Berkshire Nature Camp | About Camp
Welcome • Rates & Dates • About Camp • Day Camp Policies
Our Philosophy
For more than 70 years, Berkshire Nature Camp at Pleasant Valley has inspired children’s love for the special nature of western Massachusetts. Campers learn by playing, exploring, and having free choices and guided activities in a safe space with caring instructors. Small groups enable us to follow camper interests, and our large conservation land affords new wildlife encounters each day.
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.
A Day at Camp
No two days are alike at Berkshire Nature Camp, but this sample schedule gives an idea of activity types and daily flow.
| 8:45–9:00 am | Camper Drop-off |
| 9:10–9:30 am | Small Group Morning Circles |
| 9:30 am–12:00 pm | Nature Explorations, Activities, & Crafts Using Natural Materials |
| 12:00–12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30–1:00 pm | Camper Choice Time: Active Games & Quiet Activities |
| 1:00 pm | Half-day Camper Pick-up |
| 1:00–2:45 pm | Nature Explorations, Games, & Team-Building Challenges |
| 2:45-3:00 pm | Small Group Closing Circles |
| 3:00-3:15 pm | Full-day Camper Pick-up |
Camp Staff
Our enthusiastic camp counselors provide campers with a fun and memorable summer. Staff are carefully selected based on their teaching experience, nature knowledge, and deep commitment to engaging campers with the outdoors. Many counselors were once campers themselves and have returned to share their appreciation of nature. We pride ourselves on our staff’s longevity and devotion to campers’ wellbeing. 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.
Site Director
Site Director Lydia Warters (any/all pronouns) joined the camp team in the summer of 2022, after spending over five years working as an educator both in and out of schools. A lover of all things outdoors, Lydia is passionate about connecting young people to nature and believes that all children can thrive when given a supportive environment to follow their curiosity. Outside of camp, Lydia teaches in schools across Berkshire County as one of Mass Audubon’s Education Coordinators.
Nicaela Haig (she/her) has directed Berkshire Nature Camp at Canoe Meadows since 2022. She has over a decade of experience teaching and coordinating environmental education programs, including day camps. Nicaela is committed to helping people of all ages deepen their connection to natural places close to home. Besides her work with camp, she teaches in schools across Berkshire County as one of Mass Audubon’s Education Coordinators.
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 2023 Camp Handbook will be available for download in spring 2023.
Credentials
Camp License
Our camp complies with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the Lenox 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 >