2026 Adult Workshops and Activities
All Day
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Puzzle and Game Room
Come gather with other MUUSA folk to play games, do puzzles, hang out and talk.
Leader:
Jennifer Oskins
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
Anytime
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
All Day
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Crafting Lounge
Come craft and chat with fellow campers!
Leader:
Jennifer Oskins
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
Anytime
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
All Day
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Labyrinth
With some light programming planned, the labyrinth is available for all to use throughout the week. Programming to be added as it is confirmed:
- A dedication / opening ceremony
- Facilitated group walk, including discussion of labyrinths as a meditative practice
- A moonlight walk
- YA-led vespers-Tuesday night
Leader:
Rev. Suzelle Lynch, Margaret Johnston, Karen Seymour-Ells
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
Anytime
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
All Day
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Puzzle, Book and Tarot Card Exchange
Do you have puzzles, books, or tarot card decks that you no longer want or need? Bring them to camp so that they can find a new home!
Leader:
Jennifer Oskins
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
Anytime
Location:
TBD
Materials:
anything you'd like to contribute
Early Morning
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Dance Fitness
Dance Fitness is perfect for anyone who wants to add some movement to their morning! Julie will provide the music (pop songs, standards, oldies) and lead everyone though some easy-to-follow moves. Participants simply show up in comfy clothing and then do the movements at whatever intensity level works best for them. Come get energized for the day and have fun with other campers. And yes, you are welcome to dance in a chair!
Leader:
Julie Enersen
Days/Times:
T, Th
6:00
Location:
Materials:
comfortable clothing
Early Morning
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Buut Camp
Join us for a morning workout that combines strength training and interval cardio in a fun and supportive environment. The session will include a warm-up, a 30-40 minute workout, and a cooldown with stretching. We’ll also take time to reflect on your fitness goals and plan for maintaining your journey throughout the year. This workshop is designed to be informal and enjoyable, with modifications offered to meet you wherever you are in your fitness journey. Pamela, a licensed Certified Personal Trainer through NASM, shares her passion for fitness by training members at Burn Boot Camp as a fulfilling side role outside her everyday corporate life. Come sweat with us and start your day strong!
Leader:
Pamela Betz
Days/Times:
M, W, F
6:00
Location:
Materials:
yoga mat, free-weights or resistance bands
Mid-Morning
excursions
Registration Required?
Yes
Group Bike Ride
Riding bikes through the beautiful Wisconsin countryside? Yes, please! (Riders provide their own bikes.)
Leader:
Joe Bongers
Days/Times:
T, Th (rain date)
10:00
Location:
TBD
Materials:
Bicycle
Mid-Morning
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Tai Chi/Chi Gong
Join us for beautiful Huang style Tai Chi, set to music and accompanied by poetry and Chi Gong warm-ups.
Leader:
Nan Fox
Days/Times:
M, W, F
10:00-11:50
Location:
Materials:
no
Mid-Morning
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
AI for UU's
An introduction to Artificial Intelligence, what it is, how it might assist us as UUs, with ethical and bias considerations.
Leader:
Lori A Melhart
Days/Times:
M, W, F
10:00-11:50
Location:
Materials:
no
Mid-Morning
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Writing dialogues for fun, clarity and mental health
Introduction to writing dialogues, including sample readings, how to get started, some exercises and practice.
Leader:
Steve Enersen
Days/Times:
T?
10:00-11:50
Location:
Materials:
no
Mid-Morning
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
AWESOME Choir
The Awesome Choir is non-auditioned and supports morning celebrations. All skill levels and identities are welcome. The choir is led by Pam Blevins Hinkle with collaboration from pianist Holling Smith-Borne. Pam's been leading the the Awesome Choir at MUUSA for decades and believes singing is everyone's birthright. The choir will meet for rehearsals BEFORE Morning Celebration Tuesday through Friday, plus during the morning workshop time.
