SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are available for all day camps. Through the generosity of local businesses, organizations and individuals, partial scholarships are available for Maine residents who need financial assistance. For more information, please call: (207) 781-2330, ext. 224 or email scholarships@maineaudubon.org.
Summer Camp Scholarship Priority Deadline: March 27, 2026
Who: Ages 3-5 (children must be fully toilet trained; please see Preschool Camp FAQs for more information)
When: February 17-20, 9 am-1 pm
Where: Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, Greater Portland
Cost: $220 members, $255 nonmembers for 4-day session. Partial scholarships available!
Join us as we explore and enjoy nature through hands-on exploration, art, stories, and songs. Each day will include indoor play and outdoor adventures, designed to celebrate winter and wildlife while fostering a love for the natural world.
Online registration will open on Tuesday, January 13 at noon. Sold Out! Click here to join waitlist!
Who: For children currently enrolled in grades K-3
When: February 17-20, 9 am-3 pm
Where: Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, Greater Portland
Cost: $275 members, $315 nonmembers for 4-day session
Partial scholarships available!
Young scientists and nature lovers will delight in all that winter has to offer at Gilsland Farm during our February Vacation camp! Each day includes time for outdoor exploration and play, plus plenty of science, art, and teambuilding, with a special seasonal focus on topics like winter wildlife adaptations, tracking, and snow science.
Online registration will open on Tuesday, January 13 at noon. Sold Out! Click here to join waitlist!
Due to reduced capacity in the Native Plants Education Center, we are unable to offer preschool April Vacation Camp at Gilsland Farm. Sprouts and Saplings preschool camps will resume for Summer 2026.
Who: For children currently enrolled in grades K-3
When: April 20-24, 9 am-3 pm
Where: Gilsland Farm Native Plants Education Center (Greater Portland)
Cost: $345 members, $390 nonmembers for 5-day session. Partial scholarships are available!
From returning migratory birds to the newly awakening creatures in the pond, each new sign of spring brings more to discover during April Vacation Camp! Each day will include exploration of different habitats at Gilsland Farm as we learn about wildlife through games, science, art, and teambuilding.
Registration will open on February 24 at noon. Check back here for a link to register!
Who: Grades 1-3
When: February 17-20, 9 am-3 pm (Tuesday-Friday)
Where: Fields Pond Audubon Center, Greater Bangor
Cost: $220 member, $260 nonmember for 4-day session. Partial scholarships are available!
Maine Audubon winter vacation camp is an opportunity for children in grades 1-3 to learn about winter wildlife through hands-on activities and outdoor adventure. Our daily schedule includes time for art, hiking, science, games, and stories. Each day will have a different theme and include topics about animal adaptations, snow science, tracking, and winter ecology.
Registration will open on Tuesday, January 13 at noon. Click here to register!
Who: For children currently enrolled in grades 1-3
When: April 20-24, 9 am-3 pm
Where: Fields Pond Audubon Center (Greater Bangor)
Cost: Price: $275 member, $325 nonmember for 5-day session. Partial scholarships available!
From returning migratory birds to the newly awakening creatures in the pond, each new sign of spring brings more to discover during April Vacation Camp! Each day will include exploration of different habitats at Fields Pond as we learn about wildlife through games, science, art, and teambuilding.
Registration will open on Tuesday, February 24 at noon. Check back here for a link to register!
What’s new for Summer 2026? (check out our blog post here!)
2026 Summer Day Camp Schedule (click to download pdf)
Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get all the latest updates. Read more about our 2025 summer camp recap here!
Frequently Asked Questions: Elementary Day Camp
Frequently Asked Questions: Preschool Day Camp
We’ve heard your feedback and will be shifting to a lottery system for Gilsland Farm summer camp registration! This will allow for a fairer and more relaxed registration process. The lottery system will eliminate the registration rush by giving an extended enrollment period. After the enrollment period, campers who entered into the lottery will be randomly drawn until all available spots for each week are filled. Read more about the registration lottery here!
Key Dates:
February 23-March 1: Lottery enrollment window (check back to this page on 2/23 for registration lottery enrollment forms)
First week of March: Lottery selection and all families notified of registration status
Lottery FAQs:
What is the lottery system? The lottery system is a new enrollment process designed to create a fair and accessible way for families to register for Gilsland Farm summer day camps. Instead of a first come, first served approach, families will enter their children into a random drawing for available spots.
