2016 Camp Brochure

Summer 2016
Explore the nature of Martha’s Vineyard at our 350-acre wildlife sanctuary, where
you’ll find forest, field, marsh, pond, and seashore habitats!
Fern and Feather Day Camp is designed to promote a child’s lasting curiosity and
care for the natural world. Our goal is to instill awareness of and appreciation for
the world around us, teach responsibility for the environment, and nurture an
understanding and love of nature. Our camp incorporates outdoor games, nature
activities, hikes, stories, crafts, songs, and more for a one-of-a-kind summer
experience!
Early registration is encouraged to secure your preferred dates.
Visit massaudubon.org/felixneckcamp to register online or call
Camp staff are chosen for their enthusiasm, experience, knowledge, and ability to
work with children outdoors. Staff are First Aid, CPR, and/or Lifeguard certified and
attend pre-camp training in safety, child development, and natural history.
My daughter feels like Felix Neck is her second
home, and she has gained a deep appreciation
for the outdoors. We’ll be back!
ages 4–10
9 am–2:30 pm
Fee: $66/day members;
$83/day nonmembers
New to camp? Kick off the
summer with Camp for a Day.
Explore the nature of Martha's Vineyard on our 350
-acre wildlife sanctuary in the forest, field, marsh,
pond, and seashore habitats. Our programs
encourage campers to actively investigate and
observe their surroundings, make their own
discoveries, appreciate nature, and most of all have
fun! Our camps incorporate outdoor games, nature
activities, hikes, stories, crafts, and more!
Ages Groups
 4-year-olds
 5- and 6-year-olds
 7- and 8-year olds
 9- and 10-year-olds
Wild Things: Wednesday, June 22
What animals call Martha’s Vineyard home? Whether they’re furry, fuzzy, scaly, or
slimy we love them all.
Take to the Sky: Thursday, June 23
Is it a bird, a bug, or both? Wouldn’t it be amazing to be able to fly? Learn about the
incredible creatures that can and why they are unique.
Adapt!: Friday, June 24
Not just anyone can live on an island! Learn about the special ways plants and animals
are able to survive on Martha’s Vineyard.
ages 4–5
Monday–Friday, 9 am–noon (with 8:30 am early drop-off option)
Fee: $243 members; $318 nonmembers
Counselor-to-camper ratio: 1 to 6
This half-day program encourages a
young child’s curiosity, increases sensory
awareness, and provides an introduction
to nature. Exciting adventures may include
catching bugs, touching a turtle, making
animal crafts, and much more! Fee
includes a camp T-shirt, a Mass Audubon
camp patch, and a group photo.
Backwoods Explorers: June 27–July 1, August 15–19
Make a pair of binoculars, grab a map and compass, and hit the trails to explore Felix
Neck! We’ll discover wildlife and their survival techniques.
Feathered Fun: July 4–8, August 29–September 2
What makes a bird a bird and how does it fly? We’ll investigate our feathered friends
through stories, crafts, and outdoor exploration
Nature Sense: July 11–15
Stop, look, listen, feel, and taste! Let’s use all of our senses to find out which flowers
smell best, what textures different trees have, which of nature’s edilble treats are the
sweetest, and more.
Furry Friends: July 18–22, August 22–26
We’ll have a great time discovering the different mammals that live on
the island,. While we’re at it, we’ll focus on the difference between
mammals and other animals.
Animal Orchestra: July 25–29
With summer in full bloom, all of the critters are out. Come see what the chirping,
buzzing, and splashing is all about as we discover the music of nature!
Creepy Crawlies: August 1–5
Bugs, slugs, snakes, salamanders—if it’s slippery or wriggly, we’ll find it! Explore the
field, the woods, and the dirt in search of the island’s creepiest critters.
