NATURAL HISTORY DAY CAMP in Chatham

SUMMER 2018

DISCOVER. EXPLORE. BE OUTSIDE!

Chatham Elementary School | 147 Depot Road | Chatham, MA

Mass Audubon’s

ABOUT CAMPMass Audubon’s Natural History Day Camp in Chatham is designed to encourage children’s innate curiosity and excitement about nature. We strive to instill awareness and appreciation of the natural world and promote an understanding of our place within it. Camp activities are carefully planned to meet these goals while creating a fun and memorable experience.

OUR CAMP STAFF Camp staff members are chosen for their enthusiasm, experience, knowledge, and ability to work with children in the outdoors. They are college graduates or undergraduates currently enrolled in an environmental and/or educational field of study. Prior to the start of camp, all staff members undergo background checks, participate in a week-long training, and obtain certification in first aid and CPR.

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LOCATION Camp headquarters is located at Chatham Elementary School, 147 Depot Road, Chatham, MA 02633. Each camper group will have a classroom to use as a base, where they can store belongings and use as a place for activities when there’s inclement weather.

The Seals and Sharks group will be going out on weekly voyages on the Floating Classroom. The Floating Classroom is owned by Pleasant Bay Community Boating. While on board campers will have the opportunity to explore the Bay’s varied ecosystems: salt ponds, island, barrier beaches and eelgrass beds. While on board the campers will be able to see what comes up in the scallop drag, lobster traps, eel pots, plankton tow and much more!

NEW THIS SUMMER!

My kids loved this camp! It was great to hear them talk about their new knowledge of animals and insects, and they seemed more comfortable with nature. They also adored their camp counselors, who were

very engaged and energetic.

Half Day: 9:00 am–12:30 pm$225 members; $290 nonmembers, per week

Full Day: 9:00 am–2:30 pm $285 members; $385 nonmembers, per week

The Peeps program is designed to encourage a young child’s curiosity by introducing him or her to nature exploration and Cape Cod wildlife. Half-day sessions include time for a mid-morning snack brought from home, and full-day sessions include time for a mid-morning snack and lunch brought from home. Peeps stay on campus and make fun treks to wild places within walking distance of Chatham Elementary. *Please note: peeps must be age four by June 1.

PEEPSEntering Pre-K or Kindergarten*Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5

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TURTLES | Entering Grades 1–2Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 5

INSECT INVESTIGATORSJuly 9–13What creepy crawlers are hiding under logs? How are butterflies different from moths? Is a spider an insect? Investigate these and other questions, create an insect zoo for live specimens, and explore backyard gardens from a bug’s perspective!

STREAMS TO SEAJuly 16–20Explore the connections between freshwater river systems and their eventual destination—the ocean! How are freshwater habitats similar to their saltwater cousins, and what is that marsh doing in between them? Explore, slop, and romp through ponds, rivers, and the bay to find out! NATURE NAVIGATORSJuly 23–27How and why do certain animals migrate? Fly, swim, crawl, and climb through local woodlands, fields, and beaches to investigate the astounding journeys many animals take during their lifetimes. BIRDING BONANZA! July 30–August 3Take an up-close and personal look at our fine feathered friends, and learn what makes them so unique in the animal kingdom. Whether it’s shorebirds, songbirds, or birds of prey, you’ll travel to observe these fantastic fliers in their natural habitats! OPEN OCEAN ODDITIESAugust 6–10Ever wonder what lies in the deepest parts of the oceans? Why does plankton glow? Search tide pools, haul up fish traps, and walk the wrack line to discover and learn about some of the most magnificent saltwater organisms that call Cape Cod Bay home! AMAZING ADAPTATIONSAugust 13–17Surviving in the wild can be tough business; it’s an eat-or-be-eaten world! Visit different habitats to find out why certain animals look and act the way they do. Learn how various adaptations—such as a great horned owl’s ears, a horseshoe crab’s pointy tail, and a shark’s two-toned coloring—help them to survive!

Full Day: 9:00 am–2:30 pm $275 members; $335 nonmembers, per week

The Turtles program provides field experience through exploration, nature crafts, and creative games that focus on animals and their habitats. Full-day sessions include time for a mid-morning snack and lunch brought from home. Turtles travel off site by van on two field trips each week.

PEEPS & TURTLESPROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

Full Day: 9:00 am–2:30 pm$385 members; $450 nonmembers, per week

The Seals program provides natural history experiences that focus on animals and their habitats through outdoor discovery, crafts, and creative games. Full-day sessions include time for a mid-morning snack and lunch brought from home. Seals go off site on field trips to learn more about their special theme.

CH-CH-CH-CHANGES!July 9–13Field Trip: Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Metamorphosis is one of the most unique and fascinating processes that an insect can go through. Discover how certain bugs such as butterflies and dragonflies are able to change their bodies over the course of their lifetime! Visit Wellfleet Bay to search for examples of these bugs. We’ll also check on the unique greenhead fly boxes put in place!

