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Blue Hills 2015
Summer Camp
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
1904 Canton Avenue
Milton, MA 02186
617-333-0690
[email protected]
massaudubon.org/bluehillscamp
Blue Hills Summer Camp is located
at the Norman Smith Environmental
Education Center at the top of
Chickatwbut Hill
Blue Hills Summer Camp
The Blue Hills offer campers a unique location to discover nature
through hands-on exploration, creative play, and active learning.
About Blue Hills Summer Camp
Camp Hours
Each session features an age-appropriate theme
intended to deepen each child’s knowledge and
awareness of natural exploration throughout the
summer and beyond camp. Our high staff to camper
ratio and experienced, caring staff create a friendly
and safe atmosphere on “The Hill.”
Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–3 pm
Located atop scenic Chickatawbut Hill, the second
highest peak in the Blue Hills Reservation, the camp
is operated by Mass Audubon’s Blue Hills Trailside
Museum in partnership with the Massachusetts
Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Camp Prices
Camp Program
Peepers (Half Day)
Chickadees
Naturalists
Explorers
Adventurers
Member Nonmember
$160
$190
$300
$365
$300
$365
$320
$385
See Descriptions
After Camp
Chickadees-Adventurers
Member
$90
Nonmember
$120
Camp Location
Please be aware that our summer day camp
program is held at our Chickatawbut Hill location (not
the Trailside Museum):
Chickatawbut Road
Milton, MA 02186
617-696-0920 (June–August)
However, all correspondence, including payments,
should be directed to Trailside Museum:
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
1904 Canton Avenue
Milton, MA 02186
Camp Day at a Glance
8:30–9 am
9 am
10 am
10:30 am
11:30 am
12 pm
12:30 pm
Drop-off and group games
Opening circle & large-group activities
Hike
Snack time
Small-group exploration
Lunch time
Small-group exploration, nature play,
and crafts
2:30 pm
Closing circle
3–3:15 pm Pick-up
3–5:30 pm After Camp
About Our Staff
Camper Requirements
Blue Hills Summer Camp staff are chosen
for their enthusiasm, knowledge and ability
to work with youth in an outdoor setting.
The staff work as a caring team to create
an emotionally and physically safe
atmosphere on “The Hill.” Each staff
member is interviewed and background
checked before participating in an
extensive training that includes First Aid
and CPR.
Due to the outdoor, exploratory
nature of our camp program,
campers must be able to move
about on uneven terrain. Campers
are expected to participate meaningfully in age-appropriate activities,
including nature study. All campers
must follow stated behavior
expectations and safety rules. If you
have any questions regarding your
child’s ability to participate fully in
our camp program, contact the
camp director.
Preschool Peepers (Ages 3 & 4)
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 5:1
Time (Morning Session): 8:45–11:45 am
$160 Member; $190 Nonmember
The Peepers program is a great way to introduce your 3- or 4-year-old to
camp at Blue Hills! Each day is three hours long and includes stories, crafts,
games, and short hikes in a safe, small group. (Please note that Peepers
must be completely potty trained, requiring no assistance in the bathroom.)
Session
1
Session
2
Session
3
Session
4
Session
5
Session
6
Session
7
Session
8
Session
9
6/22–26
6/29–7/3
7/6–10
7/13–17
7/20–24
7/27–31
8/3–7
8/10–14
8/17–21
Water Life
Five
Senses
Things
with Wings
Water Life
Five
Senses
Things
with Wings
Water Life
Five
Senses
Things with
Wings
Themes for Preschool Peepers
Water Life: Water is teaming with life, and we are ready to investigate ponds,
puddles and more! From frogs to fish to water bugs, we’ll have fun learning about
all the critters that make their home in water.
Five Senses: Let’s put all our senses to use as we explore the natural world. Each
day we’ll focus on a different sense and how animals use their senses to navigate
out in the wild.
Things with Wings: Wings help many animals fly—from insects to birds to
mammals. We will investigate the animals that are flying, gliding, and soaring over
Chickatawbut Hill.
Chickadees (Entering Grades K–1)
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 5:1
Time: 8:30 am–3 pm
$300 Member; $365 Nonmember
Chickadees experience the wonders of nature through hands-on exploration, games, stories, songs, crafts, and short
hikes. Campers participate in one-week sessions with opportunities for large- and small-group interactions, guided
discovery in the outdoors, and imaginative play with friends.