Leader:
Pam Blevins Hinkle
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
10:00-11:50
Location:
Materials:
no
Mid-Morning
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
What makes us different (Myers-Briggs)
Learn and discuss the hidden logic behind our unique personalities with the Myers-Briggs system. Originally inspired by Carl Jung, this system can help us understand ourselves and each other better. Participants will learn about the basics from scratch, and along the way we will learn how to type ourselves and others. No prior Myers-Briggs experience required.
Leader:
Alex Enersen
Days/Times:
M, W, F
10:00-11:50
Location:
Materials:
no
Mid-Morning
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness is both an ancient practice and a living resource for Unitarian Universalists as we seek deeper connection with ourselves, one another, and the wider world. Whether you are brand new to meditation or looking to refresh your practice, this workshop offers a supportive space to pause, breathe, and reconnect. We will explore the practice of mindfulness meditation as a way of cultivating presence, compassion, and resilience in our everyday lives. Together, we will learn how to bring kind awareness to our breath, body, thoughts, and emotions—meeting our experience just as it is, with curiosity rather than judgment.
The session includes guided meditation, simple practices you can bring into daily life, and time for reflection and conversation.
No prior experience is needed, and all are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring a sense of openness and to wear comfortable clothing.
Leader:
Jack Blair
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th
10:00-11:50
Location:
Materials:
comfortable clothing
Mid-Morning
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping
Learn how to tap away pain and calm the amygdala using acupressure points and phrases.
Leader:
Lori A Melhart
Days/Times:
T
10:00-11:50
Location:
Materials:
no
Mid-Morning
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Organizing for power
Is there something you want to change in the world, something you care deeply enough about to get up and take action? If you answered "yes," that's great! But you probably don't have the power to achieve that by yourself, which is why you need to be able to convince other people, often strangers, to take action with you. This is called organizing for collective action, and this workshop is about teaching the very basics of how to do so. All you need to bring is a willingness to listen, to share, and to get serious about the power you and those around you have together.
Leader:
Ethan Alcock
Days/Times:
T, Th
10:00-11:50
Location:
Materials:
no
Mid-Morning
excursions
Registration Required?
Yes
Golf Outing
Leader:
Jon Paul Jurasas
Days/Times:
T
10:00
Location:
TBD
Materials:
golf stuff
Mid-Morning
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Circus Workshop
Daily circus skills workshops with a culminating event in circus performance.
Leader:
Ann Dorwin
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
1:45-3:35
Location:
Materials:
no
Lunch
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Let's Talk
UUs like to talk. Let’s be intentional. Those who choose this activity will be assigned a lunch table, rather than sitting with their “usual suspects”. Each day we’ll have a different topic, and prompts to get conversation started. Everyone will have a chance to speak before anyone talks a second time. All ages, etc., are wanted.
Leader:
Guy Loftman
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
Lunch Hours
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Lunch
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Sticker Swap (during lunch)
Bring your own stickers to trade with or collect some new ones! There will be a pile with previously donated stickers available from last Week as well as some new additions. Trading is welcome but not required! If you have other trinkets you collect and would like to bring (trading cards, figures, etc.) feel free!
Leader:
Cait Warner
Days/Times:
T, Th
12:30-1:00
Location:
TBD
Materials:
shareable collectibles
Early Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Yoga and Meditation
A guided space to learn, explore, or expand in a yoga practice. Come join us as we stretch, grow, and strengthen. All ages, experience levels, and abilities are welcome. The physical limb of yoga can be done in a chair, on the floor, or standing. We will also end or begin the session with a form of meditation and grounding.
Leader:
Valarie Palacios
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
1:45-3:35
Location:
Materials:
comfortable clothing
Early Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
A Rudimentary Introduction to Ancestry and Other Genealogy Sources
An introduction to the genealogy service Ancestry for beginners. We will play around with my family tree (and meet some characters!) and see how Ancestry can help you start on your own journey of discovery. I will also introduce you to some other helpful sites. (I am by no means an expert genealogist so don’t think I can help you break through your brick wall.) I have taken a DNA test, and I will share my results. I don’t know how to utilize the results yet, but we'll explore that together!
