Welcome to the American Youth Foundation
Inspired People
unleashing their best
In the World
Find the
perfect camp
for your family
Explore Our Programs
Image
Find the
perfect camp
for your family
Explore Our Programs
Image
Why The AYF
AYF Store
Work for AYF
Why The AYF
AYF Store
Work at Camp
Find the
perfect camp
for your family
Explore Our Programs
Image
Why The AYF
AYF Store
Work for AYF
All the Latest

News From AYF

AYF Regional Action Networks gather Founder Friends across the U.S.
As the American Youth Foundation prepares for its centennial in 2025, President Liz Marshall and Vice ...
Staff Spotlight: Miniwanca’s Brianna Moynihan
Miniwanca Assistant Director of Camps Brianna Moynihan has attended summer camp for as long as she remembers: as a camper, then a counselor, and a …
NLC Class Challenge raises more than $15,000 for scholarships
The National Leadership Conference community once again proved that not only could they rise to the challenge, ... but they could also exceed it. In total, …
All the Latest

News From AYF

More Stories
Inspired Impact: Jan Strube
Jan Strube is a keeper of AYF history, preserving photographs, memories, and more as a volunteer archivist. Her passion for the AYF began as a Miniwanca Younger Girls camper in 1954, and...
AYF programs spark purpose through intentional outcomes
For the last 100 years, American Youth Foundation programs have fostered self-discovery through a balanced approach of personal growth, community building, and interconnected program goals. Recently, AYF leadership updated its program outcomes...
Meet new Merrowvista Camp Director Madelyn Cook
The American Youth Foundation is thrilled to announce Madelyn Cook as the new Merrowvista Camp Director. “A lifelong member of the AYF community, Madelyn brings an incredible depth of experience, a collaborative...
More Stories
Centennial

100 Stories Project

The American Youth Foundation has transformed countless young people and their families in the last 100 years, and everyone has a story. We hope you’ll share it with us as part of our 100 Stories project.

Learn More
Image
View Story
This place feels like my second home. I feel so great here, like everyone who’s here truly belongs.
Cece MacGuidwin
Miniwanca camper, 2024
Image
View Story
I love the sense of community it brings. I think that's one of my favorite memories, is just how everybody can come together.
Cally Camara
Miniwanca staff, 2024
Image
View Story
What surprised me most about camp was just how welcoming everyone was. I mean, I’ve never been here before, and this is my first year working here. I’m going to keep talking to the people I met even after camp ends.
Caleb Hobson
Miniwanca staff, 2024
Image
View Story
We got to hike to the Wells Site with backpacks, set up campsites, and make s'mores and stuff. ... It helped me gain confidence for next year, because I'm thinking of doing Trailblazers, and now I have a better idea of what it might be like.
Audrey Allon
Miniwanca camper, 2022 - 2024
Image
View Story
If I could tell a future camper one thing about camp I would tell them that no matter who you are, they will be accepting of you. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Don't be afraid to be weird. Just be you and everything will be so much more.
Ashley Ehle
Miniwanca camper and staff, CSP facilitator
    More Stories