Animal Instincts: August 8–12
Think like a rabbit and act like a deer. Nature-themed games and activities will help us
understand animal behavior. Discover how different animals see, smell, hunt, hide, and
travel.
entering Grades K–1
Monday–Friday, 9 am–2:30 pm (with 8:30 am early drop-off option)
Fee: $340 members; $415 nonmembers
Counselor-to-camper ratio: 1 to 6
The Pathfinders program balances play, art, sensory exploration, and hands-on
activities as campers discover nature. Activities include hiking, playing nature-themed
games, making crafts, exploring with nets, and storytelling. Fee includes a camp
T-shirt, a Mass Audubon camp patch, and a group photo.
Baby Animals: June 27–July 1
Explore a variety of baby animals, from
chicks to fawns to polliwogs. Learn why
some baby animals need to be nurtured
for months, while others are ready to
run, jump, or fly right away. Also discover
how they survive in the wild.
Wet and Wild: July 4–8,
August 22–26
Discover the ins and outs of Felix Neck’s
water habitats. While splashing around in
our freshwater and saltwater ponds, we’ll
take a look at the plants and animals, that
call them home. On Monday, July 4, camp
will end at 12 pm. Campers may ride on the
Felix Neck float in the Edgartown fourth of
July Parade. Please meet us at the Edgartown
School at 4:30 pm for the parade.
All Creatures Great and Small:
July 11–15, August 29–September 2
We will spend all week looking for as
many of Martha’s Vineyard’s creatures as
we can find. No matter the size, shape, or
species, all of these critters are an
important part of our island’s ecosystems.
entering Grades K–1
Dig It!: July 18–22
Discover the world beneath your feet! Slippery salamanders, many-legged millipedes,
spitting clams, and camouflaged crabs are some of the fascinating wildlife we might
find during our daily explorations.
Aqua Critters: July 25–29
Cool and wet! Learn what it’s like for
critters of all kinds to live in the water.
Frogs, crabs, snails, fish, and whales are
all
waiting to be found.
Mighty Mammals: August 1–5
An otter swims, so why is it a mammal
and not a fish? Discover the difference
between mammals and other animals,
such as fish, and find out which mammals
make their home on Martha’s Vineyard.
Things with Wings: August 8–12
Hummingbirds hum, hawks soar, and
dragonflies zip through the summer sky.
Animals that fly are fun and exciting to
investigate. We’ll use binoculars, nets,
and bug boxes to discover what makes
these animals fly so high.
Marine Muckers: August 15–19
Mucky, salty, and wet! We’ll meander along looking for crabs and eels in the marsh,
clams and shorebirds in the flats, and schooling fish in the water. Get wet and muddy
Making friends, friendly counselors, learning about
nature, getting messy, feeling comfortable, and new
experiences were my child’s favorite things
entering Grades 2–3
Monday–Friday, 9 am–2:30 pm (with 8:30 am early drop-off option)
Fee: $340 members; $415 nonmembers
Counselor-to-camper ratio: 1 to 8
Explore the sanctuary’s wildlife and habitats. Each session investigates different
plants and animals in an interactive way. Fee includes a camp T-shirt, a
Mass Audubon camp patch, and a group photo.
I love the nurturing,
the individualized
teaching, the
relaxed atmosphere,
and the great
communication with
parents.
Day and Night: June 27–July 1
What happens at Felix Neck when the sun goes
down? Bats, owls, muskrats, and other creatures of
the night reign while daytime animals (and campers)
sleep. Learn how these animals use the dark of
night to their advantage.
Predators!: July 4–8
Osprey! Black racers! Giant water bugs! Discover
the cunning strategies these predators use and find
out how we fit into this predator/prey relationship.
We’ll take a closer look at animal skulls to
determine the different characteristics of
herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. On Monday,
July 4, camp will end at 12 pm. Campers may ride on
the Felix Neck float in the Edgartown fourth of July
Parade. Please meet us at the Edgartown School at 4:30
pm for the parade.
Earth and Sky: July 11–15
Watch clouds, hunt for earthworms, and roam
about the field and forest as we explore high, low,
and everything in between. Learn about the many
wonders of nature on our big, beautiful planet.
