Berkshire Nature Camp At Pleasant Valley

472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA

DISCOVER. EXPLORE. BE OUTSIDE!

SUMMER 2018

ABOUT CAMP At Berkshire Nature Camp in Lenox, campers ages 3 to 13 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 our 1,200-acre wildlife sanctuary—a beautiful natural setting with forest, meadows, mountains, brooks, and beaver ponds. No two days are alike!

OUR CAMP STAFF Our staff of enthusiastic teacher-naturalists is dedicated to providing campers with a fun and memorable summer experience. In fact, many counselors were once campers themselves and have returned to share their appreciation of nature with today’s campers.

Staff are carefully selected based on their maturity, enthusiasm, teaching experience, natural history

knowledge, and deep commitment to engaging campers with nature. 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 8:45–9:00 am Counselors Welcome Campers at the Nature Play Area

9:00 am Morning Circle, Nature Pledge, Announcements

9:30 am Hikes, Habitat Explorations, Crafts, Snack

12:00 pm Picnic Lunch in the Field

12:30 pm Camper Choice Time: Lunchtime Games or Quiet Activity

1:00 pm Afternoon Activities, Crafts, Water Play

2:45 pm Closing Circle, Nature Notes, Song, Squeeze

3:00–3:15 pm Camper Pick-Up

DISCOVERERS (Ages 5–6)

MONDAY–FRIDAY, 9:00 am–3:00 pm $345 members; $425 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5 ANIMAL SUPERPOWERS | June 25–29 Animals have incredible superpowers: peregrine falcons fly at incredible speeds, barred owls can see in the dark, and pumpkinseed sunfish can breathe underwater. Learn more about these and other animals with superpowers, and discover some of your own!

WATERS’ EDGE | July 2–6 Many animals and plants can be found at the edges of ponds, streams, and vernal pools. We’ll search along Pleasant Valley’s watery edges for wild critters. Be prepared to get muddy and wet!

CRAFTY CREATURES | July 9–13 Go on short hikes to our ponds, meadows, and forests to explore the food and shelter materials nature provides our wildlife. Create artwork, play games, and make crafts inspired by the animals you see.

ANIMAL ARCHITECTS | July 16–20 Build nests, dig burrows, and spin spider webs as you learn about the ways different animals build their homes. Challenge yourself and recreate what you see on the sanctuary’s trails!

I want to thank you for the counselors being wonderful.”

THINGS WITH WINGS July 23–27 Take flight and explore the many animals (and plants!) with wings! Learn how wings work, make flying crafts, and see how far your winged creature creation can go! We’ll explore the sanctuary for inspiration.

BABY ANIMALS July 30–August 3 Kits, cubs, smolts, chicks, larvae, and tadpoles—all these babies can be found at Pleasant Valley! Search for these youngsters (and more) and learn about how they grow up.

BUG SAFARI August 6–10 Use bug boxes and magnifiers to get a closer look at insects and spiders. Navigate through a giant spider web made of rope, and build a tiny village for your insect friends. Net and release crickets and butterflies in the fields, and get wet looking for water bugs.

WACKY WET WEEK August 13–17 Learn about frogs, turtles, snakes, and other creatures that live in our wetlands. Explore the natural wonders of Pleasant Valley’s ponds and streams, play a game of Drip, Drip, Drop, and prepare to get wet.

Everything was very well handled and her enjoyment was evident from day one.

EXPLORERS (Ages 7–9) MONDAY–FRIDAY, 9:00 am–3:00 pm $345 members; $425 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8

NATURE DETECTIVES | June 25–29 Hmm, it appears we have a mystery on our hands: animal tracks, scat, holes, bones, dens, tunnels, and feathers are scattered all over Pleasant Valley! Put on your detective hat, venture out on the trails, and study the clues left behind to identify the animals that are active at Pleasant Valley!

WILD ABOUT WATER | July 2–6 Discover what lies above and below the surface of the water. Explore our ponds, streams, and forests in search of slimy (yet cute!) amphibians like peepers and red efts, and try your luck baiting for fish at Pike’s Pond!

NATURE ARTS & CRAFTS | July 9–13 Get crafty using nature as your inspiration. Explore the fields, forests, and wetlands of Pleasant Valley and create unique works of art using natural and recycled materials. We’ll also play games and make crafts to share with friends and family.

PREDATOR PROWL | July 16–20 Can you spot a mouse in a field like a hawk? Or are you better at blending into the forest like a deer? Come find out! Explore both sides of the predator-prey equation during this fun-filled week of hiking and games.

She is having SUCH A GOOD TIME. It’s been so good for her!”

HABITATS & HIDEAWAYS July 23–27 If you like to build things, this session is for you!

Explore and learn about different animal habitats and homes found at Pleasant Valley before constructing your own nest, den or lodge using nature’s materials.

