The Crane Estate’s 2,100-acre property is a spectacular expanse of salt marsh and barrier beach habitat situated in Ipswich and Essex, MA between the Atlantic Ocean, Ipswich River, and Essex Bay. Castle Hill, homebase for SummerQuest, encompasses many acres of salt marsh and dune habitat, hiking trails, a stunning hilltop mansion and other grand buildings that were part of the summer estate of a wealthy Chicago industrialist, formal gardens, and an expansive lawn rolling a half a mile to the sea. Our program for ages 5–14 is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees’ expertise in land conservation, historic landscape and cultural resource preservation, coastal ecology, and restoration.
Family Members save $80 off each week of camp for each of your campers.
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Each day, campers enjoy activities that align with our environmental education mission, including:
- Nature-based activities exploring the coast, art, culture, design, and more
- Place-based lessons that inspire understanding of and respect for the environment
- Private swim time on the secluded Steep Hill Beach
- Creative craft projects that support the understanding of the natural world
- Morning circle, songs, and games that build friendship and community
SummerQuest at the Crane Estate is designed for campers who love the outdoors, exploring the woods and coast, connecting to the land, being independent learners, using their imagination, and tapping into their resilience no matter the weather. A team of talented, compassionate, and energetic environmental educators support campers in their quest to connect to the natural world and find their place within it.
This year, camp activities are focused on the SummerQuest mission: to get children outside, using their creativity and curiosity to foster a personal connection to nature—rather than following specific weekly themes. The Crane Estate’s unique coastal ecosystems offer a remarkable backdrop to learn about the natural world while developing meaningful skills. For example, campers design and build forts in the woods, learn about coastal critters and their adaptations to the salt marsh, and embark on quests to uncover the geological and cultural history of The Crane Estate. Every day brings the chance for campers to discover new things, be creative, get a little messy, and have some fun together!
More Info:
Phone:
978.412.2574
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