The American Youth Foundation is a non-profit organization with programs devoted to positive youth development at locations in Michigan and New Hampshire.
For additional information regarding camp programs and availability, please contact Bailey Sheats at bsheats@ayf.com or (603) 539-6607 ext.2052.
At Merrowvista we live life differently...
Our days are simpler but richer. We challenge often but have more fun. The outdoors is our home. Transportation is a bike, a pair of sneakers, canoe, or hiking boots. We laugh a lot and celebrate effort as much as success. We work together to create a community where individuals are respected, and where our values guide our actions. We gain confidence. We share. We have fun.
Philosophy
As a leader in youth development, Merrowvista inspires people to be their best selves. We achieve this by creating a fun and safe environment where campers will learn new skills and make new friends – and we believe much more is possible! Campers 8-17 will find a progression of age appropriate adventures and opportunities waiting for them. Our philosophy of “Best Self,” “Balanced Living” and “Healthy Friendships” is intentionally interwoven throughout the camp experiences.
We believe Merrowvista campers will:
Leave with newly gained confidence in themselves
Be able to talk about who they are and what they are capable of achieving
Discover and develop their personal best
Act in ways consistent with their values
Help to create a community where trust, cooperation and respect are the foundation
Program
Each summer, Merrowvista welcomes young men and women from all over the world. With a focus on cooperation, respect, trust, and communication, campers support and learn from each other through activities like the team challenge course, climbing tower and high ropes course.
In Camp Program
The Pioneer and Discoverer Programs (youth entering grades 3-7) offers a wide range of in-camp activities including arts and crafts, sports, performing arts, and water front fun. The 1 week discoverer program provides an introduction to Merrowvista camp life. Pioneers get to experience an overnight camping adventure on top of these in-camp activites. The Pioneer program has session lengths of 2 or 3 weeks.
The Trailblazer program offers new challenges for campers entering 7th and 8th grade. In addition to the in-camp activites offered, they go on a 3 day backpacking trip and a 2 day canoeing trip in the Ossipee region. As the oldest in-camp program, Trailblazers act as role models to the Merrowvista community.
Wilderness Adventure Program
For campers entering grades 9 through 12, we offer wilderness adventure trips in our Four Trails Program. Campers enjoy the community and traditions of Merrowvista as they embark on hiking, biking, or canoeing expeditions during 3 or 4 week sessions. These trips offer age appropriate challenges that help campers learn to live in community and reach for their personal best.
Staff
Merrowvista staff are caring professionals who work with children year-round and come from all over the U.S. and several countries to share their skills with your children. They are chosen very carefully, bringing honesty, integrity and energy to the job. All staff are fully trained and certified for the activities they lead. A minimum of their first year of college is required as well as an extensive training at camp prior to the campers’ arrivals.
Our trip leaders are minimum 21 years of age. The Instructors are highly trained in expedition leadership skills which include: biking, canoeing and backpacking leadership; wilderness emergency response, first aid and prevention; risk management training; life-guarding and waterfront management; group facilitation; gear maintenance; and the delicate skill of empowering young people to strive for something greater within themselves.
A Safe Environment Merrowvista is fully accredited by the American Camping Association. We safeguard the health and safety of each participant and meet or exceed state health and safety requirements. American Red Cross standards guide waterfront activities. Merrowvista maintains a fully equipped health center with on-site health professionals. We also have a physician on call at a nearby hospital.
If you have questions about Merrowvista Camp programs and availability, please contact
Bailey Sheats at bsheats@ayf.com or via phone (603) 539-6607 ext. 2052
