The Odyssey program’s time at Merrowvista is an opportunity for campers to grow, connect, and celebrate their achievements with another part of the AYF community.

Preparation is key to a successful Odyssey journey. Campers spend time organizing and preparing their gear, ensuring they have everything they need for the challenges ahead. This includes packing essentials like tents, cooking equipment, and personal items into their packs.

To build confidence and readiness, they embark on a practice hike to Merrowvista’s iconic Ledge. This hike not only helps them test their gear but also gives them a taste of the physical demands of New England hiking.

Odyssey campers participate in games with the Merrowvista community, helping them build relationships with their peers. They will lead a flag raising and enjoy meals with the Merrowvista community. They also meet with their Merrowvista counterparts, who are also completing their Odyssey journeys through the 100 Mile Wilderness and the top of Mt. Katahdin.

After their transformative journeys, Miniwanca campers return to Merrowvista for a special walk-in celebration. Walking up Camp Hill, they are greeted with cheers and applause, marking the completion of their adventure. The celebration continues as they run to Dan Hole Pond and rinse off after 18 days of no showers. Rejoining the Merrowvista community for a day allows campers to share their experiences and reflect on their journey before heading back to Miniwanca, where they’re welcomed home with fanfare and cheer during Nostos.

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The entire Merrowvista community lined path and cheered wildly as these campers entered camp and concluded their final Merrowvista trip. When they reached the Farmhouse, the Odyssey campers dropped their well-worn packs and huddled together, chanting “Merrowvista, Merrowvista, shall we tell you how we feel?” over and over until suddenly, they took off in a mad dash through camp to the waterfront. They flung themselves from the dock into Dan Hole Pond, basking in the cool water and the joy of completing their final trip as Merrowvista campers.

Completing Odyssey is no small feat. It’s a 16-day hike through the 100-mile wilderness in Maine, one of the most challenging parts of the Appalachian Trail. The high point of the hike – literally and figuratively – hits at the summit of Mt Katahdin, the highest point in Maine. This is the capstone trip of the Four Trails experience, and one longtime campers eagerly anticipate for years.

From a young age, Merrowvista campers hear the AYF motto again and again: “My own self at my very best all the time.” While their best selves may have looked different each day, each camper carried this motto with them as they accomplished this incredible feat.

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