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.
Advancing Toward Our Best
Save the date! Join the American Youth Foundation Tuesday, May 24 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT for “Advancing Toward Our Best,” an AYF-wide townhall. We’ll share exciting updates regarding the AYF’s progress toward its goals of creating powerful, inclusive, transformational program communities.
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
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 …

Enkindled Spirits: Grace Blinkhoff
Upon joining City Year AmeriCorps, each member is presented with a red jacket, which they dedicate to a person, idea, or cause that inspires them …

AYF staff complete LEAD Camp Mental Health training
More than a dozen members of the American Youth Foundation staff recently completed Camp Mental Health Certification offered by Let’s Empower, Advocate, and Do. LEAD …

Miniwanca to rebuild deteriorating Assembly
After years of leaning and disuse, the beloved Assembly at Miniwanca will see new life in 2023. Visitors to Girls Camp last year saw the …

Staff Spotlight: Miniwanca’s Emily Knuth
One of Emily Jones Knuth’s fondest camp memories is serving as Quad Leader in eighth grade and again as a high school senior. She relished …

Meet AYF board chair DD Danforth-Burlin
The American Youth Foundation has played a pivotal role in DD Danforth-Burlin’s life. The four-fold way of living has steered her through her youth as …