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Looking for a summer camp near Berlin, CT. Register for 2026 Nature Summer Camps with science education, outdoor activities, and wildlife adventures for kids. Summer Camp Summer 2026 Dates & Rates Week Dates Theme Week 1 June 22 - 26 Farm Fun Week 2 June 29 - July 3 Forest Frenzy Week 3 July 6 - 10 Eco Engineers Week 4 July 13 - 17 Amazing Adaptations Week 5 July 20 - 24 Invert Investigations Week 6 July 27 - 31 Earth Explorers Week 7 August 3 - 7 Around the World Week 8 August 10 - 14 Wild About Water Pricing per week: Members Half-Day: $160 Full-Day: $275 Non-Members Half-Day: $180 Full-Day: $300 REGISTER HERE Save on Camp: Become a Member Questions? Contact Us The Summer Discovery program at Hungerford Nature Center provides children ages 5-12 with a unique, nature-based day camp experience. Each week, campers engage in a wide range of outdoor activities that promote environmental education, exploration, and hands-on learning. Every week is structured around a theme that inspires the activities and lessons, such as animal behavior, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship. Through guided nature hikes, citizen science projects, and outdoor games, campers develop a deeper connection to the natural world and a sense of responsibility for protecting the environment. Program Overview At Hungerford Nature Center, our mission is to inspire a lifelong connection to the natural world through hands-on learning experiences. We provide children with the opportunity to explore, discover, and appreciate nature, fostering environmental stewardship and responsibility. We believe that fostering a meaningful connection to nature is not only essential for childhood development, but also for the future of our planet. Our philosophy emphasizes creating an environment where campers feel inspired, curious, and empowered to engage with the natural world. Mission & Philosophy Health Assessment Form Frequently Asked Questions What are the camp hours? Our full day sessions operate from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a half-day option from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. How is attendance managed? Attendance is taken daily at drop-off, and parents will be contacted by 9:45 am if their child does not arrive without prior notice. Authorized pick-up individuals must sign out their camper at the end of each day. Campers may not self sign out. What should my child bring to camp? Campers should bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, appropriate clothing for outdoor activities, and any personal items they may need (such as a hat or sunglasses). Campers do not need to bring lunch or snacks, as the camp provides food service for both. Can my child bring their own lunch and snacks? Yes, campers may choose to bring their own lunch and snacks due to being a picky eater or having unique dietary restrictions. If you have specific questions about whether your child’s allergen or dietary restriction warrants bringing their own lunch, please contact the Camp Director. Please note that no discounts to the camp program will be provided for campers who do not participate in the meal service program. What is camp’s policy for allergies? Parents should inform camp of any allergies or special medical needs their child may have. Camp staff are trained to prioritize the safety of all campers under their care, including allergen exposure prevention and response. How are health and safety concerns addressed? The camp maintains strict health and safety policies. This includes health records for each camper, medication administration procedures, and immediate communication with parents in case of illness or injury. What should I do if my child is sick? If your child is feeling unwell, please keep them at home. The camp has an illness policy that requires parents to pick up children who exhibit symptoms such as fever or vomiting. Who will be supervising my child? As a youth camp licensed by the State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, all staff members in direct contact with campers must complete a criminal background check, as well as a be checked in the National Sex Offender Registry. All staff undergo a rigorous pre-camp training, covering topics including child abuse prevention, supervision, and emergency preparedness. We are proud to have a high staff retention rate, with several of our counselors also supporting our school-year education programs. While we may utilize some counselors as young as 16 years old, campers will be supervised at all times by at least one staff member who is over the age of 18. What is camp's refund/cancellation policy? Non-Refundable Deposits: Registration deposits are non-refundable. This deposit secures your child’s spot in the program and is retained regardless of cancellation. Withdrawal Notice: To withdraw a child from the program, parents must provide written notice at least two weeks prior to the start date of the registered session. This can be done via email to the Camp Director. Full Refunds: If a written withdrawal notice is received at least two weeks before the start of the camp session, families will receive a refund of any fees paid, minus the non-refundable deposit. No Refunds After Deadline: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than two weeks before the start of a registered camp session. Session Tuition: Tuition for the session is not prorated for days missed due to absence or withdrawal. Behavioral Dismissal: Campers who are dismissed from the program due to behavior concerns or disciplinary reasons will not be eligible for a refund. Unforeseen Circumstances: In the event of an unforeseen medical event or family emergency causing a child to miss camp, we will work with the family to reach a reasonable solution, which may or may not include a partial or full session refund or balance transfer to another program. Program Changes: In the unlikely event that the camp must cancel a session or make significant changes to the program, families will be notified immediately and offered a full refund or the option to transfer to another session. My daughter has attended a summer camp as well as an animal caretakers program. The instructors and activities are not only fun but educational. We highly recommend them! Nicole D. Join us for an unforgettable experience at Summer Discovery Summer Camp! Our camp offers a range of exciting designed to inspire and engage campers of all ages. For more information, please contact the Camp Office at SummerCamp@nbymhnc.org We look forward to making this summer one to remember!

