Princeton 2021

WACHUSETT MEADOW NATURE DAY CAMP Discover. Explore. Be Outside.

Welcome to A DAY AT CAMP 8:00–9:00 am Optional Before-Camp Program

9:00–9:30 am Camper Arrival & Choice Time Wachusett 9:30 am Opening Circle—campers learn about the day ahead

9:45 am Morning Hike, Snack, Story, Meadow & Exploration 12:00 pm Lunch & Free Play Nature Day Camp 1:00 pm Afternoon Hike, Snack, & Activity 3:15 pm Closing Circle—campers share At Wachusett Meadow Nature Day Camp in their adventures Princeton, campers ages 3.5–17 make new friends 3:30–3:45 pm Camper Pick-up and discover the wonders of the outdoors. Campers hike the trails and learn about the natural history of 3:30–5:00 pm Optional After-Camp Program Massachusetts, play games, sing camp songs, and have a lot of fun along the way!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Call 978-464-2712 Email [email protected] Visit massaudubon.org/wachusettmeadowcamp

1 OUR CAMP STAFF Camp staff are carefully selected for their enthusiasm, caring attitude toward children, and ability to interact with youth in an outdoor setting. All undergo background checks and participate in a pre-camp training that includes first aid, CPR certification, and COVID-19 safety protocols.

OUR CAMP DIRECTOR In addition to directing Wachusett Meadow’s Day Camp, Elizabeth Broughton (she/ her) is part of Mass Audubon’s education team year-round, coordinating and teaching homeschool programs for sanctuaries in the central region, school and scout groups, and public programs for families. She also serves as Wachusett Meadow’s resident Caretaker and enjoys her scenic walking commute to work. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in microbiology and was a stay-at-home New! mom for many years while raising her four children. In her role as Camp Director, she is inspired by a love of all things nature and her commitment to educate Sliding Scale Pricing people of all ages and abilities. to provide just and equitable access for all

MORE FOR MEMBERS We are making it a priority for all families to be able Mass Audubon membership is not just about to send their children to camp in a fair and equitable summer fun for your campers: It includes free year- manner. A sliding scale model levels the playing field to round admission to our statewide network of wildlife include all families in an easy and dependable process. sanctuaries, where the whole family can explore and It creates a diverse camp community where no family enjoy the outdoors. Members also enjoy great savings is turned away because of their ability to pay. No matter on nature programs and gift shop purchases. Learn where you fall on this sliding scale, please reach out to more at massaudubon.org/membership. us if you have unique circumstances.

COVID-19 SAFETY The 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. 2 PROGRAM DETAILS Tuesday–Thursday HALF-DAY 9:00 am–1:00 pm June 15–17, June 29–July 1, NATURE CAMP July 13–15, July 27–29, August 10–12 See sliding scale on page 9 for pricing

Ages 3.5–5, Entering Pre-K–K Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5

Preschool Naturalists Thank you so much for being Explore Wachusett Meadow’s ponds, fields, and forests. Have fun able to run a safe camp outdoors as you play games, make crafts, go on hikes, and spot experience this year! Our son, wildlife. Use real scientific tools, like magnifying glasses and was so excited for camp and ponding equipment to study plants, worms, and insects up close. Play in our backyard and make new friends! came home every day with new adventures to share.”

— 2020 Camp Parent

3 PROGRAM DETAILS Monday–Friday FULL-DAY 9:00 am–3:30 pm Weekly sessions, NATURE CAMP June 14–August 20 Ages 5–12 See sliding scale on page 9 for pricing

Explorers Staff is excellent at Wachusett Meadow!” Ages 5–7, Grades K–2 Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5 — 2020 Camp Parent Explore Wachusett Meadow’s many habitats and wildlife as you look under logs, go ponding in the wetlands, build shelters in the woods, and play nature-themed games like Camouflage and Hawk and Mouse. Make new friends, make creative crafts, sing camp songs, and go on picnics.

