Ipswich River NATURE DAY CAMPS

In Topsfield, Marblehead, & Essex

DISCOVER. EXPLORE. BE OUTSIDE!

SUMMER 2018

ABOUT CAMP Ipswich River Nature Day Camps give campers ages 4–14 a unique opportunity to learn about nature, meet new friends, and have fun outside. Our knowledgeable staff encourages an educational, non-competitive camp environment for memories that will last a lifetime. Locations include Topsfield, Marblehead, and Essex.

OUR CAMP STAFF We 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.

This summer Ipswich River Teacher-Naturalist Scott Santino returns for this 17th season as Camp Director.

AFTER-CAMP PROGRAM Monday–Friday, 3:00–4:00 pm $9/day; $35/week

We offer an optional extended day program for campers enrolled in full-day sessions at Topsfield and Marblehead.

Please note: preregistration is required.

NEW THIS YEAR! TRAVELING ADVENTURES: NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY Ages 12–14, July 16–20

Improve your photography skills as we trek near and far. Learn tricks to improve your pictures of landscapes and wildlife. Destinations will include Princeton, Gloucester, and Maine, plus a special visit to the Maine Center for Wildlife. See details on page 8.

TREKKERS Ages 7–11 July 9–20; July 23–August 3

Raptor rehabilitator Jane Kelly, owner/operator of On the Wing , will present live hawks and falcons during these sessions that featuring canoeing and Native American storytelling. See details on page 7.

TOPSFIELD PROGRAMS At Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Half Day (AM): 8:30–11:15 am Half Day (PM): 12:15–3:00 pm Full Day: 8:30 am–3:00 pm

Your child will love exploring the sanctuaries forests, fields, ponds, and Ipswich River. Take daily walks to the Rockery Pond, vernal pool, or canoe landing to gain a greater appreciation for the outdoors.

DISCOVERERS (HALF DAY) | Ages 4-5 See Page 3 for Full-Day (Young Naturalists) Program.

AM SESSION: 8:30–11:15 am PM SESSION: 12:15–3:00 pm $180 members; $245 nonmembers $170 members; $235 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5

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FURRY FUN TIME June 25–29 Discover mammals that live in our area. We’ll learn the differences between mammals and other animals, including unique adaptations that help them climb, swim, and run. We’re likely to see deer, squirrels, groundhogs, and muskrats and find the tracks, droppings, and chews of many furry creatures.

WETLAND WONDERS July 23–27 Wetlands are wonderful places to look for exciting animals, such as frogs, herons, and turtles. Campers will capture water bugs in the river and visit a beaver lodge at Rockery Pond. Water games, camp songs, and stories will keep campers smiling all week long.

WATER WATCHERS Session 1: June 25–29 Session 2: July 30–August 3 All kinds of animals live in water, but not all water bodies are the same. Campers will explore the still water of Rockery Pond for basking turtles, the disappearing water of a vernal pool for frogs, and the slow-flowing Ipswich River to watch for beavers, otters, and muskrats. WILDLIFE DETECTIVES Session 1: July 2–6* Session 2: August 6–10 Kids are naturally curious about investigating all things related to nature. During short walks, with nets and terrariums in hand, campers will discover how animals catch food, find places to sleep, and move about the sanctuary.

*Please note: camp will not be held on July 4; session prorated: $256 members; $321 nonmembers. CALL OF THE WILD Session 1: July 9–13 Session 2: August 13–17 Animal sounds are all around us. Using our ears we’ll listen to birds sing, bugs buzz, and chipmunks chatter. We’ll play games that will test our five senses, create our own noise makers, and take hikes to discover why so many animals create sound. Are they talking to us? Let’s find out.

CRAWLY CREATURES Session 1: July 16–20 Session 2: August 20–24 Search high and low for creatures of all shapes and sizes including butterflies, grasshoppers, slugs, dragonflies, pill bugs, snails, and more. Using sweep nets and bug jars, we’ll get a closer look at how these animals crawl, hop, and fly. MAMMAL RAMBLE July 23–27 We’ll ramble along sanctuary trails looking for furry animals, from deer and squirrels to muskrats and groundhogs. Along the way, campers will learn to look for signs of wildlife, such as tracks, droppings, and chews, and discover the differences between plant-eaters and meat-eaters.

