Out from a grove of tall white pine trees emerges an imposing wooden tree house, with a set of stairs leading up to a large platform that overlooks the woods. Young campers have used this tree house for years as a place for imaginative play and as a retreat to be surrounded by nature. Every year, hundreds of kids, age 4 and older, join camps that we hold in winter, during school breaks, and especially over the summer. Campers—and their counselors—learn together about wildlife, plant life, and natural processes over the course of nine week-long summer sessions. Highlights include time spent in our pollinator gardens, on the trails, and at the fire ring.

Visiting Turkey Pond, a 339-acre lake that connects with adjacent Little Turkey Pond, is a great day trip when campers learn about lake ecosystems and aquatic wildlife. Many campers return for multiple weeks so that they can explore a whole range of camp themes about the wonders of New Hampshire’s environment. Campers focus on mammals, birds, insects, amphibians and reptiles. They learn about survival strategies, pollinators, and watersheds and ecosystems. They learn what makes birds unique, how to use maps and compasses, and even the role of nature in art and human creativity.

Reader: Chris Martin