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 and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination before they arrive at camp. 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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
National Leadership Conference
An 8-day conference for high school and college students, held in June at Miniwanca in Shelby, Michigan.
Learn More
Miniwanca seasonal staff prepares for summer 2022
The sun is shining, Lake Michigan is roaring, and staff are smiling as summer 2022 staff training is almost finished. With just one day left …
Merrowvista prepares to welcome summer 2022 campers
Staff are hard at work preparing the site for campers’ arrival to Merrowvista in less than two weeks. From installing docks in Dan Hole Pond …
Advancing Toward Our Best
Thank you to all who joined us Tuesday evening at Advancing Toward Our Best! We recorded the webinar for those who weren’t able to make …
Volunteers prepare Miniwanca, Merrowvista for summer 2022
Volunteers recently gathered in the crisp spring air at Miniwanca and Merrowvista to roll up their sleeves and prepare the sites for summer 2022. At …
Golf Tournament raises more than $100,000 for AYF scholarships
The 20th Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament took place in St. Louis on May 9, raising $108,000 for scholarship funds to support youth attending …
Staff Spotlight: Carrie Hargreaves Smith
For as long as she can remember, Carrie Hargreaves Smith was interested in a health care career. She loved math, science, and learning about all …