Welcome to the American Youth Foundation
Inspired People
unleashing their best
In the World
Find the
perfect camp
for your family
Explore Our Programs
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Find the
perfect camp
for your family
Explore Our Programs
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Find the
perfect camp
for your family
Explore Our Programs
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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, …
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
"Every time I go into a new situation, I'm not sure if I'm going to be capable of what I'm about to do, I remind myself of all the times at Miniwanca where I thought, 'Can I really do this?' And then I did."
Teddy Goemans
Miniwanca Camper, Staff Member
"People should support the AYF, because it's just a great mission. It’s all about finding yourself, and practicing a balanced life through the Four Folds. It's just a fantastic way to live."
Nick Miller
Miniwanca Staff Member
"Camp has taught me not to take things for granted. I’ve met people from different backgrounds, and that has made me appreciate both the things I have and the responsibilities I carry even more."
Volf Michel
Merrowvista Camper, Miniwanca Staff Member, NLC Participant
"I realized that kids don’t have their phones at camp, and it was amazing to see them playing and collaborating with each other. They just knew what they wanted to do — whether it was going to the crafts house or playing nine square. They all instinctively knew how to have fun and connect without their phones."
Kennedy Merriman
Miniwanca Volunteer
"I saw lots of smiling faces, and just like how beautiful the beach was. We were following Griffin in her golf cart. She started talking about how much she loves it here, and how this place is full of love. I just couldn't get enough of it."
Lee McCown
Miniwanca Staff Member