June 12th

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...).