BROADMOOR NATURE CAMP

Discover. Explore. Be Outside.

2020

At Broadmoor Nature Camp in Natick, kids ages 4–14 do what comes naturally: explore, have fun, and make friends! Campers experience nature and create lifelong memories through guided outdoor explorations, games, hands-on activities, and crafts. They come to understand their place in nature, as well as the importance of preserving it. Small group sizes ensure that campers stay safe and engaged with role models who are creative, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic.

Welcome to Broadmoor Nature Camp!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Call 508-655-2296 Email broadmoorcamp@massaudubon.org Visit massaudubon.org/broadmoorcamp

OUR CAMP DIRECTORMelissa Hansen has been Broadmoor’s Camp Director and Education Coordinator for over 15 years. When she is not facilitating camp, she’s developing and leading school programs and teacher professional development workshops. Melissa has worked at nature-based school and camp programs in Maine, Rhode Island, and California. She has a Master of Science degree in environmental education and a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology.

A DAY AT CAMP8:00–9:00 am Optional Before-Camp Program

9:00–9:30 am Welcome & Social Games

9:30 am Nature Theme Introduction, Activities, & Games

10:15 am Morning Snack Break

10:30 am Nature Exploration & Investigation

12:00 pm Lunch

12:30–1:00 pm Half-Day Campers: Activity & Wrap-up

12:30 pm Full Day Campers: Nature Exploration, Activities, & Games

2:30 pm Camper Wrap-up

3:00–3:15 pm Camper Pick-up

3:00–5:30 pm Optional After-Camp Program

OUR CAMP EDUCATORSOur staff is passionate about sharing the joy and excitement of the outdoors with children. Sessions are staffed by Lead Educators who are mostly college graduates with proven camp leadership experience, and by Assistant Educators who are at least 17 years old and have experience supervising children. All undergo a rigorous interview process that includes reference and background checks, and they receive training in safety, child development, and nature study.

THIS YEAR’S THEME: CELEBRATE NATURE’S OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS!

While campers won’t be swimming in the marsh or performing gymnastics, they will explore the myriad of Olympic-worthy skills and places found in nature. See each group for specific focus and activities this summer.

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Creature Power June 22–26; July 13–17; August 3–7 Find plants and animals that appear to have superpowers: ants that can lift things much bigger than themselves, beavers that change forests into ponds, and vines that can climb trees to reach the sun. Make a craft and draw a “creature report” at the end of each day, play games about adaptations, and discover that by taking care of nature, you have superpowers too!

Animal Olympics June 29–July 3; July 20–24 Hop like a bunny, wiggle like a snake, compare your jumps to a frog’s jumps, and flap your arms like the wing beats of different birds. Watch how animals move and use their bodies and make crafts each day to decide which animal would win if there was an animal Olympics. At the end of the week, participate in an obstacle course.

Little Scientists July 6–10; July 27–31 Focusing on one sense each day, investigate the world around you like scientists: look close-up with a magnifying glass, use your hands to hear like an owl, wet your nose to smell like a coyote, and feel soft fuzzy leaves and cold lumpy stones. Explore how some animal senses work differently—like how butterflies taste with their feet—play the games like Camouflage and Sleeping Giant, follow a scent trail, take a Deer Ears Sensory Hike, and create sensory crafts each day.

Ages 4 & 5Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–1:00 pm

$340 per one-week session

DISCOVERERS

Seussical Science June 22–26; July 13–17; August 3–7 Inspired by a Dr. Seuss book each day, Discoverers will focus on the message of the story to investigate and learn about nature. Care about the smallest creatures like Horton and wonder what comes down from the sky like Bartholomew. Play games about biodiversity, make crafts about unique animal features such as wings and flippers, experiment with oobleck, and create your own conservation messages.

Animal Olympics June 29–July 3; July 20–24; August 10–14 Discover animals that possess amazing abilities, pretend to be animals, play games, and make crafts each day. Who is the better jumper—frog, bunny, or grasshopper? Decide which would win if there was an animal Olympics. Help create and participate in an obstacle course at the end of the week to show off animal athletic abilities!

Water Mysteries July 6–10; July 27–31 Follow the journey of a water drop using our oversized dice game, then embark on a week of exploring where water is found in nature. Work with fellow campers to create a map of Broadmoor’s streams and ponds, sing and dance The Water Cycle Boogie, experiment to discover how plants use water and how water moves in the soil, catch and watch animals that live in the water, and make a water cycle mobile craft.

