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Older Merrowvista campers have exciting new choices for summer camp 2026. In addition to the Four Trails adventure programs, Merrowvista will offer new in-camp options for middle- and high school-aged campers.

The Evolution of Wayfinder

Merrowvista Executive Director Jason Knowles said the AYF decided to add more in-camp program options for high school-aged campers after the success of Wayfinder.

“Wayfinder provided five great summers of leadership and growth for our older campers and showed the value of expanding our onsite program offerings,” said Knowles. “These new programs – Discoverer, Pathfinder, and Torchbearer – will provide intentional leadership development opportunities.”

Camp Director Madelyn Cook said Merrowvista also recognized that not all campers want to enroll in offsite adventure programs, and these new programs increase camper choice. “We’ve expanded our options to meet the needs of our community, enabling campers of all ages to come to Merrowvista, find their people, learn hard and soft skills, and strengthen their sense of identity,” she said.

What is Discoverer?

Discoverer is for rising seventh and eighth graders. These campers will participate in interest groups and in an overnight offsite camping experience. Discoverer will lay the foundation for the leadership curriculum that lies ahead as Pathfinders and Torchbearers.

What is Pathfinder?

As Pathfinders, ninth and tenth graders will have a greater sense of choice in activities beyond traditional interest groups. Pathfinders will take on new responsibilities through community service projects and have leadership opportunities like co-leading assemblies.

“This curriculum is designed to challenge campers and help them achieve personal goals,” Cook said. “Pathfinder reminds campers they can do hard things.”

What is Torchbearer?

Torchbearer is the final step on the in-camp progression for campers entering grades 11 and 12. Torchbearers will continue to develop through leadership opportunities, group facilitation training, and skills development courses. They will have the chance to achieve certifications such as first aid, lifeguarding through the American Red Cross, and Level 1 Instructor training through US Archery.

Merrowvista is exploring options to honor Torchbearers’ achievements with wearable reminders, as is the tradition when campers complete milestone programs like Odyssey and Voyageur.

Discoverer, Pathfinder, and Torchbearer offer Merrowvista campers another way to discover their best and prepare them to be confident, competent young adults in the world.

“These new programs reflect our commitment to supporting campers as they achieve new heights in a caring and supportive community,” said Knowles. “It is an opportunity to learn real life skills as they take their first steps into adulthood after high school.”