Nature Day Camp Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary - SUMMER CAMP HANDBOOK 2020 - Mass Audubon
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Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
Nature Day Camp
SUMMER CAMP HANDBOOK 2020
WHERE KIDS CONNECT TO
NATURE, ART, AND SCIENCE.
About Mass Audubon What we are all about
Programs
Our Philosophy
Through field studies and classroom At Moose Hill Camp, we believe it’s important that
explorations, Mass Audubon programs children learn and grow through their interactions
provide hands-on, inquiry based with nature as well as with each other. We provide
experiences with science content and opportunities for structured free play, during which
practices. Our educators enhance
campers of various ages and developmental stages
interact, learn important social skills, and gain ap-
students’ scientific understanding of
preciation for nature.
species and habitats; ecological concepts
such as food webs, cycles, systems,
Our Nature Pledge, which campers are encouraged to
adaptation, and evolution; climate
recite at Opening Circle, reflects these values:
change; and interrelationships between
I am a part of the web of life.
people and nature.
I care about the soil, air, and water that all life de-
pends on.
I will respect the plants and animals of the world
and give them space to grow.
Howdy Camp Families! Because, We are all a part of the same web.
Welcome to the Moose Hill Camp We also believe in connecting people of all ages,
family! backgrounds, and abilities with nature to enhance
quality of life and to spark an interest in preserving
We are happy that you have selected nature for future generations.
our camp for your child. We take this
honor seriously and will take care to Our Credentials, License and Accreditation
make your experience a good one. If Moose Hill Camp has more 70 years of experience in
you have any questions after reading
connecting children to nature through public, school,
this handbook or just want to talk,
and camp programming. We are proud of our repu-
please contact us.
tation of running a safe, organized educational pro-
gram where each child matters.
We are licensed by the Sharon Board of Health and
comply with the regulations of the Massachusetts
CONTACT US Department of Public Health. We are also accredited
by the American Camp Association.
293 Moose Hill Parkway Camp Policy Requests
Sharon, MA You may request a copy of our staff background
moosehillcamp@massaudubon. check, healthcare, discipline, bullying, and grievance
org policies.
massaudubon.org/moosehillcamp
781-784-5691, extension 8102
Registrar, extension 8105
Leadership Team and Staff
-Sanctuary Director
Karen Stein
Shawn Moriarty- Camp Director
Micahel Scutari-Head Naturalist Patti Austin-Peeper Head Staff
Julia Signorella-CIT/LIT coordinator Annemarie Altman-Registrar
1
Camp at Our Wildlife Sanctuary
Leadership Team and Staff Staff Selection Criteria
Moose Hill Camp is successful because of its Camp staff members are carefully selected for
caring, well-prepared counselors who are ac- their maturity and their caring attitude to-
tively engaged in teaching and playing with wards children. All staff must pass background
campers. Our leadership team provides coun- checks and receive training in safety, child
selors with training, educational objectives, development, and nature study. Instructor-
and activity ideas, and each staff member counselors are certified in first aid and CPR;
provides the enthusiasm for outdoor explora- most are in college and majoring in science,
tion, the desire to educate, and a caring heart education, or psychology. Assistant counselors
for children. Together we bring fun and learning are at least 16 years of age and are partnered
to campers. with and directly supervised by a counselor.
Communication
Best means of contact:
Nature Center phones are manned from 8 am– Let us know if your child is staying home, will
5pm, 781-784-5691. Leave any messages for the arrive after 10am or will be picked-up early. Any
Camp Office at extension 8102. pick-ups prior to 3pm may involve you meeting
Camp leadership staff are outside with the the group on the trail. Every group leader car-
kids much of the time, but we check the camp ries a two-way radio.
e-mail at 10am.
moosehillcamp@massaudubon.org Any changes to the health form, medications,
After Camp Program staff carry a cell phone, and/or pick-up persons must be in writing and
720-597-1858. signed by the parent/guardian.
Special Events for 2020
Meet & Greet Event: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Ice Cream Social: Thursday, August 6, 2020
from 6–7pm: Meet the staff, tour camp, ask from 6:30–7:30pm: Purchase your treats and
your questions. join us on the back lawn (left side of the build-
ing) of Crescent Ridge Dairy, 355 Bay Rd, Sha-
Family Times: Each Friday from 3:30–4pm: ron. Rain date is that Friday August 7th.
Families are invited to join the final closing
circle. If it is raining, Family Time is canceled.
Attendance is optional and campers remain
with their group until pick-up time.
