Finding Connection and Community in Nature: Inside the Heart of SSYMCA Nature Adventures Camp on Massachusetts’ South Shore

Summer along Massachusetts’ South Shore is an eagerly anticipated time by many families. With nearly a dozen charming coastal towns, more than 30 sandy beaches, and thousands of acres of parks, forests, and green spaces, the region offers endless outdoor adventure all season long.

The South Shore YMCA’s Nature Adventures Camp (Nature Camp) in Norwell is one of the camps helping families make the most of summer as they balance busy schedules with meaningful outdoor experiences. We spoke with Rachel Bond, Camp Director and former camper and counselor, to learn how her program helps kids reconnect with nature, build confidence, and experience a true childhood summer.

MomBrains: For those unfamiliar, how do you describe Nature Adventures Camp?

Rachel: There is so much to share. Our mission is to help kids reconnect with nature. I say reconnect intentionally, because as human beings, we’re all part of nature. It’s a reciprocal relationship. The more kids can connect with the outdoors, the better.

We’re located on over 30 wooded acres. We’re home to so many different environments, from trails and gardens to vernal pools and an Creature Corner EcoZone museum. We’re also right across from Jacobs Pond, which gives us access to activities like canoeing and casual field exploration.

When I think about our camp, I think about the kids being outside. They’re learning. They’re a little sweaty. They’re a little dirty. And above all, they’re very happy.

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MomBrains: That’s exactly how kids should be at summer camp! Your mission to help them reconnect with nature really resonates, especially today when kids spend so much time indoors. What ages do you serve?

Rachel: People are surprised to hear we serve campers from ages 3 to 15! Our 3-5-year-olds are half-day. Our 5-15-year-olds are full-day. As they get older, they take on different roles at camp. The 12-15 age group is really special. They’re our leaders-in-training who are learning to become counselors.

MomBrains: That wide age range and full-day hours are helpful for many families!

Rachel: Yes! It’s ideal for families with multiples who want to keep their kids in the same place. We also offer a rolling drop-off and pick-up so parents don’t feel rushed throughout the process. We try to be as flexible and supportive in everything we do.

MomBrains: Those efforts go a long way. What does that typical day look like?

Rachel: Our counselors design the curriculum, which is really special because many are aspiring educators. They bring creativity and heart to activities like hiking, crafts, games, storytelling, and songs, and balance free play and exploration. Each week has a unique nature-inspired theme:

Days start with free play, followed by a morning meeting to review plans and set expectations. From there, we move into themed activities, including weekly special visitors to bring an engaging aspect to learning. For example, during “Things With Wings,” we’re bringing in Eyes on Owls for campers to see up live owls up close. During Shark Week, we host a life-size inflatable whale exhibit.

I mentioned Jacobs Pond earlier. Groups also spend time there, scooping, observing, and learning. Older campers can canoe if they want. Everything is always by choice and never forced.

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MomBrains: You’ve experienced the camp as a camper, counselor, assistant director, and now director. What keeps you here year after year?

Rachel: Community. After being a camper for so long, becoming a counselor felt like a natural next step. At the time, though, I had no idea I wanted to work with kids. But when I saw and felt how powerful nature can be in helping kids build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging, I knew this was the place for me.

Experiencing the camp from every lens helps me think about and account for everyone involved, from the kids to their families and our staff.

MomBrains: What’s something that’s changed over the years?

Rachel: Well, we’ve grown! We had around 130 campers in 2024, about 170 last summer, and we’re hoping to welcome 230–250 this summer. 

As we’ve grown, the heart of it all has stayed the same: our strong sense of community and connection in nature.

MomBrains: Is there a moment that really captures why this camp matters?

Rachel: So many, but one stands out. During my first summer as director, a mom reached out before camp started. Her daughter had a lot of anxiety, and she wasn’t sure camp would work. So we worked together to make a plan to support her. 

As expected, she arrived super nervous on the first day. But by pickup, she didn’t want to leave. She told her mom it was the best day ever. Everyone was kind, she made friends, and she felt safe.

She’d originally signed up for one week. She ended up registering for more weeks that summer. And she’s come back for multiple weeks every year since. Her mom once wrote me the most beautiful email about how camp helped her daughter “get her sparkle back.” I tear up every time I see it.

MomBrains: That sense of belonging is huge for kids, especially after the past few years. What else tells you kids are truly having a great summer?

Rachel: Seeing them come back year after year. Watching that visible ease when they arrive — like they’re returning somewhere familiar.

MomBrains: Parents sometimes worry about outdoor camps because of things like ticks, heat, or general safety. How do you handle that?

Rachel: Those are totally understandable concerns. Safety is always our top priority. We do regular tick checks, encourage appropriate clothing, and educate campers in an age-appropriate way about being aware of their bodies and surroundings. 

With heat, hydration and shade are key. We build in lots of water breaks, adjust activities based on the weather, and make sure campers have access to cool-down spaces. 

Just as important is our staff preparation. Experiencing the camp from every lens helps me think about and account for everyone involved. We invest a lot of time in training before camp starts, covering outdoor safety practices, child development awareness, communication skills, and how to create an emotionally safe environment where kids feel seen and supported. Because when kids feel physically safe and emotionally secure, that’s when the real growth, confidence, and joy happen.

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MomBrains: If parents remember just a few words about your camp, what would you want them to be?

Rachel: That their child was safe, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That they felt seen and valued, not just another camper. And that they, as families, feel part of it too. We see this as a true partnership, and we want you to feel seen and valued, too. The more we communicate with parents, the better we can support each camper as an individual.

MomBrains: That says it all. Is there anything else you want to share about Nature Camp before we close?

Rachel: We never want cost to be a prohibitive factor in a family’s decision to send their kid to Nature Camp. As part of the South Shore YMCA, we are a leading nonprofit organization on the South Shore, and through the support of our annual donors, we are able to offer financial aid and camp scholarships to ensure that every child has the chance to thrive at camp. We also offer payment plans and, in some cases, additional community vouchers or school partnerships.

MomBrains: Great to mention. Thank you so much for sharing Nature Adventures Camp with us.

Rachel: Thank you. I could talk about it forever. We really love what we do, and we can’t wait to welcome campers for another joyful summer outdoors. The countdown is on. Only 3 more months to go. More details on our camp and links for registration can be found at https://ssymcanaturecenter.org/summer-camp/.

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‍Interested in learning more about Nature Camp and about other SSYMCA camps along the South Shore? Check out deep dives into the incredible camp offerings along Massachusetts’ South Shore, including Camp Invention’ STEAM-focused curriculum and SELA’s Spanish language immersion. With MomBrains’ Camp Finder, you can explore a wide variety of options and find the best fit for your family.