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Extended Learning Adventures

Through our community partners, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students and City of Milwaukee residents can participate in Extended Learning Adventures.

Most adventures are FREE to participate in! Adventures may be held during non-school days and winter, spring, and summer breaks. Most adventures require parent drop-off and pickup, as well as a bag lunch.

Apply Here for Adventures

Note: Adventure scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. However, priority is given to students who have not been awarded scholarships this school year. Families will receive an email notification of their award status.

Registration Reminders

  • Space is limited. If submitting more than one registration, it may be necessary to limit one opportunity per child based on availability. 
  • MPS students receive priority registration. Non-MPS students will be notified via email if spots become available only if all necessary forms are completed. Priority registration is also given to students who have never participated in an extended learning adventure through ELO. 
  • When completing forms, make sure to select the grade based on the criteria listed.
  • Families will receive an email communication confirming enrollment status. Email addresses should be current and accurate on registration forms.
  • Registration will close when no more spots are available OR one week prior to the start date.
  • If it becomes necessary to cancel your child's registration, please contact elo@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or (414) 475-8238. Non-attendance may affect future participation.

Available Adventures

Spaces are limited for these adventures, and scholarships are available. Grade levels are based on the student’s grade in the 2025–26 school year. Participating students will need a bag lunch for these adventures. Families are responsible for transportation.

My Sista's KeepHer

My Sista's KeepHer is an empowering, creative, and inspiring experience designed just for you! Join us for a three-session workshop series and four-session focus group series that will take you on a journey to self-awareness, self-expression, and leadership. The program ends with a youth-led presentation in March.

Ages

12–18

Workshops

Three sessions from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

  • Saturday, December 6, 2025
  • Saturday, December 20, 2025
  • Saturday, January 10, 2025
  • Session 1: Turning Lived Experiences into Research
    Work on inquiry skills, critical questioning, and collaborative brainstorming. 
  • Session 2: Exploring the Issues
    Analyze informational texts, compare perspectives, and identify evidence.
  • Session 3: Research and Preparation
    Continue with research skills, synthesis of multiple sources, and summarization of findings in writing
Focus Groups

Four sessions from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

  • Saturday, January 24, 2026
  • Saturday, February 7, 2026
  • Saturday, February 21, 2026
  • Saturday, March 14, 2026
  • Session 1: Setting the Stage
    Identify what matters most in our city and choose key themes to explore.
  • Session 2: Explore the Issues
    Share real stories, discuss community needs, and develop guiding questions.
  • Session 3: Research 
    Connect research with lived experience to shape your message.
  • Session 4: Panel Prep & Promotion
    Finalize presentations, assign roles, and create event publicity.
Youth-Led Panel

Saturday, March 14, 2026
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Final Presentation

Location

Milwaukee Public Library Central Library
814 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Milwaukee Repertory Theater

During these adventures, students will learn the foundational skills of acting, public speaking, collaboration, and cooperation, while supporting literacy and social-emotional learning. Students will have an opportunity to bring a short play to life for friends and family.

Adventures in Acting – Fantastical Fairytales

Ages

Grades 2–8 (ages 7–13)

Dates & Times

Four Saturdays: February 14, February 21, February 28, and March 7, 2026
9 a.m. – Noon

Spring Break – Stagecraft Safari

Ages

Grades 2–8 (ages 7–13)

Dates & Times

March 30 – April 3, 2026
10 a.m. – Noon

Location

Milwaukee Rep
Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center
108 E. Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Urban Ecology Center

Join us outdoors where your kids can enjoy hikes, ovserve birds, catch bugs, play in the park, and visit around the campfire! We encourage curious minds through outddoor activities, science exploration, imaginative play, and more.

Spring Break 2026

Ages

Grades 1–4

Dates & Times

March 30 – April 3
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Location

Urban Ecology Center Riverside Park
1500 E. Park Place
Milwaukee, WI 53211

Wehr Nature Center

Nature's Mysteries

We need your help to solve nature’s mysteries. Campers will learn the scoop on scat (animal poop), the tricks of track identification, and even dissect a pellet to see what an owl had for lunch.

Ages

Grades 1–2

Dates & Times

Monday, February 16, 2026
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Spring Break Sessions

Spend Spring Break exploring nature and making new friends at Wehr Nature Center. You can sign-up for one single session or combine them to create a multi-day camp.

Ages

Grades 2–3

Dates & Times

Dinosaurs are Not Extinct!
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Do you have a dinosaur in your backyard? Come to Wehr to discover how our backyard birds are related to T. Rex. We will learn about cool bird adaptations, talk to real turkeys, and explore Wehr’s trails to discover wild birds.

Reptiles Rock!
Thursday, April 2, 2026
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Reptiles Rock! We’ll learn about a snake’s superpowers, and craft camouflaged wooden snakes. Campers will meet Wehr’s sensational and scaly snakes and turtles.

Amphibian Adventures
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Friday, April 3, 2026
​​​​​​​9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hop over to Wehr to celebrate the awesomeness of amphibians. We will meet live frogs, play a life cycle game, and explore Wehr’s vernal pond in search of wood frogs and salamanders.

Location

Wehr Nature Center in Whitnall Park
9701 W College Ave, Franklin, WI 53132

Wisconsin Humane Society

Paws and Plays Camp

Join us this February for a fun-filled one-day camp. Students will enjoy hands-on activities, meet animals, and learning how WHS cares for furry friends whild having a blast with fellow animal lovers.

Ages

Grades 1–6

Dates & Times

Registration has closed for this opportunity

Barks and Blooms Camp

"Spring" into an awesome day of animal antics! During this one-day camp, students will jump into career exploration and meet some animal friends.

Ages

Grades 1–6

Dates & Times

Wednesday, April 1, 2026
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location

Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee Campus
4500 West Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208

Community Partners

  • DDS Mediaworks
  • Floor23 Digital
  • Mad Science
  • Milwaukee Recreation
  • Milwaukee Repertory Theater
  • My Sista's KeepHer
  • SHARP Literacy
  • Smart Smiles 
  • Urban Ecology Center
  • Wehr Nature Center
  • Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
  • Wisconsin Humane Society

More Information

If you have any questions, please contact Anitra Stampley, ELO associate, at stamplak@milwaukee.k12.wi.us