Berkshire Nature Camp At Pleasant Valley

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1 Berkshire Nature Camp At Pleasant Valley 472 W Mountain Road, Lenox, MA DISCOVER. EXPLORE. BE OUTSIDE! SUMMER 2019

2 ABOUT CAMP At Berkshire Nature Camp in Lenox, campers ages 3 to 16 have fun and make friends as they discover nature! Trail explorations, wildlife observation, outdoor play, hands-on activities, games, and crafts keep campers engaged throughout the summer. Camp takes place at Pleasant Valley, our 1,200-acre wildlife sanctuary with diverse forests, meadows, mountains, brooks, and beaver ponds. Our Camp Staff Our enthusiastic camp counselors are dedicated to providing campers with a fun and memorable summer experience. Staff are carefully selected based on their teaching experience, nature knowledge, and deep commitment to engaging campers with the outdoors. Many counselors were once campers themselves and have returned to share their appreciation of nature. We pride ourselves on our staff s longevity and devotion to campers wellbeing. All undergo background and reference checks, are CPR and First Aid certified, and attend an intensive training program prior to the start of camp. A Day at Camp 8:45 am Counselors Welcome Campers at the Nature Play Area 9:00 am All-Camp Morning Circle 9:30 am Nature Explorations, Activities, & Crafts Using Natural Materials 12:00 pm Lunch 12:30 pm Camper Choice Time: Active Games & Quiet Activities 1:00 pm Half-Day Camper Pick-up; Nature Explorations, Games, & Team-Building Challenges 2:45 pm Closing Circle 3:00 3:15 pm Camper Pick-Up

3 Longer Week & Hours! HALF-DAY NATURE CAMP Monday Friday, 9:00 am 1:00 pm Camp Dates: June 24 28; July 15 19; July 29 August 2; August KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS ages 3 5 $180 members; $230 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5 Discover the wonders of nature this summer! Explore the trails at Pleasant Valley, play games, sing songs, make crafts, and listen to stories. Counselors are specially selected based on proven ability to lead younger children in the outdoors. Please note: Campers must be at least age 3 by June 1. FULL-DAY NATURE CAMP Monday Friday, 9:00 am 3:00 pm Camp Dates: June 24 28; July 1 5; July 8 12; July 15 19; July 22 26; July 29 August 2; August 5 9; August DISCOVERERS ages 5 6 $350 members; $430 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5 Nature truly is a magical place where wonder and adventure are waiting to be discovered behind each and every tree. Explore Pike s Pond, Yukon Brook, and the fields and forests at Pleasant Valley; play games; and sing camp songs. Look for pond creatures and build secret gnome-home villages in the woods. Gain a greater connection to nature and curiosity about the outdoors, and learn how you can be a steward of the natural world. EXPLORERS ages 7 9 $350 members; $430 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 Oceanographer Don Walsh once said that exploration is curiosity put into action. Get curious this summer as you explore the far reaches of Pleasant Valley in search of hidden wonders of the natural world. Hemlock forests, vernal pools, and beaver ponds await! Be ready for days packed with new sights, sounds, smells, and games as you get to know the sanctuary s many habitats. Build survival shelters, and learn to identify plants and animals. On Wednesday, we ll join the Naturalists group on a hike to top of Lenox Mountain. As a family, we are very happy with this camp, the supervision, activities, and education that are provided each day! Thanks so much!

4 Phil Doyle NATURALISTS ages $350 members; $430 nonmembers OR $425 members; $500 nonmembers* Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 10 Dive deep into the incredible complexity of the natural world. Explore the sanctuary off the beaten path, play games, and use real scientific techniques to investigate the outdoors. Learn how to track wildlife, survey for rare species using a specialized tool, and map bird-nesting sites. On Wednesday hike to the top of Lenox Mountain, and top off the week with a canoe adventure on one of our local waterways. *Price for weeks with an evening component: June 24 28; July 29 August 2; August Campers stay until 10:00 pm Thursday.* Joey loved camp so much he wants to attend again next year and talks about wanting to be a counselor when he is old enough. It was truly a great time. LEADERS-IN-TRAINING ages Training Date: Friday, June 21 Do you love being outdoors and working with children? Become a Leader-In- Training (LIT) and share your love of nature with younger campers while acquiring valuable leadership skills. LITs are a vital part of our camp program, and many go on to become camp counselors! An application is required and LITs must attend training on Friday, June 21. To request an application, please contact Berkshire Nature Camp Director, Max Galdos-Shapiro at or mshapiro@massaudubon.org. LIT positions are limited, so please apply early!

