Moose Hill Nature Camp | About Camp

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Our Philosophy

At Moose Hill Nature Camp, we believe it’s important that children learn and grow through their interactions with nature as well as with each other through three leading concepts:

Community

Campers feel free to try new things and make new friends in our welcoming, supportive community.

Interdependence

Campers learn about natural cycles and the interconnectedness of people, agriculture, wildlife, and habitats.

Stewardship

Campers discover how they can care for the world around them as they learn about the importance of wild spaces and the benefits of sustainable farming.

A Day At Camp

At camp, no two days are alike! However, this sample schedule can give you an idea of our camp's activities and daily flow.

7:45–9:00 am — Before-Camp Program (optional)

Campers may choose from a variety of quiet activities, including building with Legos or Lincoln Logs, reading, drawing, or playing card games. Pre-registration required.

8:45–9:20 am — Camper Drop-Off & Choice Time

Counselors welcome their campers, hand out nametags, and help them to decide which activity to try during this supervised, free-choice time. Campers can pick from active games, creating simple arts and crafts projects, catching insects, building gnome homes, or simply hanging out with friends. 

9:20–9:35 am — Opening Circle & Songs

The whole camp joins together to answer a nature-inspired Question of the Day, learn about what special activities await them, and sing silly camp songs! 

9:35 am–noon — Daily Theme Introduction, Snack, Activities, & Explorations

Each small group has its own daily theme that supports nature and science learning. Activities and objectives are unique to each age group.

12:00–1:15 pm — Lunch & Choice Time

1:15–3:40 pm — Activities, Explorations, Crafts, Snack, & Reflection

Camp counselors reinforce concepts about the Theme of the Day through special art projects and games. We even find time to include camper favorites such as Sponge Tag, Drip-Drip-Drop, and for older campers Predator Prey and group games.

3:40–3:55 pm — Closing Circle & Songs

The whole camp comes together to share what they have learned and sing songs. 

3:55–4:15 pm — Camper Pick-up

4:00–6:00 pm — After-Camp Program (optional)

During this optional extended day program, campers can choose from a variety of activities that may include active games, quiet table games, or reading. Pre-registration required.

Our Staff

Our caring, well-prepared counselors are actively engaged in teaching and playing with campers. All staff members bring their enthusiasm for outdoor exploration, a desire to educate, and a compassionate heart for children. Counselors are 18 years of age or older. Junior Counselors are 16 or older.

The majority of our staff were campers here at Moose Hill Nature Day Camp. Many have grown up here. And now, they are in a position to give back to the camp that helped them grow and develop connections to nature, their community, and a greater understanding of themselves. Our staff has a wide range of backgrounds and interests. Our staff has studied Biology, Mathematics, History, Environmental Stewardship, American Sign Language, and Teacher Education. We have staff who are dancers, actors, leaders at school, artists, and members of 4-H. And they bring their passion for working with kids and nature together here at camp.

All staff are CPR and first-aid certified and trained in the use of EpiPens. Junior counselors are at least 16 years of age. Prior to the start of camp, all staff members undergo background checks and participate in training, including COVID-19 safety protocols.

Our Camp Director

Shawn Moriarty (he/him) grew up in Storrs, CT, and attended the University of Connecticut. He has worked with summer camps and outdoor education programs around the country for 40 years. He has a BA in Asian American Relations and a Master's in Environmental Education.

Shawn is a firm believer that children need to spend time in nature as often as possible, and that time at camp can play an incredibly important role in the development of a child.

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.  

Credentials

Camp License

Our camp complies with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the Sharon Board of Health.

American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation

We are proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. Developed exclusively for the camp industry, this nationally recognized program focuses on program quality, health and safety, management, and camp operations.

Camp Policy Requests

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