Session
1
Session
2
Session
3
Session
4
Session
5
Session
6
Session
7
Session
8
Session
9
6/22–26
6/29–7/3
7/6–10
7/13–17
7/20–24
7/27–31
8/3–7
8/10–14
8/17–21
What’s
the Buzz?
Colorful
Critters
Hidden
Homes
What’s the
Buzz?
Colorful
Critters
Hidden
Homes
What’s the
Buzz?
Colorful
Critters
Hidden
Homes
Themes for Chickadees
What’s the Buzz?: The hills are alive with the sound of…animals! Listen
for birds singing, crickets chirping, and squirrels chattering. Find out why
they make all that racket and we’ll make some of our own!
Colorful Critters: How do animals use color to survive? We’ll create art
projects based on these animals and plants.
Hidden Homes: Search for signs of animals down on the ground, up in
the trees, and everywhere in between. Find where they build their homes,
and build one of your own.
Naturalists (Entering Grades 2 & 3)
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 8:1
Time: 8:30 am–3 pm
$300 Member; $365 Nonmember
Naturalists investigate the many habitats and animals that call the Blue Hills their home, through active
learning, creative play, science experiments, and hikes. Campers participate in one-week sessions. Each day they
will focus on teamwork, critical thinking, and building friendships.
Session
1
Session
2
Session
3
Session
4
Session
5
Session
6
Session
7
Session
8
Session
9
6/22–26
6/29–7/3
7/6–10
7/13–17
7/20–24
7/27–31
8/3–7
8/10–14
8/17–21
Gone
Buggy
Up, Up,
and Away!
Living,
Breathing
Plants
Gone
Buggy
Up, Up,
and Away!
Living,
Breathing
Plants
Gone
Buggy
Up, Up, and
Away!
Living,
Breathing
Plants
Themes for Naturalists
Gone Buggy: Search through the grass, dig in the soil, roll logs, and look under leaves for the many insects and
other arthropods found all around us. Use nets, bug boxes, and magnifying glasses to get a closer look at these
amazing creatures.
Up, Up, and Away!: Explore the world of animals and plants that depend on flight for their survival. Search for and
learn about insects, birds, mammals, and plants that use the wind for transportation.
Living, Breathing Plants: Investigate plants, from the smallest phytoplankton to the tallest tree. Along the way we’ll
learn about plant identification, how plants and other organisms coexist, and make plant-focused crafts.
Explorers (Entering Grades 4 & 5)
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 8:1
Time: 8:30 am–3 pm
$320 Member; $385 Nonmember
Explorers will head out on a new expedition every day, investigating the many ecosystems of the Blue Hills while
delving deeper into natural science. Campers participate in one-week sessions center around team-building
activities, science experiments, and building positive relationships with one another as well as the environment.
Explorers sessions 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 feature an overnight on Thursday (indicated with *, below). Campers will enjoy a
twilight hike, campfire, dormitory accommodations, and breakfast.
Session
1
Session
2
Session
3
Session
4
Session
5
Session
6
Session
7
Session
8
Session
9
6/22–26*
6/29–7/3
7/6–10*
7/13–17
7/20–24*
7/27–31
8/3–7*
8/10–14
8/17–21*
Awesome
Weather
Wisdom
Stories in
Stone
Awesome
Weather
Wisdom
Stories in
Stone
Awesome
Arthropods
Arthropods
Weather
Wisdom
Stories in
Stone
Arthropods
Themes for Explorers
Awesome Arthropods: Take a close look at the smaller residents of the
Blue Hills as we learn about the insects and other arthropods found all
around us. Use nets, bug boxes, and magnifying glasses to get a closer look
at these amazing creatures.
Stories in Stone: Build an exploding volcano, make a mini glacier, and
discover the unique geologic formations of the Blue Hills.
Weather Wisdom: Is it going to rain or snow? Will it be windy or calm? How
do we know? Learn how to identify clouds, measure precipitation and predict
weather.
Adventures in Nature
Fun for All Ages!
