Each camper has five teaching activities in her schedule per day. Our Junior group (ages 8–10) have a well balanced program giving them a sampling of many different activities. Inters, Sub-seniors, and Seniors (ages 11–15) choose their program, with lifelong sports of tennis and swimming already in their schedule. There is ample room for flexibility. The last period in the afternoon is an elective activity which each girl selects from a list after breakfast.
Located on the eastern shore of Upper Baker Pond (166 acres) in Orford, NH; 16 acres of land, foothills of the White Mountains, base of 2,909' Mount Cube.
Ages
8–15
Accreditations stated by camp
American Camping Association
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Canoeing
Kayaking
Sailing
Waterskiing
Wakeboarding
Land Sports
Soccer
Tennis
Basketball
Archery
Volleyball
Lacrosse
Gymnastics
Arts & Creative
Dance
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking
Rock climbing
Zip line
Clues to fit
Traditions — Color War, Peter Pan Night, International Day, Texas Night, Friendship Night
Color War: After the counselors break out Color War, 3½ days of competition in all activities the girls have been working on throughout the summer. The event concludes with Skit Night. Peter Pan Night: The younger girls are awakened by the older girls and brought out to the basketball court where our oldest girls, the Twelvers, put on a play for the camp. The night culminates with hot cocoa and donut holes, and is followed by a sleep in with a Mom Miller Morning. International Day features native games including Tour de France bike races, netball, and rugby. Texas Night is a genuine hoedown complete with ribs, cornbread, bucking bronco, and dancing to country music.
Setting — Upper Baker Pond and White Mountains location
We are fortunate to be located in the foothills of the White Mountains with acres of flat fields and a location on the eastern shore of Upper Baker Pond, a 166 acre pond in a secluded setting at the base of 2,909' Mount Cube. We have over 400 feet of waterfront on Upper Baker Pond, along with 16 acres of land.
Alumni testimonial — Color War, teamwork, and lasting friendships
Today, even 32 years after my last summer at Merriwood, I am still a Color War fanatic. There was nothing like the thrill of Color War breakout and the unbelievable feeling of teamwork and community that the experience created. My closest friends from Merriwood have and always will be central to my life.
After a campfire, each girl enters the dining room and reads letters from past summers that are held from one summer to the next. Next, she writes a letter to herself in the dining room reflecting on her summer. Letters are collected, even those from past years, and a candlelit ceremony brings camp together in one of the most memorable nights of the summer.
Susan Miller Hild, Gary and Judy's daughter, has been Merriwood's Director since 2009. She is supported in running Merriwood by her husband, David, and their son, Steven, who is actively involved in maintaining and improving Merriwood's tradition of excellence. He represents the 4th generation of family leadership. The continuity of multiple generations ensures the continuation of Merriwood 'Magic' and distinguishes the camp from its peers.
Parent testimonial — confidence and self-assurance
My 11 year old daughter has gained tremendous self-assurance from her time at Merriwood. She now approaches new experiences with much more confidence, drawing on the success she experienced tackling new physical activities, being away from home, and drawing very close to new friends of all ages.
Most cabins are situated near the lake with whistling loons and croaking bullfrogs to serenade the girls to sleep. The cabins are wood frame and each is equipped with toilets, sinks, and hot and cold running water. The cabins have screens, windows with glass, curtains and doors. All cabins have electricity and smoke detectors are hard-wired. Two or three staff members are in each cabin with one member on duty every night. There is always a staff person with each cabin each night. A professional cleaning staff takes care of cleaning toilets and sinks.
An older camper is matched with a new Merriwood camper based on hometown, age, and session. The girls get together, Skype, email, or talk on the phone prior to camp to answer any questions. The girls sit together during the first week at all meals. This bond can be quite strong and the new camper has a familiar face as soon as she arrives!
