Two campers and a counselor at Berkshire Nature Camp at Pleasant Valley use binoculars to look for birds and other wildlife beside a freshwater pond — Berkshire Nature Camp at Pleasant Valley, Lenox

Top 10 Experiences at Berkshire Nature Camp

January 22, 2025

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Summer

At Berkshire Nature Camp, campers ages 3–17 have fun and make friends as they discover nature at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox! Exploring trails, observing wildlife, playing outdoors, and taking part in hands-on activities, games, and crafts keep campers engaged throughout the summer.

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

1. Meeting Snapping Turtles

Learn about snapping turtle behavior from our resident animal ambassadors. Soak up the sun and watch these creatures explore Bluebird Meadow before returning to their tanks for snack time.

2. Hiking to the Top of Lenox Mountain

Campers enjoy scenic views while playing games and answering riddles on this 3-mile hike.

A group of Berkshire Nature Camp campers seated in a circle, enjoying a trail lunch on a hike to Trail of the Ledges at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary — Berkshire Nature Camp at Pleasant Valley, Lenox

3. Singing Camp Songs

Sing loud and proud with your fellow campers, including favorites like Rattlin’ Bog, Fred the Moose, and Pizza Man!

4. Seeing Beaver Life in Action

Look for beaver lodges, dams, and chews along Beaver Lodge Trail, while learning about nature’s best contractor.

A beaver swims through lily pads. — © Rajashree Kotejoshyer

5. Visiting Pike’s Pond

Campers love learning and listening for the distinct sounds of the green frog’s banjo-like “gunk” to the bull frog’s deep “jug-a-rum” call on Pike’s Pond.

6. Nature Journaling

Campers will create their own nature journals to store field notes, wildlife observations, and reference drawings.

Girl sitting outside writing in a notebook

7. Exploring Yokun Brook

Search Yokun Brook for salamanders, comparing and contrasting different species and their life cycles.

8. Shelter Building

Work together to build shelters from natural debris, then test it for waterproofness and durability.

Two campers at Berkshire Nature Camp at Pleasant Valley kneel in front of a shelter they've built from branches and other natural objects — Berkshire Nature Camp at Pleasant Valley, Lenox

9. Looking for....Gnomes?

Did you know Pleasant Valley has an elusive population of gnomes? Search for evidence of these rumored critters and build houses to shelter them made out of natural materials.

10. Watching Caterpillars Turn Into Butterflies

Look for monarch caterpillars and rear them into butterflies to be released in late summer.

Join Berkshire Nature Camp at Pleasant Valley

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

Registration for the 2025 summer season is now open

Learn More About Camp