Leader:
Valerie Elliott
Days/Times:
T
1:45-3:35
Location:
Materials:
no
Early Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Tactics that Work: Restoring Our Democracy
Learn proven methods to engage in non-violent non-cooperation and build a cross-class multiracial democracy. Participants will learn about movement-building, messaging, application strategies and tactics intended to remove support from an authoritarian government. The workshop is interactive and you will be given materials you can provide to your home congregations if desired. Even if you are not an organizer, you can learn why organizers are asking you to do what they are asking you to do!
Leader:
Suzanne Zilber
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
1:45-3:35
Location:
Materials:
no
Early Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Prairie explorers
We will spend our sessions outdoors exploring the on-site, newly restored native prairie. On Day 1 we will have an overview of prairie ecology by a local expert. Subsequent days will focus on specific elements of the prairie: birds, insects, plants, etc.... This workshop will be entirely outdoors, so prepare for sun and heat (a shade tent is on site.)
Leader:
Eve Loftman Cusack
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
1:45-3:35
Location:
Materials:
binoculars, field guides, magnifying glasses, as desired
Early Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Improv For Everyone
A participatory workshop exploring short-form improv through warm-ups, exercises, and games. In addition, the workshop explores the principles of improv and how they relate to everyday life. No prior improv, performance or acting experience is needed, and new games are added each year to keep the workshop fresh for prior participants.
Leader:
Tom Robertson
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
1:45-3:35
Location:
Materials:
no
Early Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Drawing as a Spiritual Activity
Drawing can be a form of meditation and contemplation. This introductory drawing class will help us build a practice of deep looking and paying attention to the world around us, and where our heart and mind lead us. Mark making on paper and other substrates may include observational drawing as well as intuitive and gestural work. Participants are encouraged to bring some common household items for the workshop. (FEE: Some basic supplies will be provided for a workshop fee TBD)
Leader:
Stephanie Robertson
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
1:45-3:35
Location:
Materials:
common household items. A small fee will be required for materials brought by the leader
Early Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
U Poet U
Participants are invited to bring up to 30 lines of poetry, their own or someone else's, to read at each session. The group will discuss what they like about the poems. Those attending will also have the option of writing new poems to share. Optional poetry prompts will be provided.
Leader:
Carol Marks
Days/Times:
M, W, F
1:45-3:35
Location:
Materials:
your own poetry or poems by others, notepad, pen or pencil
Early Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Contradance
Long time campers Ken and Laurel revive contra dance-a camp favorite! No experience necessary. Come with a partner or not. Dances are gender-neutral, fun and energetic. Expert teachers and callers will guide everyone through each dance so once the music starts everyone can confidently participate. Put one foot in front of the other!
Leader:
Laurel Spahn, Ken Sharp
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
1:45-3:35
Location:
Materials:
no
Late Afternoon
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Volleyball
Did you know volleyball was originally called "Mintonette?" Me neither. No skill or experience required!
Leader:
Desiree Bongers
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
4:00-5:15
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Late Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Intro to Enneagram
Begin to delve into the Enneagram personality system by learning your basic type. Take an on-line test before camp, bring the results and discuss with others.
Leader:
Nan Fox, David Mast
Days/Times:
T, Th
4:00-5:15
Location:
Materials:
take online Enneagram test, bring results
Late Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Introduction to Pickleball
Learn the sport that has taken the country by storm!
Leader:
Sara Teppema
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
4:00-5:15
Location:
Materials:
comfortable clothing, "tennis" shoes, water bottle
Late Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Crochet, Crafting and Conversation
Bring your own project, or learn to crochet (leader will bring materials for a first project) Hang out with other folks who enjoy crafting, exchange tips, just work on your project and don't talk, or talk about whatever.
