One of the biggest parts of the Merrowvista experience is the opportunity to take part in hiking trips. Campers of all ages participate in a hiking trip, and as they get older, the trips increase in time and distance.

During the past two weeks, four villages ages 10 to 12 journeyed into the woods and waters that surround Merrowvista’s beautiful campus for one or two nights under the stars. These trips introduce younger campers to hiking and prepare them for a future Four Trails experience in high school. Each group went on similar trips but had unique experiences.

 

Tri-Pyramid
Tri-Pyramid Village hiked to Mount Flagg on the first day of their trip and the Ledge on the second day of their trip. Leader Sarah Walcott said one highlight of Tri-Pyramid’s trip was listening to a handful of newly released Taylor Swift songs on the Ledge while watching the sunset. This opportunity allowed these preteen girls to connect with nature, as well as listen to something they were eagerly waiting for. Village Insight was another powerful moment on the trip. The girls took part in a compliment circle and said nice things about their cabin mates. These small moments are what make these trips so memorable

Mahoosuc
Mahoosuc Village hiked to the Ledge on the first day of their trip and Mount Flagg on the second day of their trip. A special part of Mahoosuc’s adventure was when they approach the Flagg summit. Leader Jack Lilly said when the group approached the summit, he and his co-leader told all the campers to look away. When they officially arrived at the summit, he and his co-leader counted and had all the kids look at the same time and gasped as they took in the spectacular view together.

Whitecap
Whitecap went to High Point and ventured to Mount Flagg. They embraced the true camp spirit on their trip by singing endless songs. Leader Kate Tucker said campers made it all the way through the song “99 Bottles of Milk on the Wall.” Other highlights of the Whitecap trip experience included eating pita pizzas for dinner and creating their own fake news show.

Moosilaukee
Moosilaukee went to High Meadow and also ventured up to Mount Flagg. Leader Naomi Wolfe said the village really enjoyed the hike to Flagg Summit and eating their lunch at the top. One of the best feelings is a meal after a physically demanding activity. Being able to eat lunch with a beautiful view after some hard work made the trip worth it for Moosilaukee village.

All four villages had unique and wonderful experiences. The introduction to hiking can be scary at first, but so many little moments and opportunities leave villages wanting to come back year after year to continue their journey through the Merrowvista experience.