How do I participate in the lottery? To participate, you must submit a lottery enrollment form with your camper(s) information, contact, and billing information during the enrollment period (February 23 to March 1, 2026: check back to this page for registration lottery enrollment forms). Remember to submit separate forms for each week your child wishes to attend. If you missed the lottery enrollment period, you can still add your child to the waitlist until the start of the camp session.
Is there a limit to how many weeks I can enroll in the lottery? You can enroll your camper in the lottery for as many weeks of camp as you wish (in the appropriate age group). Each child can attend a maximum of 3 weeks of camp if selected from the lottery.
How will I find out if my child has been selected? You will receive an email notification between March 4 and March 6 if your child is selected for a week of camp. Emails will also be sent if your child is placed on the waitlist.
What happens if I have more than one child enrolling in the lottery? Siblings can be enrolled using a single form for the same week, with each family’s form counting as one lottery entry. If one sibling is selected, the other will automatically be placed in that week as well. If neither child is selected, they will both be placed on the waitlist.
What should I do if my child is waitlisted? If your child is waitlisted, their name will remain on the list, and spots will be filled randomly as they become available. If you missed the lottery enrollment period, you can still add your child to the waitlist until the start of the camp session.
How do I accept or decline a placement? Once you receive an email confirming your child’s placement, you have until March 11 to decline it. If you accept, no further action is required, and your registration fee will be charged on that date.
Will there be financial aid available for camp enrollment?
Yes, financial aid options are available. For further details, please visit the Scholarships section on the Day Camps page.
Who: Ages 3-5 (children must be fully toilet trained; please see Preschool Camp FAQs for more information)
When: Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 pm
Where: Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, Greater Portland
Cost: $300/member, $340/nonmember. Partial scholarships available!
Our half-day camps provide a gentle introduction to camp for children ages three through five. We will spend each week learning about the plants and animals at Gilsland Farm through hands-on exploration, outdoor play, art, music, and more! Our daily adventures will foster an understanding of and appreciation for the natural world.
*NEW* Sprouts & Saplings Weeks. Choose between a half-day (ages 3-5) or full-day (ages 4-5 only) schedule in our new, flexible sessions.
June 29-July 3: Animals Great and Small (*Sprouts and Saplings*) |
July 6-10: Pollination Celebration (*Sprouts and Saplings*) |
July 13-17: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs (*Sprouts and Saplings*) |
August 17—21: Pups, Kits, and Cubs (Sprouts) |
August 24—28: Splish, Splash! (Sprouts) |
Who: Ages 4-5 (children must be fully toilet trained; please see Preschool Camp FAQs for more information)
When: Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm
Where: Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, Greater Portland
Cost: $370/member, $415/nonmember. Partial scholarships available!
Take a closer look at nature with full-day camps designed for a preschooler’s pace! Each day includes games and outdoor play, plenty of hands-on exploration, art, music, and quiet rest time.
*NEW* Sprouts & Saplings Weeks. Choose between a half-day (ages 3-5) or full-day (ages 4-5 only) schedule in our new, flexible sessions.
June 29-July 3: Animals Great and Small (*Sprouts and Saplings*) |
July 6-10: Pollination Celebration (*Sprouts and Saplings*) |
July 13-17: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs (*Sprouts and Saplings*) |
July 20-24: Trees and Me (Saplings) |
August 3-7: Birds of a Feather (Saplings) |
August 10-14: Create with Nature (Saplings) |
Who: For campers enrolled in grades K-3 during the 2025-2026 school year (rising 1st-4th graders). Exact age range varies by session.
When: Monday – Friday, 9 am-3 pm
Where: Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, Greater Portland
Cost: $370/member, $415/nonmember. Partial scholarships available!
Our campers spend their days engaged in hands-on science, open-ended exploration and discovery, and activities designed to foster stewardship and build connection to the natural world–all while developing friendships, building community, and having fun!