Leader:
Rachel Suddeth
Days/Times:
T, Th
4:00-5:15
Location:
Materials:
no, but your ongoing project is encouraged
Late Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
No
Discussions on Artistic Meaning & Cultural Ownership: Is the Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Gay?
What does it mean for a creator to own a piece of music or art? Which culture does a piece of music belong to and which peoples get to lay that claim? Who has the power of canon, to decide what a piece of music "means?" Ponder these questions and more in this informal discussion on music, culture, and meaning. Neither good hearing nor musical skill is required to participate!
Leader:
Alec W Peck
Days/Times:
M, W, F
4:00-5:15
Location:
Materials:
no
Late Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Last Resort String Band
Since 1980, The Last Resort String Band has spent 51 weeks not practicing, then tried to compensate by spiritedly playing a selection of reels, jigs, polkas and waltzes in preparation for a coffee house gig on Friday. All instruments and both sight-readers and by-ear players are welcome. Music will be provided online.
Leader:
Ken Sharp
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
4:00-5:15
Location:
Materials:
instrument
Late Afternoon
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Geneva Square
Daily after-dinner play time for all ages. Balloons, face painting, and more.
Leader:
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
6:00-7:00
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Late Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
Tie-Dye
Bring your shirts, shorts, blankets, scarves, or anything else you'd like to dye. Dyes and protective gloves are provided, and there will be a limited number of items to dye for folks who forget. Open to all ages!
Leader:
Margaret Johnston
Days/Times:
T, Th
4:00-5:15
Location:
Materials:
anything you want to tye dye
Late Afternoon
over 21 event
Registration Required?
No
Speakeasy
Wander over to the Speakeasy before dinner to socialize with friends and soon-to-be friends. Share adventures of the day and partake of low-budget snacks, boxed wine, and lemonade (provided by your Speakeasy hosts,) plus any other libations/snacks which participants care to share. Cups will be provided but campers are also encouraged to bring a reusable one.
Leader:
Julie Enersen, Steve Enersen
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
5:00-6:00
Location:
TBD
Materials:
shareable snacks and beverages
Late Afternoon
workshops
Registration Required?
Yes
ComUUnity Retirement
Discussing how to build a MUUSA like retirement community that can support each other as we age.
Leader:
Lee Goss, Janice Lonroth
Days/Times:
T, Th
4:00-5:15
Location:
Materials:
no
Dinner
over 21 event
Registration Required?
Yes
Beer Choir
Sing with your supper at Beer Choir! This year we will hold beer choir at the Knuth Brewing Company, which is just a 5 minute walk from campus. Order a meal and a beer and enjoy singing "Group Karaoke" with old and new friends!
Leader:
Steve Krahnke
Days/Times:
T
5:00-6:30
Location:
TBD
Materials:
fee for beer/food at Knuth Brewing Company
Dinner
Dinner Discussions
Registration Required?
No
Evolution in the Courts
An hour-long Power Point lecture on the history of legal challenges to the teaching of evolution in public schools.
Leader:
John Nicholas ("Nick") Schweitzer
Days/Times:
W
5:45-6:45
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Dinner
Dinner Discussions
Registration Required?
No
Newcomer Welcome
A gathering for those new to MUUSA and for anyone who would like to welcome newcomers to camp. Everyone is welcome!
Leader:
Days/Times:
M
5:45-6:45
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
After Dinner
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Opening Celebration
Leader:
Days/Times:
Location:
TBD
Materials:
After Dinner
over 21 event
Registration Required?
Yes
Introduction to Single Malt Scotch Whisky - no bourbon, no blends
We will briefly discuss the origins and process of making Scotch. This will include a tasting of four different scotches. Attendees are welcome to bring their own glass, but shot glasses will be available for all. Attendees are welcome to bring a bottle of a favorite scotch they wish to discuss and share. Although the session is open to 15 people, plus ones are welcome if couples don’t mind sharing a glass.
