Summer Camp

Merck Forest & Farmland Center
Camp Program

OUR PHILOSOPHY:
We believe that children thrive when given the freedom to immerse themselves in nature through exploration and guided discovery. By slowing down and using their senses to fully experience the world around them, campers develop a sense of curiosity, love and responsibility. Through this, they emerge with deeper empathy, a better sense of their place in the world, and the knowledge that they can make a difference.
SPRING BREAK CAMP for Grades 3/4/5
APRIL 15th through 19th

It’s spring time, and the farm is waking up just in time for Spring Break! Join us for a week of camp for 3rd-5th graders, as we meet new lambs and hatching chicks, play games, help get the farm ready for spring, learn about the sugaring season, and explore and experience Merck Forest during this special time of year. Registration deadline is April 10.

$275 per child

TRAIL CREW CAMP for Grades 6/7/8
  • JUNE 24th through 28th

Rising 6th-8th graders may participate in the Trail Crew Camp. This active and engaging experience will feature a few exciting property-improvement projects in the forest and farm settings at Merck. We’ll also hike and explore, develop and build on practical backcountry skills, participate in citizen science discovery, and have fun learning and growing together with team building activities and games. Crew members will navigate with map and compass, construct shelters, lop invasives, and tackle trail work as they explore the front and backcountry of Merck Forest. Maximum 8 students.

$275 per child

SUMMER CAMP  

Each session will have separate groups for 1st/2nd/3rd graders and 4th/5th graders. Maximum 10 campers per group.

  • Session 1: JULY 8th through 12th 
  • Session 2: JULY 15th through 19th
  • Session 3: JULY 22nd through 26th
  • Session 4: JULY 29th through Aug 2nd
  • Session 5: AUGUST 5th through 9th 

Each of these weeks of camp is a stand-alone experience that will include exploration and experiences all over MFFC: from ponds and streams, to pastures and berry patches, to trails and woods. We’ll spend time on creative crafting projects, daily hikes and excursions, hands-on experiences, cooperative games and play, and activities focused on observing and investigating Merck’s many habitats and inhabitants. Campers will get their hands dirty constructing fairy houses, get up close and personal with trees, pick blueberries, dip nets in Page Pond, and spend time at the farm getting to know the animals that live there.

$275 per child

How to Register

  1. Review camp descriptions and dates below and choose the one that’s right for your child.
  2. Still have questions? See FAQs about Summer Camp
  3. Select, pay for, and reserve your spot at camp by clicking on the links attached to each camp description.
  4. Receive, complete, and return camp registration forms  by June 1st (for ALL summer camps).
  5. Receive final confirmation. Your child is now registered — congratulations on completing camp registration!

Our Cancellation Policy:

Refunds and changes in registration may be subject to a $50 non-refundable processing fee according to these policies:

  • Registration is not considered complete until all forms have been submitted. Failure to submit completed registration forms will result in a loss of space in the camp and any tuition paid.  
  • Cancellation requests received at least 28 days before the first day of camp will receive a refund, less the $50 processing fee. 
  • Cancellation requests received within 28 days of the first day of camp will not be refunded, unless we are able to fill your reservation with a child from the waiting list. In such a case the $50 administrative fee will be levied.
  • We will not refund registration fees if a child misses one or more days of camp due to illness, unexpected family obligations, dismissal, or any other foreseen event. Other children may not be substituted into your child’s vacant spot. 
  • We reserve the right to cancel a camp program due to low enrollment; in this situation we will work to place campers into another camp or we will issue a full refund. 
  • We reserve the right to cancel a camp program due to unforeseen circumstances, in which case full refunds will be issued.

If, after reviewing the documents in the registration packet, you have questions or require additional information,
contact Summer Camp Coordinator Amy Pim-Capman at 802-394-2581 or amy@merckforest.org .