Adventurers (Entering Grades 6–9)
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 8:1
Time: 8:30 am–3 pm
Leadership and adventure combine for a challenging and interactive
camp experience! Adventurers learn important team building and
outdoor skills.
Session
1
Session
2
Session
3
Session
4
Session
5
Session
6
Session
7
Session
8
Session
9
6/22–26
6/29–7/3
7/6–10
7/13–17
7/20–24
7/27–31
8/3–7
8/10–14
8/17–21
x
x
The Sky’s
the Limit
Wilderness
Survival
Aquatic
Ecosystems
The Sky’s
the Limit
Wilderness
Survival
Aquatic
Ecosystems
x
Themes for Adventurers
The Sky’s the Limit: Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s...the universe! Let’s explore everything above
our heads, from clouds and the weather, to stars and the solar system. This week will include a field trip to the
Trailside Museum and the Blue Hills Weather Observatory.
$350 Member; $415 Nonmember
Wilderness Survival: Build shelters and a solar oven, learn about wild
edibles, develop map and compass skills, and plan a hike. Put your skills to
work during Thursday’s overnight on Chickatawbut Hill, and enjoy a field trip
to Purgatory Chasm in Sutton.
$350 Member; $415 Nonmember
Aquatic Ecosystems: Dive into the complex world of aquatic ecosystems.
Food webs, adaptations, and plants and animals that live underwater will be
our focus. This week will include a field trip to Ponkapoag Pond and an
overnight at Mass Audubon’s Camp Wildwood in Rindge, NH.
$300 Member; $465 Nonmember
Counselors-in-Training (Ages 15–17)
Time: 8:30 am–3 pm
$100 (Application and Training)
In our Counselors-in-Training (CIT) program, teens who are
interested in developing leadership and teaching skills will
gain valuable experience as volunteer Camp Counselor
Assistants. Application and three-week commitment are
required to participate. To request an application, please
contact Camp Director Emma Snellings at 617-333-0690
x226 or [email protected]. Applications are
due May 15, and CITs will be notified of acceptance on a
rolling basis with training beginning mid-June.
There’s more to explore at Wildwood, Mass Audubon’s
overnight camp in Rindge, New Hampshire.
Campers ages 9–17 enjoy hands-on, nature-focused,
outdoor activities with quality, well-trained staff in a
beautiful natural setting. And our Family Camp is a
favorite!
Call 866-627-2267 or
visit massaudubon.org/wildwood
Registration Information
Registration
Health Forms
Registration begins January 15. To register for camp,
visit massaudubon.org/bluehillscamp, call
617-333-0690, or mail or bring your registration form,
with payment, to:
This year health forms will be available in an electronic,
online format via CampDoc.com. Additional information
will be sent following registration.
Refund Policy
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
1904 Canton Ave
Milton, MA 02186
Deposit
A nonrefundable, nontransferable $50 deposit fee per
camper per session is required to register. This fee will
be applied to your camp tuition. If registering after
May 1, payment in full is required.
A full refund, minus the deposit, is provided for camp
families who cancel on or before May 15. After May 15
no refund is available. Please check your school
calendar for conflicts before registering. Lost deposits
are not transferable to other families, 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.
ACA Accreditation
Discount
Mass Audubon members at the Family level or above
receive a discounted rate. To receive the discounted
rate, your membership must be current through your
camper’s last session. If you are not yet a member, you
can join during the registration process. Your support
helps us to protect the nature of Massachusetts, and
connect children and adults with nature!
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, health and safety, management and
operations.
Camp License
Once registered a confirmation and other important
camp prep information will be sent to the e-mail
address provided.
This camp complies with the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health Regulations and is
annually licensed by the Milton Board of Health. You
may request a copy of our staff background check,
healthcare, discipline, bullying, and grievance policies.
Important Dates
Camper Requirements
All health forms, waivers, and the balance of your camp
tuition are due by May 1, unless a payment plan has
been established. If registering after May 1, payment in
full is required and a specific camper form deadline
date will be set for you. Completed forms and payment
are required for campers to attend camp. If deadlines
are missed, we cannot guarantee your spot.
Due to the outdoor, exploratory nature of our camp
program, campers must be able to move about on
uneven terrain. Campers are expected to participate
meaningfully in age-appropriate activities, including
nature study. All campers must follow stated behavior
expectations and safety rules. If you have any
questions regarding your child’s ability to participate
fully in our camp program, contact the camp director.
