American Youth Foundation: Camp Merrowvista

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Choice Camps Recommendation of American Youth Foundation: Camp Merrowvista

Located on 600 acres in New Hampshire’s Ossipee Mountains, Camp Merrowvista’s sprawling property includes a spring fed lake, mountain brook, waterfalls, meadows, mountains, and a variety of natural habitats. The camp’s natural charm draws you into a life that is rustic, uncomplicated, and filled with excitement. With a history dating back to 1925, Merrowvista has a long tradition of bringing young people together to have fun and to “learn how to live successfully.”

Camp Merrowvista teaches the timeless American Youth Foundation philosophies of “balanced living” and “best self.” Guided by these principles, campers create a community where respect, responsibility, trust, and kindness are the foundation. For campers looking for a fun summer camp experience in a warm and welcoming environment, Camp Merrowvista is a place where children can enjoy the outdoors and develop friendships that will last a lifetime.

Program Description

Camp Merrowvista features distinct camp programs for participants of varying age. All programs are free choice; every three days, campers choose four activities that will make up their schedule.

The Pioneer and Trailblazer Programs (grades 4-8) offer a wide range of in-camp activities as well as the opportunity to experience off-site trips. The camp also offers a one week “Discoverers” program for grades 3-7 that provides an introduction to Merrowvista camp life.

For campers in grades 9-12, Merrowvista offers the “Four Trails Adventure Program” where campers embark on hiking, biking, or canoeing expeditions during 3-4 week sessions. Specific information on each trip can be found in the Choice Camps Travel & Tour section.

Staff Overview

The Merrowvista staff strives to adhere to the motto “my own self, at my very best, all the time.” The camp boasts a high staff return rate with many members coming back for 3-5 years.

The senior staff is comprised of professionals who work with children year-round in the American Youth Foundation’s community and school programs, or as teachers, counselors, and coaches in their hometowns.

Counselors who live and work with campers have completed a minimum of one year of college and participate in an extensive 2-3 week training program. Trip leaders are a minimum of 21 years of age, have wilderness first responder certifications, and have completed over three weeks of staff training.

Setting & Accommodations

Campers live in cabin groups called “villages.” Two week campers in grades 3-7 live in duplex cabins equipped with electricity. Six campers live on each side of the duplex and 2-3 leaders live in the center cabin area.

Three week campers of all ages live in cabins nestled in the woods. These cabins have screened windows and doors and are without electricity. Six campers live in each cabin and two leaders share a smaller cabin right next door.

Cabin villages share a communal bathroom facility. Bathrooms have electricity, hot water, and private dressing stalls.

Merrowvista campers eat in a new lodge constructed in 2004. The lodge can house the entire camp during meals.

Safety Standards

Camp Merrowvista has a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day. The RN is typically supported by two EMTs. In the event of a more serious illness or emergency, additional medical facilities are located nearby.

All Merrowvista lifeguards are American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certified. All counselors who work with grades 3-8 are CPR certified. All wilderness trip leaders are wilderness first aid certified.

Camp Merrowvista is accredited by the American Camp Association and meets more than 300 safety standards set forth by the organization.

American Youth Foundation: Camp Merrowvista Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition
Session A - 2 Weeks	6/27/13-7/9/13	9-13	$1,700
Session A - 3 Weeks	6/27/13-7/15/13	9-13	$2,150
Session B - 1 Week	7/18/13-7/23/13	8-13	$750
Session B - 2 Weeks	7/25/13-8/6/13	9-13	$1,700
Session B - 3 Weeks	7/25/13-8/12/13	9-13	$2,150
Session B - 4 Weeks	7/18/13-8/12/13	12-18	$2,940