Navigate the trails at Hungerford in Berlin, CT. Discover local wildlife and habitats. View our trail map, guidelines, and property details before your visit. Nature Trails and Map. Explore Hungerford in Berlin, CT With 22 acres of land, Hungerford Nature Center's trails offer all to come daily and enjoy time in nature. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Our trails our open for everyone to come, enjoy nature, find peace, and have access to the benefits of being outside. Whether your walking alone, with family or friends, with your pets, come experience our trails at Hungerford Nature Center. Rules of the Park Please be considerate of the following guidelines while enjoying our facilities. No littering. All pets must be leashed. Fires are strictly prohibited. All plants and animals are protected. No picking. No vehicles of any kind are allowed on the trail, no bicycles or motorized vehicles. No alcohol allowed. No drugs allowed.

Meet our long-tailed chinchilla in Berlin, CT. Visit Hungerford Animal Center to learn about this unique mammal through interactive programs and exhibits today. Long-Tailed Chinchilla Scientific Name: Chinchilla Lanigera Range: Andes Mountains of South America Habitat: Arid mountains Average Size: Body length including tail - 15 inches Lifespan in the wild: 8-10 years Lifespan in human care: 15-20 years Diet: Folivore, granivore Activity: Nocturnal, crepuscular Conservation Status: Endangered

Support Hungerford Animal Center in Berlin, CT. Your donation funds science education, wildlife care, and school field trips for local families and schools. Support Us Support Wildlife Care and Education in Berlin, CT Proceeds from your donation will help us continue to to strengthen our community by inspiring children and young adults to excel in school and to inspire creativity, innovation and life-long learning in the arts, humanities, and sciences by offering quality educational programs, interactive exhibitions and through our unique museum collections. Make a Donation WHAT YOUR DONATION SUPPORTS LIVE EXHIBITS ANIMAL CARE PROGRAMS & EVENTS OUR EDUCATORS Your generosity goes a long way $25 feeds our guinea pigs for a month $50 provides an educator to lead a guided trail walk for families $100 brings nature programs to children in high-need schools $200 helps us refresh and maintain our exhibits for young children $500 provides veterinary care for our goats, alpacas, and other animals Make a Donation We also accept donations for: Amazon Wish List This Amazon list helps us cover items for animal care. Amazon Donation Chewy Wish List This Chewy list helps us cover items for animal care. Chewy Donation Volunteer Your Time We value our volunteers and are always looking for help! Donate Your Time Donating your unwanted car, truck, motorcycle, RV, or boat is as easy as can bee! Donate today by calling 855-500-7433 or visit us online at careasy.org/nonprofit/new-britain-institute Here’s How It Works: 1. Call 855-500-7433 or Submit the Online Vehicle Donation Form at careasy.org/nonprofit/new-britain-institute . Our Vehicle Donation Support Team will contact you to complete the donation and confirm your pick-up information. 2. We even provide free pick-up and send you the donation tax receipt for your tax-deductible gift. Schedule Your Free Pick-up. In most cases, your vehicle pick-up can be scheduled within three business days once the donation record has been completed.  Our vehicle donation program has also requested that drivers practice safe and secure interactions with donors, including minimizing contact. 3. Receive a Donation Receipt: Vehicle donations are tax-deductible! An initial donation receipt is provided at the time of the pick-up. If the vehicle sells for $500 or less, donors are also mailed a thank-you letter within 30 days of the sale of the vehicle, which serves as a tax receipt. If the vehicle sells for more than $500 and the donor has provided their tax identification number, an IRS Form 1098-C will be mailed to the donor within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds (the maximum amount of your tax deduction) received from your donation. For specific tax-related questions, please consult a tax advisor.