Ocean in Motion: July 18–22
Why does the tide roll in and out, and what’s all the
commotion in the ocean? Discover what makes the
waters around the island move and which animals
and plants live beneath the waves.
entering Grades 2–3
Fabulous Flyers: July 25–29
Why do birds flock together? How do they fly? And why do they sing? Campers will
identify and explore adaptations of the many fabulous
flyers at Felix Neck.
Spineless Wonders: August 1–5
Investigate the secret world of invertebrates living at the sanctuary. Search for bugs,
slugs, and spiders while learning how they eat, move, hide, and find mates.
Bright and Beautiful: August 8–12
Search for the brightest flower, find the most colorful bird, and examine animals with
bold patterns. Discover the importance of color in nature through games, art, and
exploration.
Survival of the Fittest: August 15–19
Stealthy flight, tough armor, or wily ways? Which would you choose to stay alive in
the wild? Campers discover special adaptations that allow plants and animals to
survive, and then test their own survival skills through games, shelter building, and
more!
“The camp and staff are phenomenal. I never worry
about the well-being of my kids while they are there.”
entering Grades 4–5
Monday–Thursday, 9 am–2:30 pm (with 8:30 am early drop-off option)
Thursday overnight with 9 am Friday pick-up; no camp Friday
Fee: $353 members; $428 nonmembers
Counselor-to-camper ratio: 1 to 8
Take a deeper look at the natural world through exploration that includes hiking,
nature experiments, games, and more. Program includes snorkeling and an overnight
campout at the sanctuary. Fee includes a camp T-shirt, a Mass Audubon camp patch,
and a group photo.
Micro to Macro: July 18–22
Nature’s food chain depends on creatures
of all sizes and shapes—from microscopic
plankton to massive whales. Investigate how
these worlds interact.
Habitat Quest: July 25–29
Explore the habitats of the sanctuary and
Martha’s Vineyard in a new way. Learn
about wildlife that call the island home and
the important role they play in our
ecosystem.
Survival Challenge: August 1–5
Investigate unique adaptations that have
helped the animals and plants of Felix Neck
survive in diverse habitats. Test your own
survival skills through games, shelter building, and more!
Earth Stewards: August 8–12
Do you like the outdoors and care about wildlife? Learn to be a steward of the earth:
Hike trails without leaving a trace, sample wild edibles, recycle while creating art, and
help with invasive species removal.
entering Grades 6–8
Monday–Thursday, 9 am–2:30 pm (with 8:30 am early drop-off option)
Thursday overnight with 9 am Friday pick-up; no camp Friday
Fee: $377 members; $452 nonmembers
Counselor-to-camper ratio: 1 to 8
Campers participate in inquiry-based projects that introduce the
methods and techniques scientists use to study and interpret
nature. Programs include citizen science research, snorkeling,
kayaking, and an overnight campout at the sanctuary. Fee includes a camp
Budding Marine Biologists:
July 18–22
Explore the exciting field of marine
biology and meet scientists, sea turtle
rescuers, and others who make their
living studying life in the sea. Survey
coastal waterbirds on Sengekontacket
Pond, such as American oystercatchers,
piping plovers, and terns.
Living with Wildlife: July 25–29
Humans and wildlife have been living side
by side for some time, but never as close
together as now. Get to know some of
the common, but often misunderstood,
animals including bees, jellyfish, snapping
turtles, snakes, and bats.
Conservation Trailblazers:
August 1–5
Explore the diverse array of habitats that
are protected at the sanctuary. Learn the
importance of conservation for both
wildlife and people, and start blazing a
new trail to becoming a conservationminded citizen.
Into the Wild: August 8–12
Humans and wildlife have survived on the
land and water at Felix Neck for hundreds of years. You, too, can learn basic
survival skills and techniques, including
building a primitive shelter, identifying
wild edibles, and more!
ages 14–16
Monday–Friday, 8 am–4 pm
Fee: $140 members; $210 nonmembers
Application required
Our Leaders-in-Training program presents young adults with an
opportunity to develop an environmental ethic that will last a
lifetime. LITs assist counselors in planning and teaching lessons
during weeklong camp sessions and can participate for multiple weeks.
