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Pleasant ValleyPleasant ValleyPleasant ValleyPleasant Valley Nature Camp 2011Nature Camp 2011Nature Camp 2011Nature Camp 2011

Pleasant Valley’s camp, established in 1947, has allowed several generations of children to explore the natural world of the Berkshires. Approximately 1,300 acres of forest, meadows, mountains, brooks and beaver ponds provide a wonderful outdoor laboratory for children. Along with exploring nature, campers have the opportunity to meet new friends, do crafts, and play games. Our camp provides an environment where children can connect with nature and have the freedom to play, discover, and explore their interest in the outdoors. The various programs include daily hikes within the sanctuary to observe animals and plants, related nature crafts, games, songs, and more.

Come Join the Fun!Come Join the Fun!Come Join the Fun!Come Join the Fun!

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Our staff is made up of enthusiastic naturalists who are dedicated to providing campers with the best summer experience possible. Many of our staff members were once campers themselves here at Pleasant Valley. They have come back to continue the wonderful tradition of sharing their appreciation of nature with today’s campers. All of our camp staff members are trained in accordance with ACA accreditation standards including First Aid and CPR certification.

Registration Form

Camper’s Name:____________________________________

Date of Birth: ________________________________ Male / Female

Age at start of camp session:_____________

Has Camper Previously Attended this Camp? Y / N Year_______

Sessions desired (e.g. E2):___________________________________________

Guardian 1

Name:_____________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Phone Number:_____________________________________________________

Email:_____________________________________________________________

Guardian 2

Name:_____________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Phone Number:_____________________________________________________

Email:_____________________________________________________________

Mass Audubon Member #(REQUIRED for member rate)_________ Exp. Date_____

How did you hear about our camp?________________________________________________________ Mass Audubon Family Membership fee (if applicable) $58

Donate to the camp scholarship fund. $______

Amount paid or charged now (minimum $50 deposit per child, per session, balance due two weeks before sessions start date $______

I have reviewed the program and determined that is appropriate for my child. I understand that the fees paid by cash, check, or credit card for day camp tuition will only be reimbursed in accordance with the written policy (page 8).

Signature ________________________________Date_________ Payment Method: _ Check included _ Credit Card

Card # ____________________ Exp. Date_________ Type (circle one) MC VISA DISCOVER

“I agree to allow the Massachusetts Audubon Society to charge my Discover/MasterCard/ VISA in the amount specified above and understand that refunds will only be provided in accordance with the refund policy (stated on page 8). Signature __________________________________________

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Discoverers Ages 5-6

Dates Session Fee

Member/Nonmember Theme

7/5-7/8 D1 $208/$240 Animal Orchestra

7/11-7/15 D2 $260/$300 Crafty Creatures

7/18-7/22 D3 $260/$300 Animal Architects

7/25-7/29 D4 $260/$300 Warts & Wiggles

8/1-8/5 D5 $260/$300 A is for Amphibian

8/8-8/12 D6 $260/$300 Bug Safari

8/15-19 D7 $260/$300 Wacky Wet Week

Explorers Ages 7-8

7/5-7/8 E1 $208/$240 Habitats & Hideaways

7/11-7/15 E2 $260/$300 Nature Detectives

7/18-7/22 E3 $260/$300 Nature Arts & Crafts

7/25-7/29 E4 $260/$300 Predator Prowl

8/1-8/5 E5 $260/$300 Wild About Water

8/8-8/12 E6 $260/$300 Amazing Metamorphosis

8/15-19 E7 $260/$300 Yowl, Growl, Pounce and Prowl

Naturalists Ages 9-10

7/5-7/8 *N1* $280/$320 Nature Photographers

7/11-7/15 N2 $260/$300

This Stinks!

7/18-7/22 *N3* $325/$375 Predator Prowl

7/25-7/29 N4 $260/$300 The Fair Folk

8/1-8/5 *N5* $325/$375 Wilderness Skills

8/8-8/12 N6 $260/$300 Nature Crafters

8-15-19 *N7* $325/$375 Adventure Quest

7/5-7/8 *EC1* $280/$320 Nature Photographers

7/11-7/15 EC2 $260/$300 Crazy Nature Investigators

7/18-7/22 *EC3* $325/$375 Adventure Quest

8/1-8/5 *EC4* $325/$375 Science on the Sanctuary

8/15-8/19 *EC5* $325/$375 Water, Water Everywhere

Adventurers Ages 13-14

8/15-8/19 *A1* $325/$375 Science in Action!

