WELLFLEET BAY NATURE DAY CAMP

Discover. Explore. Be Outside.

2021

Wellfleet Bay Nature Day Camp inspires a child’s

lasting curiosity and excitement about nature.

Campers ages 4–13 have fun and make friends as

they explore the nature of Cape Cod at our 1,100-acre

wildlife sanctuary. Our goals are to instill awareness

and appreciation of nature, to demonstrate

responsibility for the environment, and to promote

a sense of place, where nature is accessible and

inclusive for all. Above all, we create memorable

outdoor experiences for our campers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Call 508-349-2615

Email wellfleetbaycamp@massaudubon.org

Visit massaudubon.org/wellfleetbaycamp

OUR CAMP STAFFOur staff members are chosen for their enthusiasm, experience, knowledge, inclusivity, and ability to work with children in the outdoors. They are college graduates or undergraduates currently enrolled in an environmental and/or educational field of study. All are certified in first aid and CPR and participate in a pre-camp training in safety (including COVID-19 protocols), child development, and natural history.

OUR CAMP DIRECTORMorgan Peck (she/her) has been an educator with Mass Audubon for nine years, spending the past five at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Throughout the year, Morgan teaches and coordinates educational nature programming for schools. Her specialty is marine organisms and when not teaching, Morgan helps stranded/entangled sea turtles and other marine wildlife as well as organizing local efforts to fight climate change on Cape Cod.

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Welcome to Wellf leet Bay Nature Day Camp!

COVID-19 SAFETYThe health and welfare of our campers and staff remains our highest priority. We feel confident that the success of Mass Audubon Camps in designing and offering a safe summer of camping in 2020 will guide us into another great summer in 2021. We will continue to stay informed and engaged with the work of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the American Camp Association to ensure best practices with regard to staying safe as we move through the developing phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We anticipate that we will continue to practice the wearing of masks, physical distancing, small group sizes, enhanced sanitizing protocols, and all other recommended health and safety guidelines. As we learn more from working closely with partners in public health, childcare, and camping, we will continue to keep our camp community updated.

Please note that any photos depicting children without face coverings were taken prior to 2020. All Mass Audubon program participants are now required to wear masks.

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TOO YOUNG FOR CAMP? Visit massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay for a listing of guided programs for families with young children.

At this time, we are not offering the Discoverers

program for campers entering pre-K or

kindergarten (ages 4–5) or the Adventures program

for campers entering grade 1 (ages 5–6), pending

regulatory decisions on staff housing. If we are

allowed to offer staff housing, we may open up the

Adventurers age group.

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METAMORPHOSIS MAGIC June 28–July 2Are you fascinated by certain creatures’ amazing ability to transform? To be born in a completely different form than the one they grow into is a kind of magic all its own! This week, watch the metamorphosis of some amazing animals: Witness Painted Ladies change from caterpillars to beautiful winged butterflies, catch and examine dragonfly nymphs (the larval stage of dragonflies), and visit the pond in search of bullfrog and Green Frog tadpoles.

FURRY FUN TIME July 5–9Explore the many habitats of Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, including the forest, field, pond, and salt marsh, where you’ll discover different mammals that live in Cape Cod! We’ll focus on their special adaptations and what makes them different from other types of animals. Feel raccoon furs, follow coyote tracks, and even wear homemade whale blubber glove! SENSES OF NATURE July 12–16Cape Cod is the perfect place to encounter coastal life. Spend the week observing shorebirds on beaches, digging for clams and worms on tidal flats, mucking about for crabs in salt marshes, following coyote track in the dunes, and keeping an eye out for hawks and snakes in the heathland.

SWAMP ROMP July 19–23What is life like for insects, amphibians, and reptiles that live in a muddy, squishy swamp? Get dirty building mud huts, rolling logs, and learning how to safely handle critters from the swamp like salamanders, frogs, and slugs.

The Explorers program emphasizes the natural history of animals and the interrelationships of all living things through observation and hands-on field activities.