YOUNG & WILD July 30–August 3 Kits, cubs, and tadpoles—young animals are all around us! Explore the sanctuary and search for these youngsters. Learn about the life cycles of fish, mammals, amphibians, birds, and more.

AMAZING METAMORPHOSIS August 6–10 Do you know what a dragonfly looks like before it grows wings? How about a salamander larvae before it becomes a salamander? Leave no stone unturned as we search for creatures that are undergoing the incredible process of metamorphosis. Prepare to be amazed!

YOWL, GROWL, POUNCE, & PROWL August 13–17 How would you sleep if you were a snake? How would you hunt if you were a bobcat? Tap into your inner animal to find out! See if you can howl like a coyote and be as quiet as a mouse. Exercise your imagination and learn the secrets of wildlife.

It was the best camp we have ever experienced.

I wholeheartedly hope my children, and others alike, can enjoy this camp through the

help of your scholarship program.

NATURALISTS (Ages 10–13) MONDAY–FRIDAY, 9:00 am–3:00 pm $345 members; $425 nonmembers* Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 10 *Unless otherwise noted SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST | June 25–29 Would you survive if you were dropped into the wild? Learn survival skills and techniques adapted from animals, and acquire knowledge in map reading, shelter building, and wild edible identification. Long hikes will challenge your knowledge of what it takes to be the toughest animal in the wild!

BACKWOODS EXPLORER | July 2–6 Pleasant Valley has more than seven miles of trails, and is connected to a vast network of other conserved properties. Learn how to properly prepare for extended hikes, practice Leave–No-Trace hiking, and explore properties beyond our boundaries. A good pair of hiking shoes, a sturdy backpack and a water

bottle are a must! Come venture beyond Pleasant Valley and discover other places to explore in the Berkshires!

CSA WILDLIFE | July 9–13 Can you unravel nature’s whodunit? to identify which animals left behind scat, tracks, or a chewed up twig? Conduct investigations around the sanctuary to identify the culprits based on the clues they’ve left behind.

EAT OR BE EATEN | July 16–20 $425 members; $500 nonmembers What are the differences between predators and prey? Nature has equipped wildlife with many useful tools to help predators hunt and prey avoid being hunted. Examine the roles of various plants and animals in the web of life, and play the popular game Predator/Prey . This session includes a late night on Thursday.

As a family, we are very happy with this camp, the supervision, activities, and education that are provided each day! Thanks so much!

IMAGINATION RUN WILD! July 23–27 Build a connection to nature through artwork you create using paint, clay, fabric, natural materials, and other media. We’ll gather inspiration as we wander through Pleasant Valley. Let your imagination run wild as you create art as special as nature.

CAMO CAMP July 30–August 3 $425 members; $500 nonmembers Camouflage is useful—and fun! Be inspired by how animals use the ability to blend into their surroundings as a survival tactic. Design your own camouflage using natural materials, and try it out in the wilds of Pleasant Valley! This session includes a late night on Thursday.

CARNIVORE CAMP August 6–10 Carnivores are everywhere! Explore the hidden corners of Pleasant Valley as you look for signs of felines, canines, raptors, and other carnivores of our forests. Learn how these awesome animals shape an ecosystem and how they play a crucial role in keeping our forests healthy!

WILDERNESS SKILLS August 13–17 $425 members; $500 nonmembers Find out what it’s like to survive in the great outdoors! Learn to set up a shelter, make a meal outdoors, use maps and compasses, stay dry in the elements, and be safe while having fun. Put your skills to work in the wilds of Pleasant Valley. This session includes a late night on Thursday.

The turtle tracking was awesome! She is already

planning on being a wildlife scientist.”

YOUNGER OR OLDER CAMPERS?

We have opportunities for you, too! KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS (Ages 3–5) Monday–Thursday, 9:00 am–12:00 pm July 16–19; August 6–9 $100 members; $132 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5 Introduce your preschooler to the wonders of nature this summer. Our half-day Knee-High Naturalists sessions are packed with inventive, fun nature activities and crafts. Parents and/or grandparents are welcome to tag along or drop off their camper and return for pick-up. Please note: Campers must be at least 3 years old by June 1.

LEADERS-IN-TRAINING (Ages 16–18) Training Date: June 22 Do you love being outdoors and working with children? Join our Leaders-In-Training (LIT) volunteer program to earn community service hours while acquiring leadership skills in the outdoors. An application is required and LITs must attend training and be available for at least two camp sessions. To request an application, please contact the Camp Director at 413-637-0320 or berkshirecamp@massaudubon.org.

Our camper loves Pleasant Valley and looks forward to returning every year. Gayle's visits to his elementary school

around age 9 impressed a lot upon him years ago and he has loved it ever since.

He is looking forward to LIT and camp staff possibilities.

