Smiling campers at Arcadia Nature Camp play tag in the grass with a counselor holding a radio — Arcadia Nature Camp, Easthampton, © Phil Doyle

Top 10 Experiences at Arcadia Nature Camp

January 22, 2025

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Summer

At Arcadia Nature Camp in Easthampton, campers ages 5–15 explore the outdoors, foster their curiosity, and build friendships—both new and lasting. Our 734-acre wildlife sanctuary consists of forests, meadows, rivers, and vernal pools—the perfect setting to explore, get inspired, learn, and have lots of fun!

Campers enjoy an array of activities to enrich their learning and appreciation for nature. These 10 camper-favorite experiences make Arcadia Nature Camp an unforgettable time for all that join.

1. Exploring the Clay Pits & Hemlock Brook

Go on an expedition to the Clay Pits and Hemlock Brook to catch macroinvertebrates, build with clay, and experiment with water flow.

2. Meeting a Box-Turtle

Hangout with our resident ornate box-turtle animal ambassador and learn about reptile behavior and adaptations.

A group of campers at Arcadia Nature Camp kneeling in the grass in a circle, watching a small turtle — Arcadia Nature Camp, Easthampton, © Phil Doyle

3. Building Using Natural Materials

Journey to the Land Before Time—a white pine forest where campers build magnificent structures, big and small, out of logs, twigs, and debris, developing teamwork, creativity, and even survival skills!

4. Vernal Pool Study

Use dip-nets in the vernal pool to look for tadpoles, water beetles, bloodworms, and snails while enjoying the rhythmic chorus of wood frogs, bullfrogs, and green frogs.

A group of campers at Wild At Art Nature Camp ponding with dip nets in a pool of water in the forest, looking for aquatic wildlife — Wild At Art Nature Camp at the Museum of American Bird Art Education Center, Canton

5. Hiking Mount Tom

Great Blue Herons (10-12 year olds) hike Mount Tom, exploring local geology and flora. Look for mirror reflections from the summit, announcing the campers made it to the top!

6. Canoeing the Oxbow of the Connecticut River

Canoe down the oxbow, pulling invasive water chestnut and glimpsing waterbirds galore.

Arcadia Nature Camp, Easthampton, © Phil Doyle

7. Playing in Our Nature Play Area

Explore the Nature Play Area—a beloved space for games, free play, fairy houses, dinosaur digs, critter hotels, and endless rounds of campers’ favorite Tag Game: Fox and Rabbit.

8. Making Art

Visit the Art House and make beautiful nature-inspired creations to bring home.

A camper at Arcadia Nature Camp sitting at a picnic table drawing pictures of wildlife with colorful markers — Arcadia Nature Camp, Easthampton, © Phil Doyle

9. Staying Cool

Cool off in the mist machine or play a round of water games like “Drip Drip Drop!”

10. Recognizing Successes

Come together with campers and their families at each session’s closing circle for our I Am Special Award Ceremony to celebrate the week’s successes.

Join Arcadia Nature Camp

While these experiences highlight just a few camper-favorite activities, even more possibilities await this summer! Give the gift of an unforgettable summer spent exploring and learning outside at Arcadia Nature Camp at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary.

Registration for the 2025 summer season is now open.

Learn More About Camp