Leader:
Jim Strange, Valerie Elliott
Days/Times:
M
7:00-8:30
Location:
TBD
Materials:
your own glass; scotch that you'd like to share
After Dinner
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Karaoke
Leader:
Days/Times:
TBA
Location:
TBD
Materials:
After Dinner
over 21 event
Registration Required?
Yes
Love Feast
A spiritual experience of nourishing your soul and body through the beauty of serving others.
Leader:
Valarie Palacios
Days/Times:
F
7:00-9:00
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
After Dinner
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Art and Authors Fair (6:00-9:00)
An annual event where MUUSA authors and artists can display and sell their work.
Leader:
Stephanie Robertson
Days/Times:
W
6:00-9:00
Location:
TBD
Materials:
Early Evening
worship
Registration Required?
No
A Freethought Mass
A Freethought Service analogous to the Catholic Mass, with participation by other campers.
Leader:
John Nicholas ("Nick") Schweitzer
Days/Times:
W
7:00-7:45
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Early Evening
worship
Registration Required?
No
Burt Vespers
Join MUUSA youth as they present a service they have created for our community.
Leader:
Burt Youth
Days/Times:
T
7:00-7:45
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Early Evening
worship
Registration Required?
No
Vesper ?
Leader:
TBD
Days/Times:
TBA
7:00-7:45
Location:
TBD
Materials:
Evening
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
All Camp Intergenerational Contradance
All-Camp Contra Dance featuring both lively and elegant music and a techno-contra finale with glow lights. All dances will be called with prior walkthroughs. No experience or partner needed. Just come, because it's seriously fun!
Leader:
Laurel Spahn, Ken Sharp
Days/Times:
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Evening
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Pun off
All ages are welcome to compete for the title of "Punniest Person" at camp. Participants will attend a meeting on Thursday to learn about the format and basic rules See you there!
Leader:
Days/Times:
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Evening
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Intergenerational Coffee House
Live entertainment from your fellow campers of all ages. Please share your talents!
Leader:
Days/Times:
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Evening
over 21 event
Registration Required?
Yes
Taste the rainbow
Taste & discuss all things fermented. Heck, if you make your own yogurt and it's amazing, bring it! We're looking for a full rainbow of tasty things.
On one evening we hope to a (tentatively) take a 1 block excursion to Knuth Brewing Company! Details to follow.
Leader:
Nate Warner
Days/Times:
M, T, W, F
7:45
Location:
TBD
Materials:
whatever you'd like
Nightime and beyond
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Coffee House
Live entertainment from your fellow campers. Please share your talents!
Leader:
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
9:00-10:30
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Nightime and beyond
over 21 event
Registration Required?
No
Coffee House-Raunch Night- 18+ Only
The name says it all.
Leader:
Days/Times:
Th
9:30-10:30
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Nightime and beyond
intergenerational
Registration Required?
No
Club MUUSA
Evening dancing with DJ.
Leader:
Delia Lonroth
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
10:00-12:00
Location:
TBD
Materials:
only your groove
Nightime and beyond
worship
Registration Required?
No
Late Night Vespers
Join in communal spce as we worhship together in this intergenerational time. We will take advantage of the outdoors for this short late night worship service.
Leader:
John Sandman, Bill Lyon?
Days/Times:
W
10:30
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Nightime and beyond
intergenerational
Registration Required?
Yes
Poker Night
Join us for a fun, all-ages Poker Night featuring Texas Hold’em! Beginners are welcome, and no gambling will be allowed. Instead, this is a relaxed, social opportunity to learn, play, and connect with others. Participants may choose to make a voluntary donation to the MUUSA Scholarship Fund.
Leader:
Joe Betz
Days/Times:
W
9:00
Location:
TBD
Materials:
no
Nightime and beyond
intergenerational
Registration Required?
Yes
TTRPG
Join group of friends to play Dungeons and Dragons, first-time players up to experienced role players welcome.
Leader:
Rob Miroballi
Days/Times:
M, T, W, Th, F
9:00