Ipswich River NATURE DAY CAMPS

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1 Ipswich River NATURE DAY CAMPS In Topsfield, Marblehead, & Essex DISCOVER. EXPLORE. BE OUTSIDE! SUMMER 2019

2 ABOUT CAMP Ipswich River Nature Day Camps give campers ages 4 14 a unique opportunity to learn about nature, meet new friends, and have fun outside. Our knowledgeable staff encourages an educational, noncompetitive camp environment for memories that will last a lifetime. Locations include Topsfield, Marblehead, and Essex. Our Camp Staff We take pride in offering a fun, caring, organized, and educational program. Staff are carefully selected for their competence in outdoor education and leadership. Counselors have teaching experience and a commitment to educating children about nature. Our Camp Director This summer Ipswich River Teacher- Naturalist Scott Santino returns for his 18th season as Camp Director. After-Camp Program Monday Friday, 3:00 4:00 pm $9/day; $35/week We offer an optional extended day program for campers enrolled in full-day sessions at Topsfield and Marblehead. Please note: preregistration is required. New This Year! MARBLEHEAD: 5th WEEK ADDED + COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING We ve added our Counselor-In- Training program for teens ages in Marblehead. See details on page 8. We ll be running an additional camp session the week of August 5-9. TREKKERS ages 7 11 July 8-19; July 22-August 2 Special guest Rick Roth, Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, will give his amazing live reptile presentation. See details on page 7.

3 TOPSFIELD PROGRAMS At Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Half Day (AM): 8:30 11:15 am Half Day (PM): 12:15 3:00 pm Full Day: Your child will love exploring the forests, fields, ponds, and Ipswich River at the sanctuary. Take daily walks to the Rockery Pond, vernal pool, or canoe landing to gain a greater appreciation for the outdoors. DISCOVERERS HALF DAY ages 4-5 See Page 3 for Full-Day (Young Naturalists) Program AM SESSION: 8:30 11:15 am PM SESSION: 12:15 3:00 pm $190 members; $255 nonmembers $180 members; $245 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5 THINGS WITH WINGS June Hummingbirds hum, butterflies bounce, hawks hover, and damselflies dart through the summer air. With self -designed binoculars, nets in hand, and eyes to the sky, discover many amazing flying animals on daily walks to the field, forest, and pond. SQUISH SQUASH July Have fun exploring ponds, streams, and the river for basking turtles, hopping frogs, and hunting herons. After daily walks we ll play water games, sing songs, and tell stories about squishy places. 2

4 YOUNG NATURALISTS ages 5-6 $330 members; $395 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5 COOL COLORFUL CRITTERS Session 1: June Session 2: July 29 August 2 How many colors can you find outside? Campers will search for green frogs, bluebirds, red-backed salamanders, gray squirrels, and other colorful critters. After gathering inspiration, they ll create their own colorful nature art. Extended Day available. See page 1. ON SAFARI Session 1: July Session 2: August Venture through the sanctuary looking for large animals, from deer and bull frogs to hawks and turtles. Search off the beaten path to find them hiding in the grass, basking on a log, perched in a tree, and in other out-of-the-way places. A BUGGY GOOD TIME Session 1: July 1 5* Session 2: August 5 9 Look in fields, forests, and wetlands to discover beautiful bugs including butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, dragonflies, damselflies, and more. Using nets and bug jars we ll get to capture and see all kinds of bugs. *Please note: camp will not be held on July 4. This session is prorated: $264 members; $329 nonmembers. ANIMAL INSTINCTS Session 1: July 8 12 Session 2: August Fly fast like a falcon or sit still like a bunny. Discover how wild animals see, smell, hunt, hide, and move. Playing nature-themed games and activities will help us understand animal behavior. CALL OF THE WILD July Animal sounds are all around us. Using our ears we ll listen to birds sing, bugs buzz, and chipmunks chatter. Play games that test our hearing, create noise makers, and take walks to discover why so many animals create sound. Are they talking to us? Let s find out. All of the Young Naturalists counselors are terrific and really made it such an enjoyable experience! 3

