Starting this summer, we have a new way to honor our 10-year campers and counselors. Each camper and counselor with us for their 10th summer will be given a 14-karat gold signet ring engraved with the words, “From this Haven,” a line from one of our oldest and favorite camp songs.

We have a long-standing tradition at camp to give all 10-year campers and counselors a Founder’s Arrow – a single arrow engraved with their name to hang in the  dining hall. Now, in addition to this piece of them that stays at camp, they will be given a Founder’s Ring to travel with them wherever they go; a reminder of the resilience, grace and grit they’ve developed while at camp. 

10 years is a long time, and we know that for 81 years Merri-Mac girls have returned to the mountains of Western North Carolina to sing the same songs, play the same games, and deepen life-long friendships. Each year at camp we grow and change, but time and time again we see that 10 years changes you and it changes camp. They will always be a part of camp, and we hope camp will always be a part of them.

We see this summer after summer, and I have lived it. I have always loved camp – always had great friends there, enjoyed the activities, found comfort in the traditions and felt challenged by the newness each summer. But over time, over years, the safety of those friendships started to point me to communities that felt similar at home – I knew what friendship felt like! The resilience I practiced each summer meeting new girls in my cabin and learning new skills in activities changed the way I showed up to my first year of high school – I had done new things before! The autonomy I practiced each summer learning to take care of myself and my cabinmates made the transition to college feel a little less scary – I had lived with other girls, I had navigated my own schedule, I had asked for help before! 

We learn those things together each summer, but year after year they sink in a little deeper. 

So, if it’s your first year, hear this: we cannot wait to welcome you into the Merri-Mac family. You will immediately be a part of something that is so much fun, so much joy, and so much growth that it will be impossible not to jump all the way in as a Merri-Mac girl. 81 years of Merri-Mac girls are cheering you on. 

If it’s your tenth year, hear this: I think you are different because of your time here, but I am confident that camp is different because of your time here. Thank you. We can’t wait to celebrate you this summer.

If you are anywhere in between, hear this: camp is a part of you and you are a part of camp. 10 years is not the only milestone we celebrate at camp, but this is one that we are celebrating differently starting this year. Let’s cheer those on who are blazing the path ahead of us, and champion the girls who are joining the family you love. 

Mary Page
Proud Black Bear
20th summer

If you have been at camp longer than 10 years and are enrolled (or employed!) this summer you will still receive a ring. Starting in 2027, rings will only go to current 10-year campers or staff. If you are an alumni who has been at camp 10 years or more interested in purchasing a ring please email [email protected].