About Fern & Feather Nature Camp at Felix Neck
Discovery takes center stage at Fern & Feather Nature Camp! Through hands-on learning, campers explore their surroundings to better understand nature as well as how they can help preserve it.
Our camp program is designed to connect children to their surroundings and instill a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. Our goal is to foster awareness and appreciation of nature, teach responsibility for the environment, and promote an understanding of our place in nature. Camp activities are carefully planned to meet these goals and create fun and memorable experiences.
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 Fern & Feather Nature Camp, but this sample schedule gives an overview of daily activities and flow.
| Schedule | Activities |
|---|---|
| 8:45–9:15 am | Camper Drop-off & Choice Time Counselors welcome their campers |
| 9:15–9:30 am | Morning Circle The whole camp gathers together for an introductory activity, playing name games, and going over rules for staying safe at camp. And of course, there is always singing! |
| 9:30–10:30 am | Nature Theme Introduction & Snack This may include activities such as pond dip-netting, looking for caterpillars, or searching for animal tracks, to name just a few. |
| 10:30 am–noon | Activities & Explorations 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. |
| 12:00–12:45 pm | Lunch & Story Time Lunchtime, followed by a story or quiet activity. |
| 12:50–2:15 pm | Nature Activities, Crafts, & Games Counselors reinforce concepts about the daily nature theme through special art projects, games, and exploration. |
| 2:15–2:30 pm | Full-Day Camper Pick-up |
| 2:30–3:30 pm | Optional After Camp Program Pre-registration is required. You may add this option at checkout when you register your child for camp or call later to add to your camper's session. |
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
Sydney Pigott (she/her) is thrilled for her second season with Fern & Feather Nature Camp! Originally from the island, she truly adores the exceptional community of people and wildlife found on Martha’s Vineyard. She is passionate about exploring the outdoors, caring for the land we inhabit, and all things camp.
Josey Kirkland (she/her) is excited about her twelfth summer working with Mass Audubon. Throughout the year, Josey manages the education efforts of the Islands region with a big focus on climate justice and accessibility. Outside of work, Josey is a big fan of swimming in the ocean, hanging out with all her animals, and cooking.
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.
Camp License
Our camp complies with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the Edgartown 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.