5 INVESTIGATORS ages 7-8 $325 members; $390 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 CARNIVORE CAMP July 1 5* Nature lovers are dazzled by predators. Snakes, frogs, hawks, and dragonflies are a few of the carnivores we ll be on the lookout for to see what they re eating. Special guest raptor rehabilitator Jane Kelly of On the Wing will stop by to present live birds of prey. *Please note: camp will not be held on July 4. This session is prorated: $260 members; $325 nonmembers. WILY WETLAND PREDATORS Session 1: July 8 12 Session 2: July What do dragonflies, otters, snakes, herons, and catfish all have in common? They re wetland predators! Spend the week scouring wet places including ponds and vernal pools for evidence of these fascinating carnivores. Special activities include a paddle on the Ipswich River to look for these wily animals, and listening to stories told by special guest Native American storyteller Pat Bade. HERPETOLOGY TIME Session 1: July Session 2: July 29 August 2 If you like amphibians and reptiles you just might be a herpetologist. Join us for a fun-filled week of discovering frogs, turtles, salamanders, and snakes. At Rockery Pond, look for Godzilla, the resident snapping turtle, and catch frogs on the edge of a vernal pool. Special guest Rick Roth, Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, will give an exciting live reptile presentation. MULTI-SESSION DISCOUNT Register your camper for two or more one-week sessions on pages 3 6 and receive 10% off the camp fee for each week. Offer is only good for individual campers attending multiple weeks. Thank you for transforming my daughter s summer into such a memorable and healthy time! 4

6 NATURALISTS ages 9-11 $325 members; $390 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 INTO THE WILD Session 1: July 8 12 Session 2: July The wilds of Topsfield are rich with wildlife. Using nets, microscopes, and binoculars, we ll search for interesting insects, fantastic flowers, beautiful birds, awesome amphibians, and more. Go canoeing on the Ipswich River, and listen to Native American stories told by Pat Bade. PREDATOR PROWL July 1 5* It s not easy being a predator. Predators need to be strong, fast, cunning, and persistent to catch their prey. We ll search for hawks, snakes, frogs, fish, and dragonflies that are on the hunt. Special guest raptor rehabilitator Jane Kelly of On the Wing will stop by to present live birds of prey. *Please note: camp will not be held on July 4. This session is prorated: $260 members; $325 nonmembers. REPTILE ROUNDUP Session 1: July Session 2: July 29 August 2 Lots of really neat reptiles can be found in Massachusetts including turtles and snakes. Warm summer weather is the perfect time for campers to search for these dinosaurlike creatures with bony backs and scaly skin. A visit with special guest Rick Roth, Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, will introduce everyone to live reptiles. FUN WITH NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY August Capture all the amazement nature has to offer with your camera! Campers will learn basic photography skills and a few tricks to take their photos of wildlife and landscapes from average to great. Families are invited to a Friday afternoon photo show. Please note: campers must bring their own digital camera. 5

7 SPECIAL INTEREST CAMPS ages 7-11 $295 members; $360 nonmembers (*unless otherwise noted) Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 RIVER RAMBLE June Canoe to not one but two islands located along the Ipswich River! Families always ask us for more canoe trips, and this session won t disappoint. We ll canoe upstream to Perkins Island, build ever-popular gnome homes, and take a second boat trip downstream to Colt Island to play camouflage and for more island investigations. Campers will be divided into 7-and 8-year-olds and 9 11-year-olds. A CLOSER LOOK August 5 9 *$335 members; $400 nonmembers Take a closer look at nature by focusing on a new topic each day. Explore the sanctuary with a wildlife tracker to search for mammal signs and an insect specialist to learn amazing facts about butterflies. As a special day, the 7-and 8-year-old group will take a lobster boat cruise, while the 9 11-year-old group experiences a whale watch. SUPER SCIENTISTS August Kids dream of becoming scientists when they grow up, and this week they ll do real science. Catch and study insects up close, observe and feed wild birds, solve a nature mystery, and design experiments using real scientific tools. Campers will be divided into 7- and 8-year-olds and year-olds. 6 NATURAL LANDSCAPE ART August 5 9 Paint panoramas, draw backdrops, and collage countryside vistas this week. Campers will experiment with different techniques and various media such as watercolor and charcoal to create dynamic landscapes inspired by exploration of the sanctuary. This session will be cotaught by an artist-educator and a naturalist. Families are invited to a Friday afternoon art show. ANIMAL ART August All the leaping, swimming, and soaring animals of the sanctuary will be our subjects for painting, drawing, sculpting, and more. We ll investigate the trails to observe creatures, engage in activities and games to learn about their adaptations, and capture their likeness in clay and on canvas. This session will be co-taught by an artisteducator and a naturalist. Families are invited to a Friday afternoon art show.

