Many community organizations and schools flock the Cannan Valley in the fall and spring, but Megan Luce, Director of Community and School Programs, said winter programs offer unique outdoor options not many get to experience at Merrowvista.

“Winter is a magical time at Merrowvista! Our hills and surrounding mountains are blanketed in a sheet of snow, and we have many cozy indoor spaces to warm up,” she said. “A winter program here might include playing snowshoe games on the A-field, hiking to the frozen waterfall, roasting marshmallows on a fire outdoors, or doing our indoor high challenge course!”

Merrowvista currently has openings for winter programs from mid-February to mid-April 2026. Contact Megan at mluce@ayf.com for more information, and check out her answers to some of the most common winter program questions.

How much time do participants spend outdoors during winter programs?

As much as they’d like! We work with you to create your ideal schedule. We offer a variety of outdoor options, and, many of our indoor activities are available, too, such as team building challenges, leadership activities, games, crafts, and our high ropes course.

Groups can also take breaks inside to warm up around a fire and drink hot cocoa. We recommend a mix of indoor and outdoor activities to experience the best that Merrowvista has to offer in the winter.

What winter-exclusive activities are available?

There are so many great options: snowshoeing, winter shelter building, sledding, cross-country skiing, and winter outdoor survival. And we’ll always encourage an impromptu snowball fight or snowman building session!

What are accommodations like during winter programs?

Participants stay in our cozy Danforth Lodge, which is fully winterized and has its own sleeping accommodations, bathrooms, and common areas. Danforth can accommodate 58 people in 14 bunk rooms. There are shared bathrooms on each floor, and a few rooms have private bathrooms.

Thanks to a full commercial kitchen and dining space, Merrowvista staff can prepare meals right in Danforth, and there is ample space for group programming. Everything feels cozy and intimate since the whole group is staying in the same building.

Do participants need special winter gear?

Merrowvista provides all specialized winter gear like snowshoes and cross-country skis. Participants need to bring winter boots, warm layers, hats, and gloves. We provide all groups with a packing list specific to the season.

To book your winter CSP experience, email Megan Luce at mluce@ayf.com.

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Jason Knowles – Executive Director of Merrowvista
Jason brings over 15 years of leadership experience in outdoor education and nonprofit operations, including as Chief Operating Officer of the Aloha Foundation and Executive Director of Lantern Light Camps. A visionary leader, Jason deeply believes in the power of experiential learning and inclusive community building.

Megan Luce – Community and School Programs Director
Megan is a passionate outdoor educator with a decade of experience at the Appalachian Mountain Club, where she trained educators, built inclusive programming, and expanded access to nature. Megan brings a commitment to helping young people feel a sense of belonging and connection to the outdoors.

Izzy DiAdamo  – Assistant Camp Director
A lifelong member of the Merrowvista community, Izzy has grown from camper to a trusted member of summer staff. Her deep commitment to Merrowvista and her grounded leadership were essential as we navigated the post-COVID years. Izzy will join us full-time in the summer and part-time remotely through the school year while serving as faculty at Choate Rosemary Hall.

Ceanna Fried – Assistant Camp Director
Ceanna has been a cornerstone of our team the past two years as Transition Manager and Interim Four Trails Manager. With a wealth of institutional knowledge and experience across year-round operations, Ceanna’s calm, capable presence and deep dedication to the camp community are vital to our summer experience.

These new team members will be supported by former CSP and Camp Directors Matt Loper, who continues his role as Transition Director, and Kris Light, AYF Vice President of Strategic Programs.

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