About North River Nature Camp

With 225 acres of forest, field, and marsh, North River Nature Day Camp in Marshfield provides a magnificent natural space to explore and learn. Campers are encouraged to explore their curiosity, engage with others, and participate in hands-on, inquiry-based activities.

Weekly themes incorporate age-appropriate instruction, and small group sizes ensure that our counselors can create an environment where each child matters. A balance of daily activities, from group adventures to free play, enables us to meet campers’ developmental needs. 

We strive to create opportunities for personal growth and social development as campers interact with nature as well as with 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 North River Nature Camp! But this sample schedule gives an idea of activity types and daily flow. Camp programs are structured around fun, educational group goals that provide consistency throughout the session. 

Camp Staff

North River Nature Camp staff are dedicated and mature educators, naturalists, and students who are looking for more than “just a summer job”. They have experience working with youth, a passion for nature, and a deep commitment to sharing that connection with children. 

Camp educators foster a caring, fun, and emotionally and physically safe environment to create a cohesive and enjoyable experience for campers. All staff undergo an extensive interview process, reference and background checks, are CPR and first aid certified, and receive training in child development, natural history, environmental education best practices, and health and safety procedures.

From day one of our intensive two-week staff training, we seek to foster a unique sense of community and initiative among the counselors. Each counselor brings something unique and valuable to the camp experience, and by fostering their teaching styles and ideas we enrich our camp every year. We’re confident their passion makes North River Nature Camp one of the best summer experiences available to kids. 

North River Nature Camp counselors are trained in child development and supervision, health and safety procedures, behavior management techniques, natural history, and environmental education best practices. 

All staff undergo an extensive interview process, reference and background checks, and are CPR and first aid certified. In addition, we have access to an on-call doctor and local EMS services within four miles. 

Join the Team

Interested in joining our camp team? Email us your cover letter, resume, and three references!

See open positions

Camp Director

Jacqui Shuster (she/her) began her camp career here at North River. During her time at Bridgewater State University, where she graduated with a BS in Biology, she worked closely with turtles, birds, and snails while doing research in the field. 

From there she spent time in the Adirondacks and Tucson, Arizona where she worked for various community, educational, and outdoor programs. Jacqui returned to Massachusetts and began her time working as a Camp Counselor and Teacher Naturalist at North River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Her passion for the outdoors and connecting people to their community has led Jacqui to her place as Mass Audubon’s South East Regional Camp Director. Here she oversees North River Nature Camp in Marshfield. After the camp day, Jacqui enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with her pets.

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.