Merrohawke Nature School in Newburyport offers nature-based learning programs for ages 4 to teens, ashore and afloat, all with the intention of creating time and space for kids to connect to our beautiful corner of the New England coastline.Remember how you used to play outside all the time as a kid? Merrohawke Nature School, home of BOAT CAMP and forest wilderness programs, believes every child has a right to connect to the earth on his or her own terms: dig holes to China, climb trees, search for frogs, collect crabs, catch fish, tidepool, wade in calm waters, and gaze across an open sea.
Our diverse selection of programs is premised on the belief that positive experiences in nature not only promote kids' cognitive, physical and emotional well being, but they also help strengthen connections to self, to others and to the Earth. Summer activities include learning primitive skills and crafts, knot-tying, storytelling and singing, fishing, hiking, tidepooling, and exploring along the Merrimack River watershed, Great Marsh, and nearby coastal waters. Through these unique experiences in the forest, on the water, and along the shoreline, kids have time and space to develop a sense of place.
We offer both half- and full-day programming at the Newburyport waterfront and at Four Rock, a 30-acre private land reserve in Newbury, as well as other coastal locations. Please click the links below for details on individual programs, including session dates and pricing, and to register online.
On LandDragonflies (Ages 4-6)
Red Fox (Ages 7-9)
Crows (9-13)
At Sea
Song Sparrows (Ages 4-6)
Green Crabs (Ages 7-9)
Ospreys (9-13)
BOAT CAMP (Ages 9-13)
Great Marsh Dory Expedition (12+)
Isle of Shoals Overnight (12+)
Teen BOAT CAMP (12+)
Regardless of program, a typical day starts with a morning circle and forecast of the day's weather or focus, followed by time for adventure, and it finishes with a closing circle. Every day depends on the weather and what nature offers up. We follow our curiosity and the natural rhythms of a summer day along our beautiful coastal waters.
For teens ages 12 and up, we offer Teen BOAT CAMP and an Isle of Shoals Overnight. This is also the second year for our Great Marsh Dory Expedition, a teen rowing trip from the Newburyport waterfront along the Plum Island River all the way to Ipswich. Last year's trip included two overnight camping stops, but we've expanded to three nights based on the amazing feedback from our teen participants. Two nights was not enough!
Ospreys (9-13)
BOAT CAMP (Ages 9-13)
Great Marsh Dory Expedition (12+)
Isle of Shoals Overnight (12+)
Teen BOAT CAMP (12+)
Regardless of program, a typical day starts with a morning circle and forecast of the day's weather or focus, followed by time for adventure, and it finishes with a closing circle. Every day depends on the weather and what nature offers up. We follow our curiosity and the natural rhythms of a summer day along our beautiful coastal waters.
For teens ages 12 and up, we offer Teen BOAT CAMP and an Isle of Shoals Overnight. This is also the second year for our Great Marsh Dory Expedition, a teen rowing trip from the Newburyport waterfront along the Plum Island River all the way to Ipswich. Last year's trip included two overnight camping stops, but we've expanded to three nights based on the amazing feedback from our teen participants. Two nights was not enough!
In fact, feedback from kids and parents helps us continuously build and refine our programs to provide the best possible experiences for area youth. Here's just a sample of what we've heard from Merrohawke parents:
"When I think of a word to describe our summers at Merrohawke the word that pops in my mind is consistency. I'm sure faces change. Even the name changed :) but the core foundation of what you offer to kids is so strong that it's continues to be a wonderful experience throughout the different camp offerings and every summer offers new experiences and connections to our amazing natural environment. Our kids are soaking up education every minute while creating amazing childhood memories. Thank You."
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"When I picked my son up on Friday I asked him if he had had a fun week. He said it was the best week of his life and asked if he could go on the Erica Lee again the following week. I can't thank the Merrohawke staff enough. Summer 2015 will be one to remember."
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"We have never seen our son Mateo come home so happy from any place as when he came home from Dragonflies this week. He is the type of kid who loves to stay inside looking at books and drawing, so this was totally out of his comfort zone. Hands down, this is the best thing we have ever signed him up for. This was amazing."
More than 98% of the parents surveyed were satisfied with their child's experience and 90% said that their child had deepened his or her connection to nature after participating in a Merrohawke summer program.
Our unique nature-immersion experiences - for all ages and in all seasons - aim to inspire a deep connection to land and sea, a strong sense of self, and compassion for all. Come join us this summer!
https://youtu.be/atJi7QI9WQk
Merrohawke Nature School is located at 54R Merrimac St., Newburyport, MA. For more information on our programming for summer and year-round, please visit http://www.merrohawke.org/. Contact Rob Yeomans via email at explore@merrohawke.org or call 978-463-2233. Also find us on Facebook!
https://youtu.be/atJi7QI9WQk
Merrohawke Nature School is located at 54R Merrimac St., Newburyport, MA. For more information on our programming for summer and year-round, please visit http://www.merrohawke.org/. Contact Rob Yeomans via email at explore@merrohawke.org or call 978-463-2233. Also find us on Facebook!