9:00 am–2:45 pm$500 members; $565 nonmembers per week

$390 Cape Cod year-round residents per week (must be Mass Audubon members)

EXPLORERS Entering Grades 2–3Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8

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Our camper loved finding

various sea creatures,

and exploring the nature

around him!”

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SEASIDE ADVENTUREJuly 26–30When the tide goes out, it leaves all manner of critters behind. Watch Fiddler Crabs race about, feel snails crawl on your hand, and listen to gulls squawk on the beach while they hunt for prey. This week’s focus is on all the organisms that make our tidal flats and barrier beaches special and their adaptations to the changing tides.

JUNIOR GEOLOGISTSAugust 2–6Years ago, Cape Cod was covered by the sea, and years from now it will be covered again. Find clues of our underwater past leftover from the Ice Age and try to solve the mysteries of tomorrow. Using magnifiers and strainers, examine different kinds of sand, and learn how it got all the way to our beaches. Discover how our coastal animals can survive these ever-changing conditions.

BIRD OLYMPICSAugust 9–13Have you ever wondered why there are so many different kinds of birds? They are the elites of the adaptation world! Determine which are the master builders, long distance fliers, and top-level predators. Learn how to use binoculars and act out different species’ behaviors in a migration relay race game.

BOLD & BRIGHTAugust 16–20Search for the brightest flower, the most vibrant bird, and the animals with the most unique patterns and markings as you discover the importance of color in nature. Draw, paint, or sculpt the beautiful vivid nature you see. From camouflage to toxin warnings, an organism’s color can tell you a lot about them and how they interact with the ecosystem around them.

BUG BAZAARAugust 23–27Insects are all around us and a crucial part of our food webs. Get comfy with bugs of all kinds and learn why they are such good friends to us through fun games, crafts, and an insect zoo. From earthworms and crickets to bees and butterflies, no bug is too big or too small to examine.

RAD REPTILESAugust 30–September 3What makes reptiles and amphibians unique from their furry counterparts? Find out by investigating a snake’s shed skin and a turtle’s shell, and discover where reptiles lay their eggs. Travel to nearby ponds or vernal pools to look for salamanders and catch tadpoles, frogs, and turtles. Get wet and muddy searching for our slimy, scaly friends!

—Camp Family

EXPLORERS

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NATURALISTS Entering Grades 4–5Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8

LIVING WITH WILDLIFE June 28–July 2 Humans and wildlife have been living side by side since the beginning of our species, yet wild spaces are declining. Delve into the various ways that we can protect our wildlife neighbors, and how you can be a true nature hero! Help build enclosures for nesting turtles, look for tagged Horseshoe Crabs, and explore important shorebird habitats.

CAPE COD COASTS July 5–9 Wind, salt spray, sandy soils, and coastal development make it challenging to live on Cape Cod. Learn what adaptations different plants and animals have to survive these harsh conditions by observing them in their natural environment. Take out your field guide and nature journal to document what adaptations you witness first-hand.

FASCINATING FOOD WEBS July 12–16 Organisms big and small are all connected by a web of life. Find out how our ecosystems and creatures interact and rely on one another. Use a seine net down at the tidal flats and tow for plankton to observe some of the most important species in the ocean. Use microscopes to identify some of the smallest critters and visit all sorts of fun places to discover what ties our coastal habitats together.

BOTTOM UP BIOLOGISTS July 19–23 The best way to learn about any ecosystem is from the bottom up. Explore Cape Cod’s natural habitats like the salt marsh, forest floor, open fields, and freshwater

The Naturalists program allows those interested in science to participate in field activities while learning methods and techniques used in wildlife conservation biology. This program also includes weekly field trips to areas relevant to the subject being studied, as well as fun nature-based games and crafts! Sessions are full day with time for snack and lunch.