5 NEW! TEEN ADVENTURE PROGRAM ages CALL OF THE WILD July 8 12 $450 members; $525 nonmembers, per session Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 10 Includes trips to: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Lime Kiln Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Housatonic River Everything in the natural world is connected and communicating. Dive into the secret world of bird language, plant communication, and much more as you explore three Mass Audubon sanctuaries and canoe the mighty Housatonic River. Our investigations will be guided by campers interests along with whatever mysteries we find along the way. Practice real scientific techniques such as radio telemetry, water testing, and microscopy to shed light on some of the more elusive aspects of the natural world that most people will never encounter. Come for a week of science and adventure, and uncover the fascinating stories unfolding around us all the time! CANOE CAMP August 5 9 $450 members; $525 nonmembers, per session Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 10 Includes trips to: Multiple sections of the Housatonic River, Laurel Lake, and Richmond Pond The Berkshires are one of the most water-rich places in North America and contain wonderfully diverse rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Explore by boat some of the most biologically unique places in the county and learn real scientific techniques, such as water chemistry tests and microscopy, used to study freshwater ecosystems. Be prepared for full days on the water and get ready to see a side of the Berkshires few people ever do! Canoe Camp staff are all trained in first-aid, CPR, and small watercraft safety. Justin Miel

6 CAMP SESSIONS AT A GLANCE Dates Camp Group Session Fee M/NM June Knee-High Naturalists, ages 3 5 KNH1 D1 E1 N1* $180/$230 $425/$500 July 1 5 Please note: camp will be held on July 4 D2 E2 N2 July 8 12 Teen Adventure Program, ages D3 E3 N3 TAP1 $450/$525 July Knee-High Naturalists, ages 3 5 KNH2 D4 E4 N4* $180/$230 $425/$500 July D5 E5 N5 July 29 August 2 Knee-High Naturalists, ages 3 5 KNH3 D6 E6 N6* $180/$230 $425/$500 August 5 9 Teen Adventure Program, ages D7 E7 N7 TAP2 $450/$525 August Knee-High Naturalists, ages 3 5 KNH4 D8 E8 N8* $180/$230 $425/$500 *This session has a late night on Thursday; campers stay until 10:00 pm.

7 CAMP REGISTRATION INFORMATION To Register for Camp Visit massaudubon.org/berkshirecamp Call Mail or bring this form & payment to: Mass Audubon Berkshire Sanctuaries 472 W Mountain Rd Lenox, 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/ camper/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 Discount 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. 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 15. Please call the Camp Director 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).

8 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 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 Tri-Town 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. Session Transfers Sessions transfer requests will be honored if there is space available and if a request is made at least two weeks prior to your camper s session start date. Everything about this camp was amazing. It's what a camp should be and reminded me of my childhood. I'm so thankful for your scholarship so my children could experience camp. Camp Contact Info Max Galdos-Shapiro, Camp Director Berkshire Nature Camp 472 W Mountain Road Lenox, MA Berkshirecamp@massaudubon.org Massaudubon.org

9 CAMP REGISTRATION FORM CAN T WAIT FOR SUMMER? School Vacation Camp ages 7 12 Tuesday Friday, 9:00 am 3:30 pm $190 members, $250 nonmembers, per week; $50 members, $65 nonmembers, per day WINTER ADVENTURE VACATION WEEK February Learn about wildlife that stays active in the cold and snow, and the adaptations that enable them to survive. Snowshoes provided. Dress for the weather; warm outerwear and waterproof boots are required. SPRING EXPLORERS VACATION WEEK April Spring is a great time to experience the natural world as plants and wildlife awaken, energized and full of life. Dress for the weather; mud boots are required.

10 THERE'S MORE TO EXPLORE Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries Pleasant Valley Canoe Meadows Lime Kiln Farm PLEASANT VALLEY 472 W Mountain Rd, Lenox MA Acres: 1,211 Trails: 7 Miles (Universally Accessible: 0.3 miles) Set amidst more than 1,200 lush acres in the Berkshires, Pleasant Valley s varied trails wind through forests, meadows, wetlands, and along the slopes of Lenox Mountain. LIME KILN Silver Street, Sheffield, MA Acres: 363 Trails: 2 Miles Lime Kiln Farm has been known to host more than 500 species of plants. The rolling hayfields, limestone ridge, conifer forest, and former pastures attract more than 50 species of butterflies as well as numerous species of birds, mammals, and amphibians. CANOE MEADOWS Holmes Road, Pittsfield, MA Acres: 253 Trails: 3 Miles Located just one mile from Pittsfield center, Canoe Meadows brings wilderness to Berkshire County s largest city, attracting warblers, turtles, ospreys, otters, and the occasional bear. There s more to explore at Wildwood: Overnight Camp, ages 9 14 Wildwood Warblers, ages 7 8 Teen Adventure Trips, grades 9 12 Leaders in-training, grades 10 & 11 Family Camp, all ages! Visit massaudubon.org/wildwood or call to learn more.

11 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 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. Connect With Us The turtle tracking was awesome! She is already planning on being a wildlife scientist. She is having SUCH A GOOD TIME. It s been so good for her!

12 Berkshire Nature Camp 472 W Mountain Rd Lenox, MA DISCOVER. EXPLORE. BE OUTSIDE!