January 30, 2012 January 25, 2012 As the skies in the northern hemisphere get cold and grey in the winter months, the equatorial regions of South America's upper Amazon basin are warm, lush, and green. The rivers fill with clean, clear water, a mix of snowmelt from the upper altitudes of the Andean mountains and seasonal rains that frequent the area. Hummingbirds buzz in and out through stands of wildflowers while local villagers work the farmland alongside the rivers. This past December twelve Merrie-Woode Captains spent a week kayaking in Ecuador, setting out on their own South American adventure.
January 19, 2012 CMW's New Outdoor Adventure Coordinator – JP Bevilaqua
In his new position of Outdoor Adventure Coordinator, JP will oversee camp's Mountaineering, Boating, Swimming, and Riding Programs. During camp's offseason (September through April) he will work on a part-time basis to coordinate and develop programming in these areas. JP will then transition into full-time status each summer to work more closely with the activity heads of these programs. He will also continue to have a strong presence on river trips and within the Merrie-Woode Boating Program. JP graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Environmental Science. He went on to work as a Lead Instructor for the University of Colorado Outdoor Program, a Professional Ski Patroller in Utah, a Kayak and Climbing Instructor in Colorado, and the River Program Manager for CITY Wild, a non-profit outdoor program for Denver's inner-city youth. He worked as a Kayak Instructor for three summers at Camp Greystone before joining Camp Merrie-Woode's staff in 2008 to lead river trips. Not only does JP enjoy his time in a boat, he is a rock climbing enthusiast, on and off-road cyclist, and two-time US National Kayaking team qualifier in 2008 and 2010. He also currently works as a part-time Mountaineering Instructor at The Asheville School and a Wilderness Medicine Instructor for SOLO Southeast at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. JP grew up as a camper at nearby Camp Carolina in Brevard, NC. JP and his wife, Sommerville, live in Asheville, NC. Many of you will remember Sommerville as Merrie-Woode's Mountaineering Program Head in 2008 and 2009. Please join us in congratulating JP on his new role here at Merrie-Woode. We are excited to have him join the year-round CMW team! January 12, 2012
December 6, 2011 Well, haul out the holly and deck the halls – the Christmas season has officially arrived at Camp Merrie-Woode! December 6, 2011
Big news! The Merrie-Woode Stock Shop is now taking orders online! Your favorite Merrie-Woode items are available. Visit the new online Stock Shop to find CMW apparel, CDs, water bottles, coffee mugs, jewelry, and much more.
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During their time spent off the water, our Merrie-Woode crew immersed themselves in Ecuador's lively culture. Touring local markets, tasting an array of Ecuadorian food, and experiencing the excitement of the region's New Year's Eve traditions all helped to make the trip truly unforgettable. But perhaps the most meaningful lesson of the journey was witnessing how kayaking can connect people from all different cultures and backgrounds. It is inspiring to think that Americans can paddle with young men who grew up along the Amazon and find that their most tangible bond is that of the river. Their mutual love of kayaking and the thrill of the rapids transcend their differences and connect them in a way that is lasting and significant. After seven tremendously full days, our Merrie-Woode Captains returned to the States, tired, but smiling with a sense of accomplishment and discovery. A special thanks to the talented guides at Small World Adventures for helping to make this trip a huge success. The next adventure awaits! 
We are thrilled to announce that Betsy Reese Helms has been promoted to camp's Associate Director. Betsy is a familiar face here at Merrie-Woode. She was a camper from 1989 to 1996 and a counselor from 1998 to 2004. During her years as a staff member she worked as a cabin counselor, Would-Be leader, Head of the Waterfront and Assistant to Senior Staff. After she earned her Masters degree from Western Carolina University, Betsy worked as a high school English teacher at Charlotte Latin School in Charlotte, NC from 2005 to 2008. She joined the year-round Merrie-Woode team just before the summer of 2008 as our Head Counselor and Staff Recruiter. Her many years of camp experience and understanding and devotion to camp's traditions, make this transition to Merrie-Woode's Associate Director a natural one. She has established herself as a highly respected member of the Merrie-Woode community among campers and counselors alike. With her new title of Associate Director, Betsy will continue to manage staff recruiting, oversee cabin counselors, and lead the Junior Counselor Program. In addition, she will also take on a portion of the summer programming and work closer with many of the Activity Heads. Please join us in congratulating Betsy on her promotion. We are excited to see her role at camp grow and feel confident her talents will help Merrie-Woode progress into the future. 
