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Miniwanca and Merrowvista campers of the 1920s and 1930s would find some camp elements unrecognizable: cabins with screened windows, elaborate high ropes courses, a wild cardboard box race inspired by the video game Mario Kart.

And yet, in the ways that matter most, these youth would fit right in with the campers of 2025: morning plunges into cold lakes, joyful friendships formed in the summer twilight, and thoughtful discussions of best self and balanced living.

As the AYF enters its centennial year, President and CEO Liz Marshall said it’s important to commemorate the organization’s storied history and celebrate its limitless future.

“Our founders were united by a common vision: to develop leaders for tomorrow, inspire young people to discover and develop their own best self, and to give them the tools to live a balanced life,” Marshall said. “That legacy continues as our programs prepare youth today for a future as confident community leaders.”

Extending the Reach

Vice President of Strategic Programs Kris Light said the AYF mission reaches more people than ever before as the organization’s programs adapt to connect with youth across the country.

Each summer, Miniwanca and Merrowvista build intentional communities filled with diverse perspectives and experiences where everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves. These camp programs have experienced steady growth in the last four years as youth crave real, in-person connection away from technology and the stresses of daily life.

AYF Community and School Programs also introduce many youth to outdoor educational experiences for the first time. “Many of our CSP participants have never spent this much time a natural setting,” Light said. “Time away from home in these beautiful  spaces gives them the chance to truly engage with the outdoor world and their peers in new ways.”

CSP also forges partnerships in new communities like Boston Public Schools in Massachusetts and Community Foundation of Oceana County in western Michigan.

As participants grow into adulthood, the AYF recognized the desire for the young at heart to continue their journey of self-discovery through adult programs. Summer Seminars for Women are now approaching their fourth decade, while other newer programs like Spark are entering its third year at Miniwanca and inaugural year at Merrowvista.

“Our learning, growth, and the impact we have on others don’t stop when we age out of youth-oriented programs,” said Holley Young, Director of Adult Programs.

Growing Together in Community

The AYF community extends far beyond the boundaries of Miniwanca and Merrowvista, and Marshall hit the road this year to meet alumni in cities across the country.

Marshall made stops in several cities like Chicago, Cincinnati, and St. Petersburg, Florida to personally connect with AYF supporters, some of whom haven’t been back to Miniwanca or Merrowvista in years. More trips to cities on the West Coast and Washington, D.C. are planned for this fall.

“I’m struck by the passion of our alums who were so moved by the power of their AYF experiences that even decades later, they can recall the people and programs that had a lasting effect on their lives,” she said. “Meeting this diverse group – some with a long history at Miniwanca and Merrowvista, others with a single impactful encounter – is inspiring.”

Marshall hopes to channel this passion into action, rekindling sparks to create Regional Action Networks that can develop and strengthen relationships in their communities.

“The Regional Action Networks gather our Founder Friends for social activities, lifelong learning, and community service,” said Vice President of Advancement Sandra George. “We also hope these ambassadors will help us share more information about AYF programs in their communities and collaborate with regional partners to advance the AYF mission.”

Regional Action Networks are currently being organized in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Louisville, Seattle, and St. Louis. Volunteer ambassadors helm the groups, coordinating gatherings via private Facebook Groups. As the AYF grows these satellite communities, George is confident its members will embrace the organization’s value of investing in youth.

“There are so many wonderful, supportive people who want to invest in this work as we prepare to enter AYF’s next century,” she said.

Coming Home

Of course, no centennial would be complete without celebration. The AYF will host homecoming weekends at Miniwanca and Merrowvista, as well as virtual events and regional celebrations across the country.

Everyone is invited to join a homecoming weekend at each site. Miniwanca Homecoming will take place Friday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, and Merrowvista Homecoming will take place Friday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. Registration and rates for both events will be available online in January 2025.

Homecoming will see family and friends from all generations gather at Miniwanca and Merrowvista for a three days of fun camp activities, delicious meals, and powerful community moments. On-site housing will be available.

The AYF will also host a 100th Birthday Party in St. Louis on Oct. 18, 2025, and Miniwanca will also host its 2025 Girls Camp Reunion from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, 2025. More details and registration will be available online.

“The American Youth Foundation is so excited to gather so many Founder Friends as we honor our past and celebrate our future,” Marshall said. “We are growing in so many new ways, and we look to our community to help us build on that momentum as we prepare the next generations to discover and unleash their best for another 100 years.”