About Moose Hill Nature Camp

At Moose Hill Nature Camp, we believe it’s important that children learn and grow through their interactions with nature as well as with each other. During each weekly session, campers explore the sanctuary, have free choice time, catch insects in the camp yard, experiment with science, dabble in art, and venture to new places. Small group sizes ensure that campers stay safe and engaged.

We provide opportunities for structured free play, during which campers of various ages and developmental stages interact, learn important social skills, and gain an appreciation for nature. We also believe in connecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities with nature to enhance quality of life and to spark an interest in preserving nature for future generations.

Moose Hill Nature Camp Values

At the heart of Moose Hill Nature Camp are three leading concepts:

Community: Campers feel free to try new things and make new friends in our welcoming, supportive community.

Interdependence: Campers learn about natural cycles and the interconnectedness of people, agriculture, wildlife, and habitats.

Stewardship: Campers discover how they can care for the world around them as they learn about the importance of wild spaces and the benefits of sustainable farming.

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. 

To learn more about how Mass Audubon respects and embraces our campers’ and staff’s unique identities and needs, please review our Gender Inclusion at Camp policies and procedures.

Accommodations

Mass Audubon is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion to ensure that everyone can participate fully in the magic of our nature programs.  As an outdoor, nature-based program, it is important that families of children who have disabilities understand Mass Audubon’s expectations, programs, and terrain prior to enrolling. 

If your child requires accommodations, please contact the camp director as soon as possible; a delay in request could have the unintended consequence of disrupting your child’s Mass Audubon camp experience.

Learn more about Accommodations and Behavior Expectations at Camp

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. 

A Day at Camp

At Moose Hill Nature Camp, no two days are alike! However, this sample schedule can give you an idea of our camp's activities and daily flow.

7:45-9:00 am: Before-camp Program (optional)

Campers may choose from a variety of quiet activities, including building with Legos or Lincoln Logs, reading, drawing, or playing card games. Pre-registration required.

8:45-9:20 am: Camper Drop-Off & Choice Time

Counselors welcome their campers, hand out nametags, and help them to decide which activity to try during this supervised, free-choice time. Campers can pick from active games, creating simple arts and crafts projects, catching insects, building gnome homes, or simply hanging out with friends. 

9:20-9:35 am: Opening Circle & Songs

The whole camp joins together to answer a nature-inspired Question of the Day, learn about what special activities await them, and sing silly camp songs! 

9:35 am-noon: Daily Theme Introduction, Snack, Activities, & Explorations

Each small group has its own daily theme that supports nature and science learning. Activities and objectives are unique to each age group.

12:00-1:15 pm: Lunch & Choice Time

1:15-3:40 pm: Activities, Explorations, Crafts, Snack, & Reflection

Camp counselors reinforce concepts about the Theme of the Day through special art projects and games. We even find time to include camper favorites such as Sponge Tag, Drip-Drip-Drop, and, for older campers, Predator Prey and group games.

3:40-3:55 pm: Closing Circle & Songs

The whole camp comes together to share what they have learned and sing songs. 

3:55-4:15 pm: Camper Pick-up

4:00-6:00 pm: After-camp Program (optional)

During this optional extended day program, campers can choose from a variety of activities that may include active games, quiet table games, or reading. Pre-registration required.

Our Staff

Our caring, well-prepared counselors are actively engaged in teaching and playing with campers. All staff members bring their enthusiasm for outdoor exploration, a desire to educate, and a compassionate heart for children. Counselors are 18 years of age or older. Assistant Counselors are 16 or older.

The majority of our staff were campers here at Moose Hill Nature Camp. Many have grown up here. And now, they are in a position to give back to the camp that helped them grow and develop connections to nature, their community, and a greater understanding of themselves. 

Our staff has a wide range of backgrounds and interests. They have studied Biology, Mathematics, History, Environmental Stewardship, American Sign Language, and Teacher Education. We have staff who are dancers, actors, leaders at school, artists, and members of 4-H. And they bring their passion for working with kids and nature together here at camp.

All staff are CPR and first-aid certified and trained in the use of EpiPens. Prior to the start of camp, all staff members undergo background checks and participate in training.

Our Camp Director

Shawn Moriarty (he/him) grew up in Storrs, CT, and attended the University of Connecticut. He has worked with summer camps and outdoor education programs around the country for 40 years. He has a BA in Asian American Relations and a Master's in Environmental Education.

Shawn is a firm believer that children need to spend time in nature as often as possible, and that time at camp can play an incredibly important role in the development of a child.

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 2024 camp handbook is coming soon.