YOUNG NATURALISTS | Ages 5-6 8:30 am–3:00 pm $320 members; $385 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5

AFTER-CAMP PROGRAM

Monday–Friday, 3:00–4:00 pm $9/day; $35/week

We offer an optional extended day program for campers enrolled in full-day sessions at Topsfield and Marblehead.

Please note: preregistration is required.

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ISLAND INVESTIGATION July 2–6 *

Canoe to not one, but two islands located along the Ipswich River! Campers always ask us for more canoe trips, and this session won’t disappoint. We’ll take a trip upstream to Perkins Island to build ever-popular gnome homes, and another trip downstream to Colt Island for island investigations.

*Please note: camp will not be held on July 4. This session is prorated: $252 members; $317 nonmembers.

FOREST FORAY Session 1: July 9–13 Session 2: July 23–27

Venture into oak and pine forest on foot and the Ipswich River floodplain forest by canoe. Life abounds under the canopy of tall trees. Native American storyteller Pat Bade will pay us a visit and tell stories of the forest with the help of a live owl. CARNIVORE CAMP Session 1: July 16–20 Session 2: July 30–August 3

Nature lovers are dazzled by predators. Snakes, frogs, hawks, and dragonflies are a few of the carnivores we’ll be on the lookout for to see what they’re eating. Special guest raptor rehabilitator Jane Kelly of On the Wing will stop by to present some live birds of prey.

Keep up the amazing work! My daughter was inspired and thrilled each day!

INVESTIGATORS | Ages 7-8 8:30 am–3:00 pm $315 members; $380 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8

MULTI-SESSION DISCOUNT Register your camper for two or more one-week sessions on pages 3–6 and receive 10% off the camp fee for each week.

Offer is only good for individual campers attending multiple weeks.

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AQUA ADVENTURES July 2–6*

Go on daily adventures to ponds, streams, swamps, and vernal pools to investigate the aquatic lives of animals. By popular demand, we’ll go on not one, but two canoe trips on the Ipswich River. Each canoe trip will include a picnic lunch and water games on a remote river island. *Please note: camp will not be held on July 4. This session is prorated: $252 members; $317 nonmembers WOODS WALKERS Session 1: July 9–13 Session 2: July 23–27

Native people had a strong connection to nature, and much can be learned from their history and lore. Build a shelter, paddle the Ipswich River, and walk through the woods silently as Native Americans once did. The week will be highlighted with a presentation by Native American storyteller Pat Bade, who will tell stories of the forest with the help of a live owl.

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST Session 1: July 16–20 Session 2: July 30–August 3

Stealthy flight, tough armor, or wily ways—which would you choose to survive in the wild? Discover special adaptations that allow different plants and animals to survive. Special guest raptor rehabilitator Jane Kelly of On the Wing will stop by to present live birds of prey, including a hawk and a falcon. FUN WITH NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY August 20–24

Capture all the amazement nature has to offer with your camera! Campers will learn basic photography skills and a few tricks to take their photos of wildlife and landscapes from average to great. Families are invited to a Friday afternoon photo show.

Please note: campers must bring their own digital camera.

NATURALISTS | Ages 9-11 8:30 am–3:00 pm $315 members; $380 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8

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INTO THE WILD June 25–29 $285 members; $350 nonmembers

The wilds of Topsfield are rich with wildlife. Using nets, microscopes, and binoculars, we’ll search for interesting insects, fantastic flowers, beautiful birds, awesome amphibians, and more. Go canoeing on the Ipswich River and meet live birds of prey with rehabilitator Pat Bade.

Campers will be divided into two groups: 7-and 8-year-olds and 9–11-year-olds. A CLOSER LOOK August 6–10 $325 members; $390 nonmembers

Take a closer look at nature by focusing on a new topic each day. Explore the sanctuary with a wildlife tracker to search for mammal signs and an insect specialist to learn amazing facts about butterflies. As a special day, the 7-and 8-year-old group will take a lobster boat cruise, while the 9–11-year-old group experiences a whale watch. SUPER SCIENTISTS August 13–17 $285 members; $350 nonmembers

Kids dream of becoming scientists when they grow up, and this week they’ll do real science. Catch and study insects up close, observe and feed wild birds, solve a nature mystery, and design experiments using real scientific tools.

Campers will be divided into two groups: 7- and 8-year-olds and 9–11-year-olds.