Contact Hungerford Nature Center in Berlin, CT. Get directions, hours, and visitor info for animal exhibits, trails, and science education tours for families. Contact Us Here! What's your name? What's your email? What's on your mind? Let us know Thanks! Message sent. Send

Explore raptor exhibits and bird watching at Hungerford in Berlin, CT. We offer science education and school animal programs for bird enthusiasts of all ages. Birds and Raptors Barred Owl Embden Goose Tess Double Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot Charlie Chicken Red Tailed Hawk

Meet the experts at Hungerford Nature Center in Berlin, CT. Our team delivers science education, animal care, and school programs across the community today. Our Team. Wildlife and Science Educators in Berlin, CT Tami Christopher Executive Director tamichristopher@nbymhnc.org Kaitlyn Carey-Duclos Animal Care Manager kaitlyncareyduclos@nbymhnc.org Emily Carreiro Associate Director emilycarreiro@nbymhnc.org Sage Meehan Guest Services Supervisor, Membership Manager & Accounts Payable sagemeehan@nbymhnc.org Debbie Ladd Research Associate info@nbymhnc.org Sean Wilde Animal Care Associate Alex Carter Facilities & Grounds Associate Abby Roy Education & Programs Associate & Camp Counselor Jack Lacey-Giugno Education & Programs Associate & Camp Counselor Anna Rose Beresford Education & Programs Associate & Guest Services Associate Agatha Hueller Camp Counselor & Programs Associate Sophia Leavitt Camp Counselor & Programs Associate Aniyah Olivieri Camp Counselor Anayli Camp Counselor Jada LaBissoniere Education & Programs Associate & Guest Services Associate Charlie Feliciano Lead Educator & Camp Director Committee board Melissa Santos, Chair Associate Program Chair, Malcolm Baldrige School of Business, Post University Jason Hewitt Financial Institution Specialist – Risk Management, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Susan Lathan, Secretary Program Manager, Northrop Grumman, Corp. Nicole Bosco Director, Downtown New Britain Lori Baker Owner, Tastebuds on Walnut Twanette Price Co-Founder, Berlin Equity Action Team anthony cortright Director, Downtown New Britain

Stay updated with news from Hungerford Nature Center in Berlin, CT. Learn about science education impact, wildlife care, and community programs year-round. Hungerford Updates WinterFest 2026 & Red Fox Grand Opening February 4, 2026 re: wild your campus re: wild your campus 2025 Best Camp (HNC) and Best Kids Activity (NBYM) New Britain Herald’s Reader Poll, Best of 2025! Museums for All June 16, 2025 New Animal Ambassador June 13, 2025 REIMAGINING The NEw BRitain Youth Museum May 20, 2025 WTIC News Talk 1080 February 2, 2025 New Britain Youth Museum BEST Kids Activity New Britain Herald’s Reader Poll, Best of 2024! Hungerford Nature Center BEST Camp New Britain Herald’s Reader Poll, Best of 2024!