Fern & Feather DAY CAMP

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1 Fern & Feather DAY CAMP Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary Edgartown, MA DISCOVER. EXPLORE. BE OUTSIDE! SUMMER 2018

ABOUT CAMP Fern and Feather Day Camp encourages children s lasting curiosity and care for the natural world.

Outdoor games, hands-on nature activities, wildlife observations, hikes, stories, crafts, and camp songs make

Explore the nature of Martha s Vineyard at our 350-acre wildlife sanctuary!

2 ABOUT CAMP Fern and Feather Day Camp encourages children s lasting curiosity and care for the natural world. Campers have fun and make friends as they explore forest, field, marsh, pond, and seashore habitats. Outdoor games, hands-on nature activities, wildlife observations, hikes, stories, crafts, and camp songs make Fern and Feather a one-of-a-kind summer experience! Explore the nature of Martha s Vineyard at our 350-acre wildlife sanctuary! OUR CAMP STAFF Camp staff members are chosen for their enthusiasm, experience, knowledge, and ability to work with children outdoors. Staff are first aid-, CPR-, and/or lifeguard-certified and attend pre-camp training in safety, child development, and natural history. Registration Opens January 2! Early registration is encouraged to secure your preferred dates. Visit massaudubon.org/felixneckcamp to register online or call

TRY IT OUT: CAMP FOR A DAY! CAMP FOR A DAY (ages 4 10) Wednesday Friday, 9:00 am 2:30 pm Extended-Day Options Available (see page 4) $72/day members; $91/day nonmembers New to camp?

Sessions incorporate outdoor games, hands-on nature activities, wildlife observation hikes, stories, crafts, and more!

Learn about different species of birds that fly around the Island in the summer.

3 TRY IT OUT: CAMP FOR A DAY! CAMP FOR A DAY (ages 4 10) Wednesday Friday, 9:00 am 2:30 pm Extended-Day Options Available (see page 4) $72/day members; $91/day nonmembers New to camp? Try Camp for a Day! This program encourages campers to actively investigate and observe their surroundings, make their own discoveries, appreciate nature, and most of all, have fun! Sessions incorporate outdoor games, hands-on nature activities, wildlife observation hikes, stories, crafts, and more! CAMPER AGE GROUPS: Age 4 Ages 5 6 Ages 7 8 Ages 9 10 BIRD BONANZA Wednesday, June 20 If it looks like a bird, flies like a bird, and sings like a bird it s probably a bird. Learn about different species of birds that fly around the Island in the summer. WATER WORLDS Thursday, June 21 Explore Felix Neck s varied aquatic habitats; from salt marsh to freshwater pond, find out what s living beneath the surface. TRACKTASTIC Friday, June 22 Even when we don t see wildlife, there are plenty of clues that indicate they re around. Learn to look for signs of resident animals to determine who has been doing what at Felix Neck. In just one week my son has learned respect for our environment, interesting facts about nature, and lots of great camp songs, too! 2

DISCOVERERS (HALF DAY) Ages 4-5 Monday Friday, 9:00 am 12:00 pm Extended-Day Options Available (see page 4) $268 members; $343 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5 This half-day program

Exciting adventures may include catching bugs, touching a turtle, making animal-inspired crafts, and much more! Price includes a camp T-shirt, a camp patch, and a group photo.

4 DISCOVERERS (HALF DAY) Ages 4-5 Monday Friday, 9:00 am 12:00 pm Extended-Day Options Available (see page 4) $268 members; $343 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5 This half-day program encourages a young child s curiosity, increases sensory awareness, and provides an introduction to nature. Exciting adventures may include catching bugs, touching a turtle, making animal-inspired crafts, and much more! Price includes a camp T-shirt, a camp patch, and a group photo. BABY ANIMALS June Explore a variety of baby animals, from chicks to fawns to polliwogs. Learn why some need to be nurtured for months, while others are ready to run, jump, or fly right away. Also discover how they survive in the wild. BACKWOODS EXPLORERS July 2 6, August Make a pair of binoculars, grab a map and compass, and hit the trails to explore Felix Neck! We ll discover different wildlife species and learn about their survival techniques. NATURE SENSE July 9 13, August Stop, look, listen, feel, and taste! Let s use all of our senses to find out which flowers smell the best, what different tree bark textures feel like, which of nature s edible treats are the sweetest, and more. Our daughter is very nature-oriented and loves learning about animals, so this camp is great for her. She particularly loved meeting and playing with new friends. Thank you! 3

CREEPY CRAWLIES July 23 27, August 27 31 Bugs, slugs, snakes, salamanders if it s slippery or wriggly, we ll find it!