NATURAL LANDSCAPE ART August 6–10 $285 members; $350 nonmembers

Paint panoramas, draw backdrops, and collage countryside vistas this week. Campers will experiment with different techniques and various media such as watercolor and charcoal to create dynamic landscapes inspired by exploration of the sanctuary. This session will be co-taught by an artist-educator and a naturalist. Families are invited to a Friday afternoon art show. ANIMAL ART August 13–17 $285 members; $350 nonmembers

All the leaping, swimming, and soaring animals of the sanctuary will be our subjects for painting, drawing, sculpture, and more. We’ll investigate the trails to observe creatures, engage in activities and games to learn about their adaptations, and capture their likeness in clay and on canvas. This session will be co-taught by an artist-educator and a naturalist. Families are invited to a Friday afternoon art show.

SPECIAL INTEREST CAMPS | Ages 7-11 8:30 am–3:00 pm Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8

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TREKKERS | Ages 7-11 8:30 am–3:00 pm $525 members; $590 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8

Session 1: July 9–20 Session 2: July 23–August 3

Spend a day learning how to paddle a canoe on the Ipswich River to Perkins Island. Once there, we’ll have lunch, play games, and build gnome homes. Listen to Native American stories told by wildlife rehabilitator Pat Bade, and meet one of her live owls. Campers will visit all of the amazing locations our sanctuary has to offer, including the Rockery, vernal pool, the stone bridge, and the observation tower. At the end of each session, campers will play the camp favorite Predator/Prey game.

New This Summer: Raptor rehabilitator Jane Kelly, owner/operator of On the Wing, will present live hawks and falcons.

Campers will be grouped by age, and the activities will be appropriate to their age level. All campers will join together for group projects and games each afternoon.

My son LOVES this camp—more than any other camp he has ever attended.

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TRAVELING ADVENTURES | Ages 12-14 8:30 am–3:00 pm Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 6

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY July 16–20 $425 members; $490 nonmembers

Improve your photography skills as we trek near and far to capture the natural world with our cameras. Learn tricks to improve your pictures of landscapes and wildlife. Travel to Mount Wachusett in Princeton, Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary in Gloucester, and Mount Agamenticus in Maine to photograph amazing scenery, plants, and animals. While in Maine we’ll have a special visit at the Center for Wildlife to photograph their animal ambassadors!

Please Note: campers must bring their own digital camera.

MOUNTAINTOPS July 23–27 $450 members; $515 nonmembers

Hiking is on the agenda for this fun week. Take day trips to Tippling Rock in Sudbury and the boulder field at Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire. Head to Wildwood, Mass Audubon’s overnight camp in Rindge, New Hampshire, where we’ll hike nearby Mount Monadnock and paddle on Lake Hubbard. Enjoy an evening of s’mores around the campfire and camp out in tents.

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COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING | Ages 14-16 8:30 am–3:00 pm $175 members; $240 nonmembers

Session 1: June 25–July 6 Session 2: July 9–20 Session 3: July 23–August 3

Our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is for teens who want to gain experience working with children in an outdoor setting. Participate in lesson development trainings, lead games, assist camp groups, and learn to teach activities.

Please note: An application is required, and space is limited. For more information and an application, contact Camp Director Scott Santino at ssantino@massaudubon.org.

My son had an amazing week, and even gave his counselors hugs before he left.

IPSWICH RIVER ADVENTURES August 6–10 $330 members; $395 nonmembers

Learning to canoe opens up another world along the Ipswich River that is usually out of reach. Learn paddling techniques, water safety, and teamwork skills as you explore the river and its islands. Discover different insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals that live on various islands and lurk in the backwaters of the river. FURTHER RIVER ADVENTURES August 13–17 $350 members; $415 nonmembers

Paddle less-visited sections of the Ipswich River while searching for frogs, turtles, fish, and other animals that inhabit its banks and islands. Cool off in the river with daily dips and learn watercraft safety skills. An overnight campout on Perkins Island will highlight this week as we pitch tents, enjoy s’mores around a campfire, and observe nocturnal animals such as owl, bats, and beavers.

*Please Note: program participants must know how to swim. Programs are led by staff who have been trained in Water Rescue and Small Craft Safety.

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CANOE ADVENTURES | Ages 12-14 8:30 am–3:00 pm Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 6

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MARBLEHEAD PROGRAMS Church of Saint Andrew 8:30 am–3:00 pm

Explore the forests, fields, ponds, and coastal surroundings of Marblehead. We’ll wander the Wyman Woods trails, watch for turtles in Hawthorn Pond, and search a salt marsh for herons along the Forest River. An extended-day program is available from 3:00–4:00 pm. See page 3 for details.

