Share Your AYF Story

"I will always remember one of the last nights on my Voyager trip. I was feeling down on some things with most of the trip behind me. I ended up having a long conversation on the banks of the Mississippi River. Under the stars with a couple of my close friends on that trip. The conversation changed my perspective on so many different things in my life."

"The most important lesson I learned here was how to be confident and how to be my best self. It helped me grow into who I am and feel comfortable in my own skin, especially when I was a Quad leader as a kid. As an Avail camper and in the Four Trails program, I learned how to lead both at camp and in life."

"We’ve gained so much from being part of the AYF community. I would encourage future campers to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. They’ll likely enjoy it, learn more about themselves, and discover ways to grow as individuals."

"What I take away from Miniwanca, or what I enjoyed most about it, is that it's where I learned self-confidence, independence, and self-reliance."

"The AYF will continue to be a part of our family's story because we came across it in the most random of ways. I had gotten a book from Goodwill called 'I Dare You.' We took a shot in the dark. We had never been to the camp or seen anything about it, and our oldest flew out. She came to the camp and said, 'It was the most amazing experience.'"

"Miniwanca prepared me by pressing me into some leadership positions and providing mentors, some of them for the rest of my life."

[After Merrowvista,] I ended up having a completely different self image than I'd ever had in my life before that.

I couldn't be more proud of or more grateful for what Camp Miniwanca has meant in my life.

Camp has helped me grow in an optimistic way. Instead of complaining about more things, I've always been able to find the good and exciting parts of activities we do.

This place feels like my second home. I feel so great here, like everyone who’s here truly belongs.

I love the sense of community it brings. I think that's one of my favorite memories, is just how everybody can come together.

What surprised me most about camp was just how welcoming everyone was. I mean, I’ve never been here before, and this is my first year working here. I’m going to keep talking to the people I met even after camp ends.

We got to hike to the Wells Site with backpacks, set up campsites, and make s'mores and stuff. ... It helped me gain confidence for next year, because I'm thinking of doing Trailblazers, and now I have a better idea of what it might be like.

If I could tell a future camper one thing about camp I would tell them that no matter who you are, they will be accepting of you. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Don't be afraid to be weird. Just be you and everything will be so much more.

"I can’t overstate how much this organization has shaped who I am today. Supporting the AYF helps keep these vital programs strong, maintaining beautiful and safe facilities that are ideal for learning and personal growth."

"Something I will always remember about Merrowvista is one night on the A-Field when a couple of people from the cabin and I just stared up at the stars."

If I could tell a future camper one thing about this place, it’s a place where you can truly be yourself.

I believe that people should support the AYF, because this place is special. How many other places exist for the sole purpose of empowering the youth to become their best selves?