Shaun Clarkson

CAMP REGISTRATION INFO

To Register for Camp: Visit massaudubon.org/berkshirecamp Call 413-637-0320 Mail or bring this form and payment to: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 472 West Mountain Road Lenox, Ma. 01240 Registration Confirmation A confirmation letter/e-mail containing important documents and information will be sent once your camper’s registration has been processed. Deposit A nonrefundable deposit is required to register for camp as follows: $50/camper/session. 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. 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 for priority consideration. Please contact 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). A fee of $25 per camper will be charged for incomplete or late forms and waivers. 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 age-appropriate 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 judgement, 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, and 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 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. 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. Carpool lists will be distributed prior to camp.

Camp Contact Info

Gayle Tardif-Raser, Camp Director & Education Coordinator Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 472 West Mountain Road Lenox, MA 01240 413-637-0320 berkshirecamp@massaudubon.org massaudubon.org/berkshirecamp

GROUPS/DATES THEME SESSION FEE (M/NM) KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS (Ages 3–5) July 16–19 KHN1 $100 / $132 August 6–9 KHN2 $100 / $132 DISCOVERERS (Ages 5–6) June 25–June 29 Animal Superpowers D1 $345 / $425 July 2–6 Waters’ Edge D2 $345 / $425 July 9–13 Crafty Creatures D3 $345 / $425 July 16–20 Animal Architects D4 $345 / $425 July 23–27 Things With Wings D5 $345 / $425 July 30–August 3 Baby Animals D6 $345 / $425 August 6–10 Bug Safari D7 $345 / $425 August 13–17 Wacky Wet Week D8 $345 / $425 EXPLORERS (Ages 7–9) June 25–29 Nature Detectives E1 $345 / $425 July 2–6 Wild About Water E2 $345 / $425 July 9–13 Nature Arts & Crafts E3 $345 / $425 July 16–20 Predator Prowl E4 $345 / $425 July 23–27 Habitats & Hideaways E5 $345 / $425 July 30–August 3 Young Animals E6 $345 / $425 August 6–10 Amazing Metamorphosis E7 $345 / $425 August 13–17 Yowl, Growl, Pounce E8 $345 / $425 NATURALISTS (Ages 10–12) June 25–29 Survival of the Fittest N1 $345 / $425 July 2–6 Backwoods Explorer N2* $345 / $425 July 9–13 CSI Wildlife N3 $345 / $425 July 16–20 Eat or Be Eaten N4* $425 / $500 July 23–27 Imagination Run Wild N5 $345 / $425 July 30–August 3 Camo Camp N6* $425 / $500 August 6–10 Carnivore Camp N7 $345 / $425 August 13–17 Wilderness Skills N8* $425 / $500

*Denotes a session with a late night on Thursday. Campers stay until 10:00 pm.

CAMP SESSIONS AT A GLANCE

CAMP REGISTRATION FORM Register one of three ways:

Visit massaudubon.org/berkshirecamp | Call 413-637-0320 Mail this form and payment to:

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA 01240 Please complete a separate form for each camper.

Camper Last Name: First Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Birth Date: Age as of June 1: Grade as of Sept: Returning Camper? YES / NO (Circle One)

Person Completing This Form Name: Relationship to Camper: Phone 1: Phone 2: Email: Member #: Address (if different): City: State: Zip:

Payment Information Total Camp Session(s): $_____

*Family Membership if Joining/Renewing ($65): $_____ Tax-Deductible Campership Fund Donation: $_____

TOTAL DUE: $_____ Amount Paid Today (Min Deposit $/Camper/Session: $_____

Balance Due by May 15: $_____

Payment Method Check Included OR Credit Card / DISC / MC / VISA Name on Card: Card #: Exp. Date: Verification Code: Signature: 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.”

Parent/Guardian (if different) Name: Relationship to Camper: Phone 1: Phone 2: Email: Member #: Address (if different): City: State: Zip:

THERE'S MORE TO EXPLORE

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 472 West Mountain Road | Lenox, MA

There’s more to explore at Wildwood, Mass Audubon’s overnight camp in Rindge, New Hampshire:

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 866-627-2267 to learn more.

S et 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, making this site an excellent location for easy-to-strenuous hiking.

While you are exploring, there’s a good chance you will see evidence of the sanctuary’s most visible wildlife resident, the beaver, via dams, dens or lodges.

Acres 1,200

Trail Mileage 7 miles (universally accessible: 0.3 miles)

Sanctuary Highlights

A universally accessible All Persons Trail that winds past towering hemlocks to a boardwalk, where visitors can watch for wildlife from a deck overlooking Pike’s Pond, with trail materials in large print, Braille, audio, and tactile formats

A challenging hike to the summit of Lenox Mountain for unrivaled views of the Berkshires..

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

Everything about this camp was amazing. It's what a

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I'm so thankful for your scholarship so my children

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