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
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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. …
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, …