Our oldest campers entering grades 11 to 12 can participate in Wayfinder, a three-week intensive program focused on leadership development, community building, and service learning in camp.
In 2024, Wayfinders will come together during a four-day hike in the White Mountains and then engage in an on-site service learning project with a strong focus leadership development.
All campers leave Merrowvista with lasting memories, new skills, friends, and newly gained confidence in themselves and their ability to make a positive difference in the world.
Summer 2024 Dates and Registration
Summer 2024 registration is a first-come, first-served model, and waitlists will be created when programs fill. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email [email protected].
2024 Dates & Tuition
Wayfinders entering grades 11 and 12
Session A
June 30 to July 19 (three weeks)
Rate: $5,150
Session B
July 21-August 9 (three weeks)
Rate: $5,150
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.
A Typical Day at Merrowvista
Most weeks at Merrowvista consist of four or five typical days and two or three special days. We know consistency is important for campers, so we ground the week in regular schedules and activities, while making time for atypical celebrations and exciting activities.
Special days may include Opening and Closing Days and other camp-specific holidays like the Four Fold Tournament and Ride In!
Morning
7:30 a.m.: Wake Up
7:40 a.m. Go-Getters (optional)
8:40 a.m.: Flag Raising and Morning Reflection
9:00 a.m.: Breakfast
9:45 a.m.: KCISP (Keep Camp in Shape Please)
10:15 a.m.: Interest Group 1
11:15 a.m.: Interest Group 2
12:15 p.m.: All-Camp Assembly
Afternoon
12:30 p.m.: Lunch
1:30 p.m.: Easy Time
2:45 p.m.: Interest Group 3
3:45 p.m.: Village Time
5:00 p.m.: Camper Free Time
Night
6:00 p.m.: Dinner
7:30 p.m.: Night’s Doings
8:30 p.m.: Evening Reflections or Village Insight
9:30 p.m.: Lights Out
Interest Groups
What are they and how do they work?
Each week, campers sign up for three different Interest Groups, activities designed to have fun, learn a new skill, and practice being their best selves. Campers also have the opportunities to make new connections with campers of all ages.
Typical Interest Groups will include:
• Sailing
• Pool Party/Swim Games
• Paddle sports (kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding)
• Lake Michigan beach time
• Sports (soccer, dodgeball, Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, and more)
• Archery
• Woodshop
• High ropes course and rock climbing
• Pottery
• Yoga
• Theater/improv
• Arts and crafts (knitting, friendship bracelets, copper enameling, print making, and more)
“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