9:00 am–2:45 pm$500 members; $565 nonmembers per week

$390 Cape Cod year-round residents per week (must be Mass Audubon members)

ponds by examining both the living and the dead hidden in each one’s lowermost layers. Grab a magnifying glass, and search for invertebrates under dead logs and leaf litter to find out how things that were once alive fuel the grand cycle of life.

WINGED WONDERS July 26–30 Find out why Cape Cod attracts such incredible—and sometimes rare—species of birds. Discuss their specialized adaptations, the habitats they use, nesting techniques, and feeding habits. Become familiar with common birds, and get a chance to observe the less common migrants. Play games and create an imagined bird to share with other campers

HABITAT HUNTERS August 2–6 Get to know the powerful hunters that call our nearby habitats home and what makes them such successful predators. Visit the forest and dissect a pellet from a Great Horned Owl, roam the beach to witness the techniques of the cunning fox, and see a Snapping Turtle’s powerful neck and jaw in action. Play “predator-prey” with your friends to see just how well you’d survive if you were the prey.

SPINELESS WONDERS August 9–13 More than 80% of the animal world is made up of animals without backbones—insects, worms, jellyfish, squid, crabs, clams, and so much more! Catch different species of crabs, dissect a squid, dig for clams, and hold sea stars as you roam the beach in search of these spineless wonders! Find out why having no backbone benefits these creatures and enables them to survive.

WRACKLINE INVESTIGATORS August 16–20 Traverse our nearby coastlines to discover the mysteries that every wrack-line holds. The “wrack” is a collection of things uncovered by the ocean—anything that has washed up above the high-tide line—and it’s filled with all sorts of marine treasures. Look closely for small living invertebrates like sand hoppers, crabs, and mollusks!

OCEAN ODYSSEY August 23–27 Gain a new understanding of Cape Cod’s marine communities, including the outer Atlantic, bay, marsh, and tidal beaches. Compare whales, sharks, and dolphins and their various bone structures by looking at real life specimens. Use seine nets and set fish traps to get an up-close look at some of our amazing oceanic creatures.

HERP SEARCH August 30–September 3 Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. Become an expert this week in turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders. Assist researchers by tracking Box Turtles, monitoring Red-Backed Salamanders, and looking for Black Racers or Ring-necked Snakes. Play “Lizard Tails” with you friends, pretending your tail can grow back if stolen by a predator!

You guys do an excellent

job nurturing these

young minds!

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—Camp Family

NATURALISTS

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ECOLOGISTS Entering Grades 6–8Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 10

FASCINATING FIELDS & FORESTS June 28–July 2 It’s not all about the water here on Cape Cod—the drier habitats like our fields and forests are important parts of a larger, diverse ecosystem. Grab your backpack and explore the beautiful pitch pine forests, maritime heathlands, and grasslands to learn all about our fun terrestrial critters— Box Turtles, turkeys, coyotes, and more!

THE POWER OF THE COASTLINE July 5-9 The shape of Cape Cod’s coastline is constantly changing. Learn about many of the coastal processes that affect our beaches and contribute to their ever-changing nature and resilience. Hear from people whose careers are dedicated to studying coastal habitats and wildlife, and find out what you can do to protect the beautiful marshes, beaches, and animals that live there.

FISH FINDERS July 12–16 Immerse yourself in the fascinating biology of fish from the deepest parts of the ocean to our own tidal flats. Learn about differently shaped fins and their uses, specialized defensive techniques, and the secrets of our top ocean predators: sharks. Partake in an up-close feeding of Wellfleet Bay’s aquarium residents and even dissect a dogfish (a member of the shark family) this week!

GEOCACHING, A REAL LIFE TREASURE HUNT! July 19–23 Have you ever dreamed of finding a map that would lead you on your very own treasure hunt? Geocaching consists of using a GPS unit to follow a map of clues that leads you to a trove of hidden items (a "cache")

Ecologists go beyond basic natural history knowledge by working closely with Mass Audubon specialists and researchers to participate in inquiry-based activities, scientific research, and ecological management studies. All sessions include opportunities to learn practical field techniques and practices for working with wildlife, as well as fun games and team-building activities to develop lasting friendships.

