About Wellfleet Bay Nature Camp
At Wellfleet Bay Nature Camp, discovery takes center stage. Campers are encouraged to explore and appreciate the natural world at our unique summer camp on Cape Cod. Through hands-on learning, they come to understand their place in nature as well as the importance of preserving it.
Our goals are to instill awareness and appreciation of nature, to demonstrate responsibility for the environment, and to promote a sense of place, where nature is accessible and inclusive for all. Above all, we seek to create memorable outdoor experiences for our campers!
Campers experience a variety of habitats and wildlife at the day camp's beautiful location at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore the outdoors, perform hands-on activities, observe wildlife, play games, make crafts, and more.
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 Wellfleet Bay Nature Camp! However, this sample schedule will give you an idea of activity types and daily flow.
9:00 am: Camper Drop-off & Craft Activity
Counselors welcome their campers and hand out nametags. Campers spend time creating simple arts and crafts projects.
9:15-9:45 am: Morning Circle & Schedule
The whole camp gathers together for an introductory activity, playing name games, and going over the schedule for the day.
9:45-10:14 am: "Theme of the Day" Introduction
Each small group has its own daily theme that supports nature and science learning. Activities and objectives are unique to each age group.
10:15-10:40 am: Snack & Bathrooms
Campers enjoy a snack brought from home and take a break.
10:40 am-12:00 pm: Habitat Hike
Groups explore the trails and habitats as they learn more about their themes. This may include activities such as catching frogs, looking for caterpillars, or searching for signs of deer, to name just a few.
12:00-12:30 pm: Lunch & Bathrooms
Campers enjoy the lunch they brought from home and take a break
Half-day pickup at 12:30 pm.
12:30-1:00 pm: Half-Day Pickup and Afternoon Games
Counselors reinforce concepts about the Theme of the Day through special games.
1:00-2:00 pm: Science Activity
Campers continue to explore their daily theme through hands-on experiments and science learning.
2:00-2:15 pm: Nature Free Play & Closing Circle
Campers enjoy supervised free play time before the whole camp gathers together to share their favorite parts of the day.
2:15-2:45 pm: Camper Pick-Up (Full Day)
Camp Staff
Our staff members are chosen for their enthusiasm, experience, knowledge, inclusivity, and ability to work with children in the outdoors. They are college graduates or undergraduates currently enrolled in an environmental and/or educational field of study.
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 Morgan Peck (she/her) has been an educator with Mass Audubon since 2013 and based at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary since 2016. Throughout the year, Morgan teaches and coordinates educational nature programming for schools and visiting groups. When not teaching, Morgan helps stranded/entangled sea turtles and other marine wildlife as well as organizing local efforts to combat the climate crisis on Cape Cod with the Youth Climate Leadership Program.
Assistant Camp Director Laura Baghetti (she/her) has been an educator with Mass Audubon since April 2022. During the school year, Laura teaches environmental programs to area school groups. Laura’s favorite camp activity is hiking with campers to the tidal flats and making observations along the way!
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.
Camp License
Our camp complies with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the Wellfleet Board of Health.
Accreditation
We are proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association, a nationally recognized program focused on program quality, safety, and management.
Camp Policy Requests
You may request copies of our background check, health care, discipline, bullying, and grievance policies at any time.