Blue Hills Nature Day Camp | About Camp
Welcome • Rates & Dates • About Camp • Day Camp Policies
Our Philosophy
Blue Hills Nature Day Camp is an exciting outdoor adventure for children. We strive to educate children about ecology so that they will be motivated and empowered to maintaining a healthy environment for generations to come. Activities are carefully planned to meet these goals and, at the same time, create fun and memorable experiences.
Campers are encouraged to explore and appreciate the miracles and mysteries of our natural world. Through hands-on learning, they come to understand their place in nature as well as the importance of preserving it. As naturalist and conservationist John Muir once said, "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to everything else in the world."
A Day at Camp
No two days at camp are alike, but this sample schedule gives an overview of daily activities and flow.
| 8:30 am–9:00 am | Camper Drop-off, Health Screening, & Games |
| 9:00 am–10:00 am | Opening Circle & Group Activities |
| 10:00 am–10:30 am | Snack Time |
| 10:30 am–11:30 am | Hike |
| 11:30 am–12:00 pm | Group Exploration |
| 12:00-12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 pm–2:30 pm | Nature Exploration, Play, & Crafts |
| 2:30 pm–3:00 pm | Closing Circle |
| 3:00 pm–3:15 pm | Camper Pick-up |
| 3:30 pm–5:30 pm | After Camp Program (optional) Campers can choose from a number of quiet activities including board games and cards, or visit with the Blue Hills educational animals. Pre-registration required. |
Camp Staff
Our caring, well-prepared counselors are actively engaged in teaching and playing with campers. All staff members bring their enthusiasm for outdoor exploration, a desire to educate, and a compassionate heart for children. Counselors are 18 years of age or older. Junior counselors are at least 16 years of age.
The majority of our staff have previously been with Blue Hills as campers or counselors. Our staff has a wide range of backgrounds and interests and they bring together their passion for working with kids and nature to create an inclusive and welcoming community.
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
Laney Marcotte (she/her) is excited to return for her second year as director of Blue Hills Nature Camp. Laney has extensive experience working with children of all ages: For the past 8 years, she has worked in outdoor education, summer camps—including 40-day, overnight camp trips in the backcountry—and environmental education programs all over the U.S. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Bucknell University and a M.S. in Environmental Education from Southern Oregon University.
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 2023 Camp Handbook will be available for download in spring 2023.
Credentials
Camp License
Our camp complies with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the Milton Board of Health.
American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation
We are proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. Developed exclusively for the camp industry, this nationally recognized program focuses on program quality, health and safety, management, and camp operations.
Camp Policy Requests
You may request copies of our background check, health care, discipline, bullying, and grievance policies at any time. Request copies of our policies >