Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE DO YOUR CAMPERS COME FROM?
The majority of Merriwood campers come from the greater Eastern seaboard with a small number coming from states such as California, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. We occasionally have girls from England, Canada, Mexico and France. Most campers return year after year and it is not unusual for a 9 year old to be with us for her full seven years until she is fifteen.
EXPLAIN A DAILY MERRIWOOD PROGRAM
Each camper has five teaching activities in her schedule per day. Our Junior group (8-10) have a well balanced program giving them a sampling of many different activities. Girls eleven year olds and older choose their program, keeping in mind that tennis and swimming are required. 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. Our electives period gives girls the opportunity to try activities they do not normally have in their schedule.
CABIN ASSIGNMENTS
Campers are placed in cabins according to grade, unless otherwise requested. Usually there are 8-10 girls per cabin with two senior staff. We attempt to honor special requests when possible.
WHAT ARE YOUR CABINS LIKE
The girls sleep on single cots, no double deckers. 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. Electricity is throughout the cabin and smoke detectors are hard wired. Two staff members are in each cabin with one member on duty every night while the other is off duty. There is always a staff person with each cabin each night. A"job wheel" is made for each cabin that shows the assigned chores of the day such as sweeping, shelf organization, emptying wastebaskets, etc.
MEALS AT MERRIWOOD
Our chef Joe has been with us over fifteen years and knows what girls like to eat! He takes a personal interest in the requests from the girls and staff. We have a salad bar every lunch and dinner as well as a main meal, consisting of favorites suchs as chicken, pasta, pizza, tacos, etc. Fresh fruit is offered throughout the day as well as milk and cookies at bedtime. Joe also posts a Suggestion Board for requests.
GETTING TO CAMP
A coach bus service picks the girls up in the greater New York area. Families from MA drive their daughters to camp. Return trips by bus are available to NY and Boston. Girls can be driven to the Manchester Airport in Manchester, NH.
ARE THERE UNIFORMS
Merriwood is a non-uniform camp, however, we do require that each girl purchase two t-shirts and two pair of shorts from our supplier. These are worn for special camp events. The daily dress is very simple and comfortable. No fashion statements made here!
COMMUNICATION WITH HOME
Campers are required to write home to their parents at least twice a week. We encourage parents to write to their daughters often--the girls love to get mail. To help with the adjustment to camp, phone calls are permitted after the first two weeks of camp. We encourage parents to limit the number of times they call, and the calls must be from parents. A list of appropriate times to call is listed in the Parents Handbook. We do not accept e-mails or FAXes unless the parent is out of the country.
WHAT IF MY DAUGHTER IS HOMESICK
Homesickness can be a natural experience of being away from your parents. Our caring staff and directors are trained and take a keen interest in helping girls through what can be a difficult time. We're always available for a hug or that needed chat. We make every effort to keep the girls involved. If there is homesickness, it usually doesn't last long.