Confirmation
About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife.
Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 35,000 acres of conservation
land, provide school, camp, and other educational programs for 225,000 children and
adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and
federal levels. Each year, our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries welcomes nearly
half a million visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and serves as the base for
our work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (800-283-8266) or
visit massaudubon.org.
The Blue Hills Reservation is the largest open space within 35 miles of Boston, encompassing over 7000 acres.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages this property for the public to enjoy hiking, biking,
horseback riding, boating and more. For more information, please contact the DCR at 617-698-1802.
Blue Hills Summer Camp Registration Form
Please Complete a Separate Form for Each Camper
Camper Name:
Gender:___________
Birth Date:
Grade Entering in Fall 2015:
First-Year Camper? Y N
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
T-shirt Size (Circle One): Youth S Youth M Youth L Youth XL Adult S Adult M Adult L Adult XL
Buddy Request:
Buddies must be the same age and registered for the same camp session. Requests are not guaranteed.
Parent/Guardian Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Day Phone:
Evening Phone:
Cell Phone:
Email:
Mass Audubon Member # (Required for Discount):
Expiration Date:
Please Circle the Camp and After Camp Session(s) You Would Like to Attend
Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6 Session 7 Session 8 Session 9
6/22–6/26 6/29–7/3 7/6–7/10 7/13–7/17 7/20–7/24 7/27–7/31 8/3–8/7 8/10–8/14 8/17–8/21
Peepers
$160m/
$160m/
$160m/
$160m/
$160m/
$160m/
$160m/
$160m/
$160m/
$190nm
$190nm
$190nm
$190nm
$190nm
$190nm
$190nm
$190nm $190nm
Chickadees
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$365nm
$365nm
$365nm
$365nm
$365nm
$365nm
$365nm
$365nm $365nm
Naturalists
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$300m/
$365nm
$365nm
$365nm
$365nm
$365nm
$365nm
$365nm
$365nm $365nm
Explorers
$320m/
$320m/
$320m/
$320m/
$320m/
$320m/
$320m/
$320m/
$320m/
$385nm
$385nm
$385nm
$385nm
$385nm
$385nm
$385nm
$385nm $385nm
Adventurers:
$350m/
$350m/
Sky's the Limit
$415nm
$415nm
Adventurers:
$350m/
$350m/
Wilderness Survival
$415nm
$415nm
Adventurers:
$300m/
$300m/
Aquatic Ecosystems
$465nm
$465nm
After Camp
$90m/
$90m/
$90m/
$90m/
$90m/
$90m/
$90m/
$90m/
$90m/
(Full Week)
$120nm
$120nm
$120nm
$120nm
$120nm
$120nm
$120nm
$120nm $120nm
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total Camp Enrollment
Total After Camp
Mass Audubon Family Membership ($65; if Joining or Renewing)
Optional Tax-Deductible Camp Scholarship Fund Donation
Grand Total
Amount Paid Today (Minimum $50/Camper/Session Required)
Amount to be Paid by May 1, 2015
Camp Scholarship Fund
Help a child discover nature—
donate to our
Camp Scholarship Fund!
Mail Form and Payment to:
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
1904 Canton Ave
Milton, MA 02186
Payment Method:
 Check  Credit Card: Visa MasterCard Discover
Card #:
Exp. Date:
CVC:
Signature:
Date:
“I agree to allow Mass Audubon to charge my Visa/MasterCard/Discover in the amount specified above and understand that refunds will only be provided in accordance with the refund policy stated in this brochure.”
For identity safety assurances, fax and e-mail submissions are not accepted.
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
1904 Canton Avenue
Milton, MA 02186
617-333-0690
[email protected]
massaudubon.org/bluehillscamp
“[My campers] learned a
great deal about nature,
animals and insects.
Thank you for opening
up their world to a
newfound love of the
earth around us.”
–2014 Camp Parent
“I love that I had to
show ID every day to
pick up my daughter
and nothing was left to
chance regarding
safety. Thank you for
taking such good care
of my daughter!”
“We couldn’t have
been happier with
the experience at
camp.”
–2013 Camp Parent
–2014 Camp Parent