Campers playing on hill behind BNC

Mass Audubon Camp Goals, Inclusion, and Expectations

We are committed to ensuring that every camper has the best possible experience at camp.

Camp Goals 

  • Campers of all backgrounds, abilities and identities feel safe and supported physically, socially, and emotionally.  
  • Campers explore local ecosystems and develop confidence in nature.  
  • Campers learn about conservation and stewardship through age-appropriate hands-on activities. 
  • Campers connect with each other, create friendships, and grow through trying new experiences.  

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion 

Mass Audubon strives 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. 

Staff Training 

Camp staff receive training on how to build an inclusive camp group, lead age-appropriate conversations, and prevent and respond to bullying. It’s difficult to predict what topics of conversation will arise in a camp group. If a sensitive developmental topic comes up or if discussions veer into arguments, staff are trained to respond with compassion, steer discussion toward camp-appropriate topics, and check in with campers to ensure they feel safe. The Camp Director and other leadership staff provide additional support if a sensitive topic arises or if staff have concerns about the group’s behavior. 

Camps will not tolerate bullying, harassment, or threats to any camper or staff, no matter their beliefs, values, or identity. Our aim is to build an inclusive and respectful camp experience for a diverse community of youth, families, and staff who care deeply about nature and its protection. 

Creating an Inclusive Camp Community 

During camp welcome circles, campers and staff discuss what it means to create and support an inclusive camp community. Staff cover safety, camp expectations, and establish norms for respectful and inclusive communication and interactions. Campers and staff are invited to introduce themselves and have the option to share pronouns if they would like to. No one is required to share pronouns, and we ask that all campers and staff respect and use the names and pronouns that correspond with how each person introduces themselves. Mass Audubon does not require staff or campers to disclose any details of their gender identity. 

Accommodations for Campers

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.  

Due to the outdoor and exploratory nature of our camp programs, campers move on uneven terrain throughout the day. The terrain varies from hard-packed, gently sloped paths to steeper, uneven trails that may have exposed rocks, tree roots, and other obstacles. Weather could affect our trail conditions. We encourage all families to visit the camp’s sanctuary prior to enrolling to understand its unique terrain.  

If your child requires accommodation, please contact the camp’s director as soon as possible; a delay in request could have the unintended consequence of disrupting your child’s Mass Audubon camp experience. 

One-to-one Aides 

Mass Audubon camps do not provide one-to-one support; however, we do welcome one-to-one aides to support campers when they are provided by the family. Aides must follow Mass Audubon’s Child Protection Standards, including obtaining a CORI/SORI and background check prior to their time participating within our programs.  

More information and training may be required prior to the aide starting within the program. If your child requires an aide in school, please contact the camp’s director as soon as possible to discuss how Mass Audubon can best support your child. Family members are not permitted to be aides. 

Behavior Expectations 

Our staff establishes expectations and offers guidance throughout each day. Mass Audubon sanctuaries are open to the public and camp groups may spend time in areas that have visitors, vehicles, varied terrain, water, and wild animals. In order for everyone to have a safe and positive experience, campers are expected to follow Mass Audubon’s Camper Code of Conduct with minimal support from staff.

Mass Audubon’s Camper Code of Conduct 

Respect Yourself

  • Take care of yourself and your body and ask for help. 
  • Apply sunscreen and bug spray. 
  • If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, talk with an adult. 

Respect Nature

  • Carry-in/carry-out: Take trash and recycling with you or put in an appropriate bin.  
  • Leave animals, plants, and other parts of nature where you found them. 
  • Observe wild animals from a distance. Use your eyes not your hands, unless it is permitted by camp staff. 

Respect Others

  • Listen and follow instructions given by camp staff.   
  • Stay with your group at all times.  
  • Use caring and kind language.  
  • Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.   
  • Respect other people’s physical space and objects.  
  • Listen to all ideas and be inclusive; allow others to join/play with you.
  • Treat others the way they want to be treated and celebrate each other’s individuality. Use pronouns and names people introduce themselves with.