EXPLORERS | Ages 7-12 Campers are divided into two age groups: 7–9 and 10–12 $295 members; $360 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8

July 9–13 Young children are natural explorers with big imaginations. With counselors by their side, campers will go on nature hikes, sing camp songs, listen to stories, play games, and create nature crafts to nurture a joyful and memorable connection with wildlife and wild places.

PREDATOR PROWL | July 16–20 Predators are everywhere in the wilds of Marblehead. Search for fearsome dragonflies in the field, patient egrets in the tide pool, and huge snapping turtles lurking in the pond. Discover amazing predator adaptations and play games, tell stories, and do fun hands-on activities to learn the importance of these hunters in the web of life.

NATURE SURVIVORS | July 23–27 Can you migrate like a monarch, camouflage like a coyote, or build a nest like an osprey? We’ll draw inspiration from the animals around us, and with human-made tools, practice outdoor skills such as finding our way with map and compass, animal tracking, and shelter building. Learn about amazing skills that wildlife (and wild campers) need in order to be nature survivors!

NATURE & ART | July 30–August 3 Discover the magic of nature as you unlock your inner artist. Create paintbrushes from natural materials, make nature-inspired instruments, practice storytelling, and learn basic arts and crafts techniques. We’ll gather inspiration from up-close views of wild plants and animals, hikes to beautiful ocean vistas, and more.

YOUNG EXPLORERS | Ages 5-6 $305 members; $370 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5

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ESSEX PROGRAMS Essex County Greenbelt’s Cox Reservation 9:00 am–3:00 pm

Discover the amazing coastal creatures that live at Essex County Greenbelt’s Cox Reservation, located along the Essex River. An artist’s studio barn will provide a unique base for our games and activities.

ESSEX EXPLORERS | Ages 7-10 $255 members; $320 nonmembers Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8

OCEAN IN MOTION August 6–10

Ride the tide of discovery and reveal the secrets of the plants and animals that live by the sea. Learn whether you have what it takes to survive the ups and downs of tidal changes. You’ll be left high and dry if you miss the fun of mucking the intertidal flats for snails and clams, combing the rocky ocean shoreline for crabs, scouring the skies for egrets and herons, and searching upland fields for grasshoppers and monarch butterflies. Do crafts and nature activities, and play games, all inspired by our seaside surroundings.

MARINE MANIA August 13–17

Dive deep into marine wonders and catch the craze for exploration. The outdoors will be our laboratory as we investigate the amazing animals and plants that make the salt marsh, ocean, and coastal uplands their home. Binoculars, nets, and microscopes will be the tools of our trade as we observe nesting osprey and capture crabs, periwinkles, and mummichogs. Play games, make nature crafts, and do exciting hands-on science activities alongside beautiful seascapes.

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Camp Registration Information To Register for Camp: massaudubon.org/ipswichrivercamp Call 978-887-9264 Mail or bring camp registration form and payment to: Ipswich River Nature Day Camps 87 Perkins Row | Topsfield, MA 01983

Registration Confirmation A confirmation letter/e-mail containing important documents and information will be sent once your camper’s registration has been processed.

Deposit A nonrefundable deposit of $50 per camper, per session is required to register for camp. The deposit will be applied to your camp tuition and cannot be transferred to another camper, family or camp location. If registering after May 15, payment in full is required (unless a payment plan has been established with the Camp Director).

Refund Policy A full refund, minus the nonrefundable deposit, is provided to camp families who cancel in writing on or before May 15. After May 15 no refund is available. Deposits are not transferable, and refunds are not given for participant dismissal, failure to attend, absence or sick days. If we must cancel a session, you will receive a full refund.

Membership & Discounts Mass Audubon members at the Family level or above receive a discounted rate. To qualify, your membership must be current through your camper’s last session, and you must be the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of the camper being enrolled. Membership can be purchased or renewed at the time of registration. Multi-session discounts are available for select sessions. See details on page 1.

Financial Aid Financial assistance is available based on demonstrated economic need and available funds, and is generally limited to one session per child; however, all applications are considered. Applications are due by April 30. Please call to request an application or download one at massaudubon.org/campforms.

Payment Plans Payment plan options are available. Please contact the Camp Director for more information.

