About Wachusett Meadow Nature Camp

At Wachusett Meadow Nature Camp, we believe it’s important to provide children with hands-on experiences that help them to feel comfortable in nature. Through various activities and explorations, campers come to understand their place in the "web of life" while having fun and making friends. We also provide opportunities for structured free play, during which campers gain appreciation for our inter-connectedness with nature and 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 Wachusett Meadow Nature Camp, but this sample schedule provides an idea of activity types and daily flow.

Camp Staff

Camp staff are carefully selected for their enthusiasm, caring attitude toward children, and ability to interact with youth in an outdoor setting. 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

In addition to directing Wachusett Meadow Nature Camp, Elizabeth Broughton (she/her) is part of Mass Audubon’s year-round education team, coordinating and teaching homeschool programs for wildlife sanctuaries in the Central region, school and scout groups, and programs for families. She also serves as Wachusett Meadow’s resident caretaker and enjoys her scenic walking commute to work. 

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in microbiology and was a stay-at-home mom for many years while raising her four children. In her role as Camp Director, she is inspired by a love of all things nature and her commitment to educate people of all ages and abilities.

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.