Category Archives: Summer Camp

Wildwood Staff (some in costume) on Nature Superheroes Day

A Summer Job With a Big Impact

Wildwood Staff (some in costume) on Nature Superheroes Day
Wildwood Staff (some in costume) on Nature Superheroes Day

If you are reading this blog post, it is very possible that it’s because you have had a memorable experience at Wildwood or another Mass Audubon camp, wildlife sanctuary, or program (or you love someone who has). All of our wonderful programs are possible because of our wonderful staff—and this summer, we hope that includes YOU!

All of our staff bring special skills to the table, whether they are teachers, artists, lifeguards, rock climbers, organizers, or trip leaders, and Wildwood is a welcoming and supportive place for introverts and extroverts alike.

And there are so many benefits to working at camp: Our staff make lifelong friendships, gain crucial life and job skills, make a difference in the lives of others, and have lots of fun while doing all this and more!

Here is just a sampling of the positions still available at Wildwood this summer:

Unit Counselors

Unit counselors live with children, supervise them daily, and teach fun activities throughout the day. Counselors have to be at least 19 years old or at least be one year out of high school. Typically, these staff members are between 19 and 30 years old.

Social Media Intern

Do you know someone that is a great photographer and whiz at social media? We are looking for an intern this summer to assist our Marketing team by taking photos, sharing them with camper families back home, creating fun and engaging social media posts, and writing blog posts (like this one!).

Teen Adventure Trip Leaders

Teen “Trek” Leaders facilitate groups of 5–8 teenagers on several one- or two-week outdoor adventure trips throughout the Northeast, both in the front- and backcountry. On each trip, two Trek Leaders work closely together to supervise and create a positive group environment where teens can learn, grow, and develop leadership skills in an active outdoor setting.

2019 Teen Adventure Trip
Teen Trekkers get to see some amazing places!

We are asking for you to reach out to your personal community and encourage wonderful folks in your circle to work at Wildwood!

All available jobs are listed on our website. Inquiries can be sent to [email protected]

A Day at Wildwood Day Camp

While day camp at Wildwood technically begins at drop-off, every day at camp should always start with plenty of sleep and a good breakfast. While we wait for the last day campers to be dropped off, the counselors and campers apply sunscreen and bug spray, make sure our backpacks have all the essentials, and check-in with how we’re feeling for the day. 

Camp days are busy, so sometimes a chill game of Connect Four is just the ticket
Camp days are busy, so sometimes a chill game of Connect Four is just the ticket

Then, we’ll walk up to the beautiful, woodland Day Camp Headquarters and play a fun morning game—sometimes Camouflage, sometimes Hide & Seek, sometimes fort-building!

Afterwards, it’s time to come together for Nature Groups. Our focus for Nature Groups changes every day: we may learn about birds and bird nests, food webs, erosion, ecosystems, climate change, animal tracks—the list goes on and on! We’ll discuss what we know and what we want to learn more about, and oftentimes we get a chance to go into nature hands-first and come up with our own ideas!

After Nature Groups we’ll often hit the activity field for some fun group games. Sometimes it’s a running game like Fishy Fishy Cross My Ocean or a teamwork game like the Hula Hoop Lift, and sometimes it’s a good, old-fashioned ball game like Gaga. And, on very special days, we’ll head on over to the ropes course or the archery range and work on our skills there!

Once we’re all tired out, it’s time to pick a shady spot outdoors, refill our water bottles, and have some lunch. One of our favorite lunch conversation topics last summer was “Who Would Win?” or “Would You Rather?” 

Ponding for interesting creatures along the shoreline
Ponding for interesting creatures along the shoreline

After lunch, it’s time to get into our swimsuits, reapply sunscreen, and head on over to the waterfront to get fitted into PFDs and hit the water! Campers have fun jumping off the dock and running on the splash pad. Along the shore, campers look for frogs and build sandcastles. On special days, we break out the canoes and kayaks and have some fun out past the buoys.

Then, it’s time for Siesta. We head back to HQ for a snack and some quiet time activities, like drawing and cards. This is also the time campers sign up for their afternoon Discovery Group activities; typically there are three each day to choose from. A few personal favorites are watercolor painting by the creek, kickball, making oobleck, and gardening. 

Finally, at the end of the day, we pack up all of our belongings and wait in the parking lot for pick-up. As we wait, we’ll play some parking lot games like Night at the Museum or Red Light, Green Light. And after the counselors have waved goodbye to the last camper, we do some clean-up and prepare for the next fun-filled day!

Written by Arianna W., a Wildwood Day Camp Counselor

YOU Can Do Hard Things!

