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 2022 summer programs is now open!
Summer 2022 registration has returned to a first come, first served enrollment model (pending medical review). Select a camp below for registration links, program offerings, rates and dates at each site.
Miniwanca 2022 Merrowvista 2022 NLC 2022
Vaccination Requirement
The health and safety of our AYF community is our top priority. All summer 2022 staff and participants eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine are required to be fully vaccinated before their session starts. Proof of vaccination will be collected before arrival at camp.
Stay updated and engaged with the AYF community! Sign up for our monthly Founder Sparks email newsletter and follow the AYF on Facebook and Instagram (Merrowvista, Miniwanca).
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.
Learn More
Miniwanca, Merrowvista are now hiring for summer 2022
The American Youth Foundation is thrilled to welcome back more campers in 2022, and Merrowvista and Miniwanca are seeking energetic individuals to join their seasonal …
Rekindling Community in Summer 2021
For the first time in more than a year, a familiar sound could be heard across the dunes of Miniwanca and the valleys of Merrowvista: …
Staff Spotlight: Regan Gibson Wiesler
Regan Gibson Wiesler first encountered the American Youth Foundation when she attended National Leadership Conference in 2012, an experience that created lasting bonds with her …
The AYF seeks Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee members
At the American Youth Foundation, we believe that we are all responsible for building equitable community. Our organization’s work is to amplify the voice of …
Staff Spotlight: Ambrean Ford, LLMSW
Ambrean Ford had never heard of the American Youth Foundation or Miniwanca when she accepted a job as a Girls Camp cabin leader in 2016. …
AYF President Anna Kay Vorsteg reflects on summer 2021
After a long year of wait and worry, the bells of Miniwanca and Merrowvista finally rang once again this summer. They signaled much more than …