Ipswich River Nature Camp Programs & Pricing
Discover Ipswich River Nature Camp
Ipswich River Nature Camp gives campers ages 5-14 a unique opportunity to learn about nature, meet new friends, and have fun outside. Our knowledgeable staff encourages an educational, non-competitive camp environment for memories that will last a lifetime.
2025 Camp Pricing
Prices shown represent a range based on a sliding scale. A sliding scale pricing structure makes camp affordable for families by removing financial barriers and expanding access to camp for families in an easy, dependable, and confidential process. Tiered pricing is based on availability. Please note: All camp families registering at Tiers 4 or 5 must have an active family-level or higher membership for the duration of the camp session. View the sliding scale tier levels
One-week Nature Camps
Monday–Friday • 8:30 am–3:00 pm
Young Naturalists & Investigators: Weekly sessions, June 23-August 22 (no camp July 4)
Naturalists: Weekly sessions, June 23-August 1 (no camp July 4)
Encourage curiosity, increase sensory awareness, and provide a safe space for engaging in nature connection during all our summer camp programs. Regardless of age, each day will be packed with new sights, sounds, smells, and games as campers explore Ipswich River’s many habitats. Each week will have a unique theme!
Young Naturalists • Ages 5-6
Explore Ipswich River’s diverse habitats and learn about the plants and animals that call this special place home. Each day campers take part in hikes, games, crafts, scavenger hunts, storytelling, and creative play. See available sessions
Sliding Scale Price Range: $111-$552
Investigators • Ages 7-8
Investigate the special habitats of Ipswich River, including eskers, formed by a glacier, and the lively edges of streams and vernal pools. Learn how to safely catch frogs, grasshoppers, and other small creatures and learn how to use field marks to help us identify the animals we find. Through crafts and activities, piece together the web of life to better understand the meaning of “community” on a variety of levels. Campers during the weeks of July 7, 21, & 28 paddle to Perkins Island by canoe. See available sessions
Sliding Scale Price Range: $111-$552
Naturalists • Ages 9-11
Explore the nooks and crannies of Ipswich River as you search for plants and animals and investigate the unique adaptations that help them thrive. Monitor vernal pools and identify the animals you catch. Search for animal tracks and scan the skies to learn about the birds of the area. Hop in canoes and paddle the calm waterways of the Ipswich River to Perkins Island. See available sessions
Sliding Scale Price Range: $111-$552
Two-week Nature Camp
Monday–Friday • 8:30 am–3:00 pm
Two-week sessions, June 23-August 1 (no camp July 4)
In addition to the usual camp activities, all age groups in our two-week nature camps will also spend a day learning how to paddle a canoe up the Ipswich River to Perkins Island.
Trekkers • Ages 7-11
This two-week program allows campers to visit all of the amazing locations the sanctuary has to offer, including the Rockery, vernal pool, the stone bridge and the observation tower. Spend a day learning how to paddle a canoe on the Ipswich River to Perkins Island. Once there, we'll have lunch, play games, and build gnome homes. At the end of each session, campers will play the camp favorite Predator/Prey game. See available sessions
Sliding Scale Price Range: $221-$1,104
Special Interest Camps
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-3:00 pm
Weekly Sessions, dates vary
Super Scientists • Ages 7-11 • August 4-8
Kids dream of becoming scientists when they grow up, and this week they’ll do real science! Catch and study insects up close, observe wild birds, solve a nature mystery and take part in experiments using scientific tools. See available sessions
Sliding Scale Price Range: $111-$552
Canoe Adventures • Ages 12-14 • August 4-8 and August 11-15
Learning to canoe opens up another world along the Ipswich River that is usually out of reach. With fun activities and games, we'll learn paddling techniques, water safety, and teamwork skills. During daily explorations, we'll discover the insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals that live on the islands and lurk in the backwaters of this beautiful river. See available sessions
Sliding Scale Price Range: $111–$552
Animal Art • Ages 8-11 • August 11-15
The leaping, swimming, and soaring animals of the sanctuary will be your subjects for painting, drawing, sculpting, and more. Investigate along trails to observe creatures, engage in activities and games to learn about animal adaptations, and capture their likeness in clay and on canvas. Families are invited to a Friday afternoon art show. Get the details
Sliding Scale Price Range: $111-$552
Fun with Nature Photography • Ages 8-11 • August 18-22
Capture nature with your camera. Campers will learn photography basics and a few tricks to take their photos of wildlife and landscapes from average to great. Families are invited to a Friday afternoon photo show. *Campers must bring their own digital camera (no smartphones allowed). Get the details
Sliding Scale Price Range: $111–$552
Leadership Camps
Monday–Friday • 8:30 am–3:00 pm
Two-week sessions, vary
Environmental Teen Leaders • Ages 12–14 • July 7-18
Jump-start your introduction to climate action in this two-week environmental leadership camp. Alongside your peers, learn how to identify areas that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, locate resources to address those vulnerabilities, and become an advocate for climate justice. You'll participate in service projects around the sanctuary and see what climate action looks like at Mass Audubon. At the end of the session, we'll help you set goals to take on a climate action project in your own community. Get the details
Sliding Scale Price Range: $221-$1,104
Counselors-in-Training (CIT) • Ages 14-16 • June 30-August 8 (no camp July 4)
Gain experience working with children in an outdoor setting. Participate in lesson development training, lead games, assist camp groups, and learn to teach activities. CITs are enthusiastic role models with a positive attitude who will enjoy working with children ages 5–11. Must commit to a two-week session; no camp on July 4 (price prorated for that session). Apply now
Price: $650
Extended-Day Option
Pre-registration is required for extended day programming; you may add this option at checkout when you register your child for camp or call later to add to your camper's session.
After Camp Program
Ages 4-14 • 3:00-4:00 pm
Price: $60 per week
Campers will enjoy a variety of games, crafts, and activities in a mixed age group.
How to Register
Online registration opens January 22, 2025, at 6:00 am. To make sure you’re prepared, please read our registration instructions ahead of time.
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