Cardinal in the snow Give the gift of membership.
Cardinal in the snow Give the gift of membership.
Stone bridge over water with trees in background
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield

About Ipswich River Nature Camp

At Ipswich River Nature Camp, we provide campers with a unique opportunity to learn about nature, meet new friends, and have fun! Small group sizes allow us to provide a high-quality educational experience and a welcoming, supportive environment.

Our goal is to introduce children to nature in hopes that one day they will conserve what they have come to love and understand. 

A Day at Camp

No two days are alike at Ipswich River Nature Camp, but this sample schedule gives an overview of daily activities and flow of the camp day.

ScheduleActivities
8:30–9:30 amCamper Drop off and Games
9:30–9:45 am

Opening Circle

The entire camp gathers to enjoy a community activity. Staff and campers sing songs, conduct team-building exercises, or act out nature skits to introduce the day.

9:45 am–12:00 pm

Morning Hike & Activities

After Opening Circle, campers join their subgroups and with their counselors delve into a particular nature topic. For example, a group will discuss life cycles then hike to a pond and find frogs and tadpoles.

12:00–12:45 pmLunch
12:45–1:45 pm

Game, Craft, or Nature Play

Campers enjoy some time engaging in nature play, arts and crafts, and/or water games on hot days.

1:45–2:45 pm

Theme-based Activity Time

Campers have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities developed by staff, all related to the day's nature theme.

2:45–3:00 pm

Closing Circle

At the end of each day, the whole camp gathers to share stories of where they went, what they saw, and what they made.

3:00 pm

Camper Pick-up

Caregivers bring IDs and sign out their campers.

3:00–4:00 pm

Optional After Camp Program

Campers can choose from a variety of activities that may include active games, quiet table games, or reading. Pre-registration required.

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. Learn more

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. 

Camp Staff

Ipswich River Nature Camp staff take pride in offering a fun, caring, organized, and educational program. Staff are carefully selected for their competence in outdoor education and leadership. Counselors have teaching experience and a commitment to educating children about nature. 

All staff undergo background checks and receive training in health and safety procedures, child development, natural history, and environmental education best practices prior to the start of camp.

Camp Leadership

Camp Director Maura Genova (she/her) is a passionate educator and naturalist with over 10 years of teaching and camp experience at Ipswich River. She started out at Ipswich River Nature Camp in 2014 as Assistant Director and quickly discovered what makes Mass Audubon North Shore so special.  She has also taught at our Ipswich River Preschool in Wenham for five years and managed many special events like Halloween Happenings, Big Night and Sugaring.  This will be Maura’s second summer as Camp Director. She is excited to help facilitate and create a fun, welcoming, safe and educational experience where children can unplug, get dirty, explore and appreciate the natural world while making memories and friends that will last a lifetime. Maura’s favorite part of camp is supporting campers’ curiosities and interests while connecting with the whole camp community. She also enjoys canoe trips to Perkins Island, catching frogs and playing games with camp groups.

Assistant Camp Director Morgan Davidson (she/her) has called Ipswich River Nature Camp home since the age of five. She was lucky enough to attend camp here as a child, an experience that sparked her love for nature. She worked five summers as a camp counselor while obtaining her bachelor's degree in environmental science, with a minor in education, from Endicott College. Morgan is grateful for the opportunity to foster the next generation’s love for nature through hands-on exploration and experiential learning, and she is committed to making camp a welcoming and memorable place for all. She loves hiking to the Vernal Pool to catch frogs, and going to the Rockery to see Godzilla the snapping turtle, all while building relationships with campers throughout the summer.

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 2026 camp handbook will be available soon.

Camp License & Accreditation

Our camp complies with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the Topsfield Board of Health. We are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). 

About ACA

Goals, Inclusion & Expectations

Learn more about our goals for all camps, how we make camp inclusive, accommodations for campers with disabilities, and behavior expectations 

Read More

Camp Policy Requests

You may request copies of our background check, health care, discipline, bullying, and grievance policies at any time.

Email Us

Contact Us

Call 978-887-9264 or email [email protected] to reach our camp staff.