Children Can Now Explore the Outdoors Online with Mass Audubon Virtual Camps
Michael P. O'Connor
LINCOLN, MA.—With many fresh-air camp experiences for children still limited and uncertain, Mass Audubon is bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside and online, through a unique, engaging, and fun series of week-long nature-education experiences.
Mass Audubon Virtual Camps, designed for Kindergarten-Grade 2 and Grades 3-5 age groups, begin July 20 and run through late August.
Each week, experienced Mass Audubon teacher-naturalists will invite campers online to embark on different nature quests that start indoors to connect with others in their age groups, then find their way outside to explore nature close to home.
The one-week sessions will include hours of virtual discussion and instruction; daily themed quests and activities designed to get children outside and exploring nature in their backyards or neighborhoods; a "Wacky Wednesday" dress-up theme; a Thursday evening all-camp program; and more.
Campers will get to know one another and make friends through live virtual meetings. They will also connect with nature through age group-appropriate images, videos, hands-on activities, and explorations at home and close to home—whether suburb, city, or rural area.
“Nature-based education has been a foundational element of our mission for generations, and we are committed to this important work especially in such challenging times,” Mass Audubon Director of Education Kris Scopinich said. “Studies have shown that spending time outside in nature can bring significant benefits to our health. It can help to relieve stress, help us feel more connected, and build resiliency.
“A long legacy of experience has also shown us that children who forge early links with the natural world tend to carry those connections through their lives, placing value on the curiosity, responsibility, and empathy to restore and protect nature for future generations,” Scopinich added.
To participate and to learn more, please visit massaudubon.org/virtualcamp.
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at www.massaudubon.org.