Kim Novotny knows meals at Merrowvista are important community experiences. As Food Program Manager, she strives to make those meals healthy, delicious, and memorable. Novotny first joined the Merrowvista seasonal...

The American Youth Foundation is thrilled to welcome back more campers in 2022, and Merrowvista and Miniwanca are seeking energetic individuals to join their seasonal youth development teams for a...

For the first time in more than a year, a familiar sound could be heard across the dunes of Miniwanca and the valleys of Merrowvista: campers’ voices, laughing and singing...

Regan Gibson Wiesler first encountered the American Youth Foundation when she attended National Leadership Conference in 2012, an experience that created lasting bonds with her class and the AYF. Since...

At the American Youth Foundation, we believe that we are all responsible for building equitable community. Our organization’s work is to amplify the voice of youth and encourage them to...

Ambrean Ford had never heard of the American Youth Foundation or Miniwanca when she accepted a job as a Girls Camp cabin leader in 2016. She joined the seasonal staff...

After a long year of wait and worry, the bells of Miniwanca and Merrowvista finally rang once again this summer. They signaled much more than a return – each intonation...

Join the Giving Tuesday movement Tuesday, Nov. 30 and help a young person experience the life-changing power of an AYF program. Every child deserves the chance to live at their...

“Polar Bear, Polar Bear – rah, rah, rah! Polar Bear, Polar Bear – ha! ha! ha!” So chant the voices of campers on the shores of Lake Michigan and Stony...

The future of the National Leadership Conference looks bright in 2022.The American Youth Foundation is pleased to return to the full eight-day conference, welcoming first-year participants once again and offering...

The American Youth Foundation recently named a new vice president: longtime staff member Liz Marshall. Marshall most recently served as Senior Director of Advancement, and before that was the Miniwanca...

Dozens of golfers and volunteers were on hand for an afternoon of sport and fun at the recent Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament, as well as to raise more...

Patrick O’Hagin is a beloved, mustachioed presence at Merrowvista – and a man of many talents. As Facilities Manager, he makes sure the buildings, grounds, and vehicles are safe and...

The American Youth Foundation turns the page to a new chapter this month as it transitions to new board leadership. After nearly 20 years of tireless service, David Danforth has...

Morning Wayfinder C led Flag Raise on this golden day. They shared how they’ve grown in the past year and then swiftly headed to Out Camping Equipment to prepare for...

Morning   Breakfast this morning was happily interrupted by a Wayfinder D/E flash mob! Little Bigelow prepared for their hiking trip with a fire starting demo. After returning from their...

Morning   This joyful morning, our Go Getters were out in full force. Moosilaukee, Chocorua, Little Bigelow, and Tri-Pyramid met on the basketball court shooting hoops and bonding. Meanwhile, Wayfinder...

Morning   Tri-Pyramid led this morning’s flag raise. They shared a heartfelt list of all they’re truly grateful for this summer. Chocorua’s creativity was on full display in the New...