2
What to Expect on Your First Day
The Moose Hill Camp staff are happy that you Please drive slowly and stay alert for kids,
are coming to camp. wildlife, and vehicles. The parking lot is one-
way. Park, turn off, and lock your vehicle. Have
You should dress for exploring outdoors and
your child wait in front of your car until you
playing games. Put on sunscreen followed by
can escort them through the traffic.
insect repellent before coming to camp.
Act Green: Turn off your vehicle when parked.
Be prepared for the weather—we will be out-
On the first day, greeters will meet you at the
side for a part of any rainy day so rain gear
gate and direct you to check in. People with
and a sweatshirt may come in handy.
medications should bring them to check in.
You can recognize the camp staff by what we
On subsequent days campers ages 7 and up
wear—staff shirts and a blue lanyard with a
do not have to be escorted, but must check in
nametag. You will also meet some teenage
at their tent.
helpers called Leaders-in-Training (LITs) and
Counselors-In-Training CITs. LITs wear yellow If your camper may have difficulty separating
lanyards and CITs wear green lanyards. from you, please let us know in advance. We
have had lots of experience and have tips to
Each group has a picnic table/ tent meeting
make transitioning into camp easier for both
area where you leave your backpack and meet
you and your child.
your staff. They will give you a name tag and
introduce you to other campers. After saying Pick-up
good bye to your folks, you may join in any of Camper pick-up is from 3:55–4:10 pm at the
the free choice-time activities. camper’s tent. Look for the white board telling
what we did today!
Remember to listen for the crow call that
tells you to return to your tent. After Monday’s Campers are released only to those people
opening circle, you will be introduced to all of listed on the Release Form and a photo ID
the kids in your group and play a name game. must be shown. Please bring your ID every day
Your staff will show the you where the bath- as our sign out staff may vary! Guardians may
rooms are and how to refill water bottles at the modify the release list by providing a signed
fountain. There will be a fire drill as well. note.
Check-in Early Pick-up: Please notify your staff in ad-
Campers may be checked in between 8:50– vance of any schedule changes if possible.
9:50 am daily to give families a flexible start
Late Pick-up: Call us if you are going to be
to their day.
late. Those not registered for After Camp will
be charged for that program after 4:15pm.
3
Camp Schedule and Things to Know.
A Question of the Day is posted on a board as Camper Care Crew activities help campers to
you enter the camp yard. We hope that you dis- develop a sense of ownership and responsibil-
cuss the question with family and friends dur- ity while working together. Examples of these
ing drop-off and choice time. The entire camp activities are filling bird feeders, pulling grass
will discuss the answer at morning circle! from the walkway, and picking up around our
group tents.
Name tags are given out each morning, must
be worn at all times, and are to turned in at the Think & Act Green is a goal for Moose Hill
end of each day. Camp and we hope that campers continue
these actions at home. Examples are using
Choice Time. After checking in at their tent,
only one paper towel to dry your hands, com-
campers can choose from a variety of activities
posting any fruits and vegetables, using less
including catching bugs, playing active games,
packaging, and recycling.
making something at the craft table, coloring
at their table, building gnome homes, or visit- Moose Hill Naturalist Certificate. Campers
ing friends. There is another Choice Time after who are age 5 or older may choose to earn a
lunch. Moose Hill Naturalist Certificate by completing
a series of worksheets and activities at home.
Circle Times start and end each day. Listen for
Worksheets and instructions are available on-
the Crow Call or Coyote Howl that signals that
line at the Moose Hill website.
it is time to return to your tent. At Circle Time
we sing songs together and may act silly. We
Special Days at Moose Hill Nature Camp
ask that all campers try to participate. Please
Picnic Hike Wednesday—Groups usually take
speak to the Camp Director if your child may
lunch with them and go different special spots
need to sit out from these large group activi-
like the Bluffs or Boulders.
ties.
The Nature Pledge is done at morning circle. Option Time Thursday Afternoons—Campers
get the chance to try a variety of activities of-
Camp T-shirt and Patch are given out on Tues-
fered by staff.
day afternoons and placed in your backpack.
One per camper per season.
Fun Fridays include most of our all camp
Water Games. On hot days we cool off by play- events, freeze pops.
ing, Drip, Drip, Splash in our clothes. This is
a fun game similar to Duck, Duck, Goose and Family Time on Fridays. Families are invited
uses small cups of water. We also will bring out to join the final closing circle on Fridays from
a sprinkle for campers to go in. Campers may 3:30 to 4 pm. Parents are not required to at-
be in a damp-to-wet condition as well as dirty tend, but kids love it when you do. Campers
at pickup time. Parents should inform the staff remain with their groups until their scheduled
if you wish to limit how wet your child gets. pick-up times. If rain is likely, Family Time is
canceled.
