COMMON QUESTIONS

How do I register my child? Is PEAK Initiative a “first come, first served” program?
We are committed to building long-term engagement with our participants. PEAK prioritizes enrolling youth who could not otherwise access high quality enrichment and leadership development programs. Registration priority is given to previous participants, those attending our partner schools, and residents of the Midtown neighborhood, but any Milwaukee resident youth can submit an application.

When will I know if we've been accepted to summer camp and the session we are assigned to?
Once your application has been submitted, we confirm registration and camp dates by the end of April. The earlier you submit your COMPLETE application online, the more likely you are to get the sessions you want.

Why do I have to submit a deposit for summer participation?
Due to our growing number of programs and significant investment of time and resources to provide high-quality programming, all families will be asked to make a refundable deposit for each week of camp. Based on family feedback, we are requesting $10 per week of camp. Deposits can be made in-person (Cash, check, or money order) and or with a credit/debit card online at the time of registration. Please do NOT mail your deposit - we are not responsible for funds lost in the mail. Once your young person successfully attends camp the deposit is refunded to you.

What activities are available at PEAK summer camps?
PEAK offers both Day Camp here in Milwaukee and overnight Resident Camp in Boscobel, WI. Resident Camp is open to 3rd - 12th graders and activities include boating, swimming, archery, field games, fishing, hiking, nature studies, stargazing, creative and performing arts, horseback riding, team sports and team building, variety shows, peer mediation, conflict resolution and more. Day Camp is open to 3rd - 8th graders and activities include gardening, field trips, team building games, STEAM activities, outdoor free time, healthy living, exploration, and skill building. All of our programs are centered around experiential learning to provide a well rounded program that engages youth in hands on fun and social emotional learning growth.

How will we know what to pack for resident camp?
We provide this information to all families when we send out our Ultimate Guide in the spring.

Is food provided at your camps?
Yes! At our Milwaukee-based camps, breakfast, lunch and a snack will be provided every day. Please note, we cannot provide refrigeration for any food brought from home. At our resident camps, we provide all meals and snacks. Campers can NOT bring food from home unless there are specific dietary restrictions - we do not have proper storage options at Resident Camp for extra food from home.

Where will my child sleep at Resident Camp?
Campers sleep in our rustic villages which are community areas consisting of 3-4 cabins each with 4 bunk beds that sleep 8 campers and 2 counselors. Each village has a restroom shower house. Campers are grouped by age and gender and there are separate villages for boys and girls.

My child is currently at camp in Boscobel and I want to know how they are doing. Can I talk to them?
Our experience has taught us that it is best for your child’s overall experience to be fully immersed in camp life and therefore we do not allow telephone communication between campers and parents except in extreme emergencies. We will provide your child with writing materials/stamps and encourage them to write home as often as they like. You may call our office staff at 608-872-2392 to receive a report on how your child is doing while at camp - we commit to returning your call within 24 hours. You may also send mail to your child at: 40526 Hoover Hollow Road Boscobel, WI 53805 or send emails to your child to camper@peakinitiative.org.

What if I am nervous about sending my child to camp?
We’re here to answer your questions. Give us a call at (414) 431-4508 and we can direct you to our team.

How do I know my child is safe and the program is high quality?
PEAK utilizes the Youth Program Quality Assessment and Camp Program Quality Assessment tools organized by the Weikart Center to ensure that we are offering a safe and engaging experience for all participants in all programs. Our Resident Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association which is a rigorous process with high standards to ensure safety and to manage risk. We hire gritty, committed, intelligent, and caring people; PEAK staff are the best of the best. Staff are thoroughly trained and screened; ongoing professional development and feedback is a part of the PEAK culture. Our staff to participant ratios are low allowing for the needs of our young people to be readily attended to; depending on the activity, ratios range between 1:4 to 1:8. Not convinced? Talk to a current participant and their parent or caregiver. Our families are honest about their experiences and we’d be happy to put you in touch.

What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
By definition, social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. What this means, is that SEL helps youth learn to balance, manage and navigate social situations, whether it be understanding how to behave when upset, learning to have hard conversations or show empathy through positive contact with peers, SEL is a cornerstone to building happier and healthier futures for youth.

How is The PEAK Initiative funded?
PEAK is a 501c3 non-profit organization and programs are supported by incredibly generous donations made through a private foundation and the contributions of caring and invested community members and partners who support the PEAK mission and believe in the potential of our young people. 100% of PEAK youth attend programming at no cost to families aside from committing to keeping involved and engaged and to giving back in some way to The PEAK Initiative community.

Can I make a donation?
Absolutely! You can donate online or by mail. Contributions can be made out to The Kellogg PEAK Initiative and can be sent to or dropped of at our main office and program center: 2480 W. Cherry St. Milwaukee WI 53205. Donations are tax deductible. In-kind donations of program supplies, outdoor and camping gear, and/or non-perishable snacks are always welcome and appreciated.