Sessions for rising 1st-3rd graders:
June 29—July 3: Food Web Wonders (rising 1st-3rd graders)
We’ll work our way through the food web this week, from sun-fueled producers all the way up to top predators! We’ll investigate who eats whom in the pond, search for decomposers in action, and check out the adaptations that help animals survive.
July 6—10: Epic Animal Adventures (rising 1st-3rd graders)
Did you know the Arctic Tern travels 55,000 miles round trip each year? This week, we’ll learn about animals who travel large distances, including some who make Maine their summer home. How do they travel so far and what can we learn from their journeys?
July 13—17: Buggin’ Out (rising 1st-3rd graders)
From insects to slugs, snails, worms, and spiders, we’ll dive into these tiny but mighty creatures! Between sweep netting in the meadow, dipping in the pond and rolling logs in the forest there’s no telling just how many bugs we can find.
August 10—14: Nature Art (rising 1st-3rd graders)
There is so much to discover at the intersection of science and art! Campers will create individually and collaboratively this week while we experiment with different techniques, perspectives, and media.
August 17—21: Wacky Wildlife (rising 1st-3rd graders)
Nature is wild! This week, we’ll focus on a different animal each day and share jaw-dropping facts about the adaptations that make them unique.
August 24—28: Science in Action (rising 1st-3rd graders)
This week, campers will practice their science skills as they learn about the tools and techniques used by biologists in the field, hear from a professional scientist, and work together to collect data for community science projects.
Sessions for rising 1st-2nd graders
July 20—24: Sprouting Stewards (rising 1st-2nd graders)
We can all make a difference! Through games, art, and lots of teamwork, campers will work together this week to have a positive impact on wildlife and habitat, while having lots of fun along the way.
August 3—7: Avian Adventures (rising 1st-2nd graders)
With binoculars, field guides, and our own keen observation skills, we’ll get to know the birds of Gilsland Farm this week! We’ll also explore the adaptations that help birds survive in so many different environments.
Sessions for rising 3rd-4th graders:
July 20—24: Habitat Heroes (rising 3rd-4th graders)
We’ll flex our stewardship superpowers this week as we explore the many ways plants support insects, birds, and other wildlife, and we will also contribute to ongoing habitat restoration at Gilsland Farm.
August 3—7: Emerging Ornithologists (rising 3rd-4th graders)
Emerging Ornithologists will dive deeper into bird adaptations and behavior while improving our birding skills on every trail at Gilsland Farm. Campers will meet with current ornithologists and naturalists to learn about their favorite species.
2026 Summer Day Camp Schedule (click to download pdf)
Registration opens Tuesday, February 24, at noon. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get all the latest updates.
Read more about our 2025 summer camp recap here!
Who: For campers enrolled in grades K-2 during the 2025-2026 school year (rising 1st-3rd graders).
When: Monday – Friday, 9 am-3 pm
Where: Fields Pond Audubon Center, Greater Bangor
Cost: $295/member, $340/nonmember. Partial scholarships available! *=pr
Songbirds Schedule
| June 22-26: Taking Flight (rising 1st-3rd graders) We’ll be busting out the binoculars this week as our youngest ornithologists explore what makes a bird a bird, how adaptations shape a species, and explore our local bird species at FP |
June 29-July 2*: Habitat Explorers (rising 1st-3rd graders)Each day brings a new habitat to explore this week as our young adventurers trek through the various ecosystems at Fields Pond, all while getting their hands a little dirty along the way! *this camp week is 4 days due to the Independence Day holiday on July 3. The price will be adjusted for the shorter week. |
| July 6-10: Mammal Mania (rising 1st-3rd graders) Join us for a week of discovery as we explore what makes a mammal a mammal and who we might expect to see here at Fields Pond |
| July 13-17: I am a Scientist Camp (rising 1st-3rd graders) Join our laboratory this week as young scientists learn how to take their curiosity to the next level through careful observations and hands on experimentation |
| July 27-31: Splash Zone (rising 1st-3rd graders) Cool off with us this summer as we splish, splash, and slip our way through water science fun! |
| August 3-7: Nature by Design (rising 1st-3rd graders) This week our budding naturalists connect with nature through exploring the intersection of science and art. Through multimedia creative expression and outdoor exploration, campers will develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world. |
| August 10-14: Curiosity Crew (rising 1st-3rd graders) Young scientists investigate through the week in this nature based week of discovery. Join us as we explore the messy side of STEM through experiments, crafts, and more! |
| August 17-21: Buzz, Flutter Crawl (rising 1st-3rd graders) Calling all bug hunters, stone turners, and leaf peepers! Discover more about our six legged friends this week through led bug hunts, crafts, games, and more! |
Registration opens Tuesday, February 24 at noon. Check back here for a link to register!
