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You can feel it in the air at Miniwanca and Merrowvista: summer 2025 is just around the corner, and staff are eagerly awaiting the campers’ arrival.

The summer season kicks off with National Leadership Conference, which welcomes third- and fourth-year participants back to Miniwanca on Friday, June 13. The first- and second-year classes arrive Saturday, June 14.

This is the 100th National Leadership Conference (known previously as Older Boys and Older Girls camps, as well as International Leadership Conference), and the NLC co-directors are excited for this important milestone.

“The American Youth Foundation has adapted for 100 years to meet the needs of youth today, while also staying true to its core values,” said NLC Co-Director Michael Harter. “That’s why NLC and the camp programs are thriving a century on.”

Miniwanca and Merrowvista welcome the first summer campers on Sunday, June 29. At Miniwanca, Boys Camp Director Tiwi Freeman and Girls Camp Director Bethany Wise are thrilled to see campers back on the dunes.

“It’s always exciting to see our sites come alive with campers again,” said Wise. “I’m looking forward to everything from the Night’s Doings and Quad Cup to Evening Reflections and sunsets on Lake Michigan.”

Freeman echoed that sentiment. “The centennial is such an exciting time for the entire AYF, and we’re definitely planning to incorporate some centennial excitement into our programming this summer.”

At Merrowvista, new faces on the fulltime team will join veteran camp leaders Matt Loper and Kris Light as campers return to the valley. “I could not be more excited to lead the camp team as we head into our centennial summer and another 100 years of helping children discover their best selves,” said new Camp Director Madelyn Cook. “We can’t wait!”

Both Miniwanca and Merrowvista recently welcomed dozens of volunteers to prep the sites for participants. These intrepid individuals cleaned cabins, made torches, chopped firewood, and completed countless other tasks necessary to safely open camp.

“We’re so grateful to all our volunteers for their hard work,” said Vice President of Advancement Sandra George. “Their dedication and effort have prepared us to welcome hundreds of kids and teens to Miniwanca and Merrowvista to celebrate 100 years of our AYF community!”