Naturalists Ages 8–9, Grades 3–4 Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 Discover new nature facts about the wildlife at Wachusett Meadow and in your neighborhood. Climb a glacial boulder, meet a 250-year- old tree, and canoe our Wildlife Pond. Learn about the sanctuary’s field, woodland, and wetland habitats and the wildlife that call them home. Hike the Brook Trail and eat lunch by the stream.

— 2020 Camp Parent Adventurers Ages 9–12, Grades 4–6 Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 10 June 14–18, June 21–25, July 5–9*, July 19–23*, July 26 –30, August 9–13*, August 16–20 Explore the longest trails and farthest reaches of Wachusett Meadow. Hike the Brook Trail, canoe our Wildlife Pond, and summit Brown Hill for an awesome view. Investigate what’s living in the sanctuary’s fields, forests, ponds, and streams. Learn about the impacts of climate change and actions you can take to make a positive impact on the planet. *Indicates a hiking-intensive week, which includes either “greenlining” the sanctuary (hiking all 12 miles of our trails) or a hike to the summit of Mount Wachusett or Little Wachusett.

4 PROGRAM DETAILS Monday–Friday FULL-DAY 9:00 am–3:30 pm Weekly sessions, NATURE CAMP June 14–August 20 continued See sliding scale on page 9 for pricing

These full-day, week-long nature camps include extended Thursday evening programming so campers can experience the sanctuary at night. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to offer an overnight program this summer.

Discoverers Ages 9–12, Grades 4–6 Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 10 June 28–July 2, July 12–16, August 2–6 Make new friends and expand your horizons. Discover the biodiversity at Wachusett Meadow as you learn about community science. Hike along the Brook Trail and parts of the Midstate Trail. Enjoy Wildlife Pond from a canoe. Stay after dark on Thursday evening for dinner around the campfire, nighttime games, stargazing, and other nocturnal fun. Camper pickup on Thursday is at 9:30 pm.

Ecologists Ages 12–17, Grades 7–11 Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 10 July 19–23 Learn about the biodiversity of Princeton and beyond! Explore Wachusett Meadow’s trails including our newest Fieldstone Farm trail, canoe on Wildlife Pond, hike to the summit of Little Wachusett and Mount Wachusett, and hike the Midstate Trail through Four Corners. On Thursday, stay beyond the regular day of camp, eat dinner by the campfire, gaze at the full moon, and enjoy a night activity with your new-found friends. Camper pickup on 5 Thursday is at 10 pm. PROGRAM DETAILS SPECIALTY CAMPS Monday–Friday 9:00 am–3:30 pm Ages 11–17 See sliding scale on page 9 for pricing

Outdoor Leaders Ages 11–14 Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 10 June 21–25 Are you a natural-born leader? Do you think about camp activities all year long? Do you want to challenge yourself and improve your skills? Enhance your natural history knowledge and discover more about our trail system, develop a community service project, and learn how to lead kid-friendly nature activities that will prepare you to become a Counselor–in–Training.

Nature & Art Ages 7–11 Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8 July 5–9 Explore nature, create art, and make friends! Hike Wachusett Meadow’s trails to gather inspiration for our many art projects during this fun-filled week. Try printmaking, painting, working with clay, and dabbling in multimedia. No experience necessary; just bring your imagination. Slideshow of art projects of all campers will be available on Friday evening.

COUNSELORS-IN-TRAINING Training: Saturday, June 12, 1:00–4:00 pm $150 members; $215 nonmembers per session and training Are you interested in working with younger campers? Do you want to gain leadership skills? This program is for you! CITs learn how to plan and present a lesson during each week of camp and lead camper games during lunch recess. Please note: Limited spaces are available. Registration fee covers training day plus a two-week commitment during the summer. Additional weeks may be available for $50 per week at the Camp Director’s discretion. Contact the Camp Director to request an application at wachusettcamp@ massaudubon.org or 978-464-2712.

6 Before & After Camp Options

BEFORE CAMP: 8:00–9:00 am Weekly or daily, June 14–August 20 $50 members; $65 nonmembers, per week, full-day camp $30 members; $40 nonmembers, per week, half-day nature camp $10 members; $13 nonmembers, per day Campers will spend the morning engaged in quiet games or crafts. Children should arrive having already eaten breakfast.

