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.
Summer 2023 Dates are now available!
The AYF will continue to expand its program offerings as we continue to build back from the pandemic. Both sites will offer one-, two-, and three-week summer camp options during Sessions A and B.
Final rates and summer camp registration information will be announced in October. Online NLC registration will open on Monday, Nov. 14.
National Leadership Conference 2023
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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Community and School Programs return to Miniwanca, Merrowvista
The American Youth Foundation continues to carefully build back its programs to pre-pandemic levels, including our Community and School Programs at Miniwanca and Merrowvista. This …
Inaugural Spark retreat ignites community
The American Youth Foundation launched a new adult program this month at Miniwanca. Spark, a retreat for adults, welcomed 33 attendees for four days of …
Staff Spotlight: Merrowvista’s Carl Dugdale
Carl Dugdale has traveled the globe during his 20-year career, working with youth in Germany, Austria, China, and most recently, California. His latest stop: New …
Ambrean Ford awarded national DEI honor
The American Youth Foundation congratulates and celebrates Ambrean Ford, Director of Community Life, Diversity, and Inclusion, who was recently recognized as national leader in creating …
Miniwanca welcomes SSW, Girls Camp Reunion back to camp
After two years of virtual gatherings and postponements, Miniwanca was finally able to welcome adults back to in-person programming during Summer Seminars for Women and …
Miniwanca Avail campers serve humbly
The Avail program returned to Miniwanca this summer with a new sense of energy and direction after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Avail …