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.
Registration for 2022 summer programs is now open!
Summer 2022 registration has returned to a first come, first served enrollment model (pending medical review). Select a camp below for registration links, program offerings, rates and dates at each site.
Miniwanca 2022 Merrowvista 2022 NLC 2022
Vaccination Requirement
The health and safety of our AYF community is our top priority. All summer 2022 staff and participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their session starts. Proof of vaccination will be collected before arrival at camp.
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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Honoring the legacy of the Fellowship Building at Miniwanca
Miniwanca has seen many significant improvements to its facilities in recent years, including extensive renovation of the West Eating Lodge and more than 50 cabins …
All welcome to join virtual spring programs
The American Youth Foundation experience extends long past when participants complete youth programs at Miniwanca and Merrowvista. As both sites prepare to welcome adults back …
Creating Conversation and Change
While the COVID-19 pandemic brought many losses, it also ushered in new methods for creating community using virtual tools instead of live gatherings. One such …
Staff Spotlight: Merrowvista’s Kim Novotny
Kim Novotny knows meals at Merrowvista are important community experiences. As Food Program Manager, she strives to make those meals healthy, delicious, and memorable. Novotny …
Miniwanca, Merrowvista are now hiring for summer 2022
The American Youth Foundation is thrilled to welcome back more campers in 2022, and Merrowvista and Miniwanca are seeking energetic individuals to join their seasonal …
Rekindling Community in Summer 2021
For the first time in more than a year, a familiar sound could be heard across the dunes of Miniwanca and the valleys of Merrowvista: …