AFTER CAMP: 3:30–5:30 pm Weekly or daily, June 14–August 20 $75 members; $90 nonmembers per week $15 members; $18 nonmembers per day Campers go on an extra hike, make a craft, play a game, visit the sheep, or spend time reading.

We were thrilled with the camp experience this year. During a time with so few opportunities for children to practice independence and enjoy time with friends, this was such a gift.” — 2020 Camp Parent

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 There’s more to explore at Wildwood, shared in 1896 by our founders, two extraordinary Boston women. Today, Mass Audubon is a nationally recognized environmental Mass Audubon’s overnight camp in education leader, offering thousands of camp, school, and adult southern New Hampshire: programs that get over 225,000 kids and adults outdoors every year. With more than 135,000 members and supporters, we • Overnight Camp, ages 7–14 advocate on Beacon Hill and beyond, and conduct conservation • Day Camp, ages 6–11 research to preserve the natural heritage of our beautiful state for today’s and future generations. We welcome you to explore a • Teen Adventure Trips, grades 9–12 nearby sanctuary, find inspiration, and get involved. Learn how at massaudubon.org. • Environmental Leadership for Teens, grades 10 & 11 • Family Camp, all ages! Visit massaudubon.org/wildwood or 7 call 866-627-2267 to learn more. REGISTRATION INFORMATION TO REGISTER FOR CAMP FINANCIAL AID campers must follow stated behavior Visit massaudubon.org/ Financial assistance is available based expectations and safety rules. The Camp wachusettmeadowcamp on demonstrated economic need and Director reserves the right to dismiss a Call 978-464-2712 available funds, and is generally limited camper when, in his/her judgment, the to one session per child; however, all camper’s behavior interferes with the Mail or bring the registration form applications are considered. Please call the rights of others or the smooth functioning and payment to: Camp Director to request an application of the group or activity, or violates the Wachusett Meadow Nature Day Camp or download one at massaudubon.org/ camp’s behavior policy. In such cases no 113 Goodnow Road Princeton, MA 01541 campforms. refunds will be provided. If you have any questions regarding your child’s ability to REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT participate in our camp program, please A confirmation letter/e-mail containing A discount of $15 per camper per session is contact the Camp Director. important documents and information will available if you register by March 15, 2021. be sent once your camper’s registration CAMP LICENSE has been processed. . PAYMENT PLANS Our camp complies with the regulations of Payment plan options are available. the Massachusetts Department of Public DEPOSIT Please contact the Camp Director for more Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the A nonrefundable deposit of $50/camper/ information. Princeton Board of Health. session is required to register for camp. The deposit will be applied to your camp IMPORTANT DEADLINES ACA ACCREDITATION tuition and cannot be transferred to The balance of your camp tuition is We are proud to be accredited by the another camper, family, or camp location. If due by May 15. If registering after May American Camp Association. Developed registering after May 15, payment in full is 15, payment in full is required. All camp exclusively for the camp industry, this required (unless a payment plan has been forms and waivers are due two weeks prior nationally recognized organization established with the Camp Director). to your arrival at camp. A camper cannot focuses on program quality, health and safety, management, and camp REFUND POLICY attend camp and your camper’s spot is not operations. A full refund, minus the nonrefundable guaranteed until all forms, waivers, and deposit, is provided to camp families who payments are completed (or a payment plan has been established). A fee of $10 per CAMP POLICY REQUESTS cancel in writing on or before May 15. After You may request a copy of our camper will be charged for incomplete or May 15 no refund is available. Deposits are background check, healthcare, discipline, late forms and waivers. not transferable, and refunds are not given bullying, or grievance policy at any time. for participant dismissal, failure to attend, BUDDY REQUESTS absence, or sick days. If we must cancel a SESSION TRANSFERS One buddy request per camper will be session, you will receive a full refund. Session transfer requests will be honored honored when possible. Both campers — 2020 Camp Parent if there is space available and if the must be the same age and both must MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT request is made at least two weeks prior request each other. All buddy requests Mass Audubon members at the Family to the session start date, after which must be made in writing at least one level or above receive a discounted rate. To time transfers are not permitted. qualify, your membership must be current week prior to the first day of the session. through your camper’s last session, and CAMP CONTACT INFORMATION you must be the parent, grandparent, CAMPER REQUIREMENTS Elizabeth Broughton, Camp Director or legal guardian of the camper being Campers are expected to be able to follow enrolled. Membership can be purchased or all COVID-19 safety protocols, including Wachusett Meadow Nature Day Camp renewed at the time of registration. wearing masks and maintaining social 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton, MA 01541 distancing. Camp families will be required 978-464-2712 SLIDING SCALE & to complete a daily health screening and attestation before their child can be [email protected] FINANCIAL AID admitted to camp. The sliding scale is available to all massaudubon.org/wachusettmeadowcamp families. When registering for camp, Campers are expected to meaningfully please choose the tier that best participate in age-appropriate activities, represents your family income. Pay at including outdoor exploration and nature least the required $50 deposit. When study. To ensure a successful camp filling out your CampDoc information, experience, please discuss any pertinent upload your income verification. If there information regarding your child’s special is a discrepancy with your selected needs with the Camp Director. We can pricing tier, you will be contacted by the accommodate on a case-by-case basis camp director. Final balance and all in order to establish the best strategy paperwork are due by May 15, 2021. for a great summer camp experience. All 8 Wachusett Meadow Nature Day Camp Registration Form Please complete a separate Register online or by phone with a credit card, or mail this form with payment to: form for each camper. 113 Goodnow Rd, Princeton, MA 01541.