Camp Schedule
7:15–8:55 Before Camp Option 1:15–3:40 Activities/Explorations/Crafts
8:50–9:30 Check-in and Choice Time Snack and Group Wrap-up
9:30–9:55 Opening Circle and Songs 3:40–3:55 Closing Circle and Songs
9:55–12:00 Theme Intro and Snack 3:55–4:10 Pick-up
Activities/Explorations/Hikes 4:00–6:00 After Camp Option
12:00–1:15 Lunch and Choice Time
4
Nature Pledge and our
place in Nature
The Nature Pledge is done at
morning circle.
Before and After Camp I am a part of the web of life.
I care about the soil, air and water
Programs that all life depends on.
I will respect the plants and animals
Pre-registration is required for Before and After Camp
of the world and give them space to
options. Space is limited.
grow.
Because, We are all a part of the
To add these options after your initial registration, you
same web.
must call or e-mail moosehillcamp@massaudubon.org
Before Camp is held inside the Visitor Center. Doors
open at 7:15 am. Every child must be escorted inside on
Monday—on subsequent days you may choose to have
your child walk in without you.
Campers are welcome to bring books they are read-
ing or enjoy low-key activities including reading, card
games, LEGO building, and drawing.
After Camp is held in the camp yard and may include
games in the pine forest. If it is raining, After Camp will
be held in the Nature Center. Please have a photo ID We recite our Nature Pledge each
with you for pick-up. Pick-up is expected before 6 pm. morning during our Opening Circle.
Any pick-ups after 6:10 pm accrue a $1 per minute fee. Campers do not have to recite the
Please contact us if you are going to be late by text or pledge with us. And we do use the
calling 720-597-1858 pledge as the foundation of what we
do here at camp.
We try and be flexible and accommodate changes in
family schedules. If your plans change, even at the We recognize that we are a PART of
last minute, and you need to add a day of Before or nature and that we do effect the
After Camp, let the Camp Director know and we will natural world with our actions.
see if we can add what you need.
When we explore our property here
at Moose Hill Nature Camp, we
work to treat the natural world with
respect in how we interact with the
things we find.
We also recognize that this property
we get to explore at one point was
land that Wampanoag and possibly
Massachusett tribes lived on.
5
What to Wear and Bring with you to Camp
Please label everything! Lost & Found items use on the ground and one table for campers who
are put on a table near the camp gate and given are eating foods containing peanuts or tree nuts,
away on September 15th. and other common food allergies.
Campers should wear:
Our carry in/carry out policy means that any
-Socks and sneakers, hiking boots, or any closed
trash and uneaten food that cannot go into our
toe shoes. No crocs or open-toed footwear.
compost is repacked into the child’s lunch box
-Sweatshirt or lightweight jacket since summer and returned home. This policy results in fewer
mornings and rainy days are chilly. yellow jackets in the camp area.
-Hats are a good idea.
Freeze pops are given out to all campers on Fri-
-Clothing they will feel comfortable getting wet days. These are Kosher. If your camper needs a
and/or dirty—play clothes. special type of freeze pop, we can store a small
number of them here at camp.
-Insect repellent and Sunscreen with a minimum
of SPF25
What not to bring to camp
Campers should bring:
2 snacks—a morning and an afternoon non-per- Do not bring electronic devices, collectable cards,
ishable snack. Water is drunk at snack time. personal treasures, sports equipment and/or
A nutritious, non-perishable lunch, including 1 expensive items to camp. Cell phones and other
drink media players are not to be used during the
Backpack large enough to carry the lunch bag camp day.
and water bottle.
Foam insulated lunch bag with a small ice pack If your camper has Pokemon cards, there will
Water bottle (leak proof please)—wash and fill it be set times during the week when they can be
daily. Do not freeze it. brought and used. Any trade made at camp, can
Insect repellent be undone if someone is upset.
Rainy day gear—a light weight poncho or rain
coat, sweatshirt, and extra socks. Mass Audubon is not responsible for lost or dam-
Younger children should bring a spare set of aged articles that have been brought to camp.
clothes and shoes; that way, if an accident
should occur, they’ll be able to stay clean and dry. Pocketknives, matches, firearms/ammunition,
These should fit in a labeled Ziploc bag. or other potentially dangerous items are not al-
lowed and are grounds for dismissal from the
Food Notes: program. The possession or use of tobacco, alco-
Non-perishable foods or ice packs are required hol, drugs, and weapons are prohibited.
because we do not refrigerate. Some possible
non-perishable food choices are sun butter, pea- No animal is allowed in camp without prior per-
nut butter, trail mix, jelly, fruit, or hard cheeses. mission from the Camp Director.
