Discover your own best self.
We’re a nonprofit youth development organization that engages thousands of youth year round through community & school programs, summer camps, and leadership conferences at our beautiful properties in New Hampshire (Merrowvista) and Michigan (Miniwanca).
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.
Miniwanca
Michigan
Set on 360 wooded acres and a mile of private Lake Michigan shoreline, Miniwanca 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
June 10-17, 2017
An 8-day conference for high school and college students, held in June at Miniwanca in Shelby, Michigan.
Learn More
NLC 2017: Get. Ready.
By Gabrielle Cory (written after conference 2016) This past week I have been in Michigan at the National Leadership Conference. For those of you who …
Celebration & Recognition
On Sunday, April 30th, old and new friends of the AYF community gathered for dinner to kick off the 16th Annual Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial …
Balanced Living: How I Dare You! Changed One Man’s Life
By Carrie Kennedy, MEd A few years ago, I was introduced to Joe Maroon at an art opening. Being from Pittsburgh, I knew he was …
Preparing for Camp
We love talking about summer camp all year long! The first signs of spring are starting to show at Merrowvista and Miniwanca, so although it’s …
I Chose This Odyssey
If you are connected to the American Youth Foundation in some way, it is likely you received a copy of the Founder Fire recently. In …
A New Year’s Resolution
As we ring in the new year, many people look for ways to answer some version of the question, ‘how can I be at my …