2024 Registration
Registration is OPEN! Register now here.
The 2024 camp season will start on Monday, June 24th and end on Friday, August 16th.
For children under four years old, see our free Babes in the Woods and Hike ‘n’ Seek programs.
Learn more about the 2024 camp season below:
Fun and nature exploration abound at Fells Forest Camp
Fells Forest Camp’s flagship program engages children ages 4-12 in self-guided explorations of the forest, helping to develop their curiosity, critical thinking, and sense of connection with nature. Dedicated camp staff provide positive and enriching learning opportunities for children through unstructured time-in-nature, opportunistic nature interpretation, and by encouraging self-directed learning and exploration.
Our flagship camp program activities are guided by the kids’ interests rather than a schedule set in stone. Staff use teachable moments to build a deeper understanding of the forest and what the campers are experiencing. Check out this blog post for a 2023 summer camp recap!
For families looking for a more structured experience, Fells Forest Camp offers additional programming in art and science. Learn more about them below:
Art in Nature (ages 6-8, 9-12)
The Art in Nature program focuses on connecting children to nature through hands-on art projects. Kids learn to experience the forest thoughtfully through their observations and work on projects that encourage them to think about the natural world more deeply and from multiple perspectives.
The Forest Up Close (ages 8-10)
The Forest Up Close program engages children in how to think and talk like scientists and to explore details of the forest with a discerning eye. Kids learn about decomposing logs, water systems, and lichen, and have opportunities to practice nature journaling.
Science and Discovery (ages 7-9)
The Science and Discovery program provides a robust, hands-on curriculum, exploring ecosystems, habitats, forest layers, and insects and bugs living in the Middlesex Fells Reservation. This two-week session provides an opportunity for deeper investigation of ecological concepts while allowing for exploration, self-directed play, and connection with nature guided by experienced counselors.
Before you register
Fells Forest Camp requires an updated certificate of immunization and health record in order for your child to participate in camp. More details will be provided when registration opens.
Please also indicate any ongoing health issues in the fields provided on our online registration form and contact us if you have any specific concerns you would like to discuss in detail so we can best serve your child’s needs.
Special Requests
We strongly discourage parents from requesting exceptions to our age range cutoffs, session schedules, or other policies. However, our camp management team will consider special requests on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us before registration to discuss your requests. Requests for children to be paired in the same session as a friend/sibling must come from both parents/guardians, and are subject to available session space, logistical and programmatic considerations, and certain age restrictions. All scheduling requests must be made in writing to ensure consideration. We are unable to provide extended childcare before or after camp hours.
Policy Requests
At any time, parents may contact us to request copies of of our background check, health care, and discipline/behavior policies as well as procedures for filing grievances.
Session details and registration
The Friends of the Fells offers camp sessions in the following age groups:
489 Winthrop St., Medford
— AM Session (8:45 AM – 12:00 PM)
— PM Session (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Under the supportive and nurturing care of our counselors, our youngest campers enjoy exploring nature through hands on activities, games, and self discovery. An emphasis on cooperating with peers and treating the forest with kindness instills a natural connection to the forest and builds a foundation of positive experiences in nature for your child. Forest Kindergarten counselors have previous experience working with this age group and have demonstrated skill in this area.
NOTE: Forest Kindergarten is only available in half-day sessions. We want your child’s first experience in nature to be a positive one, and a long day in the elements without opportunities for naps and indoor activities can be challenging for many young children.
Medford High School
489 Winthrop St., Medford
— AM Session (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
— PM Session (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
— All-Day (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
With the help of nurturing counselors, Forest Explorers discover the unique habitats, trees, animals, rocks, and other natural features of the Fells via self directed learning and play. Children are encouraged to think critically and problem-solve as they participate in nature activities and work with their peers to make collaborative decisions.
Medford High School
489 Winthrop St., Medford
— All-Day (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
Our oldest cohort of campers, Forest Adventurers, explore the forest with hikes that emphasize self-sufficiency, healthy risk assessment, and offer plenty of outdoor games, activities, and exploration. Collaboration skills are explored, and conservation ethics and natural stewardship concepts are introduced.
Medford High School
489 Winthrop St., Medford
— All-Day (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
— Ages 7 to 9: July 8 – July 19
Our Science and Discovery Camp provides a robust, hands-on curriculum, exploring ecosystems, habitats, forest layers, and insects and bugs living in the Middlesex Fells Reservation. This two-week session provides an opportunity for deeper investigation of ecological concepts while allowing for exploration, self-directed play, and connection with nature guided by experienced counselors.
Medford High School
489 Winthrop St., Medford
— One week, all-day (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
— Ages 8 to 10: August 12 – August 16
The Forest Up Close program engages children in how to think and talk like scientists and to explore details of the forest with a discerning eye. Kids learn about decomposing logs, water systems, and lichen, and have opportunities to practice nature journaling.
