Discover your own best self
The American Youth Foundation is a nonprofit youth development organization that engages thousands of youth year-round through community and school programs, summer camps, and leadership conferences at our beautiful properties, Merrowvista in New Hampshire and Miniwanca in Michigan.
Since 1925, we have welcomed young people from around the world to our campuses to discover the richness of our outdoor environments, the fun of interacting with a positive community, and the challenge of self-discovery.
Registration for Summer Camp and NLC 2023 is now open!
Miniwanca Merrowvista National Leadership Conference
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Miniwanca
Michigan
Set on 360 wooded acres and a mile of private Lake Michigan shoreline, Miniwanca Girls Camp and Boys Camp is a breathtaking and inspiring setting for growth.
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Merrowvista
New Hampshire
Set on over 600 acres in the pristine Ossipee Mountains of New Hampshire, Merrowvista draws you into a life that is rustic, uncomplicated, and filled with excitement.
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National Leadership Conference
An 8-day conference for high school and college students, held in June at Miniwanca in Shelby, Michigan.
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Registration is now open for Miniwanca, Merrowvista Volunteer Weekends
The entire family is invited to lend a hand this spring at Miniwanca and Merrowvista! This year, Volunteer Weekend takes place April 28 to 30 …
Dare to Adventure will expand outdoor access to Detroit-area youth
The American Youth Foundation will offer a new program in August 2023 that will introduce first-time campers from the Detroit area to Miniwanca and summer …
NLC Class Challenge raises $10,000 for 2023 scholarships
National Leadership Conference classes form strong bonds during this transformative four-year program – bonds that hold tight long after their last fire circle together. In …
Staff Spotlight: Advancement’s Jessa Glick
Jessa Glick grew up wandering and wondering through the dunes and forests of Miniwanca each summer. Camp was a family affair. Her father, Jeff, was …
Park School students experience the great outdoors at Merrowvista
The American Youth Foundation shares its mission and values with hundreds of young participants each year through its Community and School Programs. One partner, Park …
Powerful Community Partners at Heart
All youth deserve to experience the power of self-discovery and personal growth American Youth Foundation outdoor education programs provide. The strong relationships formed between the …