9:00 am–2:45 pm$500 members; $565 nonmembers per week

$390 Cape Cod year-round residents per week (must be Mass Audubon members)

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somewhere in nature. These maps are created for those who want to get out and explore beautiful natural spaces. Search for geocaches created by your counselors and make them for your friends. Learn orienteering and wilderness survival skills along the way.

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY July 26–30 Set your focus on photographing turtles, frogs, crabs, and other Cape Cod wildlife. Bring your phone or camera to get a lesson on how to compose and capture images and then photograph wildlife both on and off the sanctuary and work with professionals in the nature photography field. You’ll have the opportunity to take pictures aplenty and identify and document as many plants and animals as possible during a “bio-blitz” and showcase your work for family at the end of the week.

MISSION: DECOMPOSITION August 2–6 Why does the salt marsh smell so weird? What’s in the muck at the bottom of the pond? Decomposition (the process that creates broken-down dead stuff) is an extremely important part of any healthy habitat. Examine the lesser-known parts of the marsh, pond, and forest to get the science behind why we need decomposers in our ecosystem! From mushrooms and insects to snails and salamanders, follow small creatures who will show you what was once alive!

NATURE DETECTIVES August 9–13 Nature mysteries are all around us. Who dug up those turtle eggs? Why are all these feathers on the ground? How did that tree fall down? Step outside to locate something puzzling, collect nearby clues for a potential hypothesis, and submit your case to the rest of your group for review. Step into the mind of a true nature detective to make sense of evidence that’s right under your nose.

RAD RAPTORS August 16–20 See all the wonders of our Cape Cod predatory birds: Examine their specialized eyes, beaks, and wings to discover what makes them such successful hunters, explore owls, ospreys, hawks, and eagles and their prey sources, dissect owl pellets, and play exciting games of “predator-prey” to help us learn how they all fit together in the web of life.

THROUGH THE STREAMS August 23–27 Explore freshwater habitats for various aquatic life, from stream to sea! Set eel traps and see what you catch, explore the lifecycle of herring, and see unique changes that these running freshwater bodies of water undergo as they empty into an estuary. Collect water specimens to observe their behaviors and adaptations.

POLLINATOR POWER! August 30–September 3 From birds to butterflies to bees, investigate the adaptations that make pollinators unique from other animals. Learn to grow and nurture plants to bring home for your very own garden, build a hummingbird feeder for the sanctuary’s Pollinator Garden, and learn what makes this group of animals so important to our world.

There’s more to explore at Wildwood, Mass Audubon’s

overnight camp in New Hampshire:

• Overnight Camp, ages 7–14

• Day Camp, ages 6–11

• Teen Adventure Trips, grades 9–12

• Environmental Leadership for Teens, grades 10 & 11

• Family Camp, all ages!

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

to learn more.

ECOLOGISTS

REGISTRATION INFORMATIONTO REGISTER FOR CAMP Visit massaudubon.org/wellfleetbaycamp

Call 508-349-2615

Mail the attached registration form and payment to: Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 236, South Wellfleet, MA 02663

REGISTRATION POLICY Registration begins for local families in February and will open to general registration on March 1. Mailed registrations will be stamped with the date of receipt and processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION A confirmation letter/email containing important documents and information will be sent once your camper’s registration has been processed.

DEPOSIT Registration must include payment for 50% of the total camp fees and includes a nonrefundable deposit of $50 per camper, per session. This deposit is 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 POLICY A 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 & DISCOUNTS Mass Audubon members at the Family level or above receive a discounted rate. 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. If you are unsure of your member status, please call 508-349-2615.

Campers who reside on Cape Cod year-round receive a special discounted rate on weekly sessions. Proof of the camper’s enrollment in a Cape Cod school district in the form of a report card, progress report, or letter from the school must accompany registration in order for the camper to receive the discount.

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

IMPORTANT DEADLINES All 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 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 $75 per camper will be charged for incomplete or late forms and waivers.

