Blue Hills Trailside Museum Summer Camp

Blue Hills Summer Camp 2013

Blue Hills Trailside Museum 1904 Canton Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Tel: 617-333-0690 Fax: 617-333-0814 bluehillscamp@massaudubon.org www.massaudubon.org /blue-hills-camp

Blue Hills Summer Camp

The Blue Hills offer campers a unique location to discover nature through hands on exploration, creative play, and active learning.

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.”

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.

Please be aware that our summer day camp program is not held at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum, but at our Chickatawbut Hill location.

During the months of June—August, please use the following contact information: Summer Day Camp Blue Hills Reservation Chickatawbut Road Milton, MA 02186 Tel: 617-696-0920 bluehillscamp@massaudubon.org www.massaudubon.org/bluehills

All other correspondence, including payments should be directed to the museum: Blue Hills Trailside Museum 1904 Canton Avenue Milton, MA 02186

About the Staff

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.

Camp runs Monday -Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

With the exception of overnights and After Care programs.

Camp Prices Peepers 1/2 day: Peepers 4th of July week: Chickadees & Naturalists: Explorers: 4th of July Bargain Week: Adventurers:

Member Nonmember $150 $180 $120 $145 $290 $355 $310 $375 $235 $285 See Descriptions

After Care Prices Chickadees-Adventurers 4th of July Bargain Week

Member $80 $65

Nonmember $110 $90

Camp Day Outline 8:30-9:30am—Drop off and group games 9:30am—Opening circle large group activities 10:00am—Snack time 10:30am—Hike 11:30am—Group exploration 12:00pm—Lunch time 12:30pm—Group exploration, nature play and crafts 2:30pm—Closing circles 3:00-3:15pm—Pick up time After Care Program After Care runs from 3:00pm until 5:30pm each day.

Camper Requirements

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.

Chickadees—Grades K-1 Camper to Counselor Ratio 5:1  

Experience the wonders of nature through hands on exploration, games, stories, songs, crafts, and short hikes.

Chickadees participate in one week sessions with opportunities for large and small group interactions, guided discovery in the outdoors, and imaginative play with friends.

Cost: $290 members, $355 non members

Naturalists—Grades 2-3 Camper to Counselor Ratio 8:1  

Naturalists investigate the many habitats and animals that call the Blue Hills their home through active learning, creative play, science experiments, and longer hikes through the Blue Hills.

Naturalists participate in one week sessions. Each day the Naturalists will focus on team work, critical thinking and building friendships.

Cost: $290 members, $355 non members

Explorers—Grades 4-5 Camper to Counselor Ratio 8:1  Explorers head out on a new expedition every day investigating the  

many Blue Hills ecosystems, while delving deeper into their understanding of natural science.

Explorers participate in one week sessions with team building activities, science experiments, and building positive relationships with one another and the environment.

The Explorers program features an overnight on Thursday.

Campers will enjoy a twilight hike, campfire, dormitory accommodations, and breakfast.

Cost: $310 members, $375 non members Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6

Session 7

Session 8

Session 9

June 24-28 Geology Rocks

* July 1-5 * What’s 4 Lunch

July 8-12 Rip Roaring Raptors

July 15-19 Geology Rocks

July 22-26 What’s 4 Lunch

July 29-Aug 2 Rip Roaring Raptors

Aug.5 - 9 Geology Rocks

Aug12-16 What’s 4 Lunch

Aug 19-23 Rip Roaring Raptors

Themes for Chickadees, Naturalists and Explorers Geology Rocks– Build an exploding volcano, make a mini glacier and discover the unique formations of the Blue Hills.

What’s For Lunch– Ever wonder what a snake’s favorite food is?

Learn what keeps an animal’s stomach from rumbling and other fun facts about herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, and decomposers while exploring what different animals eat!

Rip Roaring Raptors- Soar the sky with these fascinating creatures of

flight and discover what makes them known as the air’s fiercest fliers.

