A Day at Drumlin Farm Camps | Sample Schedule
Welcome • Drumlin Farm • Assabet River • Schedules • Philosophy & Credentials • Camp Staff • Registration Info • Camp FAQs
Each day at camp is different. Our counselors design age-appropriate curriculum to encourage exploration and discovery. Every year we add something new, but some things stay consistent—each day's lessons and activities focus on a daily theme.
At Drumlin Farm Camp
Full-week programs are farm-and-nature-oriented. For example, Nature Campers experience Cow Day along with Red Pine Forest Day. Older camp groups cover more specific themes over a wider range of topics directly related to their group goals. Activities include chores (on a farm–themed day), exploring natural habitats (on a nature-themed day), cooking, crafts, games, and more.
7:00-9:00 am — Before Camp (optional)
8:30-8:45 am — Camper Drop-off*
Parents check their campers in with counselors at drop-off sites. On the first day of camp, everyone checks in with administrative staff, and then drop off campers with counselors. *Nature Discovery drop-off is at 8:45 am
8:45 am — Camp Begins!
Each group goes to their site for opening circle, daily schedule, and games! On the first day, campers learn rules and expectations, camp site boundaries, and safety procedures from their counselors.
9:15-12:00 pm — Morning Theme Exploration & Snack
Hands-on lessons, crafts, animal chores, cooking projects, and nature walks are just a few ways campers explore the day’s theme. A break for snack keeps everyone energized.
12:00-1:00 pm — Lunch & Choice Time
Lunch at the group site, in the woods, or atop the drumlin – we eat wherever our adventures take us. Campers reapply sunscreen and bug spray after lunch, and choose from several brief nature activities.
1:00-2:30 pm — Afternoon Theme Exploration & Camp-Wide Events
Campers continue to learn about the day’s theme. They may enjoy water games, animal visitors, and camp-wide events like All Camp Gatherings, Predator vs. Prey or Farm Olympics, to name a few.
2:30-3:00 pm — Closing Circle
Counselors and campers reflect on the day and gather belongings, then head to Pick-up or After Camp.
3:00-3:15 pm — Camper Pick-up*
Parents sign their campers out as counselors say farewell. *Nature Discovery pick-up is at 3:15 pm
3:00-6:00 pm — After Camp (optional)
At Assabet River Camp
Assabet River Camp is quite different from camp at Drumlin Farm! We have lots of space, fewer campers, and exciting specialty activities. Assabet works on a block schedule due to the logistics of canoeing, archery, and fishing.
7:00-9:00 am — Before Camp at Drumlin Farm (optional)
8:30 am — Shuttle from Drumlin to Assabet departs (optional)
Campers using the shuttle arrive at Drumlin Farm between 8:15 and 8:30. The shuttle leaves promptly at 8:30 to arrive at Assabet in time for the day's activities.
8:30-8:45 am — Camper Drop-off at Assabet
Parents check their campers in with counselors at Visitor Center.
8:45-9:15 am — Opening Circle
Assabet River Camp starts each day with an all-camp circle where we talk about the day and have some goofy fun to get things started.
9:15 am-12:00 pm — Morning Activity Blocks & Snack
Each group will move through an activity block and enjoy a snack. Activity blocks include canoeing, archery, habitat exploration, fishing, bunker tours, arts and crafts, and more!
12:00-1:00 pm — Lunch & Free Time
Campers eat lunch at their sites and have some time for free play before afternoon choice blocks.
1:00-2:30 — Choice Activity Blocks
Each week at Assabet, campers submit a preference for their choice activity blocks for Tuesday – Friday afternoons. Choice activity groups are mixed ages and offer campers an opportunity to explore an interest area more deeply, like building paddling skills or discovering the details of life in the pond.
2:30-3:00 pm – Closing Circle, Journaling, & Bead Awards
Campers wrap up the day with a closing circle, an opportunity to journal about the day, and receive new honor beads they’ve earned!
3:00 pm — Camper Pick-up
Assabet shuttle departs for Drumlin Farm.