Ages 5 & 6 Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm

$405 per one-week session

CURIOSITY CLUB

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Habitat Olympics June 22–26; July 20–24 Would you live in the tip-top of a tree, in a burrow beneath the roots, or in a crack between plates of bark? Explore the many places that creatures call home throughout the sanctuary, and decide which ones are the best. Do your best beaver impression trying to dam a stream and play Succession Tag to see how meadows become forests. Pretend to be animals competing for resources when you play Oh Deer! Sing The Habitat Song to learn about different environments, then create mini habitats for your favorite plant or animal to show off to other campers.

Animal Transformations June 29–July 3; August 10–14 Map out the different life cycles of local amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects. Sing the Metamorphosis song, play the frog version of Rock-Paper-Scissors, look in a nest box where baby birds hatched, run in the game Life Cycle Relay, and use bird puppets with special beaks and other features try to survive in the special activity, Darwin’s Finches.

Magic Nature Quest** July 6–17; July 27–August 7 Let your imagination drive your curiosity and go on daily quests to solve nature mysteries. After seeing a flash of pink swim beneath the water at the vernal pool, look for evidence of mermaids or freshwater shrimp. Explore each day for magical creatures and fantastical realms, like dragons in the grass or castles in a forest. Observe like a scientist, make crafts that merge fantasy and reality, and create a scavenger hunt.

Wild Olympics June 22–26; July 20–24 Investigate the wildest abilities in nature: camouflage champions, most attractive colors, least attractive smells, and the strangest adaptations! Find wild nature contestants throughout the sanctuary, play games like Camouflage and Adaptation Creation, and create scavenger hunts to help others learn about your gold medal winners!

Glaciers to Dirt June 29–July 3; August 10–14 Manipulate blocks of ice to carve glacial features into dirt to better understand Broadmoor’s glacier-carved landscape, hike the highest and lowest elevation trails, and identify features like eskers and kettle ponds. Dig beneath the soil to learn about layers of earth, soil composition, and animals living in the soil. Test soil samples daily for pH, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. Learn songs about how rocks form, put on mini play about how rocks break down, and make some edible earth crafts.

Nature Engineers** July 6–17; July 27–August 7 Delve into how animals in nature build structures, from spider webs to beaver dams, and look to nature for inspiration of how you can use biomimicry to redesign human structures. Build lean-to and leaf hut shelters using only natural materials, create miniature zoos for insects, and make mini boats out of natural materials, then launch them in the water. Take your engineering skills to new levels—with the guidance of skilled professionals, use a variety of hand-held tools to help improve and relocate some of Broadmoor’s trails. End your session with a camp-out in tents at Broadmoor, where you will help build the campfire to roast marshmallows and go on a night hike. The overnights take place on Thursday July 16 and August 6. Pickup is at 9 am Friday morning (there is no camp the Friday after the overnight).

NATURALISTSAges 7 & 8Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm

$405 per one-week session | $785 per two-week session**

EXPLORERS Ages 9 & 10 Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm

$405 per one-week session | $865 per two-week session**

This year I saw a real difference in the types of things that my son got to do -- he felt so accomplished through actually making a new trail, and came away with new confidence and also new knowledge about survival skills.

— 2019 Camp Parent

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EXPLORERS

Water Olympics June 29–July 3; July 20–24; August 10–14 Canoe various stretches of the Charles River with certified, experienced staff who provide guidance on technical paddling and water safety practice. Improve your maneuverability and control as you play Canoe Football and participate in boat races. Dip nets under the water for aquatic creatures and watch for plants and animals that call the shoreline home. Chart unique abilities and determine which animal gets the gold for aquatic athletic ability, strength, and versatility.

Ecosystem BioBlitz** July 6–17 Use protocol like Caterpillars Count and digital tools like eBird and iNaturalist to track and identify plant and animal life as you survey and compare each environment. Your adventures will have you paddling canoes and kayaks through rivers and trekking through Ponkapoag Bog, local conservation areas, parks, and reservations. One day, help relocate trails at Broadmoor and look for fossorial creatures—those living underground. Culminate the session camping in the dorms at Mass Audubon’s Chickatawbut Hill in Milton, watching and listening for nocturnal animals, and exploring the Blue Hills’ rocky terrain for unique species. The 2-night overnight starts at regular drop-off at Broadmoor on July 15; camp ends at 12 pm on July 17 at Broadmoor.

