FAQ

1) WHERE DO THE GIRLS COME FROM?

2) SELECTING THE STAFF (HOW DOES MERRIWOOD SELECT THE STAFF?)

3) EXPLAIN A DAILY MERRIWOOD PROGRAM (WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY AT MERRIWOOD?)

4) CABIN ASSIGNMENTS (HOW ARE CABINS ASSIGNED?)

5) MEALS AT MERRIWOOD (HOW IS THE FOOD AT MERRIWOOD?)

6) GETTING TO CAMP (HOW DO THE GIRLS GET TO CAMP?)

7) ARE THERE UNIFORMS (DOES MERRIWOOD REQUIRE UNIFORMS?)

8)COMMUNICATION WITH HOME (HOW CAN MY DAUGHTER COMMUNICATE HOME?)

9) WHAT IF MY DAUGHTER IS HOMESICK?

10) IS THERE A CAMP SISTER PROGRAM?

11) DO YOU ALLOW CELL PHONES OR IPODS AT CAMP?

12) HOW ARE YOUR PROGRAMS DESIGNED?

1) WHERE DO THE GIRLS COME FROM? (back to top)

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 . 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.

2) HOW DO WE SELECT THE STAFF ? (back to top)

Our staff is very diverse coming from all over the world, but primarily from the U.S. and U.K. Some were campers themselves who return as staff members to share their experiences and create the excitement from when they were campers. All of our staff applicants are thoroughly screened and must be at least 18 years of age or have completed one year of college. They are hand chosen for their love of children and their talent in a specific activity.

3) EXPLAIN A DAILY MERRIWOOD PROGRAM (back to top)

Each camper has five teaching activities in her schedule per day. The last period is an elective activity chosen on a daily basis often giving girls the opportunity to try activities they don't normally have in their schedule. Our Junior group (8-10) has a well balanced program giving them a sampling of many different activities. Eleven year olds and older choose their program, keeping in mind that tennis and swimming are required. There is ample room for flexibility.

4) CABIN ASSIGNMENTS (back to top)

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. The cabins have electricity, bathrooms with hot water (!) and all single cots--no double-deckers. Girls add to the décor by bringing family pictures to put over their beds.

5) MEALS AT MERRIWOOD (back to top)

Our chef Joe has been with us twelve 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 each lunch and dinner as well as a main meal, consisting of either 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.

6) GETTING TO CAMP (back to top)

A coach bus service picks the girls up in the greater New York area. Most families from MA drive their daughters to camp. Return trips by bus are available to NY and Boston . Girls can be met and taken to the Manchester Airport in Manchester , NH .

7) ARE THERE UNIFORMS (back to top)

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 events. The daily dress is very simple and comfortable. No fashion statements made here!

8) COMMUNICATION WITH HOME (back to top)

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.

9) WHAT IF MY DAUGHTER IS HOMESICK (back to top)

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.

10) IS THERE A CAMP SISTER PROGRAM? (back to top)

Yes. All campers are assigned a camp sister who will contact you before camp even begins. You will already have a friend before camp starts. Your camp sister will have been at Merriwood for at least one year and so will be able to help you adjust to camp life and settle in to enjoying your time at Merriwood. They will sit with you at meal times and may even ride the bus from New York or Boston to camp, sharing their fun stories and memories of Merriwood.

11) DO YOU ALLOW CELL PHONES OR IPODS AT CAMP?(back to top)

Cell phones are not permitted at camp. The girls are unable to receive any service on camp grounds and we prefer the girls not to use cell phones when away on trips. There are camper numbers for the parents to call if you wish to speak to your daughter. I-pods and other music systems are allowed. Girls like to listen to their music during quiet times within the cabin or in the evening before bed, but not allowed while walking around camp.

12) HOW ARE YOUR PROGRAMS DESIGNED? (back to top)

We use the very best ins truction possible by the most qualified staff obtainable.

In addition, we follow the American Red Cross program for swimming, and National Archery Association for archery. Merriwood has always felt that it is important for a child to learn the activity in a fun, safe environment. We focus more on instruction and less on competition. An example of Merriwood's philosophy is that it's just as important for a child who has never played tennis to learn how to hit a ball, as it is to win a major tournament.