PRICING CAMPER Sliding scale prices are based on total household income. Name Income verification will be required: you will upload the Gender information to our electronic health system, CampDoc, after registration. Street Address Tier Total Household Member/ City State Zip Income Non-member Birth Date Age as of June 1 Grade as of September 2021 Returning Camper? YES / NO PRESCHOOL NATURALISTS

Tier 1 <$50,000 $40/$105 PERSON COMPLETING THIS FORM Tier 2 $50,000–$75,000 $85/$150 Name Tier 3 $75,000–$100,000 $105/$170 Relationship to Camper Tier 4 $100,000–$150,000 $130/$195 Member # Tier 5 >$150,000 $180/$245 Phone 1 Phone 2 FULL-DAY NATURE CAMP Email Tier 1 <$50,000 $80/$145 Address (if different) Tier 2 $50,000–$75,000 $205/$270 City State Zip Tier 3 $75,000–$100,000 $275/$340

Tier 4 $100,000–$150,000 $325/$390 PARENT/GUARDIAN (if different from above) Tier 5 >$150,000 $395/$460 Name DISCOVERERS & ECOLOGISTS Relationship to Camper Tier 1 <$50,000 $80/$145 Member # Tier 2 $50,000–$75,000 $250/$315 Phone 1 Phone 2 Tier 3 $75,000–$100,000 $325/$390 Email Tier 4 $100,000–$150,000 $400/$465 Address (if different) Tier 5 >$150,000 $475/$540 City State Zip SPECIALTY CAMPS

Tier 1 <$50,000 $80/$145 PAYMENT INFORMATION Tier 2 $50,000–$75,000 $245/$310 *Mass Audubon Family Membership if Tier 3 $75,000–$100,000 $315/$380 Joining/Renewing ($65): $ Tier 4 $100,000–$150,000 $365/$430 Tax-Deductible Kids to Camp Fund Donation: $ Tier 5 >$150,000 $435/$500 TOTAL DUE: $ Amount Paid Today Session Name (Minimum Deposit $/Camper/Session): $ Session Dates Balance Due by May 15: $

Session Name Session Dates PAYMENT METHOD

Session Name Check Included OR Credit Card Session Dates Please make check payable to: Mass Audubon DISC/MC/VISA # Session Name Session Dates Exp. Date: Verification Code: Signature: Session Name “I agree to allow the Massachusetts Audubon Society to charge my credit card in Session Dates 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 Buddy Request agree to the refund policy outlined in this brochure.” 9