Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center
Nature Nook

At Camp BNC, the Nature Nook has been a major source of joy for many campers. This shaded outdoor corner has become a magical place where many children spend their recess during the camp day. Many campers express that it is one of the most exciting places that they return to each year.

Campers of all age groups are allowed free play in the Nature Nook. Throughout the camp years, a culture has been fostered; one of connection through creation. During this time, many campers like to build stick structures where they hold shops and make goods. Though money is not allowed at camp, they created Uppy Town in a sheltered area within the Nook and trade natural materials such as sumac and acorns in their negotiations with each other.

Simultaneously, younger children play in the sand designated area and use the kitchen to prepare special made pies with ingredients of sand, pebbles, berries, and sticks.

BNC’s Nature Nook is never-ending form of unstructured (and supervised) play tapping into children’s creativity and social-emotional skills as well as developing life-skills like problem-solving, cooperation, and resilience.

Learn more about this classroom on their certification page!