Adapting to a Changing World** July 27–August 7 Experience relationships occurring in nature from competition to predator-prey adaptations as you play games and investigate wildlife and plants during field trips to nearby natural areas. Delve into the strategies and adaptations that are advantageous to organisms when the environment is changing because of habitat disruption, changing cycles of precipitation, introduced species, and more. At Broadmoor, with the guidance of skilled professionals, use a variety of hand-held tools to help us adapt—improve and relocate trails to reduce impacts to the natural communities, while also helping people have better access to the sanctuary. Learn why these changes are needed and gain skills with trail cutting techniques. End the session with an overnight at Wildwood, Mass Audubon’s overnight camp in Rindge, New Hampshire, and hike up Mount Monadnock. The 2-night overnight starts at regular drop-off at Broadmoor on August 5; camp ends at 12 pm on August 7 at Broadmoor.

Ages 11–14Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm

$530 per one-week session | $1,365 per two-week session**

Campers will travel off-site most days.

VOYAGERS

— 2019 Camp Parent

TO REGISTER FOR CAMP Visit massaudubon.org/broadmoorcamp Call 508-655-2296

REGISTRATION CONFIRMATIONA confirmation e-mail containing important documents and information will be sent once your camper’s registration has been processed.

DEPOSITA nonrefundable deposit is required to register for camp as follows: $100/camper/one-week session $200/camper/two-week session. The deposit will be applied to your camp tuition and cannot be transferred to another camper, family, or camp location. If registering after May 15, payment in full is required (unless a payment plan has been established with the Camp Director).

REFUND POLICYA full refund, minus the nonrefundable deposit, is provided to camp families who cancel in writing on or before May 15. After May 15 no refund is available. Deposits are not transferable, and refunds are not given for participant dismissal, failure to attend, absence, or sick days. If we must cancel a session, you will receive a full refund.

MEMBERSHIP & DISCOUNTSMass Audubon membership at the Family level or above is required to register for camp. To qualify, your membership must be current through your camper’s last session, and you must be the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of the camper being enrolled. Membership can be purchased or renewed at the time of registration.

PAYMENT PLANSPayment plan options are available. Please contact the Camp Director for more information.

IMPORTANT DEADLINESAll camp forms, waivers, and the balance of your camp tuition are due by May 15. If registering after May 15, payment in full is required and a specific camp form deadline will be set for you. A fee of $25 per camper will be charged for incomplete or late forms, waivers, or payments. A camper cannot attend camp and his/her spot is not guaranteed until all forms, waivers, and payments are completed.

CAMPER REQUIREMENTSCampers are expected to meaningfully participate in age-appropriate activities, including outdoor exploration and nature study. To ensure a successful camp experience, please discuss any pertinent information regarding your child’s needs with the Camp Director. We can accommodate on a case-by-case basis in order to establish the best strategy for a great summer camp experience. All campers must follow stated behavior expectations and safety rules. The Camp Director reserves the right to dismiss a camper when, in his/her judgment, the camper’s behavior interferes with the rights of others or the smooth functioning of the group or activity, or violates the camp’s behavior policy. In such cases no refunds will be provided. If you have any questions regarding your child’s ability to participate successfully in our camp program, please contact the Camp Director.

CAMP LICENSEOur camp complies with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the Natick Board of Health.

ACA ACCREDITATIONWe are proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. Developed

exclusively for the camp industry, this nationally recognized program focuses on program quality, and health and safety, management, and camp operations.

CAMP POLICY REQUESTS You may request copies of our background check, healthcare, discipline, bullying, and grievance policies at any time.

SESSION TRANSFERSSessions transfer requests will be honored if there is space available and if a request is made at least two weeks prior to the session start date, after which time transfers are not permitted.

CAMP OVERNIGHTSExplorers and Voyagers attending a two-week session will have an overnight at the end of their second week. Camp will end Friday at 9:00 am for Explorers, and Friday at 12 pm for Voyagers. Your camp registration confirmation will include details and a form to be completed in advance of the overnight. Staff will communicate about meals, activities, and supplies during the first week of your camper’s session. We encourage camp families to contribute to this shared community experience by lending tents when possible.

