HABITAT NATURE DAY CAMP

Discover. Explore. Be Outside.

2020

Habitat Nature Day Camp in Belmont has been engaging children since 1974. We are committed to providing quality outdoor experiences that are guided by a philosophy of discovery. Our motto is: Explore, Question, Connect!

We encourage campers, ages 4–15, to explore their surroundings and discover new interests and talents. We want them to question and challenge their understanding of nature and their place within it. And we strive to create a community that connects campers in lasting friendships.

We hope that your child will come to love Habitat and its camp program as so many have in the past.

Welcome to Habitat Nature Day Camp!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Call 617-489-5050

Email jhiggins@massaudubon.org

Visit massaudubon.org/habitatcamp

OUR CAMP DIRECTORCamp is directed by Jane Higgins, who joined Habitat Education Center in 2000. Whether Jane is searching for caterpillars with Ramblers, singing songs with Explorers, or teaching animal adaptations to Ecologists, a day at camp is a good day!

A DAY AT CAMP 9:00–9:30 am Camper Drop-off & Choice Time Activities

9:30–9:45 am Opening Circle

9:45 am–12:00 pm Camper Group Time

12:00–1:00 pm Lunch & Free Time

1:00–3:00 pm Camper Group Time or Options

3:00–3:15 pm Closing Circle

3:15–3:45 pm Camper Pick-up

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

After Camp

Options

From the get go, we

have been nothing

but impressed by the

entire Habitat staff. The

camp counselors are all

amazing. The atmosphere

is so warm, welcoming,

and encouraging—you

have truly created a

special place.

OUR CAMP STAFF Camp staff are carefully hired for their maturity and caring attitude toward children. They are environmental educators, teachers, and camp instructors—many of whom are former Habitat campers! Each member of the staff provides enthusiasm for outdoor exploration and a passion for education. Small group sizes ensure that campers stay safe and engaged.

All staff must pass a background check and receive training in safety, child development, and nature study prior to the start of camp. Lead instructors are certified in first aid and CPR. 2

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Ramblers Entering Pre-K, Age 4 by June 1 9:00 am–12:00 pm$485 per sessionRamble through the woods, using your senses to investigate the world around you. Get to know the plants and animals that can be found at Habitat as well as in your own backyard.

Pathfinders Entering K, Age 5 by June 19:00 am–3:00 pm$930 per sessionDiscover Habitat! Choose a path to follow and uncover Habitat’s secret places. Go on a hike to search for critters in the places where they live and grow. Learn what makes different animals unique and what we have in common with them

Explorers Entering Grades 1–49:00 am–3:30 pm$980 per sessionDive into Turtle Pond. Crawl under logs. Hide in the meadow. Climb through the forest layers. Visit Habitat’s many different habitats to find out who lives there and how they survive. Choose from a variety of afternoon activities, such as nature crafts, cooking, outdoor skills, science projects, hikes, and fun games. Finish the day with camp songs, silly stories, and a visit from the Trash Basher, Habitat’s rejecter of refuse.

Ecologists Entering Grades 5–7 9:00 am–3:30 pm $1,035 per session Deepen your understanding of how nature works by hiking around Habitat and nearby conservation areas. Take a closer look at soil, water, plants, and animal populations. Discover how they’re all connected in a fascinating web of life. Explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield by canoe. Complete the experience by sleeping under the stars at Habitat.

Day Camp ProgramsSession 1: June 29–July 10 Session 2: July 13–24 Session 3: July 27–August 7 Session 4: August 10–21

ECOLOGISTS FIELD TRIPS & OVERNIGHTS Session 1Field Trip: July 2 Overnight: July 9*

Session 2Field Trip: July 16 Overnight: July 23*

Session 3 Field Trip: July 30 Overnight: August 6*

Session 4Field Trip: August 13 Overnight: August 20*

*Please note: Camp ends at 9:00 am on Friday morning after the overnight.

After Camp

Options

This optional extended-day program is available for our two-week

and theme-week session campers. It is not available for Ramblers or

Sensational Senses. Campers are given a snack and can choose from

activities such as hiking, free play, arts and crafts, and nature games.

Pre-registration is required.

3:00–5:30 pm | $28 per day

Campers may register in ONE two-week session.

