Ipswich River Nature Camp | Rates & Dates
Welcome • Rates & Dates • About Camp • Registration Info
Below are the available camp programs and session dates for summer 2023. The camp brochure contains complete information about our camp, including full session descriptions, weekly themes, and pricing. Download the brochure >
2023 Camp Sessions & Dates
→ NOTE: There will be no camp on July 4; pricing for camp sessions during that week will be prorated.
At Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield
Monday–Friday • 8:30 am–3:00 pm
View full session descriptions, weekly themes, & pricing in the brochure >
NATURE CAMPS
Young Naturalists • Ages 5–6
Weekly sessions from June 26–August 18
Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5
Themes: Animal Instincts | Things With Wings | Cool, Colorful, Crawly Critters | Squish Squash! | Wildlife Detectives
Investigators • Ages 7–8
Weekly sessions from June 26–August 18
Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8
Themes: Animal Architects | Reptile Roundup | Carnivore Camp | Wily Wetland Predators | NSI: Nature Science Investigators | Super Scientists
Naturalists • Ages 9–11
Weekly sessions from June 26–August 18
Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8
Themes: Slither, Slime, and Scales | Predator Prowl | Survival of the Fittest | Aqua Adventures | Animal Art | Fun with Photography
SPECIALTY CAMPS
Trekkers • Ages 7–10
Two-week sessions: June 26–July 7, July 10–21, July 24–August 4
Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8
Canoe Adventures • Ages 12–14
Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 6
August 7–11 | Ipswich River Adventures
August 14–18 | Further River Adventures
TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
Environmental Leadership for Teens • Ages 12–14
July 17–28
Counselors-in-Training (CIT) • Ages 14–16
Two-week sessions: July 3–14 | July 17–28 | July 31–August 11
Must submit an application; limited spaces available.
EXTENDED-DAY OPTIONS
After Camp • 3:00–4:00 pm
Pre-registration required
$10/day or $45/week
At the Church of Saint Andrew in Marblehead
Monday–Friday • 8:30 am–3:00 pm
View full session descriptions, weekly themes, & pricing in the brochure >
NATURE CAMPS
Young Explorers • Ages 5–6
One-week session: July 10–14
Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5
Explorers • Ages 7–8 & 9–11
Weekly sessions from July 17–August 4
Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8
Themes: Predator Prowl | Earth, Air, & Water Wonders | Nature & Art
TEEN CAMPS
Counselors-in-Training (CIT) • Ages 14–16
Two-week sessions: July 10–21 | July 24–August 4
Must submit an application; limited spaces available.
(Members $395/session, Nonmembers $470/session)
Pricing & Affordability
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.
Financial Aid
If cost is still a barrier under the sliding scale structure, 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 >
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.
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.
Deposit
A nonrefundable deposit of $75/camper/session is required to register for camp. The deposit will be applied to your camp tuition and cannot be transferred to another camper, family, or camp location. If registering after May 15, payment in full is required, unless a payment plan has been established with the Camp Director.
2023 Camp Session Pricing
Please note that the prices below are rounded to the nearest dollar for simplicity. Actual prices may include cents.
More information about registration and other policies for Mass Audubon Camps is available here >