8 TREKKERS ages 7-11 $540 members; $605 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 SESSION 1: July 8 19 SESSION 2: July 22 August 2 Spend a day learning how to canoe on the Ipswich River and paddle to Perkins Island. Once there, we ll have lunch, play games, and build gnome homes. Listen to Native American stories told by storyteller, Pat Bade. Visit all of the amazing locations our sanctuary has to offer, including the Rockery, vernal pool, the stone bridge, and the observation tower. At the end of each session, play the camp favorite Predator/Prey game. New This Summer: Special guest Rick Roth, Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, will give his amazing live reptile presentation. Campers will be grouped by age, and the activities will be appropriate to their age level. All campers will join together for group choice activities each afternoon. It s the one camp he loves returning to year after year. He s already talking about 2019! 7

9 TRAVELING ADVENTURES ages Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 6 NEW Exciting Locations! NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY July $435 members; $500 nonmembers Take your photography skills to the next level as we trek to capture the natural world with our cameras. Learn tricks to improve pictures of mountaintop vistas, forested trails, coastal landscapes, and wildlife action shots as we visit the Middlesex Fells Reservation, Great Bay National Reserve in New Hampshire, and Mount Agamenticus in Maine. While in Maine we ll have a special private tour of the Center for Wildlife. Campers will have an extraordinary opportunity to get up close and photograph owls, falcons, and other animal ambassadors! Please Note: campers must bring their own digital camera. MOUNTAINTOPS July $460 members; $525 nonmembers Hiking is on the agenda for this week of Teen Travels. We ll take day trips to the Overlook Trail in Lynn Woods and the boulder field at Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire. On Thursday, we ll head north to Wildwood, Mass Audubon s overnight camp in Rindge, New Hampshire, where we ll hike nearby Mount Monadnock and paddle canoes on Hubbard Pond. The group will camp out Thursday night and enjoy an evening of storytelling and s mores around the campfire. COUNSELORS-IN-TRAINING ages $175 members; $240 nonmembers TOPSFIELD Session 1: June 24 July 5 Session 2: July 8 19 Session 3: July 22 August 2 MARBLEHEAD Session 1: July Session 2: July 29 August 9 Our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is for teens who want to gain experience working with children in an outdoor setting. Participate in lesson development trainings, lead games, assist camp groups, and learn to teach activities. Please note: An application is required, and space is limited. For more information and an application, contact Camp Director Scott Santino at ssantino@massaudubon.org. 8

10 CANOE ADVENTURES ages Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 6 IPSWICH RIVER ADVENTURES August 5 9 $340 members; $405 nonmembers Learning to canoe opens up another world along the Ipswich River that is usually out of reach. Learn paddling techniques, water safety, and teamwork skills as you explore the river and its islands. Discover different insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals that live on various islands and lurk in the backwaters of the river. FURTHER RIVER ADVENTURES August $360 members; $425 nonmembers Paddle less-visited sections of the Ipswich River while searching for frogs, turtles, fish, and other animals that inhabit its banks and islands. Cool off in the river with daily dips and learn watercraft safety skills. An overnight campout on Perkins Island will be the highlight this week as we pitch tents, enjoy s mores around a campfire, and observe nocturnal animals such as owls, bats, and beavers. *Please note: Program participants must know how to swim. Programs are led by staff who have been trained in Water Rescue and Small Craft Safety. 9

11 MARBLEHEAD PROGRAMS Church of Saint Andrew Explore the forests, fields, ponds, and coastal surroundings of Marblehead. We ll wander the Wyman Woods trails, watch for turtles in Hawthorn Pond, and search a salt marsh for herons along the Forest River. An extended-day program is available from 3:00 4:00 pm. See page 1 for details. YOUNG EXPLORERS ages 5-6 $320 members; $385 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5 July 8 12 Young children are natural explorers with big imaginations. With counselors by their side, campers will go on nature hikes, sing camp songs, listen to stories, play games, and create nature crafts to nurture a joyful and memorable connection with wildlife and wild places. EXPLORERS ages 7-12 Campers are divided into two age groups: 7 8 and 9 12 $310 members; $375 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 CREATURE CAMP July Observe, catch, and learn about the creatures that live around us. We ll collect insects in a field, find mammal tracks in mud, see birds soaring in the sky, and spy reptiles lurking in a pond. Each day will focus on a different group of wildlife with hikes, crafts, and hands-on activities. NATURE HEROS July Learn about real-life nature heroes including the founder of Mass Audubon, Harriet Hemenway, water warrior Rachel Carson, and climate scientist Bill Nye. Explore wildlands, catch and observe wildlife, and do real projects to help out nature every day. We are all nature heroes! 10 ANIMAL ARCHITECTS July 29 August 2 Beavers build dams, birds build nests, and moths build cocoons. Taking inspiration from these and other natural builders, we will use natural materials to create our own shelters in woodlands, nests in fields, mini-boats to float down the river, and more. NATURE & ART August 5 9 Enjoy nature and unlock your inner artist! Make paintbrushes, paint with watercolors at the pond, build sculptures with natural materials, and much more. Close observation of wild plants and animals, hikes to beautiful ocean views, and learning about famous nature artists will inspire us.

