Boston Nature Center Camps | Rates & Dates
Welcome • Rates & Dates • About Camp • Day Camp Policies
Whether hiking in the woods or bird watching in the meadow, campers at Boston Nature Center Camps have fun while learning about nature!
Locations
We offer two-week nature camp sessions for ages 5–13 at both the Boston Nature Center (BNC) in Mattapan and Roxbury Latin School in West Roxbury. We also offer specialty and teen camps at BNC in Mattapan.
Mattapan |
West Roxbury |
| Nature Camp for Ages 5–13, plus Farm Trekkers and Teen Programs | Nature Camp for Ages 5–13 |
|
Boston Nature Center 500 Walk Hill Street, Mattapan, MA 02126 |
Roxbury Latin School 101 St Theresa Ave, West Roxbury, MA 02132 |
| Directions to BNC > | Directions to Roxbury Latin > |
Hours
8:30 am–5:30 pm
Extended Day Options
Need an earlier drop-off or a later pick-up? Our trained camp staff will supervise campers enrolled in our optional Before and After Camp programs. Campers may choose from a variety of activities, including active games, restful games, coloring, crafts, and reading. The group may also choose to play in the field just outside the Nature Center.
Before Camp: 7:30–8:30 am
After Camp: 5:30–6:30 pm (Mattapan location only)
Nature Camps
Mattapan
Boston Nature Center in Mattapan features acres of a beautiful wildlife sanctuary that provide a unique nature experience for the urban explorer. Campers can explore the vast colors of nature in our Butterfly Garden, observe Tree Swallows in the meadow, or pick kale in one of the largest community gardens in Boston. The sanctuary has trails, meadows, forests, gardens, and beautiful indoor spaces at the George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center.
Full-day, two-week sessions for ages 5–15:
- June 26–July 7
- July 10–21
- July 24–August 4
- August 7–18
- August 21–September 1
West Roxbury
Founded in 1645, Roxbury Latin School is an amazing setting for summer camp—situated on 117 acres with access to a large, mature forest and wetlands. When not outside discovering vernal pools or playing on one of eight athletic fields, campers have access to art and science labs, a full gym, a beautiful auditorium, and more.
Full-day, two-week sessions for ages 5–13:
- June 26–July 7
- July 10–21
- July 24–August 4
Age Groups
Owls (ages 5–6)
Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5
Owls explore the wonders of nature using their five senses. Each day is filled with art activities, learning games, outdoor/nature exploration, and camp songs. This full-day program includes a rest time followed by more play and outdoor exploration. Campers must be 5 years old prior to the start of their session.
Hawks (ages 6–7)
Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 6
Hawks investigate the outdoors through science experiments and creative play. Each day is a blend of outdoor play and structured activities, providing different avenues for campers to connect with nature and each other.
Falcons (ages 7–9)
Falcons learn how to develop and test their own ideas to gain a better understanding of nature through discovery and hands-on activities. Whether practicing science or art or team building, campers are encouraged to follow new interests and learn new skills.
Ravens (ages 9–11)
Ravens learn through focused outdoor exploration and guided experiments to understand the natural world in greater depth. Through inquiry-based activities, they are encouraged to follow and build on their own interests.
Adventurers (ages 11–13)
Adventurers engage in a variety of hands-on activities that encourage self-direction, leadership skill-building, and teamwork. Through multifaceted projects, adventurers learn about complex science concepts and environmental issues such as Farm to Table, Renewable Energy, and Climate Change.
Specialty & Teen Camps
The following specialty and teen camps are all based out of the Boston Nature Center location in Mattapan.
Farm Trekkers
Ages 9–11
This specialty camp is a partnership between the camp programs at Boston Nature Center and Drumlin Farm. Each session, the program will bring together 10 Boston-area and 10 Lincoln-area children for a camp experience focused on food and farming. Children will have up-close time caring for Drumlin's farm animals (cows, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and pony) and exploring the varied habitats of Drumlin Farm and the Boston Nature Center (field, forest, and wetlands). Together, we'll work in the crop fields and gardens, and taste food that we gathered ourselves.
Our highly-trained counselors serve as field guides and purveyors of summer fun, making sure that the structured parts of the camp day are interspersed with lots of downtime for camp songs, crafts, games, and time with new friends.
Two-week sessions:
- June 26–July 7
- July 10–21
- July 24–August 4
Environmental Leadership for Teens
Ages 13–15
Nature needs the next generation of environmental leaders. The goal of Mass Audubon's Environmental Leadership for Teens (ELT) program is to equip and encourage teens to be effective environmental advocates, learn about civic action, and be conservation leaders in their homes and communities.
During each session, camp educators will guide teens as they develop their individual leadership and community-building skills and support them as they develop their own style and voice as environmental leaders. Each group of ELT participants will also focus on learning about and taking action on an environmental challenge or environmental justice issue and how to best apply their community-building and leadership skills to make a positive impact on their community and the world.
Two-week sessions:
- July 10–21
- August 7–18
Counselors-In-Training
Ages 14–15
This is a specialized camp program designed to develop important leadership skills and prepare older campers to help lead camp. CITs practice skills such as public speaking, group management, and caring for younger children. As CITs grow into their new role as camp leaders, they will take part in fun activities that make camp special, such as team-building activities, science learning, and field trips. After successfully completing one CIT session, CITs are eligible to help lead camp on a volunteer basis for up to two weeks.
One-week sessions:
- June 26–30
- July 3–7
- July 31–August 4
Pricing & Affordability
Deposit
After you receive a camp registration confirmation (no later than January 21), you will be required to pay a nonrefundable deposit of $25 per child/per week. The deposit will be applied to your camp tuition and cannot be transferred to another camper, family, or camp location.
Refund Policy
A full refund, minus the nonrefundable deposit, is provided to camp families who cancel in writing on or before May 15. After May 15, no refund is available. Deposits are not transferable, and refunds are not given for participant dismissal, failure to attend, absence, or sick days. If we must cancel a session, you will receive a full refund.
Member Discount
Mass Audubon members at the Family level or above receive a discounted rate. To qualify, your Mass Audubon membership must be current through the end of your camper’s last session, and you must be the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of the camper being enrolled. Membership can be purchased or renewed at the time of registration. If you are unsure of your member status, please contact Mass Audubon Member Services by calling 781-259-9500 or emailing [email protected].
Sliding Scale Pricing
Mass Audubon is committed to ensuring that every family that wants their child to experience summer camp should have the opportunity to do so. A sliding scale model helps us work toward that goal through an easy and dependable process for families.
Under the sliding scale model, every family will enroll for camp at a tuition rate based on their annual gross income. At registration, you will have the opportunity to select the pricing tier that best fits your family’s gross income. If you select Tiers 1–4, you will be asked to upload income verification documentation at a later time. Registrants at Tier 5 do not need to provide income verification. Learn more about sliding scale pricing >
Financial Aid
We believe connection with the natural world should be available to all. If finances are getting in the way of a summer at Boston Nature Center Camps, financial aid is also available based on demonstrated financial need and available funds. Scholarships are limited to one session per child; however, all applications are considered and will be accepted on a rolling basis. Payment plan options are also available. Download a financial aid application >
2023 Camp Session Pricing
Please note that all prices are rounded to the nearest dollar for simplicity.
What Others Are Saying
"I can't say enough about how much my child and I love BNC. It's the most supportive, accepting, educational, and FUN camp experience ever! Highly, highly recommend." –Camp Parent
"Seriously, this camp just was the best. It way exceeded any expectations we had and our son already said he wants to go back every year until he can be a counselor." –Camp Parent