Download the LIT application at: massaudubon.org/felixneckcamp.
ages 16+)
Love nature and working with kids? Too old for camp, but still want to spend
your summer at Felix Neck? We’re looking for you!
Environmental Educators/Counselors (18+)
Junior Counselors (16+)
We hire enthusiastic people who want to
enrich the lives of children through handson nature activities, games, and crafts.
Instructors supervise campers’ health
and safety, promote positive youth
development, teach nature-based activities,
and communicate with parents and staff.
Current CPR/First Aid certifications are
required for all positions; lifeguard
certification is a plus.
Continue hiring fantastic staff; my daughter loved
her counselors! The enthusiasm exhibited and the
connections they established with the kids made
all the difference.
To Register for Camp
• Visit massaudubon.org/felixneckcamp
• Call 508-627-4850
PO Box 494, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
100 Felix Neck Drive, Edgartown, MA
02539
Registration Confirmation A
confirmation letter/e-mail containing
important documents and information will
be sent once your camper’s registration has
been processed.
Important Deadlines All camp forms and
waivers are due by May 15. If you are
registering after May 15, payment in full is
required and a specific camp form deadline
will be set for you. A camper cannot attend
camp until all forms, waivers, and payments
are completed (or a payment plan has been
established).
Camper Requirements Due to the
outdoor and exploratory nature of our
camp program, campers must be able to
move about on uneven terrain. Campers are
Payment Payment in full is required upon
registration (unless a payment plan has been expected to meaningfully participate in ageappropriate activities, including nature study.
established with the Camp Registrar).
All campers must follow stated behavior
Payment cannot be transferred to another
expectations and safety rules. The Camp
camper, family, or camp location.
Director reserves the right to dismiss a
Mass Audubon Member Discount Mass camper when, in his/her judgment, the
Audubon members at the Family level or
camper’s behavior interferes with the rights
above receive a discounted rate. To qualify, of others or the smooth functioning of the
your membership must be current through group or activity, or violates the camp’s
your camper’s last session, and you must be behavior policy. In such cases no refunds will
the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of be provided.
the camper being enrolled. Membership can
Camp License Our camp complies with
be purchased or renewed at the time of
the regulations of the Massachusetts
registration.
Department of Public Health (105 CMR
Vineyard Resident Discount Qualified
430) and is licensed by the Edgartown Board
Vineyard residents will receive a $20
of Health.
discount per half-day weekly session and a
ACA Accreditation We are proud to be
$30 discount per full-day weekly session.
accredited by the American Camp
Financial Aid Financial assistance is
Association. Developed exclusively for the
available for year-round Island families based camp industry, this nationally recognized
on demonstrated economic need and
program focuses on program quality, and
available funds, upon registration.
health and safety, management, and camp
Applications are accepted on a first come/
operations.
first serve basis. Please contact the Camp
Camp Policy Requests You may request
Director to request an application.
copies of our background check, healthcare,
Payment Plans Payment plan options are discipline, bullying, and grievance policies at
available. Please contact the Camp Registrar any time.
for more information.
Camp Contact Information If you have
Refund Policy A full refund, minus a $75
any questions or concerns regarding camp
nonrefundable deposit, is provided to camp
or your child’s attendance at camp, please
families who cancel in writing on or before
contact Josey Kirkland at 508-627-4850
May 15. After May 15, no refund is available. or jkirkland@massaudubon.org.
Refunds are not given for participant
dismissal, failure to attend, absence, or sick
days. If we cancel a session, you will receive
a full refund.
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 is
now one of the largest and most prominent
conservation organizations 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 800AUDUBON (800-283-8266) or visit
massaudubon.org.
Directions: Felix Neck is located
off the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven
Road approximately two miles
from the Edgartown triangle
intersection of Beach Road in
Edgartown and four miles from
State Road in Vineyard Haven.
Look for our blue and white sign
with the Mass Audubon logo.
Follow the wooded drive 3/4 of a
mile to the parking lot.
Fern and Feather Natural History Day Camp
P.O. Box 494
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
508-627-4850
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary