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.
Early bird registration for summer camp 2025 takes place now through Thursday, Oct. 31!
Secure your camper’s summer 2025 spot at Miniwanca or Merrowvista at 2024 prices.
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.
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Dare to Adventure brings new faces to Miniwanca
Chicago-area youth got a chance to experience summer camp for the first time this month at Dare to Adventure, a four-day outdoor educational experience at …
Staff Spotlight: Advancement’s Nick Tamboli
After several years working at other nonprofits, Nick Tamboli wanted a job that combined his love of the outdoors with his passion for helping youth …
First Merrowvista Spark enkindles a new community
Merrowvista welcomed 20 eager participants to its first Spark, a three-day retreat for adults, Aug. 23 to 25. AYF Director of Adult Programs Holley Young …
Bringing Miniwanca magic to the ‘real world’
Girls Camp Director Bethany Wise is back with another dispatch from Miniwanca! If I had a nickel for every time I heard someone refer to …
Merrowvista wraps Session A with Four Fold Tournament
As we wrapped up Session A last week, we reflected on all our Trailblazers and Pioneers have accomplished. I loved seeing all these wild and …
Session A wraps up at Miniwanca
Assistant Camp Director Brianna Moynihan recaps the last week of interest groups during Session A. I cannot believe it’s last week of Session A for …