HABITAT NATURE DAY CAMP

Discover. Explore. Be Outside.

2021

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, giving campers the opportunity to explore, question, and connect in nature: We encourage campers, ages 5–15, 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!

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

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.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Call 617-489-5050

Email jhiggins@massaudubon.org

Visit massaudubon.org/habitatcamp

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

3:00–3:15 pm Closing Circle

3:15–3:45 pm Camper Pick-up

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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Pathfinders Entering Kindergarten; Age 5 by June 1 9:00 am–3:00 pm $960 per sessionChoose 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 1–4 9:00 am–3:30 pm $1,040Stroll to Turtle Pond. Crawl under logs. Hide in the meadow. Climb through the forest layers. Find out who lives in all of Habitat’s different habitats and the adaptations animals and plants have to survive. Engage in a variety of activities, such as nature crafts, cooking, outdoor skills, science experiments, and fun games. Finish the day with camp songs and silly stories.

Ecologists Entering Grades 5–7 9:00 am–3:30 pm $1,040 Deepen your understanding of how nature works by taking a closer look at soil, water, plants, and animal populations. Discover how animals and plants are connected to their environment in a fascinating web of life. Lend a hand on the sanctuary by removing invasive species, monitoring bird boxes, and inventorying amphibians and reptiles. Complete the session with an all-day hike on the Western Greenway.

Stewards* Entering Grades 8–10 9:00 am–3:30 pm $1,040 Take action for nature! From habitat restoration to climate resiliency, discover the work of environmental stewardship. Learn how Habitat manages its land and how you can help; participate in conservation projects on the property to preserve the sanctuary we love.

*The Stewards group runs only during Sessions 1 and 2

Day Camp ProgramsSession 1: June 28–July 9Session 2: July 12–23Session 3: July 26–August 6 Session 4: August 9–20

Campers may register for ONE two-week session.

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.

Meadow MarvelsEntering Kindergarten, Age 5 by June 1August 23–27 | 9:00 am–3:00 pm | $480 Investigate the marvels of the meadow in its summer splendor: Look for vole tunnels, run through the grass, catch bugs and spiders, watch the clouds roll by, and feel the wind on your face and the sun on your head.

Outdoor Adventure Entering Grades 1–4 August 23–27 | 9:00 am–3:30 pm | $520 Learn how to survive in the wild. Develop skills in animal tracking, plant identification, and shelter-building as you explore Habitat. Learn to find your way with and without a map, and get to know the principles of “Leave No Trace” so that you are prepared for any adventure!

Amazing Mammals Entering Kindergarten, Age 5 by June 1August 30–September 3 | 9:00 am–3:00 pm | $480 How is a deer related to a bat? They are both mammals! Mammals come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Discover the unique characteristics of mammals and how they differ from each other.

Mini-beast Mania Entering Grades 1–4August 30–September 3 | 9:00 am–3:30 pm | $520Beetles and grasshoppers and spiders, oh my! Grab a net and magnifying glass and look for bugs. Learn about metamorphosis and other unique adaptations that help these small creatures survive in many different habitats.

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Theme Camp Programs

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.

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.

NEW 3-day Mini-camps!Wild About Water Entering Kindergarten, Age 5 by June 1 June 23–25 | 9:00 am–3:00 pm | $290 Plunge into Habitat’s ponds and vernal pools! Discover the amazing adaptations of the creatures from the deep. Learn how water travels around the world from ocean to cloud to puddles in our own neighborhoods.

Animal Architects Entering Grades 1–4 June 23-25 | 9:00 am-3:30 pm | $315 Look all around and you can find animals busily building their homes. From spider webs to beehives, birds’ nests to beaver dams, discover how animals shape their world around them as part of nature’s construction crew.

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Registration is open to Mass Audubon members only. All camp spaces are filled through an online lottery system. For details on how to sign up for the lottery, go to massaudubon.org/habitatcamp.

REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION A 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 for camp as follows:

1-Week/Mini-camp Sessions: $50/camper/session

2-Week Sessions: $100/camper/session

If your child receives a spot in camp, you will be required to pay the deposit within 14 days of receiving the registration confirmation. Directions for making payments will be included on the registration confirmation. 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 We require that all campers be members of Mass Audubon at the Family level. Upon receiving a spot in camp, if you are not already a member or if your membership has expired, the $65 family membership fee will be added to your camp balance.

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 camper cannot attend camp and their 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 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 their 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.

CAMP CONTACT INFORMATION Jane Higgins, Camp Director Habitat Nature Day Camp 10 Juniper Road, Belmont, MA 02478 617-489-5050 jhiggins@massaudubon.org massaudubon.org/habitatcamp

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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.

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