(by Claire Adams)

During the week of February school break (24th-28th), NH Audubon held their first 2025 Camp Sessions at the McLane and Massabesic Centers. Nearly 60 campers joined the Education team that week, some for all five days and others for just one or two. No matter how long campers spent time at camp this winter, they all had fun, made new friends, and learned about the fascinating science of snow and winter wildlife.

This year’s Winter Wonders camp was filled with much more wintery fun, thanks to the ample blanket of snow covering the ground at both centers. The campers got to experience a snowshoe hike, animal tracking in snow, winter birding with binoculars, and building a quinzhee throughout the week. The combination of deep snow and warm weather made it possible for us to spend lots of time outside, playing games, going hiking, and learning about the amazing adaptations our local wildlife go through to survive the harsh conditions of winter.

When the weather wasn’t so nice, or the campers needed a break for their soggy snow gear to dry, they spent their indoor time experiencing live animal ambassador encounters and making crafts. Some of those crafts included paper snowflakes, migration maps, and pinecone bird feeders made with sunflower butter and bird seed. A snowy/rainy Thursday morning turned into a fun and memorable time meeting and interacting with NH Audubon’s turtles, snakes, and frogs. Time in our center’s Nature Labs is always a highlight for the campers, and this camp session was no exception!

If you would like a child in your life to experience NH Audubon’s Nature Day Camps before this summer, there is still room to join us for the Signs of Spring Camp from April 28th-May 2nd. This week will also be held at the McLane and Massabesic Centers from 9am-4pm. Registration is limited to 18 campers per day for 6-10-year-olds. Reserve your spot today!