While we re at it, we ll learn about the differences between mammals and other animals. FEATHERED FUN August 6 10 What makes a bird a bird, and how does it fly?

5 CREEPY CRAWLIES July 23 27, August Bugs, slugs, snakes, salamanders if it s slippery or wriggly, we ll find it! Explore the field, the woods, and the dirt in search of the Island s creepiest critters. FURRY FRIENDS July 30 August 3 We ll have a great time discovering different mammals that live on the Island. While we re at it, we ll learn about the differences between mammals and other animals. FEATHERED FUN August 6 10 What makes a bird a bird, and how does it fly? We ll investigate our feathered friends through stories, crafts, and outdoor exploration as we hit the trails. Great first camp experience for our four-year-old in a beautiful setting. We were so pleased and we will be back! EXTENDED-DAY OPTIONS EARLY DROP-OFF OPTION Monday Friday, 8:30 9:00 am $35/week, members & nonmembers Campers spend their pre-camp morning engaged in quiet games or crafts. LATE PICK-UP OPTION Monday Friday, 2:30 3:45 pm $90/week, members & nonmembers Campers have a snack (brought from home) and hike, explore, and play games. Available for all campers except Discoverers. NEW: DISCOVERERS LATE PICK-UP Monday Friday, 12:00 2:30 pm $100/week, members & nonmembers Discoverers can spend a full day for lunch (brought from home) and extend exploration. 4

PATHFINDERS Entering Grades K-1 Monday Friday, 9:00 am 2:30 pm Extended-Day Options Available (see page 4) $375 members; $450 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5 The Pathfinders program

6 PATHFINDERS Entering Grades K-1 Monday Friday, 9:00 am 2:30 pm Extended-Day Options Available (see page 4) $375 members; $450 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5 The Pathfinders program balances play, art, sensory exploration, and hands-on activities as campers discover nature. Activities include hiking, nature-themed games, making crafts, exploring with nets, and storytelling. Price includes a camp T-shirt, a camp patch, and a group photo. ANIMAL INSTINCTS June 25 29; August Think like a rabbit and act like a deer. Nature-themed games and activities will help us understand animal behavior. Discover how different animals see, smell, hunt, hide, and travel. AQUA CRITTERS July 2 6* Cool and wet learn what it s like for critters of all kinds to live in the water. Frogs, crabs, snails, fish, and whales are all waiting to be found. *On Wednesday, July 4, camp will end at 12:00 pm. Campers are invited to ride on the Felix Neck float in the Edgartown Fourth of July Parade. Meet at the Edgartown School at 4:30 pm. MIGHTY MAMMALS July 9 13 An otter swims, so why is it a mammal and not a fish? Discover the differences between mammals and other animals such as fish, and find out which mammals make their home on the Island. 5

WET & WILD July 16 20; August 27 31 Discover the ins and outs of Felix Neck s water habitats.

EARTH & SKY July 23 27 Watch clouds, hunt for earthworms, and roam about the field and forest as we explore high, low, and everywhere in between.

Slippery salamanders, many-legged millipedes, spitting clams, and camouflaged crabs are some of the fascinating wildlife we ll search for on our daily explorations.

