Habitat Nature Day Camp 10 Juniper Road | Belmont

EXPLORE. QUESTION. CONNECT.

SUMMER 2018

ABOUT CAMP Habitat Nature Day Camp has been engaging children since 1974. We are committed to providing quality outdoor experiences and are guided by a philosophy of discovery; our motto is: Explore, Question, Connect!

We encourage campers 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.

OUR CAMP DIRECTOR Habitat Nature Day Camp is directed by Jane Higgins, who joined the Habitat Education Center staff in 2000. Whether

Jane is searching for fawns with Ramblers, singing songs with Explorers, or teaching tree ID skills to Ecologists, a day at camp is a good day for her!

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 Group Time 12:00–1:00 pm Lunch and Free Time 1:00–3:00 pm Group Time or Options 3:00–3:15 pm Closing Circle 3:15–3:45 pm Camper pick-up 3:15–5:30 pm After Camp Program (optional)

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. 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. Low instructor-to-camper ratios ensure that campers stay safe and engaged.

Day Camp Programs Session 1: July 2–13 (no camp July 4) Session 3: July 30–August 10 Session 2: July 16–27 Session 4: August 13–24

RAMBLERS | Age 4 by June 1, Entering Pre-K 9:00 am–12:00 pm Session 1: $396; Sessions 2–4: $440

Spend the morning rambling through the woods. Use 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 | Age 5 by June 1, Entering K 9:00 am–3:00 pm Session 1: $747; Sessions 2–4: $830

Let’s discover 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 | Ages 6–9, Entering Grades 1–4 9:00 am–3:30 pm Session 1: $797; Sessions 2–4: $885

Dive 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 and his trusty side-kick. ECOLOGISTS | Ages 10–12, Entering Grades 5–7 9:00 am–3:30 pm Session 1: $837; Sessions 2–4: $930

Want to deepen your understanding of how nature works? Through explorations of Habitat and nearby conservation areas, take a closer look at soil, water, plants, ecosystems, predator/prey relationships, and climate change. Learn valuable team building and orienteering skills. Explore the Ipswich River in Topsfield by canoe. Complete the experience by sleeping under the stars at Habitat.

The staff is really impressive, as are the activities and organization while still allowing for freedom and exploration.

“

ECOLOGISTS FIELD TRIPS & OVERNIGHTS

Session 1 Session 3 Field Trip: July 5 Field Trip: August 2 Overnight: July 12* Overnight: August 9*

Session 2 Session 4 Field Trip: July 19 Field Trip: August 16 Overnight: July 26* Overnight: August 23* *Please note: Camp ends at 9:00 am on Friday morning after the overnight.

TREKKERS Ages 12–14 | Entering Grades 7–9 9:00 am–3:30 pm Session 1: $1,085; Sessions 2–4: $1,205

Expand your horizons and discover habitats beyond Habitat. Go hiking, canoeing and camping to investigate the natural and cultural history of rivers in New England. Session 1: July 2–13* Day Trips: July 3, 9, 10 Ipswich River, Charles River Camping Trips: July 5–6, July 11–13 Topsfield, Boston Harbor Islands (*No camp on July 4th) Session 2: July 16–27 Day Trips: July 17, 23, 24 Connecticut River Camping Trips: July 18–20, 25–27 Western MA, Connecticut Session 3: July 30–August 10 Day Trips: July 31; August 6, 7 Merrimack River Camping Trips: August 1–3, 8–10 New Hampshire, North Shore Session 4: August 13–24 Day Trips: August 14, 20, 21 Charles River, Connecticut River Camping Trips: August 15–17, 22–24 Boston Harbor Islands, Western MA

LEADERS-IN-TRAINING (LITs) Ages 14–16 | Entering Grades 9–11 8:15 am–4:15 pm June–August Fee: $450

Are you looking for something fun to do this summer? Do you enjoy working with children? We have just the program for you! Gain valuable work experience and community service hours as you assist our teachers in leading 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.

To be eligible for this volunteer program, LITs must participate in training (June 25–29; 9:00 am–3:30 pm) and must be available for at least one, two-week session of camp. LITs will receive additional information and forms upon registration. Please contact the Camp Director with questions.

AFTER CAMP PROGRAM Monday–Friday 3:15–5:30 pm Fee: $25, per day After Camp is an optional extended-day program for our two-week and theme-week session attendees.* 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. *After Camp is not available for Ramblers.

He adores the games they play and meeting friends, learning about nature—I like the friendliness, professionalism, and energy of the staff.