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Trekkers

Session 1 • June 29–July 10 Day Trips: June 30, July 6, 7 Western Greenway, Harvard Forest, Emerald Necklace Conservancy Camping Trips: July 1-3, July 8-10 New Hampshire, Central Massachusetts

Session 2 • July 13–24 Day Trips: July 14, 20, 21 Western Greenway, Ravenswood Park, Alewife Brook Reservation Camping Trips: July 15-17, 22-24 Plymouth County, Massachusetts; Connecticut

Session 3 • July 27–August 7 Day Trips: July 28, August 3, 4 Western Greenway, Emerald Necklace Conservancy, Ravenswood Park Camping Trips: July 29–31, August 5–7 Plymouth County, Massachusetts; New Hampshire

Session 4 • August 10–21 Day Trips: August 11, 17, 18 Western Greenway, Harvard Forest, Alewife Brook Reservation Camping Trips: August 12–14, 19–21 Connecticut, Central Massachusetts

Entering Grades 7–99:00 am–3:30 pm $1,365 per session

Are you ready for a challenge? Explore farther and observe deeper. Spend two weeks learning the effects of climate change on New England’s rivers, lakes, and seacoast. Discover what efforts are being made on the local level to lessen its impact and ways that you can make a difference.

ExpeditionersEntering Grades 9–109:00 am–3:30 pm $1,740 per session

Session 2 • Lakes & Rivers | July 13–24 Day Trip: July 14 Nashua River Camping Trips: July 15–17, July 20–24 Montague State Forest, Massachusetts; Squam Lake, New Hampshire

Session 3 • New England Seacoast | July 27–August 7 Day Trip: July 28 World’s End Camping Trips: July 29–30, August 3–7 Boston Harbor Islands; Cape Cod; Prudence Island, Rhode Island

Rock walls traverse forests and fields. Wetlands have been created and removed to accommodate urbanization. Through day trips and campouts, campers will observe how humans have altered the landscape of New England in both positive and negative ways.

Are you looking for something fun to do this summer? Do you enjoy working with children? Gain valuable leadership experience and community service hours as you assist our teachers in directing nature activities and supervising campers enrolled in our Pathfinders and Explorers programs. LITs play games, read stories, participate in skits, and prepare materials for activities. Each LIT has the opportunity to lead an activity with campers.

Leaders-in-Training (LIT)Entering Grades 9–11June–August

8:15 am–4:15 pm | $580 per session

To be eligible for this program, LITs must participate in training (June 22-26; 9:00 am–3:30 pm) and be available for at least one, two-week camp session. LITs will receive additional information and forms upon registration.

Please contact the Camp Director with questions.

Sensational Senses Entering Pre-K, Age 4 by June 1 June 22–26 | 9:00 am-12:00 pm | $245 Stop, look, listen, feel, and taste! Nature has many secrets that will tickle your senses. Find out how animals use their senses to find food, their homes, and each other.

Wild about Water Entering K, Age 5 by June 1 June 22-26 | 9:00 am–3:00 pm | $465 Scope out Habitat’s ponds and vernal pools! Discover the amazing adaptations of the creatures from the deep. Learn why objects float or sink and how water travels around the world from ocean to cloud to puddles in our own backyards.

Outdoor Adventure Entering Grades 1-4June 22-26 | 9:00 am–3:30 pm | $490 Can you survive in the wild? Develop skills of animal tracking, plant identification, and shelter-building as you explore Habitat. Learn to find your way with and without a map. Get to know the principles of "Leave No Trace" so that you are prepared for any adventure!

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Theme CampPrograms

Mass Audubon’s overnight camp in New Hampshire

Expeditioners

• 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.

There’s more to explore!

Entering Grades 9–11June–August

8:15 am–4:15 pm | $580 per session

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.

All camp spaces are filled through a lottery system.

Summer camp registrations must be submitted separate from public program registrations and must be received by 4:00 pm on Monday, January 14 to be included in the lottery.

TO REGISTER FOR CAMP

Please mail or bring the camp registration form and payment to Habitat Nature Day Camp. One child per registration form, please. Children from the same family may be sent in the same envelope and deposits can be on the same check. We strongly encourage you to include second choices.

REGISTRATION CONFIRMATIONA confirmation email will be sent once your camper’s registration has been processed. If the session you choose is full, you will be placed on a waitlist and be notified by email. No phone calls or emails, please.

DEPOSITA nonrefundable deposit is required to register for camp as follows:

One-Week Sessions: $50/camper/sessionTwo-Week Sessions: $100/camper/session

The deposit will be applied to your camp tuition and cannot be transferred to another camper, family, or camp location. If you are placed on a waitlist, your deposit check will be shredded. If registering after May 15, payment in full is required (unless a payment plan has been established with the Camp Director). If you are registering more than one child, you can include multiple deposits on the same check.

