Explorer campers entering grade 9 take their first steps in our Four Trails program. These challenges help campers develop important life skills such as resiliency, collaboration, organization and planning.
In 2023, Explorers will go on a five-day backpacking trip in the Mahoosuc Range in New Hampshire and Maine, paddle New Hampshire and Maine waterways for three to five days, and engage in a service learning project at Merrowvista.
Campers are introduced to the technical campcraft skills with emphasis placed on the journey as much as the destination. Staff-led Village Insight discussions help campers make connections between discoveries made on trail with real life challenges at home and school. Explorer campers spend a fair amount of their camp experience onsite at Merrowvista, providing opportunities for training and team building.
Summer 2023 Dates and Registration
Summer 2023 registration is a first-come, first-served model, and waitlists will be created when programs fill. Explore all our Explorer program offerings below and sign up for our email newsletter to receive summer 2023 updates.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email merrowvistacamps@ayf.com.
2023 Dates & Tuition
Explorers entering grade 9
Session A
July 2 to July 21 (three weeks)
Rate: $5,000
Session B
July 23 to August 11 (three weeks)
Rate: $5,000
FINANCIAL AID
The AYF is committed to making summer camp accessible to all youth. As a nonprofit foundation fueled by generous donations from our alumni and families, the AYF offsets the price of every program for every participant. AYF also offers need-based financial aid and sibling discounts.
“Every summer my son returns having made a palpable leap in maturity. Sometimes the progress he's made comes out in a conversation where he expresses a belief system that has no doubt been influenced by the wonderful values reinforced at camp. We use 'best self' as shorthand for asking if behavior is in line with values, and when I ask, 'Are you being your best self right now?' That usually sparks some reflection.”
– Merrowvista Camper Parent