Who: For campers enrolled in grades 3-5 during the 2025-2026 school year (rising 4th-6th graders).
When: Monday – Friday, 9 am-3 pm
Where: Fields Pond Audubon Center, Greater Bangor
Cost: $295/member, $340/nonmember. Partial scholarships available!
Raptors Schedule
| June 22-26: Avian Adventures (rising 4th-6th graders) Join our flock of bird enthusiasts this week as we dive deeper into species identification, participate in community science, and explore some fantastic feats of local birds |
| June 29-July 2*: Adventure Quest (rising 4th-6th graders) Do you have what it takes to join the ranks of Fields Ponds Junior Naturalists? Spend the week diving into the unique habitats and ecosystems that make up Fields Pond to prepare! *this camp week is 4 days due to the Independence Day holiday on July 3. The price will be adjusted for the shorter week. |
| July 6-10: Mammals of Maine (rising 4th-6th graders) Young Mammologists investigate who might be scurrying, waddling, and sprinting through Maine as they hone their tracking and identification skills of local Maine Mammals |
| July 13-17: Biodiversity Base Camp (rising 4th-6th graders) Community scientists unite! Spend the week making a difference as campers transform into community scientists contributing to several ongoing local projects. Join us to see just what a difference you can make! |
| July 27-31: Water Wonders (rising 4th-6th graders) Have a blast with us as we explore the wonders of water, what makes it so special, what critters call the water their home at Fields Pond, and how to protect this precious resource. |
| August 3-7: Rooted in Nature (rising 4th-6th graders) Immerse in nature through art inspired by the natural world, hands-on scientific exploration, and guided hikes. From paint, to sculpture, to fiber arts and everything in between, campers will gain an appreciation for the environment, and foster a sense of environmental responsibility. |
| August 10-14: Nature Lab (rising 4th-6th graders) Join us as we turn our 230 acre wildlife sanctuary into a massive nature laboratory! Scientists test their way through the habitats while participating in community science, designing their own experiments, and creating some incredible creations along the way |
| August 17-21: Buggin’ Out (rising 4th-6th graders) Did you know insects make up about 80% of all described species? Young entomologists investigate the wonder of these abundant critters through community science, BioBlitzes, and of course hands on exploration |
Registration opens Tuesday, February 24 at noon. Check back here for a link to register
If a camp session is canceled by Maine Audubon, attendees will be notified and full refunds will be issued.
If camp registration is canceled by the attendee, no refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of the camp session.
For cancellations made by the attendee more than 14 days in advance, refunds will be issued minus a $30 processing fee.
For cancellations resulting from exposure to COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19 symptoms, refunds will be issued minus a $30 processing fee.
Program proceeds benefit the work of Maine Audubon.
If a camp session is canceled by Maine Audubon, attendees will be notified and full refunds will be issued.
If camp registration is canceled by the attendee, no refunds will be issued for cancellations made after June 1, 2026.
For cancellations made by the attendee before June 1, 2026, refunds will be issued minus a $30 processing fee per registration.
For cancellations resulting from exposure to COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19 symptoms, refunds will be issued minus a $30 processing fee.
Program proceeds benefit the work of Maine Audubon.
Become an Environmental Education Assistant!
Are you a 15-17 year old who wants to spend time exploring outdoors with campers during the summer? Do you want to build skills, gain experience, and have fun while volunteering? If so, we hope you’ll apply to be an Environmental Education Assistant (EEA) with Maine Audubon’s summer day camps for children ages 3-9 at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth or Fields Pond in Holden!
To inquire about EEA opportunities, please contact:
For Gilsland Farm: Molly Woodring at mwoodring@maineaudubon.org
For Fields Pond: Sarah Raymond-Boyan at sraymond-boyan@maineaudubon.org