7 WET & WILD July 16 20; August Discover the ins and outs of Felix Neck s water habitats. While splashing around in our freshwater and saltwater ponds, we ll take a close look at the plants and animals that call them home. EARTH & SKY July Watch clouds, hunt for earthworms, and roam about the field and forest as we explore high, low, and everywhere in between. Learn about the many wonders of nature on our big, beautiful planet. DIG IT! July 30 August 3 Discover the world beneath your feet! Slippery salamanders, many-legged millipedes, spitting clams, and camouflaged crabs are some of the fascinating wildlife we ll search for on our daily explorations. THINGS WITH WINGS August 6 10 Hummingbirds hum, hawks soar, and dragonflies zip through the summer sky. Animals that fly are fun and exciting to investigate. We ll use binoculars, nets, and bug boxes to discover the adaptations that allow these animals to fly so high. ALL CREATURES GREAT & SMALL August We ll spend all week looking for as many creatures as we can find. No matter their size, shape, or species, we ll learn how all of these critters are important to the Island s ecosystems. He loved it and came home smiling and full of info each day. The 4th of July parade was a highlight and the staff were amazing. 6

EXPLORERS Entering Grades 2-3 Monday Friday, 9:00 am 2:30 pm Extended-Day Options Available (see page 4) $375 members; $450 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 Explorers investigate Felix

Price includes a camp T-shirt, a camp patch, and a group photo.

8 EXPLORERS Entering Grades 2-3 Monday Friday, 9:00 am 2:30 pm Extended-Day Options Available (see page 4) $375 members; $450 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 Explorers investigate Felix Neck s wildlife and habitats. Each session examines different plants and animals in an interactive way, furthering campers connection to the natural world. Price includes a camp T-shirt, a camp patch, and a group photo. MARINE MUCKERS June 25 29; August Mucky, salty, and wet: We ll look for crabs and eels in the marsh, search the tidal flats for clams and shorebirds, and scoop up schooling fish along the shoreline. Get wet and muddy as you discover some of the Island s most incredible critters. FABULOUS FLIERS July 2 6* Why do birds flock together? How do they fly? And why do they sing? We ll identify and explore adaptations of the many fabulous fliers at Felix Neck, including the osprey, songbirds, and shorebirds. *On Wednesday, July 4, camp will end at 12:00 pm. Campers are invited to ride on the Felix Neck float in the Edgartown Fourth of July Parade. Meet at the Edgartown School at 4:30 pm. OCEAN IN MOTION July 9 13 Why does the tide roll in and out, and what s all the commotion in the ocean? Discover what makes the waters around the Island move, and which animals and plants live beneath the waves. Great week as always! We appreciate your attentiveness to food allergies. 7

PREDATORS! July 16 20, August 27 31 Osprey, black racer snakes, and giant water bugs!

We ll also take a close look at animal skulls to determine the different characteristics of herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.

Discover the importance of color in nature through games, art, and exploration.

Search for bugs, slugs, and spiders while learning how they eat, move, hide, and find mates. DAY & NIGHT August 13 17 What happens at Felix Neck when the sun goes down?

9 PREDATORS! July 16 20, August Osprey, black racer snakes, and giant water bugs! Discover the cunning strategies these predators use to survive, and find out how we fit into nature s predator/prey dynamic. We ll also take a close look at animal skulls to determine the different characteristics of herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL July Search for the brightest flower, find the most colorful bird, and examine animals with bold patterns. Discover the importance of color in nature through games, art, and exploration. SPINELESS WONDERS August 6 10 Investigate the secret world of invertebrates (spineless critters) living at the sanctuary. Search for bugs, slugs, and spiders while learning how they eat, move, hide, and find mates. DAY & NIGHT August What happens at Felix Neck when the sun goes down? Bats, owls, muskrat, and other creatures of the night reign while daytime animals (and campers) sleep. Learn how these animals use the dark of night to their advantage. SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST July 30 August 3 Stealthy flight, tough armor, or wily ways: which would you choose to stay alive in the wild? Discover special adaptations that allow different plants and animals to survive, and test your own survival skills through games, shelter building, and more! My son said he had the time of my life and he looks forward to camp all year! 8

ADVENTURERS Entering Grades 4-5 Monday Thursday*, 9:00 am 2:30 pm Extended-Day Options Available (see page 4) $389 members; $464 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 Adventurers take a deeper

Price includes a camp T-shirt, a camp patch, and a group photo. *Thursday overnight with 9:00 am pick-up Friday morning (no camp Friday).

