Arcadia’s Nature Camp photo: Phil Doyle
Every year parents and campers tell us what they love most about Mass Audubon camps—being with friends, making new discoveries, seeing wildlife up close, and all of the outdoor adventures from hiking and canoeing to experimenting with science and creating nature-themed art.
Campers aren’t the only ones feeling the love. A few of our Camp Directors share what they love most about their role and what they hope campers take away from their summer experience.
Discovery and Confidence
Watching children discover something they have never seen before and gain confidence from trying new things. —Elizabeth Broughton, Wachusett Meadow, Princeton
Tradition and Stewardship
Camp traditions such as popping jewelweed, touching a frog, running down “Rollercoaster Hill,” and sitting under the “Story Tree”; all of which leads to developing an environmental ethic. —Patti Steinman, Arcadia, Easthampton/Northampton
Growth and Friendship
Seeing everyone, both campers and staff alike, grow and make incredible friendships. —Meredith Dean, Wildwood, Rindge, NH
Magic and Learning
Knowing that every day at camp is different, with “magic” moments and challenging moments—all of which I, too, am able to learn and grow from. — Amy Quist, North River, Marshfield
Wonder and Observation
Teaching campers how to see the wonder in nature and be observant of their surroundings. —Jane Higgins, Habitat, Belmont
Ability and Leadership
Coming across a camper guiding their parents on hikes to places they visited during the camp day. They get to be the counselor and their family members are their campers. — Scott Santino, Ipswich River, Topsfield
A Sense of Belonging
Helping campers feel that they belong; that this was the place they could be themselves while learning about nature because it’s their thing. —Melissa Hansen, Broadmoor, Natick
Knowledge and Inspiration
Giving kids the knowledge that they can take home and share with their friends and family about the outdoor world and inspire more people to want to go outside. — Shane Elliott, Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Milton
Curiosity and Love
Knowing that our campers will take away a sense of place, curiosity to go deeper, and a love of the natural world! —Josey Kirkland, Felix Neck, Edgartown
Awe and Encouragement
Sharing the sense of awe and thinking nature is so cool that we all feel every day! —Emily Wolfe, Wellfleet Bay, Wellfleet
Learn more about one of our award-winning 18 day camps and Wildwood, our overnight camp.