Registration Opens to Trustees Members on Thursday, January 8, 2026

Registration opens to all on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at noon

With rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, vegetable gardens, an active barnyard, and miles of trails, Appleton Farms in Ipswich offers a uniquely immersive summer experience. Campers are introduced to Appleton’s working farm and adventurous landscape through exciting, authentic educational activities. Our program for ages 4–14 is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees’ expertise in nature conservation, historic landscapes, regenerative agriculture, and culinary exploration.

Camp Details

Every day, campers enjoy farm-based activities that align with our environmental education mission, infused with plenty of time to make new friends, play games, and have fun, including:

• Performing essential barnyard chores like feeding, brushing, and mucking stalls
• Planting, watering, and weeding vegetables and herbs in the Learning Garden – and creating yummy treats
• Experience the work of the farm up close, and assist farmers with projects and tasks
• Hiking adventures throughout our expansive forests and fields
• Exploring the woodlands and wetlands and discovering wildlife
• Farm-themed arts & crafts and science experiments

This camp is designed for those who love the outdoors, caring for farm animals, getting their hands dirty, 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 counselors supports campers in their quest to connect to the natural world and find their place within it.

• If you have any inquiries about whether your camper will thrive at Appleton Farm Camp, please contact the camp office.

2026 Camp Schedule

HALF DAY for Ages 4–6
FULL DAY for Ages 5–13
Junior CIT Program for Age 14
CIT PROGRAM for Ages 15–17

Week 1: June 22–26
Week 2: June 29–July 3
Week 3:  July 8–10
Week 4: July 13–17
Week 5: July 20–24
Week 6: July 27–31
Week 7: August 3–7
Week 8: August 10–14
Week 9: August 17–21

2026 Camp Pricing

Half Day for Ages 4–6
9AM–12PM
Trustees Member Camper: $325/week
Nonmember Camper: $405/week
Campers must be 4 years old by the first day of the camp session.

Full Day for Ages 5–13
9AM–3PM
Trustees Member Camper: $545/week
Nonmember Camper: $625/week
NEW! Extended Day Option, 3–4PM: $85/week

Junior CITs for Age 14
9AM–3PM
Trustees Member: $355/week
Nonmember: $405/week

Registration Information

Create or access your CampBrain account to register your camper. Here are some CampBrain Tips for navigating common sticking points during the process.

Payment, Payment Plans, & Financial Assistance
Payment is due in full by credit card or eCheck at the time of registration to confirm your session.

Payment plans are available to ease the expense of camp. Please contact the camp office before you register.

The Trustees is committed to providing outdoor camp experiences for everyone. Obtain Financial Assistance information online or contact the camp office. Although spots are held for eligible campers, please apply as early as possible as assistance is awarded on a rolling basis as space and funds allow.

Member Tuition Rate
Appleton Farms is a property of The Trustees, a member-supported, nonprofit organization that protects and cares for 27,000 acres across Massachusetts. Trustees Family Members receive the $80 discounted tuition rate for each camper for each week of camp—plus free or discounted admission at 120+ special places, program discounts, and special event pre-sales all year round.

NEW Membership Procedure!
Membership purchases are no longer available during registration. Before you register, please be sure that you have your Membership number ready and a current Trustees Family Membership (or above) by using the Membership Lookup Tool.

Wait Lists
If any of your desired camp weeks are full, you will have the option to join the wait list as you register. Your credit card will not be charged for waitlisted sessions until you accept a session that becomes available.

What You Need to Register
Please have the following ready to proceed to registration:

• Annual physical and immunization forms
• Emergency and pick up contact info
• Camper insurance policy and doctor contact
• Credit card or eCheck information
• Your Membership number and expiration date (Membership Lookup Tool)

Buddy Requests
We pride ourselves on turning strangers into friends. For campers in the same age cohort, we do our best to honor buddy requests. However, due to licensing requirements and other logistics, requests cannot be guaranteed. All parties must initiate a buddy request when registering.

Refund, Cancellation, and Session Change Policy
Due to the high demand for camp and the complexities of registration administration, please select your camp weeks carefully. Refunds are not given for camper dismissal, failure to attend, absence, or sick days. Pro-rated refunds will be offered if camp is not able to open due to extreme weather.

• Prior to April 1, we are able to refund tuition less $150 per camper per week.
• After April 1, we are not able to issue any tuition refunds for cancelled sessions, even if spots are refilled.
• Session change requests will be fulfilled if space allows. There is a $75 per camper per week session change fee.

Licensure
Appleton Farm Camp complies with all regulations required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the Ipswich Board of Health. Parents have the right to request and review the following policies: background check, health care, discipline policies, and grievance procedures.