Camp Merrie-Woode
Traditional overnight summer camp for girls in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
▌ Editor's read Camp Merrie-Woode is an ACA accredited overnight camp for girls, with accreditation valid through 2025, as evidenced by their website's footer. The camp has a rich history, operating since 1919, founded by Minna Darrah and Mary Gwynn, indicating a long-standing tradition in youth development. It is structured as a non-profit organization. The camp maintains a favorable camper-to-staff ratio of 1:3, suggesting individualized attention and supervision. Furthermore, the camp explicitly states that all staff undergo background checks, demonstrating a commitment to camper safety. Their program focuses on character development and a wide array of activities, as detailed on their 'About Us' and 'Activities' pages.
★
ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
⌬
Since 1071919+ years operating
◍
Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 7–17
Camp Merrie-Woode is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. overnight/sleepaway programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Yes
- Established
- 107 (1919 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Published by camp see camp site →
Details
- Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
- Ages: 7–17
- Address: 100 Merrie-Woode Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774
- Phone: (828) 743-3321
- Email: [email protected]
- Cost notes: $3,950 for 2 weeks. Non-refundable deposit of $400.
↗ What parents like
- Founded in 1919
- Focus on outdoor adventure
- Non-competitive environment
↘ Watch for
- High cost per week
- Limited session availability
Logistics
- Lunch provided: Yes
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Camp Merrie-Woode
- What ages does Camp Merrie-Woode accept?
- Camp Merrie-Woode is open to children ages 7–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Camp Merrie-Woode cost?
- Camp Merrie-Woode publishes $1,975/week for the standard session. $3,950 for 2 weeks. Non-refundable deposit of $400. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- Is Camp Merrie-Woode accredited?
- Yes — Camp Merrie-Woode is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 1919 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
- Who runs Camp Merrie-Woode?
- Camp Merrie-Woode is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 1919 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Camp Merrie-Woode provide lunch?
- Yes — Camp Merrie-Woode includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Merrie-Woode with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Day camp vs. overnight camp · Decide whether the format fits your child and schedule.
- Packing list and camp prep · Plan gear, medication notes, labels, and drop-off prep.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp Merrie-Woode.
- Camp Merrie-Woode · North Carolina · Ages 7–17 · $1,710/week
- Camp Merrie-Woode · North Carolina · Ages 7–16 · $2,167/week