About Ipswich River Nature Camp
We provide campers with a unique opportunity to learn about nature, meet new friends, and have fun! Our goal is to introduce children to nature in hopes that one day they will conserve what they have come to love and understand. Small group sizes allow us to provide a high-quality educational experience and a welcoming, supportive environment.
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 Ipswich River Nature Camp, but this sample schedule gives an overview of daily activities and flow.
| 8:30–9:30 am | Camper Drop-off & 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. |
| 3:00–3:15 pm | Camper Pick-up |
| 3:00–4:00 pm | Optional After Camp Program During this optional program, campers can choose from a variety of activities that may include active games, quiet table games, or reading. Pre-registration is required. |
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
Gabby LaRiviere (she/her) is Camp Director at Ipswich River, where she is also a new member of Mass Audubon’s year-round education team, coordinating and teaching youth education programs, scout groups, and public programs for families. Gabby graduated from Saint Michael’s College with a dual degree in Environmental Science and Education and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Nonprofit Management & Leadership from Regis University.
Gabby resides on the North Shore and grew up spending her summers as a camper and counselor. Her favorite camp activities are searching for blue-spotted salamanders and creating nature art.
Maura Genova (she/her) began working with Mass Audubon in 2015. Maura works as a Preschool Teacher at the Ipswich River Preschool, as well as a teacher naturalist in local schools. During the summer, she is the Assistant Camp Director at Ipswich River.
Maura has a degree in Communications from Plymouth State University and has completed her coursework towards a graduate degree in Elementary Education from Cambridge College. Maura is happiest when turning over logs, catching frogs, and canoeing.
Cori Brauer (she/her) is the Lead Director at the Marblehead location of Ipswich River Nature Camp. She first fell in love with environmental education as a counselor at the camp in 2009 and is now a full-time education coordinator for Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary specializing in afterschool and out-of-school programs.
She has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a graduate degree in Natural Resources. Cori loves using her background in science to develop creative and fun activities that teach nature concepts and connection.