12 ESSEX PROGRAMS Essex County Greenbelt s Cox Reservation 9:00 am 3:00 pm Discover the amazing coastal creatures that live at Essex County Greenbelt s Cox Reservation, located along the Essex River. An artist s studio barn will provide a unique base for our games and activities. ESSEX EXPLORERS ages 7-10 $255 members; $320 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 MARINE MANIA August 5 9 Dive deep into marine wonders and catch the craze for exploration. The outdoors will be our laboratory as we investigate the amazing animals and plants that call salt marsh, ocean, and coastal uplands home. Binoculars, nets, and microscopes will be the tools of our trade as we observe nesting birds, and capture crabs, periwinkles, and mummichogs. We ll also take a special field trip to Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary in Gloucester to explore the dunes and upland forests. Play nature games, make crafts, and do exciting hands-on science activities all week alongside beautiful seascapes. OCEAN IN MOTION August Ride the tide of discovery to reveal the secrets of plants and animals that live where the Essex River meets the sea. Learn if you have what it takes to survive the ups and downs of tidal changes. You ll be left high and dry if you miss the fun of mucking the intertidal flats for snails and clams, scouring the skies for egrets and herons, and searching fields for Monarch Butterflies. A special trip to Mass Audubon s Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary in Gloucester will allow us to explore the teeming rocky tide pools. Nature crafts and activities will be inspired by our seaside surroundings. This was a great camp! We ve done a few Audubon camps, but this was our first time at the Cox Reservation. She had a great time! 11

13 Camp Registration Information To Register for Camp: massaudubon.org/ipswichrivercamp Call Mail or bring camp registration form and payment to: Ipswich River Nature Day Camps 87 Perkins Row Topsfield, MA Registration Confirmation A confirmation letter/ containing important documents and information will be sent once your camper s registration has been processed. Deposit A nonrefundable deposit of $50 per camper, per session is required to register for camp. 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 & 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. Multi-session discounts are 12 available for select sessions. See details on page 1. 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 April 30. Please call to request an application or download one at massaudubon.org/campforms. 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.) Camper Requirements 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 (Continued)

14 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 Topsfield, Marblehead, and Essex boards 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. 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 one week prior to the first day of camp. We will try to honor requests for one friend to be placed in the same group with your child, depending on the experience and ages of both campers. Camp Contact Info Scott Santino, Camp Director Ipswich River Nature Day Camps 87 Perkins Row Topsfield, MA ipswichrivercamp@massaudubon.org massaudubon.org/ipswichrivercamp There s more to explore at Wildwood: Overnight Camp, ages 9 14 Wildwood Warblers, ages 7 8 Teen Adventure Trips, ages Leaders-in-Training, grades 10 & 11 Family Camp, all ages! Visit massaudubon.org/wildwood or call to learn more. Mass Audubon protects 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 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. We welcome you to explore a nearby sanctuary, find inspiration, and get involved. Learn how at massaudubon.org. 13

15 Camp Registration Form Camper Last Name: First Name: Street Address: Register one of three ways: Call Visit massaudubon.org/ipswichrivercamp Mail this form and payment to: 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA Please complete a separate form for each camper. Gender: City: State: Zip: Birth Date: / / Age as of June 1: Grade in Sept: Person Completing This Form Name: Relationship to Camper: Member #: Phone 1: Phone 2: Address (if different): City: State: Zip: Parent/Guardian (if different) Name: Relationship to Camper: Member #: Phone 1: Phone 2: Address (if different): City: State: Zip: Session Title: Session Title: After-Camp Option: Friend Request : Session Date: Session Date: 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. Total Camp Session(s): $ Total Before/After Camp Session(s): $ *Membership if Joining/Renewing ($65): $ Tax-Deductible Campership Fund Donation: $ Multi-Session Discount: $ TOTAL: $ Amount Paid Today (Minimum Deposit): $ Balance Due by May 15: $ Payment Method: Check Included OR Credit Card (circle one) DISC l MC l VISA Name on Card: Card #: Exp. Date: Signature: Verification Code: Date: 14

16 Ipswich River Nature Day Camps Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary 87 Perkins Row Topsfield, MA DISCOVER. EXPLORE. BE OUTSIDE!