About Broad Meadow Brook Nature Camp

Every child is unique and every child is special. Our staff is committed to creating positive camp experiences. And we believe a positive camp experience starts with an inclusive atmosphere where learning is fun!

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 Broad Meadow Brook Nature Camp, but this sample schedule gives an overview of daily activities and flow:

8:00–9:00 am — Before Camp Program (optional, pre-registration required)

Campers gather to engage in quiet, supervised activities such as playing a game of Uno, sculpting with clay, or drawing. Registration required.

9:00–9:30 am — Camper Drop-off

Campers are greeted by their counselors and can draw, color, or complete word searches as they wait for other campers to arrive. During Choice Time, they can choose to play active games, go on a nature walk, or participate in Counselor Choice activities. 

9:30–9:45 am — Opening Circle

The whole camp gathers together to sing songs, look at the day’s weather, learn the “daily mystery” clue, and hear what each group will be doing.

9:45–10:30 am — Activity Block #1

Campers join their groups for a variety of activities. Each day we hike the trails and explore our ponds and streams in search of crayfish, frogs, and aquatic insects. We might also begin a science experiment or work on a craft project.

10:30–10:45 am — Snack

Campers enjoy a snack brought from home.

10:45 am–12:00 pm — Activity Block #2

Campers might build gnome homes; overturn rotting logs to find worms, millipedes, and salamanders; or head to Wilson Meadow with our nets to “sweep” for insects.

12:00–1:00 pm — Lunch & Free Play Time

Campers eat lunch brought from home and then head outside to play. We provide a variety of balls, cones, jump ropes, and other outdoor recreation items for campers to use during this unstructured Free Play Time. We conclude with a story before transitioning into afternoon activities.

1:00 pm — Half-day Camper Pick-Up

1:00–2:00 pm — Activity Block #3

During this activity block, campers will work on experiments or projects with their group. Or they might head back out on the sanctuary to play games or explore something in a new way.

2:00–3:00 pm — Activity Block #4

During this activity block, campers are often involved in playing camp games such as Predator-Prey, playing in the Nature Play area or cooling off with water games.

3:00–3:15 pm — Closing Circle

The whole camp gathers once more to talk about our favorite things that happened during the day, using our camp mascot, Ruckus the Raccoon, as our talking stick.

3:15–3:45 pm — Camper Pick-Up

Campers are picked up on a rolling basis. While waiting for their trusted adult to arrive, they can run around in the field and play games or hang out in the covered pavilion with friends. 

3:30–5:30 pm — After Camp Program (optional, pre-registration required)

Campers enjoy a snack brought from home and then continue to explore their favorite activities. All return to the Nature Center at 4:45 pm, at which point trusted adults may begin to arrive for pick-up. Registration required.

Camp Staff

Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff is made up of professional teachers and naturalists, college students, and junior counselors. Staff members are all age 18 or older and junior counselors are 16 and older. This specialized team works to foster a sense of community among campers and build connections with nature. Counselors are carefully selected based on their maturity, 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 Director

Lisa Carlin (she/her) has been the camp director since 2006 and LOVES camp! She attended overnight camp as a child, where she later became a counselor. She brings her love and passion for being outdoors and exploring the natural world to all the campers and staff at Broad Meadow Brook. Lisa believes that all kids are amazing and wants to help campers be the best they can be alongside her talented and caring staff. She can’t wait to see you and your kids at camp this summer.

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.