Summer Programs

• 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.

If a spot opens up in your desired program week, the Active registration system will automatically notify the next person on the waitlist, who will have 48 hours to respond.

If no response, the next family on the list will be contacted. If you miss this email, you will be removed from the list and you will need to again add your name.

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.

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.

Students who need specific medical accommodations must communicate these needs with our staff at least two weeks in advance of attending so we can best prepare, together, for your child’s experience at Merrohawke.

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.

After May 1, we reserve the right to charge your credit card for the full remaining balance.

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).

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.

In the meantime, you can be sure your child will need for LAND programs: 

• Wear closed-toe shoes. Old sneakers are great! NO FLIP-FLOPS. Rain boots are OK but can cause tripping.
  
  
• Lightweight, light-colored long pants are REQUIRED. We recommend also wearing long socks and tucking pants into them to discourage ticks. 
  
  
• Please bring your own bandana, which is great for games and to help keep cool. 
  
  
• Long-sleeved shirts are preferred. These are the best defense against poison ivy & ticks, both of which are prevalent on this property. We will educate the children and do tick checks, and encourage you to do the same at home at least twice daily.
  
  
• Dress for the weather. We will be outside in the rain! Rain jacket AND pants are important.
  
  
• Apply preferred sunscreen and bug repellant in advance of your arrival. Remember to do a tick check once at home, and again in the morning. Please no bug repellant patches/stickers–they are ineffective and fall off easily creating litter in the forest.
  
  
• Healthy snacks, lunch, and a drink—water is the best, at least 20 oz. While we are not a “nut-free” facility, please opt for nut-free snacks. We typically take a snack break + lunch, so please pack accordingly.
  
  
• Please write your child’s name on all items.

For BOAT CAMP:

• Please send your child with plenty of food to eat and water to drink each day. We request a minimum of two robust, healthy snacks, one lunch, and a 16-ounce water bottle. We will have a limited emergency supply of water on hand, as some days we will be away from the dock for 6-7 hours. 
• While we are not a “nut-free” facility, please opt for nut-free snack and lunch. Kids get very hungry when outdoors, so please pack plenty to suffice for all-day grazing. (We are old salts and a bit superstitious: please no bananas! Bananas are bad luck on boats and may impact our fishing success!)
  
• Wear non-skid, closed-toe water sandals, or old sneakers. NO FLIP-FLOPS OR CROCS.
• Bathing Suit and towel. While we will not go swimming, waist-deep exploration and sitting or lying in the sand at the water’s edge are allowed while we tidepool or build sandcastles and other activities. Your child will get wet.
• Know and dress for the weather and pack for the opposite forecast. If it’s 90 degrees, still pack a sweatshirt and long pants.
• We will go out in the rain, so on wet days a rain jacket AND rain pants is essential. A sweatshirt is not a raincoat. You can find inexpensive rainwear at Walmart or Dick’s Sporting Goods or any other outdoor outfitter.
• Apply sunscreen in advance, and send in the backpack. We remind youth to reapply at least once during the day, often twice or more. (Please NO SPRAY-ON SUNSCREEN.)
• Hat & sunglasses.
• Please write your child’s name on all items.
• Please leave all electronic devices–phones and smart watches–at home, or in the backpack. Saltwater and digital devices are not friends. Students may not access cell phones or deices during program hours; please do not try to contact them between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

About Seasickness

We go to great lengths each day—and all throughout the day—to make the best plans possible to ensure your child’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment while participating in our programs. Sometimes, however, even the calmest days upset young stomachs. Often, seasickness itself can be brought on by fears about getting seasick. Fortunately, there are some simple measures that can be done to minimize mal de mer. 

First and foremost, if your child feels any discomfort, encourage him or her to talk to one of the crew right away. All of us have been prone to seasickness. We have a litany of tricks to minimize, reduce, or overcome this, but first, we need to be made aware.

Further, plenty of rest the night before, a healthy solid breakfast, and warm clothing often help. We highly recommend solid food for breakfast: this can include bagels, muffins, or hearty toast. Please no sugary cereals or empty calories. 

Please make sure your child arrives well-fed and well-hydrated each day. A hungry or dehydrated child is less able to fully participate, learn, and stay safe in this active, outdoor, ocean environment.

We suggest regular snacking—an empty stomach is not your friend. Other remedies such as Sea-Bands are popular. Ginger or peppermint is also helpful. 

We will do all that we can to keep your child comfortable onboard. This may also include changing the day’s plan to keep make sure our activities are aligned with group comfort.

Rest

Spending time at sea is exhausting. Please make sure your child has plenty of rest each night and minimize or avoid further afternoon and evening sports or high energy activities. They will be tired and will need your support to be able to rest well each evening.