Due to food allergies, tables are kept peanut and
tree nut-free. We provide peanut picnic cloths for
Behavioral Manaagement and Expectations Policy
Being involved in a group or community of Safety Rules As a Moose Hill camper:
people you are not familiar with can be a chal- 1. Be kind and courteous to all.
lenge. We do our best to create a place where 2. Stay with your group.
campers can feel comfortable and welcomed. Ask permission to leave the group and if your
teacher agrees, you always take a buddy.
Due to the outdoor and exploratory nature of
If called, stop and answer. If you hear 3 whistle
our camp program, campers must be able to
blasts, stop and return to your group.
move about on uneven terrain to the best of
3. Follow the behavior expectations given by
their ability.
your leader. Example: Sticks and rocks remain
We know that some days are better than others on the ground.
for campers. And we can make some adjust-
Behavioral Management Policy
ments to an activity for campers who need a
Infringements of the behavior expectations
break.
and/or safety rules bring fair and obvious con-
Campers are expected to participate meaning- sequences.
fully in age-appropriate activities, including
Staff will follow a series of steps: one-on-one
nature study.
discussion, breaks from activities, and time
All campers must follow stated behavior expec- with the Camp Director. If a child acts in an un-
tations and safety rules. If you have any ques- safe manner that is physically harmful to self
tions regarding your child’s ability to partici- or others, staff will remove the child from the
pate fully in our camp program, please contact danger and bring them to the Camp Director.
the camp director.
Staff will not use or threaten to use any physi-
The Camp Director reserves the right to dis- cal contact or restraint unless the child pres-
miss a camper when in the camper’s behavior- ents a clear and present danger to themselves
al choices interferes with the rights of others, of to others. In the case of serious and/or con-
the smooth functioning of the group or activity, stant issues, the guardian will be called and a
or violates the camp’s behavior policy. In such behavior agreement will be developed. Those
cases no refunds will be given. who cannot meet these expectations may
be dismissed from the camp program with-
Our behavior expectations and safety rules
out monetary recourse. As mandated by the
have been developed to ensure the safety of
state, corporal punishment will not be used;
campers and to show respect for self, others,
no camper will be subjected to cruel or severe
and the environment. Campers will be made
punishment; humiliation or verbal abuse; no
aware of these rules on the first day of the
camper will be denied food as punishment, and
session. There will be no hurting of each other
no camper will be punished for soiling, wetting
either verbally, emotionally, or physically.
or not using the toilet. A complete copy of how
we approach Behavioral Management is avail-
able upon request.
Health and Wellness
at Camp
Healthcare Personnel Guardians need to be aware of the potential
Moose Hill’s off-site healthcare consultant is health hazards ticks represent and take an ac-
Joseph Horan, M.D. who practises in Foxbor- tive role in protecting their child.
ough. The Camp Director is the on-site health- You are responsible for checking the child each
care supervisor. A staff person certified in first evening for ticks by feeling the skin for bumps,
aid, infection control procedures, and CPR is removal of ticks, and monitoring for illness.
always on site during camp hours and a staff More information is provided below.
person with these qualifications will be present
Medications
on hikes beyond 15 minutes of the visitor cen-
Medications may be dispensed only during
ter. Many staff are trained in EpiPen use. Emer-
summer camp and only if:
gency care is provided by EMTs of the Sharon
1) we have written permission from the legal
Fire Department and the staff at Norwood Hos-
guardian
pital. A complete copy of our healthcare policy
2) the medication is in its original labeled con-
is available upon request.
tainer
Responsibilities of Parent/Guardian 3) prescribed medications have the pharmacy
Do not send a sick child to camp. Symptoms label
of illness are a temperature above 100 degrees 4) the medication has not expired
F, throwing up (or has done so in the night), 5) our off-site healthcare consultant has ap-
earache, sore throat, conjunctivitis, skin erup- proved in writing the administering of this type
tions, continuous cough, etc. Parents of sick of medication.
children will be called and be requested to Every medication must be checked into camp
pick up the child. Staff may oversee a mildly ill by our healthcare supervisor/ Camp Director
camper in the camp office.