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 We require that all campers be members of Mass Audubon at the Family level. If you are not already a member, please include $65 with your deposits. Registrations with inactive or no membership will be processed at the end of the lottery.

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 1. If registering after May 15, payment in full is required and a specific camp form deadline will be set for you. A camper cannot attend camp and his/her spot is not guaranteed until all forms, waivers, and payments are completed (or a payment plan has been established). A fee of $25 per camper will be charged for incomplete or late forms and payment.

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 special 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 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 Belmont 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, health and safety, management, and camp operations.

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

BUDDY REQUESTSOne buddy request per camper will be honored when possible. Both campers must be the same age and both must request each other. All buddy requests must be made in writing at least two weeks prior to the first day of your camper’s session. Please indicate on your registration form if you would like your camper to be placed with a friend of the same age.

CARPOOL REQUESTSIf you would like to be added to the carpool list, please circle ‘yes’ on your registration form and your information will be shared with other interested families. Carpool lists will be distributed in June.

T-SHIRTSAll campers will receive a camp t-shirt. Please circle your child’s size on the registration form.

CAMP CONTACT INFORMATION If you have any questions or concerns regarding camp or your child’s attendance at camp, please contact the Camp Director, Jane Higgins at 617-489-5050 or jhiggins@massaudubon.org.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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FINANCIAL AID Financial 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 March 15. Please contact the Camp Director to request an application or download one at massaudubon.org/campforms.

CAMP REGISTRATION FORM

CAMPER

Last Name

First Name

Gender

Street Address

City

State Zip

Birth Date Age as of June 1

Grade as of September 2020 Returning camper? YES/NOT-shirt Size (circle): YS (5-6) YM (7-8) YL (10-12) YXL (14-16) AS AM AL AXLBuddy request:

Parent/Guardian 1

Name

Relationship to Camper

Member # Add to Carpool List? YES/NO

Phone (Primary) Phone (Secondary)

EmailAddress (if different)City State Zip

Parent/Guardian 2

Name

Relationship to Camper

Member # Add to Carpool List? YES/NO

Phone (Primary) Phone (Secondary)

EmailAddress (if different)City State Zip

PAYMENT METHOD Please make checks payable to Mass Audubon.

“I understand that refunds will only be provided in accordance with the refund policy outlined in this brochure. I have read and agree to the refund policy outlined in this brochure.”

Signature:

DAY CAMP PROGRAMS You may only enroll in one two-week session. Please indicate your preference by numbering sessions from 1 to 4, with 1 being the most desirable.

Session 1June 29–

July 10

Session 2July 13–24

Session 3July 27– August 7

Session 4August 10–21

RAMBLERS | Entering Pre-K, Age 4 by June 1

PATHFINDERS | Entering K, Age 5 by June 1

EXPLORERS | Entering Grades 1–4

ECOLOGISTS | Entering Grades 5–7

TREKKERS | Entering Grades 7–9

EXPEDITIONERS | Entering Grades 9–10

LEADERS-IN-TRAINING | Entering Grades 9–11

THEME CAMPS Check this box to register your child only if there is no space in a two-week Day Camp program above. June 22–26

SENSATIONAL SENSES | Entering Pre-K, Age 4 by June 1

WILD ABOUT WATER | Entering K, Age 5 by June 1

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE | Entering Grades 1–4

AFTER CAMPTheme Week

June 22–26Session 1

June 29–July 10 Session 2

July 13–24Session 3

July 27–August 7Session 4

August 10–21

For Ages 5–14 (Circle Days)M T W Th F M T W Th F

M T W Th F

M T W Th F

M T W Th F

M T W Th F

M T W Th F

M T W Th F

M T W Th F

PAYMENT INFORMATION

Total Camp Session(s): $

Total After Camp Session(s): $

*Mass Audubon Family Membership if Joining/Renewing ($65): $

Tax-Deductible Campership Fund Donation: $

TOTAL DUE: $

Amount Paid Today: $ (Min Deposit $/Camper/Session): $

Balance Due by May 1: $

All camp spaces are filled through a lottery system.

Please complete a separate form for each camper and return this form and payment to: Habitat Nature Day Camp, 10 Juniper Road, Belmont, MA 02478

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