Summer Camp

About Nature Adventures Camp

The South Shore YMCA Nature Center’s Nature Adventures  Camp offers exciting opportunities for children ages 3-15 to learn about the natural world.

Campers will…

•  Develop awareness, appreciation, and concern for our environment and the creatures in it.
•  Explore the habits and habitats of animals living in our woods, ponds, meadows, and along the shore.
•  Have fun, use their imaginations, and just be kids in a low-stress, outdoor environment.
•  Learn about natural science through stories, hikes, games, crafts, and a host of other fun-filled activities.
•  Renew old friendships and make new pals.

Location & Grounds

South Shore YMCA Nature Adventures Camp is located at the South Shore YMCA Nature Center, 48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell, MA 02061. Minutes from route 3 (exit 32, former exit 13), across from Jacobs Pond, we are nested on 30 acres of wooded, conservation land including 6 marked trails, a Children’s Garden, Ecozone Museum, live animals, vernal pools, and more to be explored!

Our Camp

At camp, safety is our number one priority. All of our camps comply with YMCA Day Camp and Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations. In addition, we are licensed by the Norwell Board of Health.

Our camp is an outdoor recreational camp. We make use of tents, pavilions and indoor spaces as needed during inclement weather. In all but the most severe weather, children will be outside.  Children should be dressed for the conditions.

Our Philosophy

Our goal is to make the most of our opportunity to have a positive influence on the lives of children. Everything we do here at camp — every activity we lead, every decision we make, every policy we apply — is guided by the firm belief that we are responsible for the children we lead. We are responsible for showing them how to be honest, caring, respectful, and responsible members of the community.

Our Staff

We take great pride in our dedicated camp staff of teaching professionals and local college and high school students who go through comprehensive camp counselor training.  All of our camp counselors are energetic, respectful, professional, outgoing, team-oriented staff that keep safety, inclusivity, and outdoor education top priorities always.  YMCA day camp is run by a full-time, year-round YMCA director with extensive camp experience. Each year we welcome back many returning counselors. All counselors and camp staff have been interviewed and have references, CORI, and SORI background checks completed. The counselor-to-camper ratio is 1:5 for campers under ages 6 and under, 1:10 for campers 7 and older.