Test your own survival skills through games, shelter building, and more! HABITAT QUEST July 16 20 Explore the habitats of Felix Neck and Martha s Vineyard with a close eye.

10 ADVENTURERS Entering Grades 4-5 Monday Thursday*, 9:00 am 2:30 pm Extended-Day Options Available (see page 4) $389 members; $464 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 Adventurers take a deeper look at the natural world through exploration that includes hiking, nature experiments, games, and more. Programs also include snorkeling and an overnight campout at the sanctuary. Price includes a camp T-shirt, a camp patch, and a group photo. *Thursday overnight with 9:00 am pick-up Friday morning (no camp Friday). SURVIVAL CHALLENGE July 9 13; August Investigate unique adaptations that help animals and plants survive in Felix Neck s diverse habitats. Test your own survival skills through games, shelter building, and more! HABITAT QUEST July Explore the habitats of Felix Neck and Martha s Vineyard with a close eye. Learn about wildlife that call the Island home and the important role they play in our ecosystem. EARTH STEWARDS July 23 27; August 6 10 Do you like the outdoors and care about wildlife? Learn to be a steward of the earth: hike trails without leaving a trace, identify wild edibles, create art with recycled material, and help with invasive species removal. MICRO TO MACRO July 30 August 3 Nature s food chain depends on creatures of all sizes and shapes from microscopic plankton to massive whales. Investigate how these micro- and macro-organisms interact with one another. 9

ECOLOGISTS Entering Grades 6-8 Monday Thursday*, 9:00 am 2:30 pm Extended-Day Options Available (see page 4) $416 members; $491 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 Ecologists participate in

11 ECOLOGISTS Entering Grades 6-8 Monday Thursday*, 9:00 am 2:30 pm Extended-Day Options Available (see page 4) $416 members; $491 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 Ecologists participate in inquiry-based projects that introduce the methods and techniques scientists use to study and interpret nature. Programs include citizen science research, snorkeling, kayaking, and an overnight campout at the sanctuary. Price includes a camp T-shirt, a camp patch, and a group photo. *Thursday overnight with 9:00 am pick-up Friday morning (no camp Friday). LIVING WITH WILDLIFE July Humans and wildlife have been living side by side for some time, but never as close together as now. Get to know some common (but often misunderstood) animals, including bees, jellyfish, snapping turtles, snakes, and bats. INTO THE WILD July Humans and wildlife have survived on the Island and in the water surrounding Felix Neck for thousands of years. You, too, can learn basic survival skills and techniques, including how to build a primitive shelter, identify wild edibles, and more! BUDDING MARINE BIOLOGISTS July 30 August 3 Explore the exciting field of marine biology, and meet scientists, sea-turtle rescuers, and others who make their living studying sea life. Survey coastal waterbirds such as American oystercatchers, piping plovers, and terns on Sengekontacket Pond. CONSERVATION TRAILBLAZERS August 6 10 Start blazing a trail to becoming a conservation-minded citizen: explore the diverse array of protected habitats at Felix Neck and learn the importance of conservation for both wildlife and people. I think that your program would be difficult to improve upon... you set the standard. 10

CAMP POSITIONS AVAILABLE LEADERS-IN-TRAINING Ages 14 16 Monday Friday 8:00 am 4:00 pm $158 members; $233 nonmembers Our Leaders-In-Training (LIT) program presents young adults with an opportunity to

Please note: an application is required and can be downloaded at massaudubon.org/felixneckcamp. CAMP STAFF POSITIONS Ages 16+ Love nature and working with kids?