If you are reading the Word from Wildwood blog and haven’t attended camp yet, you may be wondering: What are the people at Wildwood like? What is the atmosphere like? Are people as friendly as they seem? To answer your questions, let me tell you my lifeguarding story.

Once upon a summer, I was a new hire at Wildwood—it was my first time as an adult camp counselor! I was very nervous and a little overwhelmed with all the new information coming my way. One evening, our wonderful program coordinator, Cheryl, emailed me about lifeguard training for the counselors. Right away I declined the offer. While I knew I could swim, I didn’t think I could swim nearly as well as the other counselors could. I didn’t want to push myself outside of my comfort zone. And besides, I was a new counselor at camp! Why would I choose to embarrass myself in front of a bunch of strangers?

But Cheryl, keeping with Wildwood’s “Challenge by Choice” philosophy, suggested I come to the waterfront before lifeguard training and test my endurance with a few other counselors. It would be a casual and low-pressure way to test my limits and see what I could really do. 

Now remember, I didn’t think that I was all that strong of a swimmer. When the day finally came, I was embarrassed to get into the water and nervous to meet the other staff members. I thought, “Look at me, an adult acting like a shy young camper!” But immediately I was welcomed. Cheryl helped introduce me to the other counselors and we sang a few silly songs together during our swim test.

And then something wonderful happened. All of us, banding together and cheering each other on, began the endurance swim across Hubbard Pond to First Point. I wasn’t sure how long I would last. But Matthew, an amazing staff member, called out to me, “We’re going to finish this together! We got this!” And I went! And kept going!

I was floored by how well I performed. I had never challenged myself before in this way and didn’t know what I was capable of! Before I knew it, Matthew, myself, and all of the other counselors were finished and pulling ourselves back onto the dock. I came out of the water feeling incredibly powerful—and, on top of that, supported. The counselors all finished the endurance swim with cheers and high fives. It was like magic—all of a sudden, I was part of a team. 

Lifeguards practicing safety and rescue techniques at the waterfront.
Lifeguards practicing safety and rescue techniques at the waterfront.

In the end, I did end up going through with the full lifeguard training. I can proudly say that I am now lifeguard certified (something else I never thought I would be capable of)! I wouldn’t have been able to get to this point without the encouragement of Cheryl, the non-judgmental atmosphere of camp, and the rousing support of my fellow counselors.

Wildwood is a place where even the adults can be nervous, make mistakes, and be supported as they try new things. I was challenged and grew at Wildwood! Wouldn’t you like to be, too?

Written By Arianna W., a lifeguard and Day Camp Counselor at Wildwood

Being a Problem Solver

I love problem-solving! As a camp counselor, I feel that some of the most fulfilling and rewarding work I’ve done was when I did my best tackling a big problem. But I’m not alone—I’ve found that campers are some of the best problem solvers I have ever met. 

Once, we had a young camper who became frustrated building a cardboard boat. He had a brilliant plan for how he wanted the boat to be structured—an idea that no one else on the beach had thought up—but the duct tape wasn’t cooperating with him. The camper was so angry he wanted to throw scissors and sand. I sat with him and we discussed how he was feeling.

Once the camper and I started talking, he began to problem solve at lightning speed. He identified that he was hungry, decided that he needed a snack, and headed over to the dining hall, all on his own. At the end of the day, he and I worked together to make the biggest and strongest cardboard boat on the lake—it held the weight of 34 rocks and still didn’t sink.

I’m fond of this story because the camper was willing to step away from the trigger for the emotion and break down what the true causes of his feelings were. After a little encouragement, the camper showed maturity and self-awareness by problem-solving on his own. 

On a different occasion, another camper was also waist-deep in cardboard, trying to create a pair of human-sized wings. It was not an easy task. He waved his work around weakly, unimpressed with himself.

“It won’t work. Nothing I ever make works,” he said. But even as he said these words, I could see the camper’s brain working furiously. He knew the kind of product he wanted—he just had to problem-solve in order to get there.

The camper tried a new tactic, and then another. He experimented with different types of cardboard and different taping techniques. The camper pushed through trial and error until he had a masterpiece: a lifesize pair of cardboard wings that he could attach to his arms and wear like a backpack. He proudly wore it for the rest of the day and later brought it home to show his family.

Even when the camper was seriously doubting his abilities, he didn’t let the scary idea of failure stop him. Instead, he showed deep determination and problem-solved his way into creating something that he could be proud of. 

Campers must cooperate and work together to pass the marble along to the finish line without dropping it
Campers must cooperate and work together to pass the marble along to the finish line without dropping it

What I love about Wildwood is how welcoming and forgiving the community is. It is a place where every mistake can be a learning experience and every problem can be an opportunity to grow.

