Exploring Science and Leadership: St. Ann’s Students Thrive at Upham Woods

For over a decade, middle schoolers at St. Ann’s have been reaping the benefits of overnight science camps. Most recently, students from the 6th and 7th grades—accompanied by faculty members Mrs. Talbert, Mr. Deutsch, Mrs. Nguyen, and two dedicated parent chaperones—embarked on a memorable three-day, two-night adventure to Upham Woods, a stunning outdoor education center nestled along the Wisconsin River.

Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls

Managed by the UW Madison Division of Extension, Upham Woods offers students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore nature while engaging in hands-on science learning. The experience pulls students out of the traditional classroom setting and places them in a natural laboratory filled with opportunity.

Throughout the trip, students rotate through a variety of outdoor classes focusing on biology, geology, animal ecology, orienteering, and leadership development. The schedule balances educational time with recreation, giving kids the chance to play basketball, enjoy field games, or just relax on the lodge porch with their friends.

Campfire Stories and Stargazing

Evenings at Upham Woods are just as enriching as the days. Students take part in night hikes under the stars, play trivia in the cafeteria, and gather for an outdoor reflective prayer service, complete with s’mores around the campfire.

At the end of the night, students are given 30 minutes of phone time to text or call home before winding down with friends and chaperones in the rec room. It’s a perfect blend of independence, bonding, and a touch of home.

A Student’s Perspective

Seventh grader Lea Levi, who attended Upham Woods for the second time this spring, summed it up perfectly:

Her enthusiasm highlights just how impactful this experience is—not just academically, but personally as well.

Cultivating Confidence and Leadership

St. Ann’s is deeply committed to educating each child as an individual, and for many students, being immersed in nature is the ideal learning environment. While most schools keep core learning confined to classrooms, St. Ann’s takes a different approach, offering two major outdoor retreats each year: Camp Gray in the fall and Upham Woods in the spring.

These trips empower students to excel in hands-on science and leadership roles that often reveal sides of them not always visible in school.

“I love seeing the more quiet kids emerge as leaders in the ropes courses and team building exercises,” said middle school history teacher Mr. Deutsch.

“They find a confidence we don’t always see in the classroom setting.”

A Vision for Experiential Learning

Principal Aimee Stano echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of experiential, off-campus learning opportunities.

“Getting the kids into off-campus learning activities is one of my priorities,” she shared.
“I love being able to send them on retreats, to the theater, to museums, and into the wild. Current research supports what we’ve known for a long time—the benefits of being out in nature, learning, and finding a bit of independence are invaluable.”

Looking Ahead

As St. Ann’s continues to prioritize holistic and innovative education, experiences like the Upham Woods science camp serve as a powerful reminder that the best learning doesn’t always happen at a desk—sometimes, it happens on a trail, under the stars, or around a glowing campfire.