A boardwalk cutting through tall green shrubs and trees.
Boston Nature Center, Mattapan

Boston Nature Center Camps Programs & Pricing

Discover Boston Nature Center Camp

Whether hiking in the woods or bird watching in the meadow, campers ages 5–15 at Boston Nature Center Camp in Mattapan have fun while learning about nature! 

2025 Camp Pricing  

Prices shown represent a range based on a sliding scale. A sliding scale pricing structure makes camp affordable for families by removing financial barriers and expanding access to camp for families in an easy, dependable, and confidential process. Tiered pricing is based on availability. Please note: All camp families registering at Tiers 4 or 5 must have an active membership at the family level or higher for the duration of the camp session.  View the sliding scale tier levels

Nature Camp 

Monday-Friday • 8:30 am–5:30 pm  
Two-week sessions, June 23-August 29 (no camp July 4) 

Campers at Boston Nature Center roll logs and look through leaf litter for insects and other invertebrates with their counselor
Boston Nature Center Camp, Mattapan

Owls • Ages 5-6 

Owls explore the wonders of nature using their five senses. Each day is filled with art activities, learning games, outdoor/nature exploration, and camp songs. This full-day program includes a rest time followed by more play and outdoor exploration.  

Sliding Scale Price Range: $175-$875

BNC Campers walking on stumps

Hawks • Ages 6-7 

Hawks investigate the outdoors through science experiments and creative play. Each day is a blend of outdoor play and structured activities, providing different avenues for campers to connect with nature and each other. 

Sliding Scale Price Range: $175-$875

BNC Cammpers hanging on a branch

Falcons • Ages 7-9 

Falcons learn how to develop and test their own ideas to gain a better understanding of nature through discovery and hands-on activities. Whether practicing science or art or team building, campers are encouraged to follow new interests and learn new skills. 

Sliding Scale Price Range: $175-$875

A teacher naturalist and a camper at Boston Nature Center standing in front of two banner signs surrounded by green foliage; one reads "We Welcome All" and the other reads "Black Lives Matter"
Boston Nature Center Camp, Mattapan

Ravens • Ages 9-11 

Ravens learn through focused outdoor exploration and guided experiments to understand the natural world in greater depth. Through inquiry-based activities, they are encouraged to follow and build on their own interests. 

Sliding Scale Price Range: $175-$875

Campers at Boston Nature Center Camp seated and waiting for the next activity, smiling for the camera
Boston Nature Center Camp, Mattapan

Adventurers • Ages 11-13 

Adventurers engage in a variety of hands-on activities that encourage self-direction, leadership skill-building, and teamwork. Through multifaceted projects, adventurers learn about complex science concepts and environmental issues such as farm-to-table, renewable energy, and climate change. 

Sliding Scale Price Range: $175-$875

Three campers at Boston Nature Center Camp pose with arms around each other's shoulders, smiling in front of the nature center
Boston Nature Center Camp, Mattapan

Environmental Teen Leaders • Ages 13-15 

Jump-start your climate activism skills in this environmental leadership camp. Learn how to identify areas that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change and explore how you can make a difference. Participate in a service project on the sanctuary and see what climate action looks like at Mass Audubon. Set your own goals to take on a climate action project in your community. 

Sliding Scale Price Range: $175-$875

Specialty Camps 

Monday-Friday • 8:30 am–5:30 pm
Sessions vary 

BNC Campers picking vegetables

Farm Trekkers • Ages 9-11 • Two-week sessions: June 23-August 1*

A partnership between camp programs at the Boston Nature Center in Mattapan and Drumlin Farm, where each week, 10 Boston-area and 10 Lincoln-area children come together for a camp experience focused on food and farming. Care for the farm animals (cows, sheep, goats, and more), explore Drumlin Farm and the Boston Nature Center, work in the crop fields and gardens, and taste food gathered. Transportation will be provided. *No camp July 4 

Sliding Scale Price Range: $197-$985

A counselor-in-training at Boston Nature Center Camp shows a camper a small bunch of conifer needles
Boston Nature Center Camp, Mattapan

Counselors-in-Training • Ages 14-15 • June 23-27 & July 21-25 

Develop leadership skills such as public speaking, group management, and caring for younger children. Take part in activities that make camp special, such as team-building, science learning, and field trips. CITs prepare to volunteer the week following their training with a specific age group. CITs may volunteer beyond one week depending on availability. 

Sliding Scale Price Range: $97-$485

Extended Day

Pre-registration is required for extended day programming; you may add this option at checkout when you register your child for camp or call later to add to your camper's session. Sliding scale pricing also applies to extended-day programming. 

Before Camp 

7:30–8:30 am • Ages 5–13  

Campers may choose from a variety of activities, including active games, restful games, coloring, crafts, and reading. 

Sliding Scale Price Range Per Session: $30-$150 

How to Register

To ensure that as many children have an opportunity to experience Boston Nature Center Camp, we ask that you register only for one Nature Camp session per child per location. We register on a lottery-system. To be eligible, register for the lottery starting January 8 by ranking the sessions you would like in order before January 20. You will be notified by January 27 on next steps. 

Read the Instructions