Camp Cardinal
Bring the whole family to Reunion & Commencement Weekend! A student-run "camp" is available on Friday and Saturday for children ages 5-12 (ages 13+ are welcome to participate as CIT's), and Wesleyan students are available for private babysitting on-or off- campus.
Camp Cardinal Children's Program (Ages 5 to 12 Years)
Run by Wesleyan students with a wealth of childcare experience, Camp Cardinal provides high-quality entertainment and supervision while exposing kids to Wesleyan’s beautiful campus. The program runs from 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. Activities include a campus-wide scavenger hunt, swimming, arts & crafts, movies, and more.
The cost is $50 per child per session (Session 1: Friday 3 p.m.–11:30 p.m., Session II: Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and Session III: Saturday 4 p.m.–10:30 p.m.). Meals and snacks are included. Please register by May 12 here. When you arrive on campus, check in at the Camp Cardinal desk at Registration (Usdan University Center) anytime during program hours.
Camp Cardinal “Counselors in Training” (Ages 13+)
While we do not offer a schedule of activities for teens, children 13 and older are welcome to act as “counselors in training” throughout the weekend. Teens may assist student counselors with various children’s activities during Camp Cardinal hours. Please contact rc@wesleyan.edu or (860) 685-2116 to make arrangements.
Private Babysitting (All Ages)
If your kids are too young for Camp Cardinal or if you'd prefer to arrange for childcare in your hotel, residence hall, or elsewhere, please contact rc@wesleyan.edu or (860) 685-2116 for a list of Wesleyan students available for babysitting. You can make arrangements directly with any of the students on the list. The list of student babysitters will not be available until early May.
Camp Cardinal Schedule (subject to change)
Friday, May 26
3 p.m. Meet and Greet
Camp Counselors and children will learn names, create nametags, and play "getting to know you" games. Student staff will be available to answer questions.
Location: Multipurpose Room, Usdan University Center (Lower Level)
4 p.m. Scavenger Hunt
Back by popular demand for the 16th consecutive year! We will separate into small groups and scour the campus for facts, figures, and hidden treasures.
Location: Throughout campus (Weather Permitting) OR Usdan University Center
5 p.m. Open Swim
Parents are welcome to come and make some waves with your children. Please bring a bathing suit; towels will be provided. There will be Camp Counselors at the pool to assist, and also in the Camp Headquarters if children prefer not to swim.
Location: Freeman Athletic Center
6:30 p.m. Dinner
A selection of subs, chips, fruit, and beverages will be provided.
Location: Multipurpose Room, Usdan University Center (Lower Level)
8 p.m. Movies
Choices will be offered, based upon age. Snacks will be provided.
Location: Multipurpose Room, Usdan University Center (Lower Level)
11 p.m. Time for Bed
We will clean up and get ready to say goodnight. PLEASE pick your children up by 11:30 pm.
Location: Multipurpose Room, Usdan University Center (Lower Level)
Saturday, May 27
9 a.m. Good Morning
Children meet student staff for another day of fun and excitement. We will play more games and learn names. Please eat a good breakfast before you arrive!
Location: Multipurpose Room, Usdan University Center (Lower Level)
10:30 a.m. Annual Parade Practice
We will provide t-shirts to be decorated and proudly donned for the big parade. Campers will also have the opportunity to create parade banners.
Location: Multipurpose Room, Usdan University Center (Lower Level)
11:15 a.m. Assemble for the Annual Parade
The Parade begins at 11:30 a.m. Campers will lead the procession!
Location: Huss Courtyard, outside Usdan
12 p.m. Open Swim
Parents are welcome to come and make some waves with your children. Please bring a bathing suit; towels will be provided. There will be Camp Counselors at the pool to assist, and also in the Camp Headquarters if children prefer not to swim.
Location: Freeman Athletic Center
1 p.m. All-College Picnic and Festival on Foss Hill
We will eat lunch and then join the adults for an afternoon of fun, games, and entertainment. Get ready for a magic show (1:30 p.m.), temporary tattoos, and more. Campers can also choose to play wiffle ball, soccer, Frisbee, and more.
Location: Andrus Field
3 p.m. Drama Competition
We’re channeling our inner Lin-Manuel Miranda '02 and making up our own mini-plays/musicals! Campers will get a chance to decorate their own masks and use some costumes to make up their own short plays. A judge’s panel will decide upon a winner and will receive a special prize!
Location: Multipurpose Room, Usdan University Center (Lower Level)
4 p.m. Field Day Games; Arts & Crafts; Surprise Activity
It's recess time at Wesleyan: if the weather permits, campers will have the opportunity to compete in an obstacle course race and play tag, kickball and capture the flag against their counselors in the late afternoon sunlight. Outdoor arts & crafts will also be available for those campers not interested in sports. If we’re having a rainy Saturday, campers can choose between doing arts & crafts with their counselors and participating in a fun surprise activity taught by one of the Camp Cardinal Counselors!
Location: CFA Courtyard or Multipurpose Room, Usdan University Center (Lower Level)
6 p.m. Pizza Party
Location: Multipurpose Room, Usdan University Center (Lower Level)
8 p.m. Ice Cream Sundaes and Movies
We will show a big-screen movie appropriate for all ages while we create and enjoy ice cream sundaes.
Location: Multipurpose Room, Usdan University Center (Lower Level)
10:30 p.m. Goodnights and Goodbyes
Once again, it is time to wind down and bid farewell. PLEASE pick your children up by 11 pm.
Location: Multipurpose Room, Usdan University Center (Lower Level)
QUESTIONS?
Stop by at the Camp Cardinal table at Reunion & Commencement Registration (Usdan) or contact Steven Fields ’19, Camp Cardinal Director, at smfields@wesleyan.edu or (805) 300-5502.