CAMPER REQUIREMENTS Campers are expected to be able to follow all COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. Camp families will be required to complete a daily health screening and attestation before their child can be admitted to camp.

Campers 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 LICENSE Our camp complies with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the Wellfleet Board of Health.

ACA ACCREDITATION We 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.

AGE/BUDDY REQUESTS If a camper is younger than the outlined age group of a session, we do not typically accept moving a camper up to an older age group to be with a buddy. The Camp Director is happy to discuss these decisions on a case by case basis.

SESSION TRANSFERS Session transfer requests will be honored if there is space available.

CAMP CONTACT INFO

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 May 1. Please call the Camp Director to request an application or download one at massaudubon.org/campforms.

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Morgan Peck, Camp DirectorWellfleet Bay Nature Day CampP.O. Box 236 291 State Highway Route 6South Wellfleet, MA, 02663

508-349-2615 wellfleetbaycamp@massaudubon.org massaudubon.org/wellfleetbaycamp

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Please use a photocopy for additional children or camp weeks.

Send registration form with payment to Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 236, South Wellfleet, MA 02663. Phone: 508-349-2615

Office use only

DR _____________FS ______________FR ______________

Through May 15, registrations will be accepted by mail or online. After May 15, registrations will be accepted by mail or phone. For identity safety assurances, fax and e-mail submissions are not permitted.

Dates Session Name(s)

________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

DETAILS AT massaudubon.org/kidstocamp

Wellf leet Bay Nature Day Camp Registration Form

CAMPERFirst Name Last Name Gender Street Address City State Zip Birth Date Age as of June 1 Grade as of September 2021 Returning Camper YES / NO

Person Completing This FormNameRelationship to CamperMember #Phone 1 Phone 2Email Add to Carpool List? YES / NOAddress (if different)City State Zip

Parent/Guardian (if different)NameRelationship to CamperMember #Phone 1 Phone 2Email Add to Carpool List? YES / NOAddress (if different)City State Zip

PAYMENT METHOD

Check Included (payable to Mass Audubon, include child’s name and session dates in subject line) OR Credit Card

DISC/MC/VISA #

Exp. Date: Verification Code:

Signature:

“I agree to allow the Massachusetts Audubon Society to charge my credit card in the amount(s) specified above and 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.”

� Explorers

� Naturalists

� Ecologists

*include copy of camper report card as proof of residency

Morgan Peck, Camp DirectorWellfleet Bay Nature Day CampP.O. Box 236 291 State Highway Route 6South Wellfleet, MA, 02663

508-349-2615 wellfleetbaycamp@massaudubon.org massaudubon.org/wellfleetbaycamp

PAYMENT INFORMATION

Total Camp Session(s) $

*Mass Audubon Family Membership

if Joining/Renewing ($65):

Cape Cod Year-round Resident Discount* -$

Tax-Deductible Kids to Camp Fund Donation: $

TOTAL DUE: $

Amount Paid Today (Full or 50%): $

Balance Due by May 15: $

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary welcomes more than 1,100 campers and 32,000 visitors annually. We protect and conduct research on a number of Cape Cod’s endangered, threatened, and at-risk species. Our robust science program enables us to bring research into all of our education programs, including day camp. To support Wellfleet Bay’s education and conservation work, call 508-349-2615 x6109 or go to massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay.

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 20 nature centers. From inspiring hilltop views to breathtaking coastal landscapes, serene woods, and working farms, we believe in protecting our state’s natural treasures for wildlife and for all people—a vision shared in 1896 by our founders, two extraordinary Boston women. Today, Mass Audubon is a nationally recognized environmental education leader, offering thousands of camp, school, and adult programs that get over 225,000 kids and adults outdoors every year. 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 for today’s and future generations. We welcome you to explore a nearby sanctuary, find inspiration, and get involved. Learn how at massaudubon.org.

Our camper loved finding various sea creatures,

and exploring the nature around him!