be instructing the educational component of camp, following detailed lesson plans and creating a hands on experience.

New Professional & Auxiliary Staff
All persons interested in working with WYSP as an Auxiliary or Professional staff member must read the job description and submit the criminal background check form (found at the bottom of this page), letter of interest, and current resumé by Friday, April 03, 2009 at 4:30pm. to:

Miss Lisa M. Schuetz
WYSP Activity Director
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
106 Hilltop Center
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004

Returning Professional & Auxiliary Staff
Please submit a letter of interest with your resume to Lisa M. Schuetz no later than Friday, April 03, 2009 at 4:30pm.

Employment Forms

Counselor / Volunteer Application

Professional / Auxiliary Staff Job Description

Employment Recommendation Form

Criminal Background Check

WYSP 2009

WYSP 2008 Photos

More coming soon!