Summer 2022
"I don't think I could adequately express in words what this program means to our family. COVID was really destructive to my child's mental well-being and I feel like this was the first time I have seen them back to themselves in almost three years."
"In an area where we are spoiled with great summer options, Merrohawke is one of our favorites. Our son has gone for two years in a row, and we'll absolutely sign him up again. He came home bubbling with enthusiasm every day and told us all about the wonderful things he was learning (he was very excited to tell us he'd tried purslane, that he formed a band with his friends, and that he was making cool constructions in the woods, among other things...). He seemed comfortable and excited, yet somehow also calm and self-possessed each day. Red Fox just gave him something good, and it was great to see. On the last day at pickup, he told us 'I don't want to leave,' and expressed a deep sadness at both leaving the experience and the kids who he met behind. We have a ton of respect for this program, the people who lead it, and the relationships they cultivate among participants."
"Compared to other programs we've done that do a parade of loosely nature-themed activities, this was an authentic nature experience that was designed to intentionally challenge and engage the kids in team-building ways but also in ways that fostered personal growth and individual exploration. The kids were trusted, seen as individuals, and offered real choices and challenges throughout their day."
"All of the above “as high as it goes.” [Our son] especially appreciated the clear explanations of why some things were meant to happen a certain way."
"Adrian and Mia were extraordinary. I was very impressed with how professional and attentive they were."
"Loved everyone and Captain Rob is the best."
"Sarah and her team were phenomenal. I communicate a lot via email with Sarah and she's always responsive and sweet in her replies. Our son came home talking about how fun and silly the teachers were and sharing his new skills and knowledge."
COVID Summer 2020
"Very well organized, friendly, perfect balance of safety and humanity during a pandemic."
"This year honestly saved our son from months of isolation spent largely indoors. He has attended Merrohawke for the past 5 years, and he has learned so much about nature and community. I often comment that I wish his school experience was more like the one he receives at Merrohawke."
"This year more than any other our family was so appreciative that Merrohawke put so much thought and creativity into continuing to run their programs. My son had not had an organized activity with other children since March. The whole family needed the change of scenery this provided. He came home every day excited about his adventures on the boat and bursting to tell us everything. B.O.A.T. C.A.M.P. took an emerging interest in boating and fishing and solidified it into what we hope is a life long healthy activity for life."
"This was a unique experience for our son. He’s attended many programs in his 11 yrs and this one was the most memorable. He felt comfortable, accepted, and cared for above all else. And he had a blast learning about the sea and fishing. He hasn’t had much exposure to boating so this was novel and so fun. We are so grateful!!!"
"I can't even describe how good this week was for my son. He has otherwise had very few opportunities to socialize with other kids. Seeing his happy face each day was priceless and touched me very much. He was extremely happy. Thank you very much for all you do!"
"These programs gently nudge my very introverted, shy kid into going outside of his comfort zones. Merrohawke invites him to grow, and learn and strive. And it's done with so much love and patience. I am a repeat customer and I couldn't be more grateful for this program or the staff who lead it."
"Merrohawke has greatly helped our son to face his anxiety. He is clearly happy each day when I pick him up, and he says he is more free from anxiety while there and that is so important to us."
"My daughter came home excited about all the things she experienced and shared all the things she's learned. Her level of independence and self-confidence increased by experiencing this through the program. great job!"
"My granddaughter has been through a lot in her short 8 years, and she looks forward to her time at Merrohawke so much! She talks about it all year, and can't wait to come back! She was so sad at it was over at the end of the week that she couldn't hold back the tears. Next year, we hope to be able to have her go for more than one week! It is a true blessing that the scholarships are provided, for otherwise, this sweet child might not have the chance to attend such a beautiful, enriching program! Thank you!"
"Our daughter is glowing every day when we pick her up, and can’t wait to go back the next day. And after 4 months of being cooped up at home due to covid, we are so thankful you found a safe way to run your programs this summer."
"Merrohawke means the world to us. That you offer these programs and make sure they are available to all children, regardless of parents income - who does that? Thank you for being agents of change and equality."
Programs
"I feel so lucky that this organization is available in our town...."
"We have been raving to everyone about it."
Our sons had a fantastic week! We're adopting implementing the "Gratitude circle" each night before bedtime. Love it! The staff and crew were very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I'm so thankful your programs exist so children can have these wonderful experiences! Hats off to all of you for a job well done! See you again next year!
"This was an amazing program! Both of my girls really loved it. I especially enjoyed watching them interact with land and sea in their own unique way. They were explorers and it awakened an adventurous spirit."
"The overall experience--wow. The communication with parents about the expectations of the day. The programs are implemented with thoughtful preparation. The crew is very flexible and know how to "roll with it."
Merrohawke is hands-down the best summer experience you can give your child. Kate and Rob Yeomans (along with their team) give children a real front row seat to the magic of the Merrimac and the ocean beyond. My kids love everything from rides on the Yankee Clipper to water coloring with the counselors."
"Leadership, staff - their knowledge and strong student centered focus. The kids are always doing something different, outdoors in all weather, enthusiasm of the staff."
"My kids know more about the local waterways and wildlife habitats after 2 summers at Merrohawke, than I do after living in Newburyport for 14 years :).
“I have raved about your programs for years, since my daughter's first forest kindergarten program.”
"Love having this gem in our town."
“My kids LOVE Merrohawke and they look forward to it all year long. They love hunting for crabs at the beach and along the river, climbing trees near the boardwalk, singing songs and playing games with the counselors and just being outside with their friends. The Boathouse is a magic place and just being in the boatyard makes kids excited."
