Summer 2025 registration opens online at 6 a.m. on November 7.
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Registration is now open!
Welcome to Merrohawke! We are excited to see your family.
Merrohawke is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization committed to guiding learning in nature that inspires empathy, resilience, grit and a deep connection to the earth.
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.
Merrohawke’s exceptionally low teacher: student ratio is typically 1:4. We work each day to help raise a generation of youth who are in touch with their gifts, follow their passion and may become strong, resilient, and empathetic adults. All programs are led by our full-time, year-round teaching staff, and each are supported by a team of at least two other adults and teens who are former students, all with several years's experience at Merrohawke.
Merrohawke summer programs on land in Boxford are licensed by the Boxford Board of Health. In this way, this camp must comply with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.
Due to the unique maritime setting of our floating classroom, B.O.A.T. C.A.M.P. in Newburyport is not required to be licensed. However, at our B.O.A.T. C.A.M.P. summer program, as a best practice, we follow as many Merrohawke summer camp protocols and practices as is appropriate and applicable. This includes our policies regarding youth medical records and administration of medication, emergency plans and staff qualifications, training, and background checks. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Merrohawke runs on 70% earned revenue through tuition and 30% philanthropic support. In this way, program fees do not cover the full costs of running high quality outdoor education programs at sea and on land, taught by our year-round, full-time teaching staff. Our program fees are carefully reviewed each year to meet our fiscal responsibilities, pay fair living wages to our hard working staff, and stay competitive.
We work tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds in order to be able to provide scholarship assistance and financial aid for families who would not otherwise be able to participate. Thanks to the generosity of Merrohawke's philanthropic supporters, no child has ever been turned away who wished to attend Merrohawke but lacked the funds to do so. Please note that we reserve a few spots every program week for these youth. So, if you wish to attend but need to request scholarship assistance in advance, or if you see a program week is listed as FULL online, be sure and reach out to us because it's possible that we may have a spot available for you. Please do not think that Merrohawke is too expensive for your family. If you would like to attend, we'll do our best to make a plan to make that happen. Just ask!
"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."
~ Summer 2024 parent
"Merrohawke sets itself apart from all other local summer programs by offering the opportunity for children to literally get their hands dirty and enjoy nature! It was such a blessing to know that my daughter was outside in the fresh air for HOURS and I loved picking her up at the end of the day and seeing her covered in mud or soaking wet with a huge smile!"
~ Summer 2022 Parent
"You are the premier outdoor education experience for children in the greater Newburyport area. Merrohawke is hands-down the best summer experience you can give your child. Kate and Rob Yeomans (along with their team of creative field leaders and staff) give children a real front-row seat to the magic of the Merrimack and the ocean beyond. My kids love everything."
~ Summer 2018 Parent
These programs mean so much to us. I am not a “nature” enthusiast but realize how important it is for my daughter’s growth. These programs help round out my daughter’s learning and appreciation for nature.
~ Summer 2024 Parent
After a week at Merrohawke, Summer 2024 Parents reported their child showed:
NATURE - Increased desire to share something about the natural world.
JOY - Increased sense of well-being.
RESILIENCE - Increased willingness to adapt to uncertainty or to figure out unknowns.
Additional Essential Details
Summer Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation requests received before May 1 will result in a full refund minus a $50 cancellation fee.
- Cancellation requests received before June 1 will result in a 50% refund.
- Cancellation requests received after June 1 will not be refunded, regardless of whether that session has a waitlist.
Waitlist
If a spot opens up in the desired program, we will review the waitlist and reach out to families as soon as we can. Preference will be given to families who do not yet have a spot for summer.
Age Accommodations
We hold firm to age ranges in each program and rarely make exceptions to allow younger children to attend a program that is for an older student. Each Merrohawke program is carefully designed to meet the unique age and developmental stage of children, and we thank you for supporting this effort. We do understand that mid-summer and September birthdays can be tricky, and we are happy to think this through together with you.
Student Medical & Developmental/Behavioral Needs
We have successfully supported thousands of children over the years, many of whom have had diverse medical, social/emotional, learning, or developmental needs. The key to our success is an early, open and honest confidential dialogue with the child's parent(s) or guardian(s). It is essential for the safety and enjoyment of all students and staff that we have a full understanding of your child's needs and not be caught by surprise by a phobia, allergy or other condition--especially while at sea. If you have questions about whether Merrohawke may be right for your child at this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are happy to think through together with you what may be best for this summer.
Weather & Program Cancellations
Sometimes extreme weather occurs that is beyond our control and may force a program cancellation or modification. Extreme weather may include tropical storms, hurricanes, excessive rain, extreme heat, or any other weather that would make for an exceptionally unpleasant and/or unsafe day outdoors.
We will do everything we reasonably can to run a program in all weather, including delayed start to a day or early release. In the highly unlikely event we cannot run a program safely and meaningfully, the day will be canceled and no refunds issued. Our instructors design program curricula, gather materials, and commit themselves for the day, regardless of whether mother nature sends a big storm our way. By supporting the work we do even when nature has other plans, you are valuing the time and labor of our instructors in making our high-quality programming possible.
Although we rarely need to do so, we reserve the right to cancel a program or program's duration, tuition or location. Merrohawke is not responsible for costs associated in these cases.
- We are unable to offer refunds if any duration of a program is canceled due to inclement weather or circumstances out of our control.
- If a program is canceled due to low enrollment, tuition will be fully refundable or transferable. Program credit may be issued and does not expire.
In the unlikely, but always possible, event that we have a mechanical issue (or highly adverse weather or sea conditions) and BOAT CAMP is unable to run for the day aboard the F/V Erica Lee, we will do everything that we can to flip to a "Cast-Away Day" and host BOAT CAMP at our farmstead campus in Boxford or secure an alternate passenger vessel for our use that day from our friends at Captain's Fishing Parties on Plum Island.
Final Payment
After May 1, we reserve the right to charge your credit card for the full remaining balance.
Completed Enrollment
Your registration is not COMPLETE until full payment is received and all required forms are received at least 14 days in advance of the session start date. Failure to make timely payments and submit forms may result in forfeiture of the selected session(s).
Packing List
We will send an email to enrolled families one week before the program begins with all of the essential details and packing list needed to prepare for your time at Merrohawke.