Important Deadlines All camp forms, including the Mass Audubon Camp Health and Waiver Forms, and the balance of your camp tuition are due by May 15. This includes immunization records signed by your physician within the 12 months prior to camp attendance. If registering after May 15, payment in full is required and a specific camp form deadline will be set for you. A camper cannot attend camp and his/her spot is not guaranteed until all forms, waivers, and payments are completed (or a payment plan has been established).

Camper Requirements Due to the outdoor and exploratory nature of our camp program, campers must be able to move about on uneven terrain. Campers are expected to meaningfully participate in age-appropriate activities, including nature study. All campers must follow stated behavior expectations and safety rules. The camp director reserves the right to dismiss a camper when, in his/her judgement, the camper’s behavior interferes with the rights of others or the smooth functioning of the group or activity, or violates the camp’s behavior policy. In such cases no refunds will be provided. If you have any questions regarding your child’s ability to participate in our camp program, please contact the Camp Director.

Camp License Our camp complies with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430) and is licensed by the Topsfield, Marblehead, and Essex Boards of Health.

ACA Accreditation We are proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. Developed exclusively for the camp industry, this nationally recognized program focuses on program quality, health and safety, management, and camp operations.

Camp Policy Requests You may request copies of our background check, healthcare, discipline, bullying, and grievance policies at any time.

Buddy Requests One buddy request per camper will be honored when possible. Both campers must be the same age and both must request each other. All buddy requests must be made in writing at least one week prior to the first day of camp. We will try to honor requests for one friend to be placed in the same group with your child, depending on the experience and ages of both campers. Requests must be written submitted in writing.

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Mass Audubon protects 37,000 acres of land throughout Massachusetts, saving birds and other wildlife, and making nature accessible to all. As Massachusetts’ largest nature conservation nonprofit, we welcome more than a half million visitors a year to our wildlife sanctuaries and 20 nature centers. From inspiring hilltop views to breathtaking coastal landscapes, serene woods, and working farms, we believe in protecting our state’s natural treasures for wildlife and for all people—a vision shared in 1896 by our founders, two extraordinary Boston women. Today, Mass Audubon is a nationally recognized environmental education leader, offering thousands of camp, school, and adult programs that get over 225,000 kids and adults outdoors every year. With more than 125,000 members and supporters, we advocate on Beacon Hill and beyond, and conduct conservation research to preserve the natural heritage of our beautiful state for today’s and future generations. We welcome you to explore a nearby sanctuary, find inspiration, and get involved. Learn how at massaudubon.org.

Camp Contact Info

Scott Santino, Camp Director Ipswich River Nature Day Camps

87 Perkins Row Topsfield, MA 01983 978-887-9264

ipswichrivercamp@massaudubon.org massaudubon.org/ipswichrivercamp

There’s more to explore at Wildwood, Mass Audubon’s overnight camp in Rindge, New Hampshire:

Overnight Camp (ages 9–14)

Teen Adventure Trips (ages 14–17)

Leaders-in-Training (ages 14–17)

Family Camp (all ages!) Visit massaudubon.org/wildwood or call 866-627-2267 to learn more.

Camp Registration Form Register one of three ways:

Call 978-887-9264 | Visit massaudubon.org/ipswichrivercamp Mail this form and payment to: 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA 01983

Please complete a separate form for each camper.

Camper Last Name:

First Name: Gender: Street Address:

City: State: Zip: Birth Date: / / Age as of June 1: Grade in Sept:

Person Completing This Form

Name: Relationship to Camper: Member #:

Phone 1: Phone 2: Email:

Address (if different): City: State: Zip:

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Parent/Guardian (if different)

Name: Relationship to Camper: Member #:

Phone 1: Phone 2: Email:

Address (if different): City: State: Zip:

Session Title: Session Date:

Session Title: Session Date: After-Camp Option:

Friend Request :

Payment Method: Check Included OR Credit Card (circle one) DISC l MC l VISA

Name on Card: Card #:

Exp. Date: Verification Code: Signature: Date:

I agree to allow the Massachusetts Audubon Society to charge my credit card in the amount(s) specified above and understand that refunds will only be provided in accordance with the refund policy outlined in this brochure. I have read and agree to the refund policy outlined in this brochure.”

Total Camp Session(s): $______

Total Before/After Camp Session(s): $______

*Membership if Joining/Renewing ($65): $______

Tax-Deductible Campership Fund Donation: $______

Multi-Session Discount: $______

TOTAL: $______

Amount Paid Today (Minimum Deposit): $______

Balance Due by May 15: $______

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