Everywhere you look at Wildwood, there’s a problem-solver discovering something new or challenging or exciting or different. It is inspiring to see, and brings home the idea that anyone can solve problems, no matter their age, experience, or knowledge. At camp, anyone can be a problem solver—even me, and even you!

~Written by Arianna W. Day Camp Counselor

Welcome to Tim Panciera, Wildwood’s New Property Manager!

A photo of Tim Panciera from the shoulders up, wearing sunglasses and a purple t-shirt, standing in front of a low hill or cliff with blue skies in the background.

Wildwood is pleased to welcome Tim Panciera as our new Property Manager! Tim is a native New Englander, growing up on a farm in Stafford Springs, CT. He has lived a majority of his adult life in southern Vermont with his wife. With their daughters now adults, they spent the last few years traveling, exploring the U.S. and then settling in Colorado where his wife was a traveling nurse.

Tim has a degree in Facilities Management and has a long history of facilities and property management at multiple companies, schools, and campgrounds. Tim enjoys working with children and looks forward to working with campers and staff with the gardens, composting, and service projects.

Tim is a strong supporter of the mission of Mass Audubon and is thrilled to be working at camp. He is most interested in how we share our love of nature with children and seeing camp in motion this summer. Tim is an avid birdwatcher and photographer and enjoys kayaking, hiking, and spending time with his grandchildren. 

A warm Wildwood welcome to Tim!

Two weekends of Wildwood Getaways left!

Fall at Wildwood is absolutely beautiful and we have two more weekends left where you can come and spend some time as a family here at camp.
Friday October 1 – Sunday October 3
Friday October 8 – Monday October 11.

The view across Hubbard Pond in autumn.

You can choose from any of the following lodging options:

  • Bring your own tent: $85/night
  • Yurt / Wooden Tent: $110/night
  • Cabins: $120/night (cabins have electricity)

We will assign one family only to each unit. Each unit has a firepit, wood, sink, toilets, picnic table, trash & recycle cans. Families bring their own bedding, personal items, food, and all cooking/cleaning gear.

The waterfront is open from 10:00 am–noon and 2:00–5:00 pm , starting on Friday at 2:00 and ending on Sunday at 5:00pm and is included in the nightly rate. Waterfront activities include canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding & swimming.

The shower house is a shared space and families can chose to shower at any point over the weekend.

Check in anytime after 1:00 on Friday and leave on Sunday anytime before 6:00pm.

Call the office today and register your spot while you still can. ! 603-899-5589

Learn More and Reserve Your Getaway Today!

Four campers walking down the road, one carrying a tie-dyed Wildwood blanket

Wildwood 2021: Session 4, Part 3

It’s hard to believe Session 4 is almost over! We are soaking up as much of summer as we can with lots of Gaga ball, swimming, paddling, arts & crafts, nature walks, and Chill Zone time as we can here at Wildwood.

Campers have been making a lot of things: friends, works of art, and a big splash, to name a few! Check out a few photo highlights below and then head over to the SmugMug album to see more summer fun from Session 4.

Fun in the sun on the splash pad
Fun in the sun on the splash pad
Archers, you may fire your first arrow!
Archers, you may fire your first arrow!
Four campers walking down the road, one carrying a tie-dyed Wildwood blanket
Nice blanket!!
Making drip paintings during DGs
Making drip paintings during DGs
This week's lineup of Discovery Groups is poppin!
This week’s lineup of Discovery Groups is poppin!
A sign on a tree that reads, "If you love nature, you will find beauty everywhere. —Vincent Van Gogh"
“If you love nature, you will find beauty everywhere. —Vincent Van Gogh”
A mushroom, a leaf, and partridgeberries surrounding a stump
Nature Moment!
Gaga ball in our new ball pit is awesome
Gaga ball in our new ball pit is awesome
Incredible jump to avoid the Gaga ball!
Incredible jump to avoid the Gaga ball!
Curious creative crafts involving oranges (Entertainment with Eben DG)
Curious creative crafts involving oranges (Entertainment with Eben DG)
Playing a game in the kayaks and canoes involving a wet sponge and a lot of laughter

Wildwood 2021: Session 4, Part 2

Session 4 has been filled with activities, adventures, and lots of smiles. On Friday, we got the much-anticipated “all clear” to take our masks off and see even more of those camper smiles we love so much!

Mornings are spent in our Nature Groups, where campers spend time ponding and looking for aquatic wildlife, playing nature-themed games to demonstrate ecological systems like abundance and scarcity or food webs, and learning all about Things With Wings. One group even had teams building their own bird nests, which were judged based on sturdiness, protectiveness, and “swag”.

Afternoon Discovery Groups (DGs) bring lots of options for fun activities like archery and Ultimate Frisbee at the activity field, and games like Knockout on the basketball court and Nukem on the volleyball court.

