June 23-August 22, 2025
For campers ages 5-15
Join us this summer for nature day camp, in person at the McLane Center in Concord and the Massabesic Center in Auburn.
Fees:
Leaders-In-Training: $203 Member/$225 Non-Member
Wonders/Discovery/Explorers: $311 Member/$345 Non-Member
**Prices are prorated for shortened camp sessions.
See session descriptions and registration links below.
For questions about summer camp contact Claire Adams by email or call 603-224-9909 x404.
9am–4pm
Wonders Campers will receive an introduction to the world of our Nature Day Camp through age-appropriate and hands-on activities, games, and crafts that meaningfully connect them to their surroundings and local wildlife.
Due to the updated NH Department of Health and Human Services licensing rules for Day Camps from October 2023, our Wonders group will now be held all day for 5 and 6-year-olds. This program will be held at the Massabesic Center and the McLane Center for all nine sessions in 2025.
9am–4pm
Discovery Campers spend their days exploring nature and making new discoveries. Activities include short hikes, pond explorations, craft making, storytelling, interactive nature-based games, and live animal presentations.
9am–4pm
Explorer Campers will spend their days learning about the wildlife and landscapes within the diverse habitats around the Center, explore our hiking trails, observe how we take care of our ambassador animals, and build a community of friends through team challenges.
Explorers Campers that turn 13 AFTER June 22nd, 2025, will remain in the Explorers group for the remainder of the summer. This is due to the competitiveness of the Leaders-in-Training program and the necessity of completing an application and review process for this program.
9am–4pm
Participants work alongside Camp Educators to hone their skills as leaders. They will learn how to plan and lead a weekly activity, maintain the safety of a group, and grow closer as a team through group challenge activities under the direction of the Assistant Camp Director. This is the perfect opportunity for those wishing to become future Camp Educators.
Participants must complete an application process, have finished grade 7, and have turned 13 BEFORE June 23rd, 2025. (Download application)
Session 1: June 23-27
Leap, Creep, and Slither
During this first camp session, learn to explore the world through the eyes of a herpetologist. Early summer is a great time to observe the many reptiles and amphibians that call New Hampshire home. What makes reptiles and amphibians so unique? We will spend lots of time getting to know the ones that live in our centers. Then we’ll head out on adventures to discover how many we can locate in the forests, fields, and wetlands that surround us.
Session 2: June 30-July 2
Natural Artistry – 3 days only
The beauty of nature has inspired artists all over the world throughout human history. Take part in discovering and capturing nature’s beauty during this short week of camp by taking art outside. Campers should be prepared to get messy while exploring different art media, including paints, clay, and natural artifacts. Campers will have an opportunity to showcase their amazing artwork in the centers all summer long, or they can take their pieces home to enjoy with their families!
Session 3: July 7-11
Survival Strategies
Exploring the outdoors can be tons of fun, but in order to have fun, be safe, and help protect the habitat you’re in, it’s important to learn how to be prepared. During our most popular session, we’ll learn map reading and making skills, how to build a lean-to shelter (and knock it down), and become a knot-tying extraordinaire! We’ll also learn about some amazing adaptations wildlife use to help them survive in the wild and play some games to simulate those behaviors. We’ll provide all the tools you need to survive at camp, so please leave your pocketknives and fire starters at home. These sessions fill early. Register soon to ensure your space.
(Note: if session 3 or session 7 sell out and start building waitlists, we will only be allowing campers to attend one of these sessions to allow more children to participate in this program.)
Session 4: July 14-18
Water, Water Everywhere!
Ever wonder where water comes from? Explore the science of rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands through investigation and observation of our local watershed. Test the water quality of Great Turkey Pond and Lake Massabesic, dip for macroinvertebrates, and search for predatory animals who depend on water as a food source. Discover how all creatures are connected through water – including you! We’ll end the week with our H2O Olympics where getting wet is the name of the game!
Session 5: July 21-25
Things with Wings
It’s that time of the summer when birds and insects are flying all around us! Learn about the mechanics of flight and design your own flying creatures. Explore our sanctuaries to discover just how many flying animals you can find, and closely observe one of NH Audubon’s ambassador raptors during a live presentation. Discover what niche these incredible creatures occupy in our ecosystem.
Additional Session 5 Option for ages 10-14 in Concord: Conservation Quest Filmmaking Camp.
Session 6: July 28-30
Nature Detectives – 3 days only
There is so much going on around us in nature, but how often do we stop to really take it all in? During this short session, we will learn techniques that make us better nature observers by honing our senses, exploring the world through the eyes and ears of our local wildlife, and documenting our experiences through nature journaling. Go on a one-inch hike, learn how to read animal signs, and become a decomposer investigator!
Session 7: August 4-8
Survival Strategies
Exploring the outdoors can be tons of fun, but in order to have fun, be safe, and help protect the habitat you’re in, it’s important to learn how to be prepared. During our most popular session, we’ll learn map reading and making skills, how to build a lean-to shelter (and knock it down), and become a knot-tying extraordinaire! We’ll also learn about some amazing adaptations wildlife use to help them survive in the wild and play some games to simulate those behaviors. We’ll provide all the tools you need to survive at camp, so please leave your pocketknives and fire starters at home. These sessions fill early. Register soon to ensure your space.
Additional Session 7 Option for ages 10-14 in Auburn: Conservation Quest Filmmaking Camp.
Note: if session 3 or session 7 sell out and start building waitlists, we will only be allowing campers to attend one of these sessions to allow more children to participate in this program.
Session 8: August 11-15
Becoming Scientists
As we prepare to head back to school, let’s get our brains ready for learning with a week of STEAM-inspired fun! Run exciting experiments, use a microscope, and practice the scientific method to uncover mysteries happening right in our sanctuaries. We’ll end the session with a science fair of projects and experiments the campers have done throughout the week. All materials, tools, technology, and necessary safety equipment will be provided; all you need to bring is your curiosity!
Session 9: August 18-22
New England Wildlife
What animals call New England home? How many can you find living right here at NH Audubon’s wildlife sanctuaries? We’ll spend this week learning about the many species of animals that inhabit our state and region. After spending time observing our live ambassador animals in our centers, we’ll explore our fields, forest, and wetlands in search of reptiles, birds, amphibians, insects, mammals, and more. We’ll conclude the week with learning how all these animals interact with one another in the web of life.
Claire Adams recently joined the New Hampshire Audubon education team in a brand-new role as Camp Administrator – Environmental Educator. Hailing from central New York, Claire earned a Bachelor of
Have you met Our Peep, Shelby Morelli yet? Shelby is a New Englander who loves spending time outdoors with her family. She grew up in Maine where her love of
Have you met Our Peep, Willa yet?! Willa Coroka (C as in “cinnamon”) is a wild child, her heart at its fullest while flitting through the New England forests amidst
We are pleased to introduce Slater Roosa, Massabesic Center’s new Education Coordinator. A born and bred New Englander, Slater received a B.S. in Biology from Salve Regina University, where he
Photo, top: dip netting at Turkey Pond by Shelby Morelli, goodbye hugs on the last day of summer camp.
