Merrowvista’s Community and School Programs serve hundreds of youth, educators and youth advocates through programs designed to enhance not only a participant’s skills, but their confidence in themselves and their future. Merrowvista programs help participants develop their character and their connections to the wider world. Our outstanding staff work to create communities where youth feel supported and empowered. Children discover who they are and what they are capable of achieving.

Since 1925 young people have been inspired to discover and develop their personal best at Merrowvista. The pristine Ossipee Mountains set the stage for students to open their minds to new ways of seeing themselves and each other. Participants create a community where respect, cooperation, and kindness serve as a guide for all interactions. Merrowvista staff help create opportunities for children to practice our motto, “My own self, at my very best, all the time”. Merrowvista’s programs encourage students to take on challenges and real responsibility as they live, play and learn together.

The Value of a Merrowvista Experience

At Merrowvista, we value the need to address the social issues present in a child’s daily life in order to maximize academic and social learning. Research tells us that when a child feels social anxiety, the brain’s ability to absorb new information is limited. Therefore, we create a learning environment and intentional community, where young people feel a sense of belonging, safety and trust. We use play, adventure, and challenge, to increase self confidence and academic success for the students we serve.

We believe participants in American Youth Foundation’s programs will:

• Gain new confidence in themselves

• 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 respect, responsibility, trust and kindness are the foundation