Topsfield

Campers will explore the sanctuary with the same group for two whole weeks! Exciting activities include learning how to paddle and canoe up the Ipswich River where we'll have lunch, play games, and explore an island. We'll enjoy an afternoon listening to amazing Native American stories told by Pat Bade, and meet one of her live owls. Trekkers will spend a day at the ocean discovering tide-pools and the creatures that live in them. Hikes to the Rockery, fields, forests, and wetlands to search for animals will round out this great program.

Registration is required. For children ages 7 - 11 yrs

This is a 5 day series of classes. Meat-eating animals fascinate nature lovers of all ages. Campers will hit the trails in search of snakes, frogs, hawks, weasels, and dragonflies and then watch them as they hunt prey. Carnivore skulls, shells, and feathers will be used for hands-on observation to explore the special hunting strategies of these animals.

Registration is required. For children ages 7 - 8 yrs

Join us for a week of afternoon discoveries. Campers will have a wonderful time discovering the different mammals that live in our area. We'll focus on the differences between mammals and other animals, including special adaptations that help them climb, swim, and run. Mammals we're likely to see include deer, squirrels, groundhogs, muskrats, and the scat, tracks, and chews of many more.

Registration is required. For children ages 4 - 5 yrs.

Campers will take a variety of exciting day trip adventures. We'll begin the week exploring the sanctuary and engaging in team building activities. Day trips include the Crane Estate in Ipswich for ocean study and swimming, and Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, NH to explore the rocky shore and hike maritime woodlands. Then we're off to Wildwood, Mass Audubon's sleepover camp, to hike nearby Mt. Mondadnock, swim in Hubbard Pond, and camp out. Staff are trained life guards.

Registration is required. For children ages 12 - 14 yrs.

This week long day camp is hosted by the Mass Audubon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, but the location is the Shore Lea Nature Center in Marblehead. The wilds of Marblehead are rich with lots of cool creatures. Using scientific equipment including nets, microscopes, and binoculars, we'll search for interesting insects, fantastic flowers, beautiful birds, awesome amphibians, and more. As we explore the wilds we'll discover the interactions between plants and animals that live here while taking hikes, playing games, and making crafts.

Registration is required. For children ages 7 - 10 yrs.

Campers will hike to far-off parts of the sanctuary that few others have visited before. Along the way, we'll find animals hiding under logs, in holes, and other out of the way places. Paddling downstream in canoes on the Ipswich River to Burn Island will be a special day.

Registration is required. For children ages 9 - 11 yrs.

This is a series of 5 classes. If you like frogs, turtles, salamanders, and snakes, you just might be a herpetologist. Join us for a week of discovering amphibians and reptiles. We'll spend a day learning about vernal pools and how you can help protect them, and canoe the Ipswich River to search for basking turtles.
Registration is required. For children ages 7 - 8 yrs.

Campers will have a wonderful time discovering the different mammals that live in our area. We'll focus on the differences between mammals and other animals, including special adaptations that help them climb, swim, and run. Mammals we're likely to see include deer, squirrels, groundhogs, muskrats, and the scat, tracks, and chews of many more.

Registration is required. For children ages 4 - 5 yrs

Wet places are wonderful areas to look for frogs, herons, and dragonflies. Campers will discover how bugs breathe underwater and why beavers build dams. Water games and activities will get your camper excited about the importance of wetlands.

Registration is required. For children ages 5 - 6 yrs.

This camp is designed to stimulate the natural interest young children have in the world around them. Campers will take nature hikes, go on scavenger hunts, and participate in songs and sensory awareness activities to learn more about our native habitats. Nature crafts and games will round out this week of fun and discovery.  This camp is hosted by the Mass Audubon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, but the location is the Shore Lea Nature Center in Marblehead.

Registration is required. For children ages 5 - 6 yrs.