Discover your own best self

We’re 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.

As we navigate these uncertain times, we invite you to think about the summer ahead. We are grateful for over 700 responses we received to the community survey, sharing  thoughts, ideas, and questions about 2021. Clearly, there is great interest in AYF summer camp programs, even if they are different than previous years.

This year, state, local, and industry guidance regarding COVID-19 means we will only be able to offer a single three-week session at each camp.

The dates for Miniwanca summer camp are Sunday, June 27 to Saturday, July 17.

2021 Miniwanca Summer Programs

The dates for Merrowvista summer camp are Sunday, July 11 to Saturday, July 31.

2021 Merrowvista Summer Programs

Because the camp community must be smaller to be as safe as possible, we will not be able to accommodate all who wish to come to attend this summer. That’s why we are implementing an extended application process instead of first-come, first-serve registration.

We will accept applications starting Jan. 19 and ending Jan. 31. We will review all applications and plan to notify family of acceptance on Feb. 3.

Like so many of you, we are sad we cannot do all we had dreamed of in the coming summer.  And yet, with sails adjusted, we intend to capture fully the opportunities and fun that lies ahead. We are doing our best to accept the limitations and look to the future when our programs will return to the model that you have loved through the years.

We know you have many questions, and we encourage you to learn more about the summer 2021 program, health and safety, 2020 tuition deferment, scholarship availability, and more. As conditions change, we will assess and shift as we are able, but we know camp will look different during this upcoming season.

2021 Summer FAQ

We look forward to continuing this journey with you, no matter where you find yourself this summer. Remember always, no matter the distance between us, we are in this together.

We invite you to stay updated and engaged with the AYF community via our monthly Founder Sparks email newsletter and on Facebook and Instagram (Merrowvista, Miniwanca).

The current moment demands adaptation, reflection, and careful planning to bring our powerful community together again, but rest assured, we will be together again.