Father & Daughter Weekend This Fall!
Merrie-Woode is happy to announce our 2nd Annual Father and Daughter Weekend! Camp will open its gates to fathers and daughters of the Merrie-Woode family on September 27 – 29. John Brantley will return to camp again this year to lead the weekend’s activities.
The success of last year’s inaugural event led to plans to continue this new tradition each year after camp ends. Just as the leaves were beginning to change last October, thirteen Merrie-Woode dads and their daughters slept on the Front Line after engaging in meaningful conversations and adventurous activities throughout the day. The weekend is structured to let the daughter take the lead in every aspect, and each moment focuses on strengthening communication between the fathers and their daughters.
“The program allows you to have quiet time and conversations with your daughter that you don’t always make time for,” said Brent Neidenthal, Kaylee’s dad.
Friday night begins with field games and ends with the first of many one-on-one discussions between each family group. On Saturday morning, everyone races across camp from one station to the next in The Great Race. The girls decide which route to take, and each family must work together through mentally and physically challenging tasks in order to make it to the finish line. And after a vigorous water cannon battle, the Merrie-Woode fathers and daughters gather in the Campfire Ring to cap off the night with camp songs, s’mores, and maybe even a Jack Tale!
Perhaps the most meaningful experience from the Father and Daughter Weekend is that the dads finally have a chance to see what camp is all about.
“My experience with camp has always been limited to seven minutes dropping her off and picking her up,” said Perry Borom, “so it was great to actually come see all of the things that camp has to offer.”
Families can register easily through our new website! The cost per father/daughter pair is $550, and $110 for each additional daughter. These fees include all meals and lodging, and we encourage families to sign up early as space is limited. Alums from last year’s weekend should not hesitate to return, as the weekend will strengthen and build upon the same valuable skills.
And don’t worry, all of you Merrie-Woode moms! We are working on a weekend in Spring of 2014 for you, too. So stay tuned-in to the website for upcoming details and information.
Reserve your spot for the CMW Father and Daughter Weekend here!