Medford High School
489 Winthrop St., Medford
— One week, half day morning program (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
— Ages 6 to 8: July 22 – July 26
— Ages 9 to 12: July 29 – August 2
The Art in Nature program focuses on connecting children to nature through hands-on art projects. Kids learn to experience the forest thoughtfully through their observations and work on projects that encourage them to think about the natural world more deeply and from multiple perspectives.
2024 Rates
| Half-Day (AM or PM) | $210 |
| Full-Day (9 AM to 4 PM) | $475 |
| Half-Day (Week 2; 3 camp days) | $126 |
| Full-Day (Week 2; 3 camp days) | $285 |
| Science and Discovery (Ages 7 to 9; 2 weeks long; 9 AM to 4 PM) | $950 |
| Art in Nature (Ages 6 to 8 and Ages 9 to 12; 1 week long each; 9 AM to 12 PM) | $250 |
| Forest Up Close (1 week long; 9 AM to 4 PM) | $475 |
Questions? Contact us at forestcamp@fells.org.
About the Scholarship Program
Fells Forest Camp provides children an opportunity to learn, grow, and be successful in ways that complement their time in school. At our camp, kids are encouraged to connect with nature, discover hidden talents, assess risk, and develop lifelong social skills.
Friends of the Fells feels strongly that every child deserves the opportunity to experience Fells Forest Camp and reap the benefits it provides. That’s why we established a Fells Camp Scholarship Fund to provide families with tuition assistance.
The Fund is supported through donations, and awards are determined based on household size and income level. Funds are limited each year, therefore we cannot guarantee that every family who applies for funding will receive an award. At the time of registration, you will have the option to apply for a scholarship. Financial documentation will not be required at that time, but all documentation must be submitted between February 10th and March 11th. If required financial documentation is not received by March 11th, review of your application will be delayed and may impact your receiving an award. Awards will be determined by April 15th.
Camp sessions typically fill up very quickly, so we urge you to register your camper(s) and apply for aid as soon as possible.
To serve as many children as possible, scholarships are limited to one session per camper.
If additional scholarship funds are available, we will notify you so you can apply for additional aid to attend a second session.
Interested in supporting the fund? Donate here!
Documentation required to apply:
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- A completed Scholarship Application (only one application needs to be completed per family, regardless of how many campers apply for aid).
- Your most recent tax return, listing the camper(s) as a dependent and your household’s annual income.
We are prepared for a safe and rewarding camp experience
The health and welfare of our campers and staff are our highest priority. We built on our experience throughout the pandemic in preparations for camp in 2023 and successfully navigated COVID and remained a healthy camp community throughout the camp season. Camp continues to comply with all guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. We will continue to provide any updated COVID-related policies and procedures if and when they arise.
Fells Forest Camp Community Values
We behave in ways that are respectful and safe for all campers and staff. Behaving in ways that are disrespectful or that could potentially harm (physically or emotionally) a camper or staff member, is unacceptable in the Fells Forest Camp community.
We share and take turns so every camper can participate in an activity and have the opportunity to explore any of the natural treasures that may be found in the Fells.
We communicate, collaborate, and share our ideas. This includes all of our opinions and ideas as we plan activities and spend time together as a group. Exclusionary behavior is not encouraged at camp.
We respect all wildlife. Finding animals in the Fells is so exciting! When we see any kind of animal, whether a mammal, insect, or reptile, we can look at it with our eyes to admire and learn from, but we will keep it on the ground (hands off) so we don’t cause it stress or harm.
We keep flowers in the ground. We can smell them and examine them, but we must leave them for the pollinators to find, so please, no picking!
We share our outdoor spaces. The Fells is “The People’s Forest,” and our camp activities share space with hikers, bikers, explorers, and other youth groups. We are considerate of other Fells visitors and allow them to enjoy the Fells alongside us!
Refund and Cancellation Policy
Fells Forest Camp’s cancellation and refund policy is as follows:
Friends of the Fells requires a non-refundable deposit at the time of registration:
- Half Day programs: $50.00 non-refundable deposit
- Full Day programs: $100.00 non-refundable deposit
- Science and Discovery Camp: $200.00 non-refundable deposit
-If a registration is cancelled by March 31st, camp will refund the full registration, excluding the non-refundable deposit.
-If a registration is cancelled between April 1st and May 31st Friends of the Fells will refund 50% of the registration, excluding the non-refundable deposit.
-If a registration is cancelled after May 31st, no refund will be offered.
The Middlesex Fells is managed by the Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Our forest camp programming is conducted under their purview, and therefore any aspect of our camp activities in the Fells may be altered at their request. We will issue a full refund if a camp session must be cancelled due to a state order and we are unable to reschedule.
Work at Camp!
Gain valuable leadership skills and enjoy an exciting summer outside helping kids experience an enriched outdoor experience. We have a few different positions available. Please look at our Job Opportunities page to learn more and reach out at forestcamp@fells.org if you have any questions.