About Arcadia Nature Camp

At Arcadia Nature Camp, discovery takes center stage. Campers are encouraged to explore and appreciate the miracles and mysteries of our natural world. Through hands-on learning, they come to understand their place in nature as well as the importance of preserving it.

Our philosophy is to have fun and make friends while learning about the natural world. Through hands-on activities, campers come to understand their place in nature as well as the importance of preserving it. We provide opportunities for structured free play, during which campers of various ages and developmental stages interact, learn important social skills, and gain appreciation for nature and each other.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At Mass Audubon Camps, we strive to create a safe, inclusive, and caring camp environment where each person is respected and supported in their learning and growth. We believe that diversity—both in nature and in our human communities—is essential to strength, resilience, and innovation, and we are committed to recognizing the unique contributions of each community member. 

To learn more about how Mass Audubon respects and embraces our campers’ and staff’s unique identities and needs, please review our Gender Inclusion at Camp policies and procedures.

Accommodations

Mass Audubon is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion to ensure that everyone can participate fully in the magic of our nature programs.  As an outdoor, nature-based program, it is important that families of children who have disabilities understand Mass Audubon’s expectations, programs, and terrain prior to enrolling. 

If your child requires accommodations, please contact the camp director as soon as possible; a delay in request could have the unintended consequence of disrupting your child’s Mass Audubon camp experience.

Learn more about Accommodations and Behavior Expectations at Camp

Terrain

Due to the outdoor and exploratory nature of our camp program, campers will be moving on uneven terrain throughout the day. The terrain at our sites varies from hard-packed, gently sloped paths to steeper, uneven trails that may have exposed rocks, tree roots, and other obstacles. Additionally, weather conditions could affect our trails’ conditions. 

We encourage all families to visit the sanctuary prior to enrolling to understand its unique terrain. 

A Day at Camp

No two days are alike at Arcadia Nature Camp! However, this sample schedule can give you an idea of activity types and daily flow.

Camp Staff

Our caring, well-prepared camp staff are actively engaged in teaching and playing with campers. Camp staff bring their enthusiasm for outdoor exploration, a desire to facilitate learning, and a compassionate heart for children. 

This specialized team works to foster a sense of community among campers and individual connections with nature. Summer staff are carefully selected based on their enthusiasm, teaching experience, natural history knowledge, and deep commitment to engaging campers with nature. 

All staff undergo background checks, are certified in CPR and first aid, and receive training in health and safety procedures, child development, natural history, and environmental education best practices.

Camp Leadership

Camp Director Tim Donner (he/him) is a dedicated educator and naturalist with over 20 years of teaching experience. This will be his second summer at Arcadia and he is excited to help facilitate the incredible camps that happen at the sanctuary. Tim loves combining his appreciation for nature with his commitment to kids’ learning through hands-on activities and self-discovery. Tim’s favorite part of camp is watching campers follow their curiosity, have those “Aha!” moments, and create lifelong memories.

Assistant Camp Director Dorri Jones (she/her) began her Arcadia adventure as a Hummingbird counselor in 2015 and has been involved with camp almost every year since. She is endlessly enthusiastic about nature education and fostering curiosity, two things our camps have always strived to cultivate. Dorri believes there is great power in ending the day with dirt under your fingernails, and she loves sharing moments of play and inquisitive learning with campers, CITs, and fellow staff.

Camp Handbook

The Camp Handbook packet contains important information for families, including drop-off and pick-up instructions, health and safety procedures, packing lists, and more. Please be sure to read this prior to the start of your camper’s first session.

"The camp counselors are wonderful and accepting of all different ways kids can be. My child loves coming, and the focus on nature, conservation, and science is a perfect fit for him." —2023 Camp Family