Merrowvista Virtual Tour

Click on map to enlarge

 

Camp Merrowvista is located on 600 acres in New Hampshire's Ossipee Mountains. Our property includes a spring fed lake, mountain brook, waterfalls, meadows, mountains, and a variety of natural habitats. The pristine location provides ideal settings for young people to explore our natural world without having to leave our property.

 

The American Youth Foundation began camp programs in 1924, and has maintained its dedication to youth development. The buildings we utilize today include some buildings from the original farm. Over the last 79 years we have continued to add buildings to meet the needs of our camp community.

Farmhouse Though the physical surroundings have changed from the original dairy farm that was in existence, the philosophy and New England feel have remained the same. The Farmhouse was originally built in the 1800s. It served as the family home. Today it houses the year-round office, as well as being the hub of camp activities.

"The Bahn" is one of our oldest buildings at camp. Originally serving the dairy farm. Today it is used for rainy day activities, team challenges, large group gatherings and Nights Doings.

Our Activity Center built in 2001, serves a variety of purposes. It houses classrooms and both an indoor climbing wall, and an indoor high ropes course. The barn doors open up to an outdoor   amphitheater where our 3-week campers perform  their summer musical.

Cabins Our cabins are called Villages. Your Village is your family at camp. The Village eat meals together and have daily Village time in the afternoon. Our Pioneer campers live in Duplex Cabins which are equipped with electricity. Six campers live on each side of the duplex, and the 2-3 leaders live in the center cabin area.

Bathrooms Our older campers live in more rustic cabins. Several villages share a "BIFF" (Bathroom in Friendly Forest. Our BIFFS have electricity, hot water and private dressing stalls. Each BIFF is centrally located amongst several Villages.

Waterfront Merrowvista is located on a crystal clear lake, Dan Hole Pond. Campers enjoy a variety of waterfront activities including swimming, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing.

Challenge Courses Merrowvista has an outdoor Climbing Wall, and both a Low Challenge and High Challenge course. All activities at camp are intentional and age-appropriate. Villages try our Team Challenge course and the Climbing Wall or High Ropes Course.

Athletic Field The "A-Field" is the hub of activity at camp. Our athletic interest groups such as basketball, soccer, and lacrosse take place here, as well as whole camp activities such as the Melbourne Cup, Capture the Flag and many other Nights Doings activities.

Our Council Circle is part of one of camp's strongest traditions. This is where a camp session begins and ends. There are many traditions that encompass a Council Ceremony - which is recognized as one of the most cherished moments of camp - where only the light of the fire is allowed and where songs and memories are shared.

Eating Lodge Merrowvista 's Eating Lodge was completed in the spring of 2004. It is able to house our entire camp community for meals.