BERKSHIRE NATURE CAMP at Pleasant Valley

2020

Discover. Explore. Be Outside.

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 1,400-acre wildlife sanctuary with diverse forests, meadows, mountains, brooks, and beaver ponds.

Welcome to Berkshire Nature Camp at Pleasant Valley!

A DAY AT CAMP8:45 am Counselors Welcome Campers at the Nature Play Area

9:10 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

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.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Call 413-637-0320

Email berkshirecamp@massaudubon.org

Visit massaudubon.org/berkshirecamp

The friends he made at camp played a huge

part in his enjoyment. He came home with a

huge smile on his face and told us stories for

hours about his new camp friends.

— 2019 Camp Parent

A DAY AT CAMP8:45 am Counselors Welcome Campers at the Nature Play Area

9:10 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

HALF-DAY NATURE CAMPMonday–Friday, 9:00 am–1:00 pm June 22–26, June 29–July 3, July 6–10, July 20–24, August 3-7, August 10–14

KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS $190 members; $240 nonmembers, per week

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 demonstrated ability to lead younger children in the outdoors. Campers must be at least age 3 by June 1.

Ages 3–5Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5

CAN’T WAIT FOR SUMMER? School Vacation Campages 7–12 Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:30 pm

$240 members, $300 nonmembers per week

$50 members, $65 nonmembers per day

Winter Adventure Vacation WeekFebruary 17–21

Learn about wildlife that stays active in the cold and snow, and the adaptations that enable them to survive. Dress for the weather; warm outerwear and waterproof boots are required. Snowshoes provided.

Spring Explorers Vacation WeekApril 20–24

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.

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FULL-DAY NATURE CAMP

DISCOVERERS • Ages 5–6 $360 members; $440 nonmembers, per week 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, Yokun 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 $360 members; $440 nonmembers, per week Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8

Get curious this summer as you explore the far reaches of Pleasant Valley in search of the 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, hike to top of Lenox Mountain and on Thursday venture to the far reaches of Pleasant Valley’s trails where no other camp groups go!

NATURALISTS • Ages 10–13 $360 members; $440 nonmembers, per week$430 members; $500 nonmembers per week with evening program* 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 a rare turtle 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. On select weeks, stay at camp after dark on one night for nighttime games, stargazing, and dinner around the fire! *Evening programs take place Thursday nights until 10 pm during the weeks of June 29–July 3, July 13–17, July 27-31, and August 10–14.

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.

— 2019 Camp Parent3

Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm

Weekly sessions, June 22–August 14

SPECIALITY CAMP PROGRAMSNATURE PHOTOGRAPHY CAMP • Ages 12–15 July 13–17 $400 members; $475 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 10

Break out your camera this summer at Berkshire Nature Camp! We will spend the week exploring the art and science of nature photography. Play camera games and follow your own interests as we explore some of the most beautiful places at Pleasant Valley. Campers will have the opportunity to share their work at the end of the week and will leave with a digital portfolio. Note: Campers are responsible for bringing their own digital camera. Nothing fancy is required, even a smartphone camera can work!

CANOE CAMP • Ages 13–16 July 27–31 $460 members; $530 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 10

The Berkshires are one of the most water-rich places in North America and contain wonderfully diverse rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Explore by canoe some of the most biologically unique places in the county and learn real scientific techniques, such as water chemistry testing 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. Includes trips to multiple sections of the Housatonic River, Goose Pond, and Buckley Dunton Lake.

Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm

Weekly sessions, June 22–August 14

There’s more to explore!

Mass Audubon’s overnight camp in New Hampshire

• Overnight Camp, ages 8–14 • Wildwood Warblers, ages 7–8 • Teen Adventure Trips, grades 9–12 • Environmental Leadership Program,

grades 10–11 • Counselors-in-Training, grade 12 • Family Camp, all ages!

Visit massaudubon.org/wildwood or call 866-627-2267 to learn more and register.

COUNSELORS- IN-TRAINING Ages 14–17 Training Date: Friday, June 19, 10 am–3 pm

Do you love being outdoors and working with children? Become a Counselor-In-Training (CIT) and share your love of nature with younger campers while acquiring valuable leadership skills. CITs are a vital part of our camp program, and many go on to become camp counselors! An application is required and CITs must attend training on Friday, June 19. To request an application, please contact Berkshire Nature Camp Director, Max Galdos-Shapiro at 413-637-0320 or mshapiro@massaudubon.org. CIT positions are limited, so please apply early!

