About Blue Hills Nature Camp

Blue Hills Nature Day Camp is an exciting outdoor adventure for children. We strive to educate children about ecology so that they will be motivated and empowered to maintaining a healthy environment for generations to come. Activities are carefully planned to meet these goals and, at the same time, create fun and memorable experiences.

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 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 at camp are alike, but this sample schedule gives an overview of daily activities and flow.

Camp Staff

Our caring, well-prepared counselors are actively engaged in teaching and playing with campers. All staff members bring their enthusiasm for outdoor exploration, a desire to educate, and a compassionate heart for children. Counselors are 18 years of age or older. Junior counselors are at least 16 years of age.

The majority of our staff have previously been with Blue Hills as campers or counselors. Our staff has a wide range of backgrounds and interests, and they bring together their passion for working with kids and nature to create an inclusive and welcoming community.

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 Director

Laney Marcotte (she/her) is excited to return for her third year as director of Blue Hills Nature Camp. Laney has extensive experience working with children of all ages: For the past 10 years, she has worked in outdoor education, summer camps—including 40-day, overnight camp trips in the backcountry—and environmental education programs all over the U.S. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Bucknell University and a M.S. in Environmental Education from Southern Oregon University.

“This was my 5-year-old's first nature camp/first real camp experience, and it was AWESOME. He was nervous at first, but the counselors made him feel very comfortable very quickly. I can't wait to sign him up again next year.” —2023 Camp Parent

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 2024 camp handbook will be available soon.