Boston Nature Center Summer Camp Rates & Dates

Whether hiking in the woods or bird watching in the meadow, campers at Boston Nature Center Camps have fun while learning about nature!

Nature Camp

Full-day, two-week sessions for ages 5–13
Monday-Friday 8:30 am–5:30 pm; Before Camp: 7:30–8:30 am; After Camp: 5:30–6:30 pm (Mattapan only)

Age Groups

Owls (ages 5–6)

Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5

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. Campers must be 5 years old prior to the start of their session.

Hawks (ages 6–7)

Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 6

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mattapan

• June 26–July 7
• July 10–21
• July 24–August 4
• August 7–18
• August 21–September 1 

West Roxbury

• June 26–July 7
• July 10–21
• July 24–August 4 

Specialty Camps

The following specialty and teen camps are all based out of the Boston Nature Center location in Mattapan.

Farm Trekkers, Ages 9–11

This specialty camp is a partnership between the camp programs at Boston Nature Center and Drumlin Farm. Each session, the program will bring together 10 Boston-area and 10 Lincoln-area children for a camp experience focused on food and farming. 

Children will have up-close time caring for Drumlin's farm animals (cows, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and pony) and exploring the varied habitats of Drumlin Farm and the Boston Nature Center (field, forest, and wetlands). Together, we'll work in the crop fields and gardens, and taste food that we gathered ourselves.

Our highly trained counselors serve as field guides and purveyors of summer fun, making sure that the structured parts of the camp day are interspersed with lots of downtime for camp songs, crafts, games, and time with new friends. 

Two-week sessions:

• June 26–July 7
• July 10–21
• July 24–August 4 

Environmental Leadership for Teens, Ages 13–15

Nature needs the next generation of environmental leaders. The goal of Mass Audubon's Environmental Leadership for Teens (ELT) program is to equip and encourage teens to be effective environmental advocates, learn about civic action, and be conservation leaders in their homes and communities.

During each session, camp educators will guide teens as they develop their individual leadership and community-building skills and support them as they develop their own style and voice as environmental leaders. Each group of ELT participants will also focus on learning about and taking action on an environmental challenge or environmental justice issue and how to best apply their community-building and leadership skills to make a positive impact on their community and the world.

Two-week sessions:

• July 10–21
• August 7–18

Counselors-In-Training, Ages 14–15

This is a specialized camp program designed to develop important leadership skills and prepare older campers to help lead camp. CITs practice skills such as public speaking, group management, and caring for younger children. 

As CITs grow into their new role as camp leaders, they will take part in fun activities that make camp special, such as team-building activities, science learning, and field trips. After successfully completing one CIT session, CITs are eligible to help lead camp on a volunteer basis for up to two weeks.

One-week sessions:

• June 26–30
• July 3–7
• July 31–August 4

2023 Camp Session Pricing

Please note that the prices below are rounded to the nearest dollar for simplicity. Actual prices may include cents. Learn more about our registration and pricing policies including deposits, refunds, financial aid, and membership discounts.

Sliding Scale

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. Learn more about sliding scale

Please note that all prices are rounded to the nearest dollar for simplicity.