(by Claire Adams)

Now that the 2024 Nature Day Camp season is over, I wanted to share some highlights of my first year as NH Audubon’s Camp Administrator with you. Since I am running camp at the McLane Center in Concord and the Massabesic Center in Auburn simultaneously, I was not able to be at either camp all the time to catch every fun moment or memory. But during the many hours I spent interacting with the campers, their parents/guardians, and staff, there were several things that I will happily reminisce about during winter’s cold, dark days. From cheerfully greeting campers and their families during drop off, singing silly songs and listening to the “weather rock” report every morning, to the chaotic joy that is coordinating Friday afternoon all-camp games, this first season was something to remember. I loved hearing campers reflect on their days of exploring in the woods, discovering amazing creatures in the pond, playing wildlife-themed games with their groups, and creating beautiful crafts every afternoon. I’m already looking forward to what the 2025 season will bring! 

I would also like to share a few accomplishments and stories from the people who made camp possible this year, the incredible seasonal camp educators! I am exceptionally proud of the work they accomplished both individually and as a team this summer and I know they made positive impacts on many of the campers this summer. The following are some quotes from their end-of-season reflections: 

“I’ve gotten a lot out of being a counselor here this summer and I’m glad I did it! It was fun to help and watch the kids learn in different ways and be a part of it. I’m happy with how the summer went and there were many learning experiences I’m glad to have had.”  – Ava, McLane 

“My favorite parts of the summer were all the walks to Turkey Pond, the all-camp games. And of course, getting to know so many of the campers and forming connections with everyone else on camp staff.”  – Kiera, McLane 

“One of my goals was to make every camper feel included. I think I did a pretty good job helping campers get into games and feel welcomed.”  – Brian, McLane 

“I improved on working with neurodivergent kids and accommodating them. As well as the presentation and teaching kids about animals’ side of things. I did all the animal presentations this year and helped the kids learn about the snakes, turtles, frogs and even the cockroaches!”  – Luke, Massabesic 

“After working at Camp Wildside this summer, I feel much more comfortable assuming positions of leadership and working with peers to control a chaotic environment and solve problems than I did at the beginning of the summer.”  – Rosalie, Massabesic 

“I felt I improved my communication skills (with staff, campers, and parents) and I also learned a lot about nature and how to share this knowledge with others… we did a good job keeping the campers safe, engaged, and having fun.”  – Sonya, Massabesic 

This summer NH Audubon held 9 weeks of summer day camps at the McLane and Massabesic Centers. The McLane Center in Concord saw 255 individual campers participate in camps this summer while the Massabesic Center in Auburn had 195 individual campers, 14 of whom joined us for the spectacular Conservation Quest filmmaking camp through our partnership with Media Power Youth. If you would like to take a glimpse of the campers’ experience, please look through some of the camp photos taken by our seasonal education camp staff. 

Thank you to all the campers and parents/guardians for a fantastic summer. I hope to see you again next year!