FRESHWATER FRIENDSJuly 16–20Field Trip: River CruiseTurtles, eels, frogs, and salamanders are known residents of freshwater systems in Chatham! Search for them in the ponds, rivers, and swamps nearby. How do these species survive, and which ones can move out of the freshwater in which we often see them to new saltwater homes?

THE GREAT FLIGHT July 23–27Field Trip: Tern Island by BoatBirds, butterflies, bats, and bees are just a few of the amazing creatures that spend their time in the sky. Discover the different techniques flying animals use to soar. Get wet wading in the water to catch dragonflies, and explore the Cape in search of songbirds and shorebirds.

WINGED WONDERSJuly 30–August 3Field Trip: Monomoy National Wildlife RefugeVenture out to find birds in various habitats and learn about their adaptations to where they live. We’ll become familiar with common birds and their markings, and practice their calls!

AMAZING AQUATICSAugust 6–10Field Trip: Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Get out and wade in the water while getting up close with some of your favorite fish friends, including eels, mummichogs, and minnows. We will use dip nets, seine nets, and fish traps to catch and identify different species of fish and other aquatic invertebrates, including horseshoe crabs. We’ll also make fish prints to take home!

PREDATORSAugust 13–17Field Trip: Seal CruiseBlue crabs! Sharks! Osprey! Discover the cunning strategies these predators use to lure their prey, and find out how animals we see in our backyards every day fit into this hunt-or-be-hunted dynamic.

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SEALS BEACH CONSERVATION CLEAN-UPAs developing nature stewards, Seals will partake in a beach debris clean-up! We will safely collect and categorize the most common unnatural materials found in our oceans and use these materials for various art projects.

SHARKS SNORKELING SHELLFISH SURVEYSOn weekly snorkeling trips, Sharks will survey an abundance of organisms seen underwater. Over the course of the summer, this will allow campers to observe trends of shellfish found throughout the mid-Cape.

SALT MARSH SCIENCEMeasure and record the length of salt-marsh hay and cordgrass that grow within local salt marshes. Learn about the complex chemistry that sustains a salt marsh, and what makes this habitat an important part of our coastal ecosystem!

CITIZEN SCIENCE AT CAMP!

SEALS | Entering Grades 3–5Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 7

Full Day: 9:00 am–2:30 pm$425 members; $485 nonmembers, per week

The Sharks program nurtures environmental stewardship and education through fun and exciting hands-on activities, including off-site field trips to explore Cape Cod’s varied habitats. Every week will include a snorkeling trip. This full-day session includes time for a mid-morning snack and lunch brought from home. Please note: participants must be able to demonstrate strong swimming skills in order to snorkel.

EAGER ENTOMOLOGISTS July 9–13Field Trips: Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Cape Cod Natural History MuseumAct as an entomologist as you turn your study to insects! Create an ‘‘insect zoo’’ for the rest of the campers to visit, and teach them all about the amazing creepy crawlers you’ve collected! Make data sets of the most common bugs found in various habitats, and formulate hypotheses as to why these findings exist! End the week with a visit to a real insect museum in Brewster, where we’ll step inside a butterfly room.

SURF & TURFJuly 16–20Field Trips: Kayaking and Snorkeling Explore the areas where land meets sea. Estuaries are some of the most productive habitats in the world. We’ll kayak through one of the largest on the Cape, go snorkeling to discover its underwater inhabitants, and learn what makes these ‘‘in-between‘‘ brackish waters so special.

SPECIES SURVIVAL: SHARKS July 23–27Field Trips: Paddleboarding; Geocaching at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Would you survive if you were dropped into the wilderness and had to find your way home? Learn survival behaviors and navigation techniques from various animal species, and acquire skills in GPS tracking, map and compass reading, and low-impact hiking. You’ll

also learn how to paddleboard and get to see wildlife from a new vantage point in the process!

SHARK ENTHUSIASTS** July 30–August 3Field Trips: Boat trip to check out an active shark receiver Immerse yourself in shark biology and marine science! Lean more about sharks through hands-on labs, outdoor exploration, and field trips to several local destinations. We’ll engineer hydraulic arms to complete sampling challenges, learn about the various tags used in tracking sharks, review the anatomy of a shark by completing a shark dissection, take a boat trip out to an active shark receiver, and observe the white shark’s primary food source—seals! **Offered in partnership with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.

WORKING ON THE WATERAugust 6–10Field Trips: Shellfishing; FishingNot everyone works in an office; many people make their living on the water! From fishermen and women to scientists, this is your chance to try out different, exciting, water-based professions, and talk to some of the people who have them! We’ll be sure to test out our shellfishing skills by digging for steamers on the flats.

SURVIVAL TACTICS August 13–17Field Trips: Hiking at Nickerson State Park; KayakingCamouflage, mimicry, talons, venom, and more! Take a look at some of the most amazing forms of survival adaptations from animals we see every day, and discuss how and why they came to be. Hike through Nickerson State Park to explore the adaptations of many different forest animals, and kayak through Nauset Marsh for a surface-level perspective on coastal organisms!

SHARKS | Entering Grades 6–8Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: 1 to 8

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A few examples of this summer’s Seal and Shark camper field trips:

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDINGLearn to stand-up paddleboard with SUPfari Adventures, and see marine wildlife from a whole new angle atop your board!

