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Summer Teen Apprenticeship (Ages 14 & 15)

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Summer Teen Apprenticeship
(Ages 14 & 15)

A parent has described Merrohawke as a place that is “. . . building a whole army of kids who know more about nature than their parents do.”

Merrohawke’s Teen Apprenticeship Program for many teens is their first step over the threshold from participant to a role as program support, and in this way, they can gently practice what it means to be “staff.” Through direct mentoring by lead Merrohawke teachers and our co-founders, the Apprenticeship program strives to grow teens’ leadership, nature connection, independence, and interpersonal communication skills. This transformational journey is intended to shape a young adolescent into a confident teen qualified, but not guaranteed,  to work at Merrohawke or any desired place of employment by building life skills that will benefit any future professional pursuit.

We dedicate staff time, resources, and program design to support our teen Apprentices. In return, we expect that they will fully embrace the following learning experiences and time commitment to foster their own personal growth:

  • Mandatory participation in the Apprentice training weekend TBD. Includes one overnight camping (dinner and breakfast included) in Boxford, Mass.
  • Assist as an Apprentice with Merrohawke summer programs a minimum of two mutually agreeable weeks as Level 1; three weeks as returning Level 2. (Agreement may be amended for Level 2 at Merrohawke’s discretion.)
  • Complete online reflective journal entries each week.
  • Naturalist skills to deepen your own connection to nature in your daily life
  • Responsibility, accountability, and independence
  • How to receive feedback and mentoring from our lead staff
  • How meaningful self-reflection is a key skill towards ongoing personal development
  • Maritime skills and/or naturalist skills
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Leadership skills to best serve various age groups and settings
  • How to identify the unique gifts that you can bring forward to serve the community
  • NOTE: Maritime apprenticeship positions aboard F/V Erica Lee for B.O.A.T. C.A.M.P. are highly selective with very limited availability due to onboard passenger capacity and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Most apprentices participate in our forest programs. 
  • Minimum age of 14
  • Past participation in our programs for at least two years
  • An intense desire to learn, and to make real what you learn every day
  • Openness to instruction and feedback, and sincerely grateful for what is given
  • Ability and willingness to do get dirty and play
  • Direct communication with Merrohawke staff. We want to hear from you, not your parents.
  • Attendance at Apprentice training weekend overnight and staff training on TBD.
  • Minimum commitment of two weeks.
  • $629 fee. (Scholarship support available.)

Apprentice positions are highly selective and limited to 12 teens each summer. Successful completion of the apprenticeship program may qualify you for, but does not guarantee, future employment with Merrohawke or any other outdoor education program. While this is typically a two or three-year journey, apprentices must apply (or re-apply) each year.

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2026 Summer Applications Here

Applications are due March 31, 2026

The fee for participation is $629, payable upon acceptance or by June 1.
Scholarship Support Available
 "Being regarded as the staff member at Merohawke makes me feel like I have a greater responsibility and more influence in the camp. It has given me a greater respect for the hard work that it takes to run a camp of that size.., The advice that I would give to a future apprentice would be to keep working even if it seems hard or stressful because, it will get easier and come more naturally as you get more experience. It can be intimidating to do things like this for the first time but sticking with it and getting to know the campers and staff, you’ll find that Merrohawke is great and a fun place to learn and to teach.

2024 Summer Apprentice

 "If I were to give advice to a future Level 1 Apprentice, I would tell them to always be mindful and to try and give the kids the best experience you can. As much as I hate to say it, Merrohawke isn't about me anymore. Now, it's about making children the happiest they can be. Throughout my years as a student, I never realized how much the staff did for me. Looking back, all I can think about is how kind, caring, and helpful everyone was. I look up to and aspire to be like every one of them.

2021 Summer Apprentice

 "After attending the Merrohawke’s Apprentice overnight I would describe the experience as surreal. I don’t usually get to do those types of things and I am extremely grateful for it. I would tell someone who wants to become an apprentice to take it in and learn as much as possible.

Summer 2024 Teen Apprentice

 "One thing that I have noticed from being an apprentice is that being on the outside of a group gives a much different perspective than from inside of the group. This skill is particularly important for me to practice because I am working on being more confident in social situations. This week with Red Fox I hope that I can observe some more of the interactions between the students and practice dealing with them in a safe space where I know that I will not be looked down upon for making mistakes.

Summer 2024 Teen Apprentice

 "I no longer look at the kids as fellow students but look at them as kids who want to learn from my experience. It's crazy! I also feel so much older because of the kids looking up to me. I also feel excited because I can't wait to see where this awesome experience brings me. My first day as an Apprentice was crazy, fun and nerve racking. By the end of the day I was tired and smelt like fish and it was the best feeling ever. So overall I can't wait for tomorrow.

Summer 2021 Teen Apprentice