Ecologists Ages 11-12

2011 Camp Schedule

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**Sessions in bold with an asterisk include a campout

Discoverers (ages 5Discoverers (ages 5Discoverers (ages 5Discoverers (ages 5----6) 6) 6) 6) Our youngest campers will participate in age-appropriate outdoor activities that enable them to relate to the wonders of nature through hands-on discovery.

Animal Orchestra (July 5-July 8) Tanglewood isn’t the only place to find music this summer! Come and see what the chirping, buzzing, and splashing is all about! Discover the music of nature as we learn bird songs, make rain sticks, and discover that every animal has a place in the choir. (4-day session)

Crafty Creatures (July 11-15) Take short hikes to the ponds, meadows and forest to explore the homes of Pleasant Valley’s creatures. Create artwork, play games, and participate in activities inspired by the animals you see and learn about.

Animal Architects (July 18-22) Build nests, dig burrows, and spin spider webs as you learn about the ways animals build their homes. Each day we’ll explore a new animal’s habitat and then practice our construction skills and stretch our creativity as we recreate their home. This week is a great choice for campers who love to build!

Warts and Wiggles (July 25-29) Do you love worms? Does catching frogs sound like the way you’d like to spend your day? Then this week of camp is just for you! Come join us as we learn about insects, amphibians, and all the other slimy, crawly, creatures that call Pleasant Valley their home.

A is for Amphibian (August 1-5) Can you match an animal to every letter in the alphabet? By the end of this week of camp you’ll be able to! Spend your days learning about the many animals found at Pleasant Valley, and in their own back yards!

Bug Safari (August 8-12) Come explore our ponds, fields, and forest on a bug safari. Use bug boxes and magnifying glasses to get a closer look. Build friendships as you navigate your way through a giant spider web! Help build a tiny village of nature homes for our insect friends!

Wacky Wet Week (August 15-19) Explore the wonders of Pleasant Valley’s ponds and streams! Learn about the frogs, turtles, snakes, and other creatures that call the wetlands their home. Join in a game of Drip-Drip-Drop! Prepare to play, learn, and get a little wet during this week of water exploration!

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Explorers (ages 7Explorers (ages 7Explorers (ages 7Explorers (ages 7----8) 8) 8) 8) Campers take part in greater exploration of the sanctuary’s many habitats—from meadow to wetland and forest. Each habitat holds wonders awaiting discovery through active learning in the outdoors. All sessions include a hike to the summit of Lenox mountain. Habitats and Hideaways (July 5-8) Are you a pro with Legos? A master fort builder? You may have more in common with animals than you know! Join us as we explore animal habitats and learn how they build their homes. Try your hand at nests, dens and lodges in this week of habitats and hideaways! (4-day session)

Nature Detectives (July 11-15) Are you a nature sleuth? Come quest your way through Pleasant Valley as you follow clues and explore daily mysteries that lead you to learn more about the plants and animals you find on your way. Become a certified nature detective!

Nature Arts & Crafts (July 18-22) Get crafty using nature as your inspiration as we explore the fields, forests, and wetlands of Pleasant Valley. Create unique works of art from natural and recycled objects. Play games and participate in fun activities.

Predator Prowl (July 25-29) Can you spot a mouse in the field, or are you better at blending into the forest? Come find out! Explore both sides of the predator-prey spectrum in this fun-filled week of hiking and games.

Wild About Water (August 1-5) Discover what lies above and below the surface of the water. Explore the ponds, streams and forest in search of slimy yet cute amphibians. Try your luck at baiting fish in Pike’s Pond. Join us for this week of water discovery!

Amazing Metamorphosis (August 8-12) Do you know what a dragonfly looks like before it grows wings and can fly? Take a closer look at creatures that undergo the amazing process of metamorphosis. Explore our forest, ponds, pools, streams, and fields for salamanders, frogs, nymphs, caterpillars, and cocoons.