NAUSET MARSH KAYAKExplore Nauset Marsh in Orleans aboard your very own kayak, and search for shorebirds and seals along the way! Paddle the marsh’s inlets to observe fish, crabs, and other wildlife.

TERN ISLAND TRIPHop aboard a Beachcomber boat to Tern Island to look for shorebirds, horseshoe crabs, shellfish, and more. A coastal waterbird specialist and/or naturalist will lead the exploration.

LEADERS-IN-TRAININGAges 14-17$100 members/$165 nonmembers

Chatham’s Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Program is for teens who are looking to gain experience working with children in a camp setting. Participate in trainings in natural history topics and teaching skills, assist camp groups, and learn to teach nature-themed lessons, games, and activities.

An application is required and space is limited. For more information and to request an application, contact Camp Director Emily Wolfe at wellfleetbaycamp@massaudubon.org.

FIELD TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

To Register for Camp

•Visit massaudubon.org/chathamcamp

•Call 508-349-2615

•Mail the attached registration form and payment to: Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 236, South Wellfleet, MA 02663

Registration Policy Registration begins January 2. Mailed registrations will be stamped with the date of receipt and processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

Deposit Registration must include payment for 50 percent of the total camp fees, and includes a nonrefundable deposit of $50 per camper, per session. This deposit is 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. If you are unsure of your member status, please call 508-349-2615.

Campers who reside on Cape Cod year-round receive a $40 discount on half-day programs, and a $60 discount on full-day programs. Proof of the camper’s enrollment in a Cape Cod school district in the form of a report card, progress report, or letter from the school must accompany registration in order for the camper to receive the discount.

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 May 1. Please call the Camp Director 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, waivers, and the balance of your camp tuition are due by May 15. 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). A fee of $75 per camper will be charged for incomplete or late forms and waivers.

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 Chatham Board 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, and 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.

Camp Registration Information

You run a well-organized, child-friendly camp

Emily Wolfe, Camp Director

Camp Location (June–August)Natural History Day Camp in ChathamChatham Elementary School147 Depot Road | Chatham, MA | 02633

Mailing Address (Year-Round)P.O. Box 236 291 State Highway Route 6South Wellfleet, MA, 02663

508-349-2615

wellfleetbaycamp@massaudubon.org

massaudubon.org/wellfleetbaycamp

Camp Contact Info

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Please use photocopy for additional children or camp weeks.

Send registration form with payment to Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 236, South Wellfleet, MA 02663. Phone: 508-349-2615

Office use only

DR _____________FS ______________FR ______________

Through May 15, registrations will be accepted by mail or online. After May 15, registrations will be accepted by mail or phone. For identity safety assurances, fax and e-mail submissions are not permitted.

CamperLast Name: __________________________________First Name: __________________________________ Gender: _________Street Address: ____________________________ City: ______________________________ State: ________ Zip:___________ Birth Date: ___ /___/___ Age as of June 1: _____ Grade as of Sept 2018: _____ Returning Camper? YES / NO

[ ] Peeps (half day) [ ] Turtles (full day) [ ] Seals (full day) [ ] Sharks (full day) [ ] LIT Program [ ] Peeps (full day)

Person Completing This FormLast Name: _____________________________________________ First Name: _______________________________________Relationship to Camper: ____________ Phone (Primary): _________________ Phone (Secondary): ________________________E-mail:________________________________ Member #: __________________________ Add to Carpool List? YES / NO Address (if different):____________________________ City: ____________________________State:________ Zip: _________ Parent/Guardian (if different than above)Last Name: _____________________________________________ First Name: _______________________________________Relationship to Camper: ____________ Phone (Primary): _________________ Phone (Secondary): ________________________E-mail:________________________________ Member #: __________________________ Add to Carpool List? YES / NO Address (if different):____________________________ City: ____________________________State:________ Zip: _________

*To qualify for a camp tuition discount, you must be a current Mass Audubon member at the Family level or above and be the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of the camper being enrolled. If you are unsure of your membership status, please call 781-259-9500.

Dates Session Name(s) ________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

Payment Information Total Camp Session(s): $______

*Mass Audubon Family Membership if Joining/Renewing ($65): $______ Tax-Deductible Campership Fund Donation: $______

TOTAL DUE: $______ Amount Paid Today (Full or 50%): $______

Balance Due by May 15: $______

Payment Method Check Included (payable to Mass Audubon, include child’s name and session dates in subject line) OR Credit Card DISC / MC / VISA #: ____________________________Exp. Date: __________ Verification Code: ___________ Signature: ____________________________________ “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.”

P.O. Box 236, South Wellfleet, MA 02663

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.

Connect With Us

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary welcomes more than 1,100 campers and 32,000 visitors annually. We protect and conduct research on a number of Cape Cod’s endangered, threatened, and at-risk species . Our robust science program enables us to bring research into all of our education programs, including day camp. To support Wellfleet Bay’s education and conservation work, call 508-349-2615, extension 6109 or go to massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay.

DISCOVER. EXPLORE.

BE OUTSIDE