June 12th

June 12, 2026

Nearly every day at Camp, campers have the opportunity to head out on one of our many out-of-Camp trips. These adventures are a chance to explore the incredible rivers, mountains, and caves that surround us while building confidence, teamwork, and a deeper connection with the outdoors. We offer trips ranging from paddling and climbing adventures to full-day hikes and overnight expeditions.


Our paddling and boating trips take campers out onto some of the best rivers and lakes in our area, including rivers like the Tuckasegee and Nantahala. Campers get to bring the skills they've learned on the lake to the whitewater and build new skills on the river. Whether they’re paddling through rapids or working together to navigate the river, every river trip offers something new! One of our most sought-after trips is Lake Jocassee, a three-day, two-night adventure with paddling, camping, and more! Campers paddle across crystal-clear waters to an island campsite. They spend their days exploring the lake, swimming, and soaking up the great outdoors before cooking dinner over an open fire.

Our Mountaineering program invites campers to dive into a wide range of outdoor adventures. From full-day hikes and rock climbs to caving expeditions, there is something for everyone! Campers can take on everything from challenging multiple-day hikes to shorter, skill-focused climbing trips. Trips to Grimshaws, the sliding rock near camp, is always a popular trip to sign up for! Caving is one of the most unique trips we offer at Merrie-Woode. Campers journey to Worley's Cave in Tennessee, where they suit up in coveralls, helmets, headlamps, and gloves, ready to head down into the cave. Inside, they spend the afternoon trekking through the cave—bouldering along the way, wading through an underground river, and spotting stalactites and stalagmites. They'll even squeeze through a few tight spaces, proving that getting totally covered in mud is just part of the adventure(see below...).

Out-of-camp trips are easily some of the highlights of the summer. They give campers a chance to explore new places and build memories that last long after closing day. Whether it's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or a chance to practice new skills alongside new friends, these trips bring a whole new kind of magic to the summer.


Chug-a-wump, 

Robin & Frost 

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June 30th

July 1, 2026
We have been having the best time beneath Old Bald during Main Session! Our activities are well underway, and our campers are making the most of every moment at Camp. We wanted to give you a glimpse into the day-to-day happenings in some of our activities. In Riding, campers learned all about the important work that happens before getting in the saddle, including grooming, tacking, and preparing their horses for a ride. Over at the tennis courts, campers have been working to pass levels, with many setting their sights on reaching the highest level: Ace! In our visual arts classes, campers are beginning their first projects of the summer. In Stained Glass, campers have been learning the process from start to finish as they plan, design, and begin creating beautiful pieces.

June 28th

June 28, 2026
One of our favorite evening programs made its return this week… Minute to Win It! With 60 seconds on the clock, campers, JCs, and even staff took on a whole lineup of hilarious challenges. The night was hosted by our wonderful Evening Program Princesses, with the help of a few of our JCs, and it did not disappoint. We kicked things off with a game that seemed simple: tossing a ping pong ball into a stack of cups. The catch? Each time you made it, you had to stack another cup on top, balancing it on the ball and making your tower taller, wobblier, and much harder to manage.

June 26th

June 27, 2026
Our 5-week session is off and running! Between new campers, returning faces, and all our favorite traditions, Camp already feels full of energy as everyone settles in under Old Bald. We are so fortunate to have 24 Junior Counselors this session! With a group that size, they’re split into two groups and rotate between learning JC curriculum and helping teach activities. They also each have buddy cabins! When a counselor is on her day off, a JC steps in to spend time with the cabin. It is always so much fun to watch the campers learn who their JC is!  With a group this big, no amount of team bonding is ever enough! One of the best (and funniest) ways we’ve found to connect as a cabin is through the low ropes course. Over the past few days, both JC groups have had the chance to take on the course, practicing teamwork, building trust, and sharing plenty of laughs along the way.
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