Yowl, Growl, Pounce & Prowl (August 15-19) Can you tap into your inner animal? Exercise your imagination as you channel the animals of the Berkshires. Find out how you would sleep if you were a snake! See if you can howl like a coyote and be as quiet as a mouse. Join in a game of Animal Charades!

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Refund and Cancellation Policy The camp tuition fee includes a non-refundable $50 enrollment fee. If you cancel for any reason prior to the beginning of your child’s scheduled camp session, the amount of the tuition refunded will be determined by the following: (e.g. 90+) days refunded in full less the enrollment fee, (e.g. 30-90) days 50% refund less the enrollment fee, refunds will not be provided for cancellations occurring within 29 days prior to the beginning of your child’s scheduled session date for any reason including absence, sick days, failure to attend, or dismissal. All cancellations must be received in writing. Reduced Fees for Multiple Sessions! If registering a child for more than one session, please deduct $25 from the fee for sessions two through seven.

Not a Mass Audubon member? Go to www.massaudubon.org or stop by the sanctuary to become a member today and begin enjoying the wonderful benefits of membership including reduced camp and program rates. You can also become a member when you register for camp!

Campouts Campouts occur on Thursday nights, for sessions that include one. Campers remain at camp the day of, and the day after the campout for full days.

Hours Camp is held Monday through Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm . All sessions are one week long. Campers may register for one or multiple one-week sessions.

Ages of Children Campers must be at least 5 years old at the start of their camp session. We do not offer camp for children under 5, but we do offer a two hour per day program called “Knee-high Naturalists” for children aged 3-5 during the summer. Please see our program catalog or www.massaudubon.org/pleasantvalley for more information.

Registration To register, please return completed registration form along with your $50 non-refundable deposit (per session) check or credit card information to:

Pleasant Valley Nature Camp 472 West Mountain Road

Lenox, MA 01240 Please make checks payable to Mass Audubon. Fee balances, paid by cash, check, or credit card, and camp forms must be received by our office no later than two weeks prior to the start of a camp session. Failure to submit payment or camp forms by that date will result in a $15 late fee.

For identity safety assurances, fax and e-mail submissions are not accepted. Do you have multiple campers and require additional forms? Additional forms are available on our website at www.massaudubon.org/pleasantvalley

Financial Aid Financial aid is available on a limited basis to those with financial need. Call 413-637-0320 to request an application. Completed financial aid

forms are due to our office by Friday, May 13, 2011. 7

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 participate meaningfully in age-appropriate activities, including nature study. All campers must follow stated behavior expectations and safety rules. If you have any questions regarding your child’s ability to participate fully in our camp program, contact us.

Naturalists (ages 9Naturalists (ages 9Naturalists (ages 9Naturalists (ages 9----10)10)10)10) A sharper focus on the sanctuary’s biological communities and the many creatures that call each home make up the camper’s session. Some sessions include an overnight campout and all include a hike to the summit of Lenox mountain.

Nature Photographers (July 5-8) Have you ever wanted to learn how to take great photos outdoors, or are you already a shutterbug? Either way, come join us for this fun-filled week of hiking and photographing Pleasant Valley. Campers are responsible for providing their own camera and film processing. (4-day session) Campout: July 7

This Stinks!(July 11-15) The smelly and slimy parts of nature can also be the most fun! Learn about all the decomposers that help make soil. Identify scat like a master tracker. Find out what that green goo in the pond is really for. Get to know more about the fun and smelly parts of Pleasant Valley’s forests, fields, and streams!

Predator Prowl (July 18-22) Can you spot a mouse in the field, or are you better at blending into the forest? Come find out! Explore both sides of the predator-prey spectrum in this fun week of hiking and games. Dissect an owl pellet, learn the call of the Barred Owl, and use it to communicate at the campout on Thursday night! Campout: July 21

The Fair Folk (July 25-29) Join us for a week of fairy houses and gnome homes. Let your creative juices flow as you create homes and tools for the magical creatures hidden in our woods. Race gnome boats down the stream, play games, learn stories, and make friends in this miniature week of camp.