12 CAMP POSITIONS AVAILABLE LEADERS-IN-TRAINING Ages Monday Friday 8:00 am 4:00 pm $158 members; $233 nonmembers Our Leaders-In-Training (LIT) program presents young adults with an opportunity to develop leadership skills and an environmental ethic that will last a lifetime. LITs assist counselors in planning and teaching lessons during camp and can participate for multiple weeks. Please note: an application is required and can be downloaded at massaudubon.org/felixneckcamp. CAMP STAFF POSITIONS Ages 16+ Love nature and working with kids? Too old for camp, but still want to spend your summer at Felix Neck? We re looking for you! Environmental Educators/Counselors Ages 18+ Junior Counselors Ages 16+ We hire enthusiastic people who want to enrich the lives of children through hands-on nature activities, games, and crafts. Instructors supervise campers health and safety, promote positive youth development, teach nature-based activities, and communicate with parents and other staff. Please note: current CPR/first-aid certifications are required for all positions; lifeguard certification is a plus. 11

13 Camp Registration Information Registration Opens January 2! Early registration is encouraged to secure your preferred dates. Visit massaudubon.org/felixneckcamp Call Mail or bring this form & payment to: Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary P.O. Box 494 Vineyard Haven, MA Felix Neck Drive Edgartown, MA Registration Confirmation A confirmation letter/ containing important documents and information will be sent once your camper s registration has been processed. Refund Policy A full refund, minus a nonrefundable deposit of $75, 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. Islander discounts available to yearround island residents: $25/half-day sessions and $35/full day-sessions. Financial Aid Financial assistance is available to year-round island residents based on demonstrated economic need and available funds, Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call the Camp Director to request an application. Payment Plans Payment plan options are available. Please contact the Camp Registrar for more information. Important Deadlines All camp forms, waivers, and the balance of your camp tuition are due at registration. 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 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 ageappropriate 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 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. 12

Camp Registration Information Camp License Our camp complies with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the Edgartown Board of Health.

14 Camp Registration Information Camp License Our camp complies with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the Edgartown 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 check the appropriate box on your registration form and your information will be shared with other interested families. Fabulous experience and loved the parent nature walks. 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 the session start date, after which time transfers are not permitted. 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. Please indicate on your registration form if you would like your camper to be placed with a friend of the same age. CAMP CONTACT INFO Josey Kirkland, Camp Director Fern &Feather Day Camp at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary P.O. Box 494 Vineyard Haven, MA Felix Neck Drive Edgartown, MA Jkirkland@massaudubon.org massaudubon.org/felixneckcamp 13

15 Camp Registration Form 14

THERE'S MORE TO EXPLORE SCHOOL VACATION PROGRAMS for Children in Kindergarten Grade 5 FEBRUARY VACATION PROGRAMS February 27 March 2 9:00 am 3:00 pm $65 members, per day; $75 nonmembers, per day

February 28 FEATHERED FUN March 1 NATURE SENSE March 2 APRIL VACATION PROGRAMS April 16 20 8:30 am 3:00 pm $270 members, per week; $320 nonmembers, per week Spring into nature as we explore different

16 THERE'S MORE TO EXPLORE SCHOOL VACATION PROGRAMS for Children in Kindergarten Grade 5 FEBRUARY VACATION PROGRAMS February 27 March 2 9:00 am 3:00 pm $65 members, per day; $75 nonmembers, per day Search for animal tracks and signs and learn about special adaptations that allow wildlife to survive the cold winter months. Come for one day or all four! MAMMAL-RAMA February 27 ADAPT! February 28 FEATHERED FUN March 1 NATURE SENSE March 2 APRIL VACATION PROGRAMS April :30 am 3:00 pm $270 members, per week; $320 nonmembers, per week Spring into nature as we explore different Island habitats, learn about wildlife, grow food, make crafts, sing songs, listen to nature stories, and much more! A Collaborative Program from the Martha s Vineyard Environmental Educators Alliance (MVEEA). Please note: registration is required. Call or visit massaudubon.org/felixneck to reserve your spot. 15

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

17 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. Connect With Us There s more to explore at Wildwood, Mass Audubon s overnight camp in Rindge, New Hampshire: 16 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 to learn more.

18 Fern & Feather Day Camp P.O. Box 494 Vineyard Haven, MA Felix Neck Drive Edgartown, MA DISCOVER. EXPLORE. BE OUTSIDE!

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