These winged predators will impress you with their pinpoint vision and razor-sharp beaks and talons.

* July 4th Bargain Week! There will be No Camp July 4th and No Overnight *

Preschool Peepers—Ages 3 & 4 Camper to Counselor Ratio 5:1 The Peepers program is a great way to introduce your 3 – 4 year old to camp at Blue Hills! Each day is only three hours long and includes stories, crafts, games, and short hikes in a safe, small group of only 5 campers per week. Note: All Peepers must be completely toilet trained (requiring no assistance in the bathroom)!

Cost: $150 members, $180 non members July 4th Bargain Week: $120 members, $145 non members Morning session runs 8:45-11:30

Afternoon session runs 12:30-3:15

Session 1 June 24-28

Session 2 *July 1-5*

Session 3 July 8-12

Session 4 July 15-19

Session 5 July 22-26

Session 6 July 29-Aug 2

Session 7 Aug.5 - 9

Session 8 Aug12-16

Session 9 Aug 19-23

Project Cover Up

Movers & Shakers

Habitat Happenings

Project Cover Up

Movers & Shakers

Habitat Happenings

Project Cover Up

Movers & Shakers

Habitat Happenings

Themes for Preschool Peepers

Project Cover Up– Fur, Feathers, Scales, Slime! Animals have different

body coverings. Come learn about what animals wear and how it helps them survive.

Movers and Shakers– Explore how animals move from place to place— whether with wings, paws, or no legs at all—in search of food and shelter.

Habitat Happenings– Search for signs of animals down on the ground and up in the trees, find where they build their homes, and why they live were they do.

* July 4th Bargain Week! There will be No Camp July 4th*

Adventurers—Grades 6-8 

Leadership and adventure combine for a challenging and interactive camp experience.



Adventurers learn important team building and outdoor skills.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6

Session 7

Session 8

Session 9

July 15-19 Blue Hills Adventures

July 22-26 Stories in Stone

July 29-Aug 2 Eco Warriors

Aug.5 - 9 Blue Hills Adventures

Aug12-16 Stories in Stone

Aug 19-23 Eco Warriors

Themes for Adventurers Blue Hills Adventures– Explore the Blue Hills reservation! Go ponding at Houghton's pond, hike the trails, discover the Quincy Quarries, and go behind the scenes at Trailside Museum.

Cost: $290 members, $355 non members

Stories in Stone-Build an exploding volcano, make a mini glacier, and

discover the unique formations of the Blue Hills. This session includes a field trip to Purgatory Chasm and an overnight at Chicatawabut Hill on Thursday night.

Cost: $340 members, $405 non members

Eco Warriors– Explore the many ways we can make power with the sun,

wind and water and become Eco Warriors by helping the environment!

This session features an overnight at Mass Audubon’s Wildwood camp in Rindge, NH on Thursday night.

Cost: $390 members, $455 non members

Adventures in Nature Fun for all ages!

Counselors in Training (CITs) High School 

The CIT program provides an opportunity for teens and young adults to experience the inner workings of being a camp staff member and to receive leadership guidance and training while acting as volunteer assistants to Camp Counselors. This program is for youth ages 15-17 who are interested in developing leadership and teaching skills.

To become a CIT, request an application via phone or email. CIT application deadline is May 11th, 2013 You must be at least 15 years old to be considered for a CIT position and a three week commitment is required. The program registration and training fee is $100. CITs will be notified of acceptance on a rolling basis and training will begin in mid-June.

To request information, call 617-333-0690 x 226 or contact bluehillscamp@massaudubon.org

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

June 24 –July 12

July 15- August 2

August 5-23

Registration Information   

 

Registrations are accepted by mail or in person only, beginning January 15, 2013.

Confirmations will be sent to you via the email address you provide.

Registration is not complete unless accompanied by the full tuition amount or a deposit of $50 per session.

For identity safety assurances, fax and email submissions are not accepted.

