About Berkshire Nature Camp at Pleasant Valley

For 80 years, Berkshire Nature Camp at Pleasant Valley has inspired children’s love for the special nature of western Massachusetts.

Campers learn by playing, exploring, and having free choices and guided activities in a safe space with caring instructors. Small groups enable us to follow camper interests, and our large conservation land affords new wildlife encounters each day.

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 Berkshire Nature Camp, but this sample schedule gives an idea of activity types and daily flow. 

Camp Staff

Our enthusiastic camp counselors provide campers with a fun and memorable summer. Staff are carefully selected based on their teaching experience, nature knowledge, and deep commitment to engaging campers with the outdoors.

Many counselors were once campers themselves and have returned to share their appreciation of nature. We pride ourselves on our staff’s longevity and devotion to campers’ wellbeing. 

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 Lydia Warters (any pronouns) joined the camp team in the summer of 2022, after spending more than five years working as an educator both in and out of schools. A lover of all things outdoors, Lydia is passionate about connecting young people to nature and believes that all children can thrive when given a supportive environment to follow their curiosity. Outside of camp, Lydia teaches in schools across Berkshire County as one of Mass Audubon’s Lead Education Coordinators.

Pittsfield Site Director Kayla Downs (she/her) joined Mass Audubon in the beginning of summer 2023 and jumped right into camp! Kayla has over 7 years of experience as both a camp counselor and camp director. Additionally, she has many years of experience teaching environmental and outdoor-based education and is passionate about helping children connect to their local outdoor spaces. Outside the camp season, Kayla is an Education Coordinator for Mass Audubon in the Berkshires and visits schools all across the region providing science enrichment.

What Others Are Saying...

"We witnessed such a boost of confidence and happiness with our child's one week at Pleasant Valley, exploring and learning much about nature. Thank you!" —2023 Camp Family

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.