Waking up in the mornings can be hard, especially after a full day of camp fun. Merrowvista has a unique way to get kids out of bed: Go-Getters.

For about an hour before breakfast, campers have the option to do something active for their bodies and minds. Activities include swims at the waterfront, a running/walking loop, and games on the green top. They can even head to Club Bahn for an early morning dance party.

Go-Getters play a big part in strengthening the campers’ four folds at Merrowvista. The four folds of the American Youth Foundation are the values camper live by and strive to keep in balance: physical, mental, reflective/religious, and social.

Go-Getters fulfills the physical fold by getting campers to move their bodies, and the mental fold is met through the decision-making process. Campers exercise their minds when choosing which activity to take part in the night before.

The reflective/religious fold is met in different ways: showing kindness to fellow campers during the events or reflecting on their accomplishments after. Finally, the social fold is met by participating in this activity with one another. Specialists and in-camp leaders lead the activities, and the campers get to participate in them together, building community and relationships.

 

Go-Getters are also an example of how Merrowvista strives to provide challenge by choice. Go-Getters is optional – while it’s strongly encouraged, there is no pressure to take part in the morning activity. They can also choose which activity they want to try. Some mornings, they may want to challenge themselves more than others, and that is just part of being human. If a camper takes part in all Go-Getters each morning, they get a T-shirt at the end of of camp to mark their accomplishment.