New Faces, Same Summer Magic—Say Hello to New Camp Directors

Give a warm welcome to four new Mass Audubon camp directors joining us this summer: Marisa Abrahams, Kristen Anne Hanson, Julia Drennan, and Ashley Ukleja! Camp directors are instrumental in making camp the fun-filled, nurturing environment that it is, and these incredible educators and naturalists are ready to further that mission.

Marisa Abrahams Joins Drumlin Farm and Broadmoor Nature Camps 

Marisa Abrahams (she/her) has a long history with Drumlin Farm. Growing up in Boston, Abrahams spent countless hours at the sanctuary attending camp, visiting the animals on weekends, and exploring the land with her family.

“These experiences helped shape my love for nature,” she says. “I'm excited for the opportunity to give back by supporting similar experiences for the community.”

Abrahams recently re-joined the camp community as Drumlin Farm Camp and Broadmoor Nature Camp Director, where she will craft incredible camp experiences alongside Assistant Director Emily Barrow (they/she). She’s spent the last three years in Bend, Oregon organizing weeks-long domestic and international teen service-learning and cultural immersion programs, and she brings over 15 years of experience in outdoor and adventure education to her role with Mass Audubon.  

“Whether teaching wilderness skills or introducing students to new places and cultures, I'm passionate about experiential education and helping young people explore the outdoors,” she says.  

Meghan Haslam (she/her), who served as Drumlin and Broadmoor Camp Director for the last six years, will remain a crucial part of camp as Mass Audubon's Director of Camp Programs, overseeing Mass Audubon’s entire suite of camps, statewide.  

“It has been an honor to be a part of Drumlin Farm and Broadmoor Nature Camps’ unique and beautiful communities,” says Haslam. “I am so excited to work with Marisa and Emily as well as all the Mass Audubon Camp Directors to continue innovating and creating opportunities for discovery and connection in nature.”

Kristen Anne Hanson Brings Her Passion to Boston Nature Center Camp

Kristen Anne Hanson (she/her) also grew up in Massachusetts and can’t wait to be back in her home state. For the last two years, she has been the Associate Director of a summer camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and she is excited to bring her experience to Boston Nature Center Camp, where she will serve as Camp Director.  

“Being a camp director allows me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the campers as well as supporting my staff on their paths,” she says. “It’s so rewarding. I love the culture of camp.”

As a passionate kayaker, canoer, sailor, and swimmer, Hanson looks forward to sharing her love of the great outdoors with the camp community. “I love watching the campers find their connection to nature,” she says. “I encourage them to ask questions and find answers, or simply sit quietly, watching and listening to the world around them.”

Kim Baker, who served as Boston Nature Center Camp Director since 2013, is now taking on the role of BNC’s Adult Education Coordinator, where she will lead public programming, coordinate group programs both on- and off-site, and organize certificate programs.

“As a camp director I have seen how camp can be a transformative space,” says Baker. “I have seen kiddos who were preschoolers here at the Boston Nature Center become camp counselors and inspire another generation of kids to find their connection to the outdoors. As I move forward, I can’t wait to see how camp will change and grow and continue to be a special place for the community here in Boston.”  

Julia Drennan Levels Up at Blue Hills Nature Camp  

Julia Drennan (she/her) grew up in nature. Her parents took every opportunity for the family to be outside, camping, bike riding, snowshoeing, ice skating and more. Before joining Mass Audubon, Drennan was an AmeriCorps member in the Montana Conservation Corps, where she had the opportunity to visit classrooms and attend community events, teaching people about conservation, stream ecology, and watershed restoration.  

“This helped me realize my passion for educating about environmental issues and engaging the next generation of scientists and educators,” she says. “I enjoy fostering an environment where campers can grow their passion for the outdoors, be curious and unafraid to ask questions, and become more confident in their skills.”

For the last year, Drennan has organized Mass Audubon’s Teen Adventure Trips around New England, in addition to leading the Rites of Passage nature program with Boston Public Schools out of Blue Hills Trailside Museum. This summer, we’re thrilled to see her stepping into a new role as the Blue Hills Nature Camp Director.  

Laney Marcotte, who has spent the last three years as Blue Hill’s Camp Director, will be continuing her work at Mass Audubon as Education Manager, overseeing school and public education programming at Wachusett Meadow, Broad Meadow Brook, the Museum of American Bird Art, and Blue Hills Trailside Museum.  

“I loved my time working at Blue Hills Nature Camp due to the supportive and welcoming community,” says Marcotte. “I am very excited to continue to visit and support Blue Hills Nature Camp in my new role as Education Manger and am very excited to have Julia Drennan step into the role of Camp Director!”

Wildwood Welcomes Ashley Ukleja 

Ashley Ukleja (she/her) will take the reins at Wildwood Camp, Mass Audubon’s sleepaway camp in Rindge, New Hampshire. Ukleja joins Mass Audubon after three-and-a-half years as the Camp Director at a children’s museum in California’s Bay Area.  

“I love the spirit of camp,” she says. “The unplanned moments, the connections that are made, the culture, and the memories. I'm a camp director because I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of programming for young people outside of school. Campers and staff both benefit and grow from the camp experience, and I really appreciate being a part of that.”

Back this summer after last year’s hiatus, Wildwood Camp is offering six weeks of residential sleepaway camp for campers ages 10-13 and Counselors-in-Training ages 15-17, a summer full of Teen Adventure Trips for ages 14-17, and Family Camp programs for campers of all ages. 

Ukleja is particularly excited to delve into the world of overnight camp and reinvigorate the vibrant camp community that is formed during a summer at Wildwood.  

Get Ready for a Summer of New Adventures

The excitement is building as these incredible new camp directors plan for an unforgettable summer. Whether you're a returning camper or considering joining the adventure for the first time, now is the perfect time to experience the magic of Mass Audubon camps—where nature, discovery, and community come together.  

Register Today