About Ipswich River Nature Camp
At Ipswich River Nature Camp, we provide campers with a unique opportunity to learn about nature, meet new friends, and have fun! Small group sizes allow us to provide a high-quality educational experience and a welcoming, supportive environment.
Our goal is to introduce children to nature in hopes that one day they will conserve what they have come to love and understand.
A Day at Camp
No two days are alike at Ipswich River Nature Camp, but this sample schedule gives an overview of daily activities and flow of the camp day.
| Schedule | Activities |
|---|---|
| 8:30–9:30 am | Camper Drop off and Games |
| 9:30–9:45 am | Opening Circle The entire camp gathers to enjoy a community activity. Staff and campers sing songs, conduct team-building exercises, or act out nature skits to introduce the day. |
| 9:45 am–12:00 pm | Morning Hike & Activities After Opening Circle, campers join their subgroups and with their counselors delve into a particular nature topic. For example, a group will discuss life cycles then hike to a pond and find frogs and tadpoles. |
| 12:00–12:45 pm | Lunch |
| 12:45–1:45 pm | Game, Craft, or Nature Play Campers enjoy some time engaging in nature play, arts and crafts, and/or water games on hot days. |
| 1:45–2:45 pm | Theme-based Activity Time Campers have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities developed by staff, all related to the day's nature theme. |
| 2:45–3:00 pm | Closing Circle At the end of each day, the whole camp gathers to share stories of where they went, what they saw, and what they made. |
| 3:00 pm | Camper Pick-up Caregivers bring IDs and sign out their campers. |
| 3:00–4:00 pm | Optional After Camp Program Campers can choose from a variety of activities that may include active games, quiet table games, or reading. Pre-registration required. |
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. Learn more
Terrain
Due to the outdoor and exploratory nature of our camp program, campers will be moving on uneven terrain throughout the day. The terrain at our sites varies from hard-packed, gently sloped paths to steeper, uneven trails that may have exposed rocks, tree roots, and other obstacles. Additionally, weather conditions could affect our trails’ conditions. We encourage all families to visit the sanctuary prior to enrolling to understand its unique terrain.
Camp Staff
Ipswich River Nature Camp staff take pride in offering a fun, caring, organized, and educational program. Staff are carefully selected for their competence in outdoor education and leadership. Counselors have teaching experience and a commitment to educating children about nature.
All staff undergo background checks and receive training in health and safety procedures, child development, natural history, and environmental education best practices prior to the start of camp.
Camp Leadership
Camp Director Maura Genova (she/her) is a passionate educator and naturalist with over 10 years of teaching and camp experience at Ipswich River. She started out at Ipswich River Nature Camp in 2014 as Assistant Director and quickly discovered what makes Mass Audubon North Shore so special. She has also taught at our Ipswich River Preschool in Wenham for five years and managed many special events like Halloween Happenings, Big Night and Sugaring. This will be Maura’s second summer as Camp Director. She is excited to help facilitate and create a fun, welcoming, safe and educational experience where children can unplug, get dirty, explore and appreciate the natural world while making memories and friends that will last a lifetime. Maura’s favorite part of camp is supporting campers’ curiosities and interests while connecting with the whole camp community. She also enjoys canoe trips to Perkins Island, catching frogs and playing games with camp groups.
Assistant Camp Director Danielle Simmons-Disbro (she/her) began her environmental education journey on Virginia's Coasts in 2018 and brought her experience to Mass Audubon in 2022. This will be Danielle's third summer with Ipswich River's Nature Camp, where she continues to hone her terrestrial natural history knowledge. Watching the campers gain new nature experiences, from holding a turtle to catching a butterfly, is one of Danielle's favorite parts of camp. She loves organizing talent shows, singing at craft time, and canoeing on the Ipswich River with campers. The connections that the campers are able to make with the natural world while at camp help campers foster a sense of stewardship for the land and protecting it. This is so important now more than ever, with our changing climate, to have the next generation of nature hero's ready to help.
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 2025 camp handbook will be available soon.
Camp License & Accreditation
Our camp complies with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the Topsfield Board of Health. We are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).
Goals, Inclusion & Expectations
Learn more about our goals for all camps, how we make camp inclusive, accommodations for campers with disabilities, and behavior expectations
Camp Policy Requests
You may request copies of our background check, health care, discipline, bullying, and grievance policies at any time.
Contact Us
Call 978-887-9264 or email [email protected] to reach our camp staff.