About Moose Hill 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 through 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.
A Day at Camp
At 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. Junior Counselors are 16 or older.
The majority of our staff were campers here at Moose Hill Nature Day 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.
Our staff has 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. Junior counselors are at least 16 years of age. Prior to the start of camp, all staff members undergo background checks and participate in training, including COVID-19 safety protocols.
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.