CAMP CONTACT INFORMATIONMelissa Hansen, Camp Director & Education Coordinator

280 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 508-315-6720 broadmoorcamp@massaudubon.org massaudubon.org/broadmoorcamp

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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FINANCIAL AIDFinancial assistance is available based on demonstrated

economic need and available funds, and is generally limited

to one session per child; however, all applications are

considered. Applications are due by May 15. Please call the

Camp Director to request an application or download one at

massaudubon.org/campforms.

DETAILS AT massaudubon.org/kidstocamp

6/22–6/26 6/29–7/3 7/6–7/10 7/13–7/17 7/20–7/24 7/27–7/31 8/3–8/7 8/10–8/14

CURIOSITY CLUB

Creature Power $340

Animal Olympics

$340

Little Scientists

$340

Creature Power $340

Animal Olympics

$340

Little Scientists

$340

Creature Power $340

DISCOVERERSSeussical Science

$405

Animal Olympics

$405

Water Mysteries

$405

Seussical Science

$405

Animal Olympics

$405

Water Mysteries

$405

Seussical Science

$405

Animal Olympics

$405

NATURALISTSHabitat

Olympics $405

Animal Transformations

$405

Magic Nature Quest $785

Habitat Olympics

$405

Magic Nature Quest $785

Animal Transformations

$405

EXPLORERS

Wild Olympics $405

Glaciers to Dirt $405

Nature Engineers $865

Wild Olympics

$405

Nature Engineers $865

Glaciers to Dirt $405

VOYAGERS

Water Olympics

$530

Ecosystem BioBlitz $1365

Water Olympics

$530

Adapting to a Changing World $1365

Water Olympics

$530

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Before & After Camp OptionsCampers have fun playing in the Nature Play Area, making crafts, playing card games and engaging in physical activities with games of ball and tag. Options will vary day to day and week to week. Please note: After-Camp is available to all camper groups except the Curiosity Club, as their day ends at 1:00 pm. Campers enrolled in sessions with an overnight do not need to enroll in After-Camp the day of their overnight. There is no After Camp on Friday, August 14; fees have been prorated that week. When registering online, you will be offered the chance to enroll in extended day options after you have selected camp sessions.

Mass Audubon’s overnight camp in New Hampshire

• Overnight Camp, ages 8–14

• Wildwood Warblers, ages 7–8

• Teen Adventure Trips, grades 9–12

• Environmental Leadership Program, grades 10–11

• Counselors-in-Training, grade 12

• Family Camp, all ages!

Visit massaudubon.org/wildwood or call 866-627-2267 to learn

more and register.

BEFORE CAMP Ages 4–14 • 8:00–9:00 am | $11 per day; $50 per week

AFTER CAMP Ages 5–14 • 3:00–5:30 pm | $27.50 per day; $125 per week (August 10–13 week prorated: $100)

There’s more to explore!

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BROADMOOR NATURE CAMP 2020

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary280 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage PaidNatick, MA 01760

Permit No. 8

Mass Audubon protects more than 38,000 acres

of land throughout Massachusetts, saving birds and

other wildlife, and making nature accessible to all. As

Massachusetts’ largest nature conservation nonprofit,

we welcome more than a half million visitors a year to

our wildlife sanctuaries and nature centers. Today, Mass

Audubon is a nationally recognized environmental

education leader, offering thousands of camp, school,

and adult programs. With more than 135,000 members

and supporters, we advocate on Beacon Hill and

beyond, and conduct conservation research to preserve

the natural heritage of our beautiful state. We welcome

you to explore a nearby sanctuary, find inspiration, and

get involved. Learn how at massaudubon.org.

Printed on recycled paperwith soy-based ink

My camper said that this was the best camp that he has ever attended. He

particularly liked this camp because of the freedom that canoeing allowed, rather

than having structured activities that only last 45 minutes, like some camps.

— 2019 Camp Parent

An expansive retreat along Indian Brook and the Charles

River, Broadmoor is an ever-changing environment

teeming with wildlife: dragonflies darting, turtles

basking, otters leaving tracks in the mud or snow, and

more than 150 species of birds. Easy-to-moderate well-

groomed trails lead you through the shade of mature

woodlands into open fields and along the edges of

vibrant streams, ponds, and marshland.

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary