The Merrie-Woode Values: Play

Play: Joy, laughter, and fun are each valuable in their own right and as a basis of positive learning and development.

One thing that never takes much encouragement at Merrie-Woode is play. While Camp is certainly a place for learning new skills, building confidence, and taking on challenges, it is also a place where kids get to be kids! Some of the best moments of the summer happen when campers are simply enjoying themselves, whether that means laughing with cabinmates, making up a game during Rest Hour, or singing at the top of their lungs on the way to an activity.

There is something special about having the time and space to play. Without many of the distractions of everyday life, campers fill their days with creativity, imagination, and plenty of silliness. A walk across Camp can turn into a dance party. A rainy afternoon can become a cabin-wide card tournament. Some of the strongest friendships at Camp are built during these small, everyday moments.

Play is woven into so much of what we do here, including our adventures beyond Camp. During this session, campers have ventured out on river trips, hikes, and climbing excursions across Western North Carolina. Whether they were paddling down a river, reaching the top of a climb, or sharing snacks on the trail, there was no shortage of smiles along the way! While these trips certainly help girls build skills and confidence, they're also a chance to make memories and enjoy being together in nature.

Another highlight of the week was Talent Night! Campers took the stage to share everything from songs and dances to jokes, skits, and hidden talents they had been waiting to show off. One of the best parts of the evening was seeing girls step onto the stage simply because they wanted to share something they love. There were plenty of laughs, enthusiastic cheering, and more than a few performances that had all of Camp talking afterward.

At Merrie-Woode, we believe play is about much more than passing the time. Through games, adventures, Evening Programs, and everyday moments with friends, campers learn how to work together, express themselves, and enjoy the world around them. They learn that growth and fun are not opposites. In fact, some of the most meaningful growth happens when girls are trying new things and having a great time doing it.

As August Session begins to wind down, these campers are showing us exactly what Merrie-Woode's value of Play is all about! There is a little extra silliness in the air, plenty of laughter, and lots of memories are still being made. We can't think of a better way to close out another summer under Old Bald.