Wild About Nature
Ages 9-11 (entering 4th grade – entering 6th grade)
Camp Information
Fee: $385/wk ($345 for multiple children/weeks)
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 26 – 30 – I Will Survive!
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.
Week 2: July 3 – 7 (no camp on July 4) – From Sun to Snakes
Reduced fee ($320) due to a 4 day week
Did you know that all living things have a bit of the sun’s energy inside them? During this action-packed week we will work our way up a local food chain! We will start by taking a closer look at some of our native plants (and perhaps gaining energy from them by eating some tasty berries…) and then each day look for an organism higher up on the food chain, ending with one of our stealthiest predators, owls. Catching butterflies, dragonflies, toads, snakes, and salamanders will all be on the agenda!
Week 3: July 10 – 14 – Salamanders, Snakes, and Turtles
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 4: July 17 – 21 – 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 5: July 24 – 28 – I Will Survive II
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.
Week 6: July 31 – August 4 – 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 7: August 7 – 11 – 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 8: August 14 – 18 – Tracking and Trailing
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!
Cancellation policy: If a week or weeks of camp need to be cancelled due to COVID-19, all camp families will receive a full refund.
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.