Wilderness Skills (August 1-5) Find out what it’s like to survive in the great outdoors! Learn how to set up shelters in a snap, cook an outdoor meal, use maps and compasses, stay dry and have fun while staying safe in the great outdoors. Put your skills to use at a Pleasant Valley campout on Thursday night! Campout: August 4

Nature Crafters (August 8-12) Translate images from nature into art you create with paint, pencil, fabric, natural objects and other media. Explore the forests, fields and wetlands of Pleasant Valley for inspiration as you work on the trails for some projects and return to the educational center for others. Display your favorite works for Parents Open House on Friday.

Naturalists sessions continued on page 5 4

Adventure Quest (August 15-19) Mysteries and science meet in this week of exploring Pleasant Valley. Use map reading, your knowledge of the natural world, and riddle solving skills to Quest your way through the sanctuary. Finish the week by creating a Quest of your own and challenging your friends and family! Campout: August 18

Ecologists (ages 11Ecologists (ages 11Ecologists (ages 11Ecologists (ages 11----12)12)12)12)

Campers gain insight into the greater complexities of the natural world through interactive, hands-on, and exploratory studies of the sanctuary’s significant biological diversity. A greater emphasis on species identification and understanding of natural cycles helps campers appreciate the interconnectedness of all life. Some ecologist sessions include an overnight campout and hike to the summit of Lenox Mountain.

Nature Photographers (July 5-8) Have you ever wanted to learn how to take great photos outdoors, or are you already a shutterbug? Either way, come join us for this fun-filled week of hiking and photographing Pleasant Valley. Campers are responsible for providing their own camera and film processing. (4-day session) Campout: July 7

Crazy Nature Investigations (July 11-15) Uncover some of nature’s secrets during this action-packed week. Solve our CNI—which animal left this scat, which tree is tallest, how long is the boardwalk and more. Work with your group to create a CNI for your friends to solve!

Adventure Quest (July 18-22) Mysteries and science meet in this week of exploring Pleasant Valley. Use map reading, your knowledge of the natural world, and riddle solving skills to Quest your way through the sanctuary. Finish the week by creating a Quest of your own and challenging your friends and family! Campout: July 21

Science on the Sanctuary (August 1-5) From trees, to solar panels, to microscopes, science provides us with so many opportunities to explore. What better place to explore all of these aspects than with Mass Audubon! While honing your naturalist skills, throughout the week you will also learn about alternative energy, water quality, and invasive species through exciting games and hands on activities. Campout: August 4

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Water, Water Everywhere! (August 15-19) Explore the wetland habitats of Pleasant Valley while finding and learning to identify aquatic species using nets, hand lenses, fish traps, and field guides. Revisit the water cycle while learning about water quality indicators, and participate in World Water Monitoring. Join in for a game of Macroinvertebrate Mayhem! Campout: August 18

Adventurers (ages 13Adventurers (ages 13Adventurers (ages 13Adventurers (ages 13----14)14)14)14) Science in Action! (August 15-19) Do you love investigating the natural world, and are you interested in learning more about and participating in the work of Mass Audubon? Come join us for this hands-on, informative, and fun-filled week! Each day of the week we will focus on a different environmental theme: alternative energy, invasive species, water quality, and more. Campers will spend a day on the Housatonic River canoeing and participating in water quality testing, and a day visiting Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary to learn more about community gardens and invasive species. This week incorporates off-site activities; parents will be responsible for drop-off and pick ups, at regular camp hours, at Decker Boat Launch in Lenox on Tuesday and Canoe Meadows in Pittsfield on Wednesday (schedule subject to weather). Campout: August 18

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There’s more to explore at Wildwood, Mass Audubon’s only overnight

camp, in Rindge, New Hampshire. Choose 1- or 2-week overnight camp sessions for campers aged 9-14, Teen Adventure Trips for

campers aged 14-17, or Leaders-in-Training programs for campers entering grades 10-12. Everyone is welcome at our 4-day Family Camp

programs. Go wild this summer! Call toll-free 866-MAS-CAMP for more information, or visit Wildwood online at

www.massaudubon.org/wildwood.

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