For the past twenty-seven years NYSP 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 NYSP 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 NYSP 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. Please download our Donation Form (PDF) and include it with a check made out to WYSP and mail it to:

Lisa M. Schuetz
WYSP Activity Director
Hilltop Recreation Center
105 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004

1. When does registration begin?

   Registration for 2008 begins on Monday, April 14.

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!

Shamrock Shuffle

• Sunday, March 9, 2008
• 9:00 am Registration
• 10:00 am Walk/Run
• $12 Advanced Registration
• $15 Race Day
• $17 per Team Member
• Starts at the American Legion on Water Street

Rock Hard Blugold Triathalon

• Saturday, May 3, 2008
• 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
• $15 per person
• Register in advance at Hilltop Recreation Center or on the day of the event

REC-Fest Early Birdie Golf Outing

• Friday, May 9, 2008
• Tee times start @ Noon
• $25 per person (Teams of four)
• Princeton Valley Golf Course
• Register in advance at Hilltop Recreation Center

RCU Charity Classic

• Saturday, June 28, 2008
• Phoenix Park, Eau Claire
• 7:00 am                 Registration
• 8:00 am                 10K Run/Walk
• 9:30 am                 2 Mile Run/Walk
• 10:15 am               ½ Mile Children’s Race
• 10:25 am               ¼ Mile Children’s Race
• 10:45 am               Awards Presentation

Below is a list of the awards our NYSP program has won. The Silvio O. Conte Award of Excellence is awarded to the school with the #1 NYSP 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
NYSP Blank Schedule (Excel)

Auxiliary Staff

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

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.

Returning Counselors and 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) and return with your resume to Lisa M. Schuetz no later than Friday, April 18, 2008 at 4:30pm. (Extended deadline)

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.

Returning Volunteers and 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)and return to Lisa M. Schuetz no later than Friday, April 18, 2008 at 4:30pm. (Extended deadline)

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

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 18, 2008 at 4:30pm. (Extended deadline) to:

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

Employment Forms

Counselor / Volunteer Application

Professional / Auxiliary Staff Job Description

Employment Recommendation Form

Criminal Background Check (PDF)

NYSP 2007 Photos

More photos are coming soon!