Wild About Nature
Pioneers Registration

Ages 9-11 (entering 4th grade – entering 6th grade)

Camp Information

Fee: $385/wk (10% discount for multiple children/weeks)
$150/wk non-refundable deposit due at registration
Schedule: 9am drop-off; 3pm pick-up (4pm pick-up option for an additional $65/child)
Group size: 12 campers, 2 counselors

Week 1: June 24 – 28 – Wild Woodcrafting

The natural world provides us with a wealth of building materials such as wood, vines, leaves, and even pine sap. During this week at camp, we will roam the forests of Camp Denison, collecting these materials, and putting them to good use. We will build miniature sailboats, shelters, bows and arrows, rafts, and perhaps even a catapult using only what nature has to offer. You’ll be amazed by all that you can create!

Week 2: July 1 – 3 (no camp on July 4-5) – Tracking and Trailing

Reduced fee ($230) due to a 3 day week

In order to be a great tracker, you must be patient and sneaky; are you up for the challenge? Spend a week learning how to find game trails, identify tracks and animal sign, as well as how to sneak up on unsuspecting prey. We will hone our stalking skills and learn how to camouflage our bodies and our scents. By the end of the week, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled tracker!

Week 3 at Camp Denison: July 8 – 12 – It’s Art, Naturally

The natural world is often the inspiration for great works of art. During this week, we will hike the trails of Camp Denison seeking inspiration and appreciating the beautiful scenery of Baldpate Pond. Campers will experiment with different mediums such as acrylic, watercolors, and clay. Become a true nature artist!

Week 3 at Hood’s Pond: July 8 – 12 – Ecosystem Insanity

Fee for Hood’s Pond weeks are $425

Spend a week exploring the diverse habitats around Hood’s Pond! Campers will search fields, forests, and wetlands for native animals while learning a bit more about what makes these ecosystems work. Campers will be challenged to make their own soil, catch frogs and dragonflies, and to create a terrarium based on their favorite ecosystem. Become an ecosystem expert!

Week 4: July 15 – 19 – Introduction to Adventure

A week for adventurous 9–11-year olds! This session will include a mix of moderate mountain biking, canoeing on Baldpate Pond, as well as hiking to the far reaches of Baldpate State Forest and Camp Denison to learning basic wilderness skills. This week is perfect for active campers who want to push the boundaries of exploration!

Week 5 at Camp Denison: July 22 – 26 – Animal Engineers

There are a plethora of animals that have an impressive set of engineering skills. Beavers build dams and lodges; birds build their nests. Put your skills to the test! Spend the week building dams, nests, animal homes, human-sized shelters, and boats!

Week 5 at Hood’s Pond: July 22 – 26 – Art by the Pond

Fee for Hood’s Pond weeks are $425

The natural world is often the inspiration for great works of art. During this week, we explore the edges of Hood’s Pond seeking inspiration and appreciating the beautiful scenery. Campers will experiment with different mediums such as acrylic, watercolors, and clay. Become a true nature artist!

Week 6: July 29 – August 2 – Wild Woodcrafting II

The natural world provides us with a wealth of building materials such as wood, vines, leaves, and even pine sap. During this week at camp, we will roam the forests of Camp Denison, collecting these materials, and putting them to good use. We will build miniature sailboats, shelters, bows and arrows, rafts, and perhaps even a catapult using only what nature has to offer. You’ll be amazed by all that you can create!

Week 7: August 5 – 9 – Salamanders, Snakes, and Turtles – Oh My!

Do you know what a herpetologist is? (Psst – it’s someone who studies reptiles and amphibians.) Do you think you have what it takes to become one? During this week, campers will scour the woodlands and wetlands of Camp Denison for the myriad species of snakes, frogs, turtles, and salamanders that make Massachusetts home.

Week 8: August 12 – 16 – I Will Survive!

No 4pm pick up option this week

If you decided to live in the woods, would you be able to survive? During this extremely popular week, we will provide you with the basic skills you need to make a “comfortable” home in the woods. Try your hand at building a weatherproof shelter, learn what plants are safe to eat, attempt to catch “large” game like fish and frogs using primitive tools, and learn how to start a fire without matches. While you may not be ready to leave your life of comfort, by the end of the week you’ll have the skills to do so.

Cancellation policy: If a day of camp need to be cancelled due to severe weather, all camp families will receive a full refund for that day.

All payments are fully refundable prior to May 1 (less deposit). After May 1, a refund is only available if we can fill your camper’s spot off our wait list.