Make checks payable to Blue Hills Trailside Museum.

A separate and fully completed registration form must be submitted for EACH camper. Please indicate sessions by the session code.

To become a Mass Audubon member, download additional registration forms, or to find more information, please visit Trailside Museum during our hours of operation: Thursday-Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. or go to www.massaudubon.org

Directions to Camp:

(Open during camp or by appointment only.)

Take 93 to exit 5B, (Route 28 North, Milton). At the first traffic light take a right onto Chickatawbut Road. Follow road for ¼ mile then turn right onto the access road. Camp phone: 617-696-0920.

Mass Audubon also has a Resident Camp option.

All health forms and the balance of your fees are due on or before June 1, 2013. Those registering after June 1st must pay in full and complete all forms at the time of registration. Campers are not permitted to attend camp unless all camp specific paperwork is complete and payments have been received in full one week prior to your child’s session.

Cancellation Policy:

A $50 deposit is required per child, per session, which is included in the registration fee.

Cancellations or changes made more than 4 weeks prior to the start of a session will be refunded minus the $50 processing fee.

Cancellations made less than four weeks prior to the session start date are non-refundable.

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.

This camp complies with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Regulations and is annually licensed by the Milton Board of Health.

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. Founded in 1896 by two inspirational women who were committed to the protection of birds, Mass Audubon has grown to become a powerful force for conservation in New England. Today we are respected for our sound science, successful advocacy, and innovative approaches to connecting people and nature. 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 www.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 2013 Registration Form Guardian/Parent Name

Camper’s name

Day phone

Address (If different from parent)

Evening phone Cell phone

City

E-mail

State

Address

Sex

City

Grade entering in 2012

State

Zip

F

Date of birth

Y

N

Buddy Request

(Required for member rate) I am not a member but would like to join Mass Audubon; enclosed is a separate check for $65

Buddies must be the same age and registered for the same session of camp. Requests are not guaranteed.

Name of Session (please check the session(s) you are interested C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6

C7

N1

N2

N3

N4

N5

N6

N7

N8

N9

E1

E2

E3

E4

E5

E6

E7

E8

E9

A4

A5

A6

A7

A8

A9

P4 P5 AM session

P6

C8

P7 P8 P9 PM session

Enclosed is my full payment for extended day

$

Enclosed is a donation for the scholarship fund

$

Total amount enclosed

$

Form of payment: Check #

After Care (please check the session(s) you are interested in) AC1 AC6

C9

Enclosed is my full payment for camp or $50 deposit $

Cash

M

First time at Blue Hills summer camp?

Mass Audubon member #

P1 P2 P3 For peepers only

Zip

AC2 AC7

AC3 AC8

Camp Prices Peepers 1/2 day: Peepers 4th of July Week: Chickadees & Naturalists: Explorers: 4th of July Week ( All Camps) Adventurers After Care Prices One week session: 4th of July Week:

AC4 AC9

AC5

Member Nonmember $150 $180 $120 $145 $290 $355 $310 $375 $235 $285 See Descriptions Member Nonmember $80 $110 $65 $90

Help a child discover nature—donate to Trailside’s camp scholarship fund today.

Thank you!

Visa/Mastercard Account #

Exp. Date

Signature REFUND POLICY: A $50 deposit is required per child, per session, which is included in the registration fee. Cancellations or changes made more than 4 weeks prior to the start of a session will be refunded minus a $50 processing fee. Cancellations made less than 4 weeks prior to the session start date are non-refundable.

I understand and accept the refund policy.

Signature

Date

We are so happy we enrolled her in your camp. Nothing beats seeing your child so excited and enthusiastic! –2012 Parent

Thank you for bringing so much energy, education and fun with your staff to the children. I have been a Mom for almost 19 years and this is by far the best summer camp for a nature lover. –2012 Parent

My son said that yesterday was the best day of his life, he is definitely enjoying the camp! -2012 Parent