best nature programs in Newton, MA

Dear Families, (currently our website is under construction) Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.

For the past 20 years, PUDDLESTOMPERS Nature Exploration has been providing families in Greater Boston with engaging and interactive nature programming. Our goal is to inspire young children and their caregivers to explore the natural wonders in their own backyard and help combat climate change. We are proud to donate a portion of our revenue to each of the communities we serve, enabling them to support local environmental education and conservation initiatives. With PUDDLESTOMPERS, families can enjoy nature close to home and help make a positive impact on the environment.

At Artisan Childcare Center, we understand the importance of educating the whole child. We have developed a curriculum that helps children develop physically, socially, emotionally and academically. Our primary focus is to introduce music into the lives of all children on a daily basis as research has proven that early exposure to music leads to a higher aptitude in learning. We have a degreed music educator who provides daily music lessons for our infant and toddler classrooms and piano lessons for our preschool students. Additionally, we incorporate activities like drawing, painting, sculpting and acting into academic lessons to foster excitement and a love of learning. With this approach, we ensure that each child receives the best possible education.

At Echo Falls Preschool, we recognize that every child is unique and has different needs. We strive to create an environment that will empower children to reach their full potential. Our nurturing and supportive atmosphere provides children with an opportunity to maximize their competence levels and growth potential. We emphasize the importance of social/emotional, physical, and cognitive/language development, while also encouraging creative expression. Each child is respected and given special attention based on their individual developmental level.

At Children's Cooperative Nursery School, we strive to create a learning environment that encourages and supports each child's independence, creativity, and self-confidence. Our developmentally appropriate program puts primary emphasis on social-emotional growth, and children are given plenty of opportunities to learn and explore through structured activities such as art, music, science, and literature, as well as free-choice activities. We also ensure that our program is non-sexist and celebrates cultural diversity.

At TLC Nursery School, we have been delighted to provide a nurturing and stimulating play-based learning environment to young children and their families for the past 24 years. Our programs, including Toddler, Preschooler, PreK and Transitional Kindergarten, are all designed to nurture each child’s individual growth and development. We believe that by exposing children to a foreign language and introducing them to different cultures, we can provide them with an excellent foundation to succeed in life. That’s why we are proud to incorporate multiculturalism and personal celebrations into our program, allowing children to explore and celebrate different cultures. At TLC Nursery School, we strive to ensure that each child excels academically, socially, and emotionally. We are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive learning environment, and we believe that our play-based curriculum is the key to success.

At the Unitarian Society, we are lucky to have a beautiful historic building on the corner of Washington Street and Highland Avenue. What makes it even better is the huge fenced-in, well-equipped playground for our children to enjoy. Parents will also be pleased to know that our children have the use of the parish hall for an indoor gross motor room. To top it all off, there is also a cook’s kitchen that is used weekly to offer the children an exciting extended curriculum. We at the Unitarian Society are proud to be part of Pine Village, a community of small, neighborhood schools with a team of educators and business professionals dedicated to educating and nurturing each child’s individuality. With our diverse, bilingual environment and our passion for learning, we strive to engage in any environment and community.

Since then, The Teddy Bear Club has grown to serve families from all over the greater Boston and Metro-West area, with two campuses located in Newton and Lincoln, MA. We offer morning and afternoon sessions for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Our bilingual French-English program provides children with a unique opportunity to become proficient in both languages. Our experienced teachers create a stimulating learning environment in which children can feel secure and develop at their own pace. We invite you to learn more about our preschool program by visiting this site or by contacting us to arrange a tour. We'd love to show you around and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to introducing you to The Teddy Bear Club!

Camp Pikati is a great way for kids to make summer memories with friends while having fun and learning new skills. Through its various activities, the camp fosters a sense of belonging, encourages responsibility and promotes positive values. With its well-trained counselors, free meals, and fun activities, Camp Pikati is a great way for kids to have a memorable and enriching summer!

At the Carroll Center, we are committed to helping blind children, adults, and senior citizens become active and independent. Our organization was established in 1936 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and we have since helped countless individuals who have lost their vision to regain their independence. Our team of highly experienced professionals makes use of modern technologies, as well as traditional methods, to help those of all ages with vision loss live full and independent lives. At the Carroll Center, we are dedicated to helping people of all ages who are visually impaired become independent and active members of their communities. We’ve been providing innovative instruction and support for those with limited vision since 1936, when we were founded as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Our team of experienced professionals has enabled thousands of individuals to live successfully with vision loss by utilizing the most up-to-date technology and adaptive methods.