It was a Silver Opening Day as rain poured on cars driving up the huge hill leading to camp. Energetic staff and leaders waited to greet campers as they arrived at their home for the summer. Parents and caregivers embraced their children. Campers’ laughter rang out as they walked to their villages, excited to see where they would be living for the summer.

The first 24 hours of camp presented many emotions. Some children were away from home for the first time, and others counted down the minutes until they would be at camp again. For many, Opening Day is the start of a brand-new adventure and so much more.

It was an Eating Lodge full of children devouring pasta after a day of new faces and play. It was the Activity Center full of games and dance parties, of saying your name a thousand times, so everyone could get to know you.

Campers awoke early the next morning to the loud ringing bell, a staple of Merrowvista life that signals the community for the start and end of many activities. Campers scattered out of the bunks, collected their rain jackets, and hiked up to the Bahn to learn about the day ahead.

The campers prepared themselves for a morning of swim checks and health team rotations to ensure that they are all safe and healthy during their stay at camp. The afternoon consisted of camper choice activities from sailing and woodworking to games on the athletic field and friendship bracelet making.

After a morning of safety and an afternoon of fun, campers readied themselves for dinner and one of camp’s most beloved traditions: Opening Circle, where new and old friends are welcomed to Merrowvista around a roaring fire. We’re so happy to have all of our campers settled into this beautiful community!