And of course, there’s the ropes course, where campers can take Mary Schmich’s advice and “Do one thing every day that scares you.” It’s always fun to see apprehensive faces change to laughter and big smiles when kids take the leap from the zipline platform and challenge their fears head-on. In one funny moment, the zipline instructor asked “Is the line clear?”, but for once the answer was “No!” There was a Wood Thrush chilling on the zipline, so we had to wait a minute for it to fly away!

Head over to SmugMug to see an album with some photo highlights from session four. Two-week campers should be returning from their overnight trip soon, and we can’t wait to hear some stories from their adventure!

Big smiles on the zipline
Big smiles on the zipline
Taking the big leap from the zipline platform
Taking the big leap from the zipline platform
This Wood Thrush seemed to want to try the zipline, too
This Wood Thrush seemed to want to try the zipline, too
Ultimate Frisbee on the activity field
Ultimate Frisbee on the activity field
Carson unit enjoying lunch together
Carson unit enjoying lunch together
He found a fish during ponding!
He found a fish during ponding!
Playing a game in the kayaks and canoes involving a wet sponge and a lot of laughter
Think fast! Playing a game in the kayaks and canoes involving a wet sponge and a lot of laughter
Camp friends are the best friends!
Camp friends are the best friends!
Nets are for ponding, not wearing, goofballs!
Nets are for ponding, not wearing, goofballs!
Cannonbaaaall!!!!

Wildwood 2021: Session 4, Part 1

Welcome, welcome, welcome, Session 4! We’re so excited you’re here. Monday was a busy day as campers adjusted to their new routine and completed their swim checks at the waterfront.

Our first afternoon of Discovery Groups included volleyball, archery, ropes course challenges, playing with Oobleck, table games, and making Shrinky Dinks in Arts & Crafts.

During Open Activity Time (OATs as we like to call it), the line for the Camp Store stretched to the end of the fence as campers swarmed in for their shirts, swag, tchotchkes, and, of course, Crystal Light packs.

Meanwhile, other campers couldn’t wait to get swimming and rushed down to the waterfront with their swimsuits and towels, ready to make a splash. “Imagine NOT jumping right into the water on the first day of camp!” said one camper as he executed a near-perfect cannonball.

We’re off to a great start and can’t wait for even more camp fun this week! Check out a few highlights below and view the full photo album on SmugMug.

Volleyball/Nukem Discovery Group
Volleyball/Nukem Discovery Group
Honing our archery skills at the range
Honing our archery skills at the range
Playing with Oobleck outside the dining hall
Playing with Oobleck outside the dining hall
Camp days are busy, so sometimes a chill game of Connect Four is just the ticket
Camp days are busy, so sometimes a chill game of Connect Four is just the ticket
Leopold campers waiting (mostly) patiently for their swim check
Leopold campers waiting (mostly) patiently for their swim check
The water's fine, jump on in!
The water’s fine, jump on in!
Cannonbaaaall!!!!
Cannonbaaaall!!!!
Slip-n-slides are the best on a hot summer day!

Wildwood 2021: Session 3, Part 3 – Camp Carnival!

“Look! It’s got a waterslide!” said the first camper to round the corner of the shower house and see the epic Camp Carnival setup on the games field yesterday afternoon. And what a perfect way to wrap up a great session!

The campers had an absolute blast doing lap after lap on the waterslide, dual slip-n-slide, and Bootcamp Challenge climbing element: don’t let the water-splattered grimaces in some of the photos fool you—these campers were grinning from ear to ear and dashing back to the end of the line to go again!

Party music blasted over the speakers as campers bounced around between volleyball, inflatable tic-tac-toe, the temporary tattoo station, and various field games. But, of course, the longest line was for the Sno Kone machine!

So, parents and families, we did our absolute best to help our dear campers burn off some energy before your arrival for pickup today, which will be a bittersweet farewell for sure. Here’s one last look at Session 3 and then it’s on to the final overnight camp session of 2021 on Sunday! Where is the summer going???

Check out the full album on SmugMug!

Coming in hot on the slip-n-slide
Coming in hot on the slip-n-slide
Chickadee helping campers write "Warm Fuzzies" with positive messages for their fellow campers and staff
Chickadee helping campers write “Warm Fuzzies” with positive messages for their fellow campers and staff
Making a splash on the water slide
Making a splash on the water slide
Taking flight on the Bootcamp Challenge element
Taking flight on the Bootcamp Challenge element
The volleyball masters of Session 3
The volleyball masters of Session 3
Showing off some new temporary tattoos
Showing off some new temporary tattoos
Slip-n-slides are the best on a hot summer day!
Slip-n-slides are the best on a hot summer day!