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DATES CAMP GROUP SESSION FEE (M/NM)

June 22–26 Knee-High Naturalists(ages 3–5)

Discoverers (ages 5–6)

Explorers (ages 7–9)

Naturalists (ages 10–13)

KNH1

D1

E1

N1

$190/$240

$360/$440

$360/$440

$360/$440

June 29–

July 3

Knee-High Naturalists(ages 3–5)

Discoverers (ages 5–6)

Explorers (ages 7–9)

Naturalists (ages 10–13)

KNH2

D2

E2

N2*

$190/$240

$360/$440

$360/$440

$430/$500

July 6–10 Knee-High Naturalists(ages 3–5)

Discoverers (ages 5–6)

Explorers (ages 7–9)

Naturalists (ages 10–13)

KNH3

D3

E3

N3

$190/$240

$360/$440

$360/$440

$360/$440

July 13–17 Discoverers (ages 5–6)

Explorers (ages 7–9)

Naturalists (ages 10–13)

Photography Camp (ages 12–15)

D4

E4

N4*TAP1

$360/$440

$360/$440

$430/$500

$400/$475

July 20–24 Knee-High Naturalists(ages 3–5)

Discoverers (ages 5–6)

Explorers (ages 7–9)

Naturalists (ages 10–13)

KNH4

D5

E5

N5

$190/$240

$360/$440

$360/$440

$360/$440

July 27–31 Discoverers (ages 5–6)

Explorers (ages 7–9)

Naturalists (ages 10–13)

Canoe Camp (ages 13–16)

D6

E6

N6*TAP2

$360/$440

$360/$440

$430/$500

$460/$530

August 3–7 Knee-High Naturalists(ages 3–5)

Discoverers (ages 5–6)

Explorers (ages 7–9)

Naturalists (ages 10–13)

KNH5

D7

E7

N7

$190/$240

$360/$440

$360/$440

$360/$440

August 10–14 Knee-High Naturalists(ages 3–5)

Discoverers (ages 5–6)

Explorers (ages 7–9)

Naturalists (ages 10–13)

KNH6

D8

E8

N8*

$190/$240

$360/$440

$360/$440

$430/$500

2020 SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE Register online at massaudubon.org/berkshirecamp

Counselors were

awesome, other kids

were really friendly,

hiking to the top

of mountain was a

highlight!

As a family, we are

very happy with this

camp, the supervision,

activities, and

education that are

provided each day!

Thanks so much!

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— 2019 Camp Parents

*This session has a late night on Thursday; campers stay until 10:00 pm

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TO REGISTER FOR CAMPCall 413-584-3009Visit massaudubon.org/berkshirecamp

REGISTRATION CONFIRMATIONA confirmation email containing important documents and information will be sent once your camper’s registration has been processed.

DEPOSITA 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 POLICYA 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 & DISCOUNTSMass 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.

PAYMENT PLANSPayment plan options are available. Please contact the Camp Director for more information.

IMPORTANT DEADLINESAll 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 REQUIREMENTSCampers 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 LICENSEOur 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 ACCREDITATIONWe 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, program management, and camp operations.

CAMP POLICY REQUESTSYou may request copies of our background check, healthcare, discipline, bullying, and grievance policies at any time.

SESSION TRANSFERSSession 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, after which time transfers are not permitted.

CAMP CONTACT INFO Max Galdos-Shapiro, Camp Director Berkshire Nature Camp 472 W Mountain Road • Lenox, MA 01240 413-637-0320 berkshirecamp@massaudubon.org massaudubon.org/berkshirecamp

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

FINANCIAL AIDFinancial 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 accepted on a rolling basis. Please apply as early

as possible to be considered. Call us to request an application

or download one at massaudubon.org/campforms. If you have

questions or need assistance filling out an application, please

contact the Camp Director. 6

DETAILS AT massaudubon.org/kidstocamp

Berkshire Wildlife SanctuariesBerkshire Nature Camp 472 W Mountain Rd Lenox, MA 01240

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 nature centers. Today, Mass

Audubon is a nationally recognized environmental

education leader, offering thousands of camp, school,

and adult programs. With more than 135,000 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.

Printed on recycled paperwith soy-based ink

The turtle tracking

was awesome! She

is already planning

on being a wildlife

scientist.

— 2019 Camp Parent