Discover your own best self

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 2024 Registration

Summer 2024 registration is a first-come, first-served model, and waitlists will be created when programs fill. A $300 fee is due upon summer camp registration. The AYF is committed to making summer programs accessible to all youth through financial aid and scholarship. More information is available in the application process.

Learn more about next summer’s program offerings, rates, and registration process below.

Miniwanca          Merrowvista          National Leadership Conference


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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A Leadership Transition

Dear American Youth Foundation Community: For 20 years the American Youth Foundation has had the amazing good fortune to have had Anna Kay Vorsteg serve …

Passing the Torch – A Leadership Transition

The AYF is pleased to announce a passing of the torch of leadership. After decades of remarkable service that has lifted our organization to new …

Passing the Torch

Dear AYF Community, It has been my honor to serve as president for the American Youth Foundation and I write to share that after 35 …

Sparking Connection

By Dana Rieck Attendance at Miniwanca’s four-day Spark 2023 retreat nearly doubled in its second year as 62 people gathered for reflection, connection and introspection. …

Women gathered sitting on the floor of room with wood and stone walls

Creating A Sense of Belonging

By Dana Rieck Dozens of participants attended the Summer Seminars for Women this year, a three-day program that for 35 years has created an intergenerational …

Miniwanca welcomes families for weekend of fun

Miniwanca’s annual Alumni & Family Weekend took place Aug. 17 to 20. More than two dozen people gathered for a long weekend of fun, community, …

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