WELCOME
From its humble origins of 32 girls in 1949, to its present size of approximately 135 campers, Merriwood has grown under the transformative leadership of the Miller/Hild family. Merriwood owes much to Gary and Judy Miller, who ably ran the camp for many years, after inheriting the legacy begun by Gary’s mother, Janet “Mom” Miller, and her husband, Camp Moosilauke Director, Gordon “Moose” Miller, in 1949.
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.
LEADERSHIP BIOS
SUSAN MILLER HILD
Education and working with kids have always been a part of Susan’s life. Tapped as the 3rd generation family member of Miller/Hilds to be Director of Merriwood, Susan grew up on the shores of Upper Baker Pond. After graduating from Bates College, she was an elementary school teacher at Horace Mann, La Jolla Country Day, and Renbrook for over 30 years, primarily teaching 5th graders. Since retiring from teaching, she and her husband, David, have focused on Merriwood, visiting their grandchildren in Denver, and traveling to Williams football and lacrosse games to watch Steven coach. No one embodies the qualities that make Merriwood magic, or loves the camp more than Susan!
DAVID HILD
After meeting Susan at Bates College, David spent 40 years as a high school dean/teacher/coach/advisor at Horace Mann, The Bishop’s School, and Kingswood Oxford. He also spent almost 2 decades as a director at Camp Winona (Bridgton, ME). Now he spends his summer days on the shores of Upper Baker Pond as the waterfront director, but also dips into other activities as the need arises, or Susan asks him to... In the offseason he and Susan live primarily in New Hampshire, but also enjoy time in West Hartford, CT, and La Jolla, CA, and with their sons - David (and wife, Ali) and Steven, and grandkids - Archie, Margo, and Vivi.
STEVEN HILD
Steven played football and lacrosse at Bates College, then began work in finance in Boston. Feeling unfulfilled with that career, he decided to pursue work in education/camping. At Merriwood Steven has filled numerous roles, often joking that he started working at camp, “as soon as I could pick up a hammer.” As a kid, he began with maintenance, mainly during pre-camp, working with his grandfather, father and uncle to get camp ready for the summer. While in college he took on more camper intensive roles by leading canoe/kayak, rock climbing and archery activity periods. Recently he has taken on the tasks of helping Susan with the running of camp by leading tours, taking part in Open Houses and doing assorted administrative work as an Associate Director. When not in Orford, he is an assistant football and lacrosse coach at Williams College.
JANET AND GORDON MILLER
JUDY AND GARY MILLER
“My girls know every single girl at camp and are inspired by all of the girls they meet.”
“Merriwood is the most special place. Thank you for making it all happen!”
“My 11-year-old daughter has gained tremendous self-assurance from her time at Merriwood.”