“We will be back next year, and little bro wants to come too.”
“As a mom and former elementary school teacher, I am always incredibly impressed with everything that goes on at B.O.A.T. C.A.M.P. You have some master teacher's there and the kids learn so much while having fun. I also felt incredibly comfortable leaving my daughter in your care both this year and last (and I don't leave her very many places). There always seems to be enough hands to help out and keep all the kids safe.”
"My son LOVED both programs he participated in. He loved riding the Yankee Clipper and making fairy houses in the woods."
“My son LOVED B.O.A.T. C.A.M.P.!”
This is the most amazing program and my kids talk about it all year long. We feel so fortunate to be a part of it each year.
“Our oldest son loved it so much that he wanted to participate in the week following when he was "scheduled". There was not room in the following week, so he begged us to take him to the dock every morning of the next session ‘just in case (one of the other scheduled participants) didn't show up’!!!”
"Your program has entertained and taught my daughter so much over the last 7 years, and I have nothing but good things to say. She actually is looking to continue her education beyond high school in marine biology and I attribute that to her experience with you. Thank you for all you do."
"Have to say thank you for accommodating my son who has cystic fibrosis. His current medicine regimen requires lots of sunscreen and they did such a fab job reminding him he didn't get sunburned! THANK YOU!"
"Your program was truly the highlight of our children's summer. Both children wished they could go for another week and when asked to rate their experience gave it a 10 out of 10. What more could a parent ask for?"
"I would recommend B.O.A.T. C.A.M.P. to anyone."
Our son loved "the row boating, trying wild strawberries, and sucking on honeysuckle"! Our daughter loved "finding crabs, trying honeysuckle, and going on the beach"! Our son in B.O.A.T. C.A.M.P. loved "everything"! Especially the "Isle of Shoals", "taking a mud bath and "the games in the morning"!!
Staff
"The B.O.A.T. C.A.M.P. staff is phenomenal. They are a wonderful resource from an educational standpoint, but most of all, they're fun! This is my son's 3rd year participating and the upbeat staff is a large part of what keeps him coming back."
“I was highly impressed with every crew member I encountered. My son had such a wonderful time and had only very complimentary remarks about each and every one of his crew. I am looking forward to sending him again next year. Thank you all for all your hard work and dedication!”
“My husband went on the boat and was quite impressed. In fact, he was hesitant to send our son to B.O.A.T. C.A.M.P. in fear that he would be bored. He for sure thinks otherwise!”
“They were all great. Kids loved them!"
"Love you guys"
"Captain Rob, well, he's Captain Rob, isn't he. What more to say?" 🙂
"My daughter is quite shy but the counselors seemed to "get" her and helped her along at her own pace. Each day she came home a bit more talkative and excited about what she had done. I had a hard time getting her to leave the water at the end of each day. On Friday when I asked if she'd like to return next year, the answer was a resounding "yes!"
“It seemed like everyone was very enthusiastic and involved with the environment as well as understanding of my child’s needs… My child LOVED it.”
“All were very friendly and welcoming to both the kids and the parents. It is clear how much the captains, instructors, crew and staff all enjoy what they are doing.”
"The knowledge and experience is like none other."
"My son has Aspergers, and his quick temper has kept us from sending him to so many programs. Kate was great on the phone when we were deciding whether or not to send him, and the staff, were phenomenal! They really got him, listened to the strategies we gave, and really made this by far the best experience we've ever had!I can't praise your program enough! My son isn't always easy, but your staff was empathetic and patient. It was also really refreshing that the staff would take the time to chat with me about his day every day, without making me feel like I was a pain. I appreciate it so much."
"My daughter had the time of her life! Each day I saw her confidence growing as she came off the boat!"
"It is amazing to see how Capt Rob engages and encourages each child!
A million thank yous!!!"
“Everyone that we came in contact with was very kind and professional—the staff couldn't have done anything better!”
"Everybody was tremendous. My son has had seizures that are under control, but the staff made me feel at ease that he could attend and be looked after, and he was."
"I thought everyone was great. Sarah seemed organized and responsive when I spoke with her at drop off, so I felt like my child was in good hands."
“My son found them to be very friendly. He loved Captain Rob!”
"Loved the staff, absolutely loved them! They are all great with kids and my kids bloomed hanging out with them."
"The staff made it. Kate's calm complemented by the counselor's energy made the kids safe to explore and interact."
"Loved Them All.”
"What a fabulous crew. I'm so thankful that my son has the opportunity to learn from these great role models. And that it is out in our beautiful environments is the icing on the cake!
“My son really enjoyed Captain Rob. He simply says that he is awesome. He is equally fond of Kate.”
"My kids really enjoy their time on the boat and enjoy Captain Rob a lot. He is great with the kids and keeps them interested."
“Based on what my son came home and told me, the crew made a real effort to get to know and talk to the children. They seemed to have learned a lot about my son, and they were truly interested in what he had to say.”
“Great captain, crew and staff. The feedback I got from my son was that everyone was helpful and friendly. I think the fact that he was looking forward to getting out there each day speaks volumes.”
“Extremely friendly, welcoming, professional. Very enthusiastic and fun to be with during the day. Took good care of my child the day she was seasick and helped her work through some nerves the next day - thank you!”
“My son enjoyed Capt Rob and his wife and son - says ‘they must really love their jobs.’"