“

SLIME & SCALE | Age 5 by June 1, Entering K June 25–29 | 9:00 am–3:00 pm Fee: $415

Slither, slide, fly, hide. From reptiles and amphibians, to butterflies and slugs, to mushrooms and algae, discover why slime and scale are important for survival. Meet Habitat’s resident slimey and scaley inhabitants! NATURE DETECTIVES | Ages 6–9, Entering Grades 1–4 June 25–29 | 9:00 am–3:30 pm Fee: $445

Are you a good detective? Do you have eyes like an eagle, a nose like an opossum or ears like a fox? Practice using

all your senses to discover the kinds of animals that live at Habitat. Uncover how to identify animals by their tracks and what they have left behind. At the end of the week, apply your new skills to solve a nature mystery.

NEW! EXPEDITIONERS | Ages 14–15, Entering Grades 9–10 July 30–August 10 | 9:00 am–3:30 pm Fee: $1,350 Are you ready for a challenge? Explore farther, observe closer, take nature discovery to the next level. Spend two weeks immersed in the ecology of New England rivers. During week one, paddle on the Ipswich River to Perkins Island for a two-night camp-out. The following week, get to know the Saco River from source to sea on a week-long camping trip. Learn techniques to examine water quality and biodiversity as well as useful camping skills.

Theme Camps

Mass Audubon protects 37,000 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 125,000 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.

There’s more to explore at Wildwood, Mass Audubon’s overnight camp in Rindge, NH: Overnight Camp | Ages 9–14 Teen Adventure Trips | Ages 14–17 Leaders-in-Training | Ages 14–17 Family Camp | All Ages! Visit massaudubon.org/wildwood or call 866-627-2267 or to learn more.

Camp Registration Information 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 15 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. We strongly encourage you to include second choices.”

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. You will receive an email confirming your placement on a waitlist and your deposit check will be shredded. No phone calls, please.

DEPOSIT A nonrefundable deposit is required to register for camp as follows: 1-Week Sessions: $50/camper/session 2-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 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 We require that all campers be members of Mass Audubon at the Family level. If you are not already a member, please include a separate check for $65, made payable to Mass Audubon, with your registration.

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

IMPORTANT DEADLINES All 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 REQUIREMENTS Due to the outdoor and exploratory nature of our camp program, campers must be able to move about on uneven terrain. Campers are expected to meaningfully participate in age-appropriate activities, including nature study. All campers must follow stated behavior expectations and safety rules. The camp director reserves the right to dismiss a camper when, in his/her judgement, 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 Belmont 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, 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.

CARPOOL REQUESTS If 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.

BUDDY REQUESTS One 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 camp. Please indicate on your registration form if you would like your camper to be placed with a friend of the same age.

T-SHIRTS All campers will receive a Habitat Nature Day Camp t-shirt. Please circle your child’s size on the registration form. Shirts run small, so you may want to order a size larger.

Jane Higgins, Camp Director

Habitat Summer Camp 10 Juniper Rd. Belmont, MA 02478 617-489-5050 jhiggins@massaudubon.org

massaudubon.org/habitatcamp

Camp Contact Info

Camper Last Name: First Name: Gender:

Street Address: City: State: Zip:

Birth Date: _____/_____ /_____ Age as of June 1: _______ Grade entering in Sept 2018: ________ Returning Camper? YES/NO

T-shirt Size (circle): YS(5-6) YM(7-8) YL(10-12) AS AM AL AXL (shirts run small) Buddy request: ____________________________

Last Name: First Name: ________

Relationship to Camper: _____ Phone (Primary): Phone (Secondary): ________________

E-mail: Member #: _____ _ Add to Carpool List? YES / NO

Address (if different): City: ___ State: Zip:

Last Name: First Name: ________

Relationship to Camper: _____ Phone (Primary): Phone (Secondary): ________________

E-mail: Member #: _____ _ Add to Carpool List? YES / NO

Payment Method

Please make checks payable to Mass Audubon/Habitat. For payments

related to membership purchase/renewal, please include a separate

check, 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:

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: $______

Please complete a separate form for each camper and return this form and payment to:

Habitat Nature Day Camp, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont, MA 02478

Habitat Nature Day Camp Registration Form

Day Camp Programs

You may only enroll in one two-week session. Please indicate your preference by

numbering sessions from 1 to 4, with one being the most desirable.

Session 1

7/2–13

Session 2

7/16–27

Session 3

7/30–8/10

Session 4

8/13–24

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

Pathfinders | Age 5 by June 1, Entering K

Explorers | Ages 6–9, Entering Grades 1–4

Ecologists | Ages 10–12, Entering Grades 5–7

Trekkers | Ages 12–14, Entering Grades 7–9

Leaders-in-Training | Ages 14–16, 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 25–29 7/30–8/10

Slime N’ Scale | Age 5 by June 1, Entering K

Nature Detectives | Ages 6–9, Entering Grades 1–4

Expeditioners | Ages 14–15, Entering Grades 9–10

Theme Week

6/25–29

Session 1

7/2–13

Session 2

7/16–27

Session 3

7/30–8/10

Session 4

8/13–24 After Camp

M T W Th F M T 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

For Ages 5–14

Circle Days