Wildwood: A Mass Audubon Camp for Outdoor Exploration

Wildwood is a multidimensional summer program for young people ages 9 to 17 focusing on active exploration of the natural world. Owned and operated by Mass Audubon, Wildwood is a place where friendships are formed and respect for the environment is forged. Campers arrive curious about nature and leave committed to the preservation of our natural resources. Visit www. massaudubon. org/wildwood for more information. Wildwood is a place where kids, teens, and families are able to disconnect from their busy lives and reconnect with nature. From our residential camp to Family Camp, and from our Leaders-In-Training program to the Teen Adventure Trips, Wildwood offers summer fun in a simple, rustic setting that fosters environmental awareness while building leadership skills and forging long-lasting friendships. Residential campers, ages 9-14, are encouraged to make suggestions and decisions about what activities they undertake. Each week, campers choose an "Interest Group" and spend the week exploring one topic in depth. Campers also choose daily "Discovery Groups" which focus on activities such as nature games, kayaking, or dragonfly discovery. Within these groups, boys and girls learn to cooperate and collaborate to successfully accomplish challenging activities. At the same time, they learn about environmental issues and how they can make a difference. For example, they study water quality, participate in recycling programs, and explore ways to protect wildlife habitats. With more than two-dozen different activities from which to choose, there is something for everyone at Wildwood. LIT participants, entering grades 10-12, put their environmental knowledge to use to develop leadership skills within an environmental context. During the session, LIT participants have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the Wildwood program, which may include facilitating a short environmental education activity and helping senior counselors care for younger campers. The program culminates with an environmental service project at Wildwood or in the surrounding community. And adventurous teens are encouraged to join one of our Teen Adventure Trips, designed to immerse teens ages 14 to 17 in the natural wonders of some of New England’s most beautiful areas, including the White Mountains, Cape Cod, and Acadia National Park. With a focus on learning about the environment, teens gain valuable experience and skills in rock-climbing, sea kayaking, hiking, low-impact camping, backpacking, biking and canoeing. Each trip group also completes a brief service project, allowing teens to leave a positive mark on one of the special places they visit. Finally, our Family Camp programs provide a chance for parents and kids to reconnect with each other in a natural setting. Find out more about our programs or how to register at www. massaudubon. org/ wildwood.