Sun & Bugs
People with an infectious or communicable Campers may be exposed to sun and insects.
disease may not return to camp until the rec- The state encourages the use of wide-brimmed
ommended time determined by our healthcare hats, long-sleeve shirts and long pants when
consultant has passed. Participants infected exposed to sun. Please note that Moose Hill is
with lice will be sent home and may resume very shady and there is a slight breeze on most
camp once treated and nit free. If an outbreak days.
of communicable disease occurs, any par- Parents are to apply sunscreen (SPF 25 or
ticipant who is not fully immunized (due to greater) and insect repellent (DEET 20–25% is
religious or health risk reasons) will remain at suggested) to their child daily, prior to arrival.
home for the time recommended by the Massa- Apply sunscreen first and then the repellent.
chusetts Department of Public Health. Refunds At the end of the day, you should remind your
are not given due to missed time at camp. child to wash any treated skin with soap and
If your child has a foot or leg injury, you must water!
speak to the Camp Director who will determine
if accommodations can be made and when the Act Green: Do not spray any repellent inside
camper can return to camp. our buildings or in the camp play area.Health and Wellness at Camp Continued
Staff will apply or supervise the application of posed skin or treat your shoes and clothing with
insect repellent after lunch each day. Moose Hill permethrin.
will use insect repellent containing 20–25% DEET 3. Scan clothes and any exposed skin frequently
unless you tell us otherwise. Sunscreen will be for ticks
reapplied if afternoon activities will be in full 4. Do a full-body tick-check at the end of the
sun. day by feeling the skin for bumps. Be aware that
ticks climb upwards in search of skin so check
Visual checks for ticks on campers’ arms, legs,
hidden areas of the neck, ears, head, genitals
and clothing is a regular part of our camp rou-
and bellybutton.
tine. The guardian is responsible for checking
5. Spin clothes in the dryer for 20 minutes to kill
the child each evening for ticks by feeling the
any ticks. Look for ticks on your gear/backpack.
skin for bumps. Overnight campers will be in-
6. Know the symptoms of Lyme Disease (see be-
structed how to perform a full-body check and
low) and other tick-borne illnesses.
instructed to do so prior to bedtime.
Insect Repellent Information: Studies show that
To remove a tick
it is acceptable to use DEET of up to 30% con-
1. Use a pair of tweezers to grasp the tick by the
centration on children over 2 years of age and
head where it enters the skin. Do Not grasp the
that the concentration of DEET in the product is
body.
related to the length of protection. DEET may be
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. (Do
applied to skin or clothes, but not under cloth-
Not twist the tick, apply petroleum jelly, a hot
ing. Treated skin should be washed with soap
match, alcohol or any other irritant in an at-
and water upon completion of your outdoor ac-
tempt to have the tick back out.) If mouth-parts
tivity. Ask your pediatrician about DEET.
break off try to remove them, but if not possible,
24% DEET provides 5 hours of protection. 6.65%
leave it alone and let the skin heal.
DEET provides 2 hours of protection.
3. Clean the bite area with an antiseptic. Red-
Tick-borne Illness Facts and Prevention ness or a rash at the bite site for a number of
Not all ticks are infected and studies have days is normal.
shown that an infected tick normally cannot
begin passing the Lyme Disease bacteria until it Symptoms of Lyme Disease
has been attached to its host for 24 hours. Find- Contact your physician if any of the following
ing and careful removal of the tick is the best symptoms appear three (3) or more days after
preventative. the bite. Lyme symptoms vary and may include
Prevention suggestions recurrent headache, exhaustion, muscle aches,
1. Wear enclosed shoes and light-colored cloth- rash, or joint pain. Early treatment with antibiot-
ing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily. Keep ics almost always results in a full cure.
long hair tied back. Tuck shirts into your pants
and long pants into socks. Wear a hat.
2. Use repellents that contain 24% DEET on ex-Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PA ID
Boston, MA
PERMIT NO. 56881
Mass Audubon protects 36,500 acres of land Audubon is a nationally recognized environmental
throughout Massachusetts, saving birds and education leader, offering thousands of camp,
other wildlife, and making nature accessible to all. school, and adult programs that get over 225,000
As Massachusetts’ largest nature conservation kids and adults outdoors every year. With more
nonprofit, we welcome more than a half million than 125,000 members and supporters, we
visitors a year to our wildlife sanctuaries and 20 advocate on Beacon Hill and beyond, and conduct
nature centers. From inspiring hilltop views to conservation research to preserve the natural
breathtaking coastal landscapes, serene woods, heritage of our beautiful state for today’s and
and working farms, we believe in protecting our future generations. We welcome you to explore
state’s natural treasures for wildlife and for all a nearby sanctuary, find inspiration, and get
people—a vision shared in 1896 by our founders, involved. Learn how at massaudubon.org.
two extraordinary Boston women. Today, MassYou can also read
