WELCOME TO MERROHAWKE
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EDUCATING ON LAND AND OCEAN
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A HEALTHIER PLANET BEGINS WITH AN EDUCATION ROOTED IN NATURE
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B.O.A.T. C.A.M.P. WITH CAPT. ROB - AGES 9-12+
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A healthier planet begins with an education rooted in nature. At Merrohawke, we believe that when children spend time learning in the forest and along the shore, they develop a deep respect for the natural world—and for themselves. Through immersive outdoor experiences, we nurture confidence, compassion, and a lifelong connection to community and Earth. Our nature-based programs offer more than academics. They foster curiosity, creativity, and calm—all vital tools in today's world. With an approach grounded in Waldorf education and nature connection, we help raise children who lead with empathy and integrity.
During the school year, Merrohawke serves over 100 youth aged 2.9 to teens who attend our licensed Forest Kindergarten preschool and Forest and Field School microschool. Homeschooled children--and those who are excused from other educational settings--attend once or twice a week for the full school year.
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During summer, 500 youth attend our programs on land and sea. We work 100% outdoors because we believe this is the best classroom for personal growth, and it just so happens that through direct experience on land and at sea, youth develop a profound love and respect for nature that will stay with them throughout their lives.
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Equity and inclusion have always been important at Merrohawke. Since our founding in 2007, we have never turned away a child who wished to attend Merrohawke but lacked the funds to do so. We especially honor the Indigenous Peoples of our region and seek to build relationships and uplift their work in any way that we can.
Read MoreWe work 100% outdoors because we believe this is the best classroom for personal growth, and it just so happens that through direct experience on land and at sea, youth develop a profound love and respect for nature that will stay with them throughout their lives. Merrohawke's exceptionally low teacher:student ratio is typically 1:4.
View More ;We are committed to preserving and protecting the sacred childhood years, and to creating space for children to naturally grow into the fullest expression of their unique gifts. We strive each day to create opportunities for children to feel and understand that the world is good.
View More ;Comprised of a dedicated and truly invested team, Merrohawke is supported on all fronts with understanding, empathy and always keeping the success of our students at the forefront.
View More ;Merrohawke was co-founded by Captains Rob and Kate Yeomans in November 2007 as BOAT CAMP. We have organically evolved into a year-round, youth-serving organization that provides nature-immersive outdoor programs for children and families living within a 50-mile radius of Newburyport, Mass.
View More ;Founded in Newburyport, Massachusetts, We operate our BOAT CAMP" on the waterfront. We also offer land-based programs year-round at our home in Boxford, Mass. We serve the Essex and Middlesex county areas, featuring maritime activities and nature-based programs.
View More ;We are committed to preserving and protecting the sacred childhood years, and to creating space for children to naturally grow into the fullest expression of their unique gifts. We strive each day to create opportunities for children to feel and understand that the world is good and beautiful.
As we grow and evolve, Merrohawke’s core teaching staff are training in, and applying, principles and practices of Waldorf education into our programs in order to make for the most meaningful experiences in nature possible for our children. In 2023, Merrohawke was accepted as a Full Member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America.
We also apply key principles of experiential education, nature connection, and land education. Land education acknowledges that learning is taking place on Indigenous land. We understand our responsibility to build respectful, reciprocal relationships with local Indigenous Peoples who have tended these lands and waters since time immemorial.
"I think my son feels part of something bigger each time he attends a Merrohawke program. He can have a hard time settling in and making relationships with others, but this is never the case at Merrohawke. He’s always excited and proud to go to your programming. He calls Merrohawke the greatest camp he's ever been to. He says it taught him "everything."
Merrohawke programs are a wonderful resource to the community. They teach kids the importance of nature and how to respect it. They also teach kids the importance of community, teamwork, and empathy towards others.
I am a NOLS graduate and hold a BA in ecology. Learning about and being in nature is a big focal Point for myself and my daughter. MH nature school Give her opportunities to learn and grow in nature.
