National Leadership Conference classes form strong bonds during this transformative four-year program – bonds that hold tight long after their last fire circle together. In late 2022, NLC Co-Directors Erin...

The American Youth Foundation shares its mission and values with hundreds of young participants each year through its Community and School Programs. One partner, Park School in Brookline, Massachusetts, brought...

All youth deserve to experience the power of self-discovery and personal growth American Youth Foundation outdoor education programs provide. The strong relationships formed between the AYF and its Community and...

Founder Friends reconnected over a pint at the first Founder Social Hour in St. Louis. About 30 American Youth Foundation alumni gathered at 4 Hands Brewing Co. to catch up,...

Miniwanca Girls Camp Director Bethany Wise is new to the American Youth Foundation, but not to the world of youth development and outdoor education. Bethany spend her childhood summers as...

The AYF invites the Miniwanca community to meet the Directors on a Zoom townhall Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. ET. They’ll share their ideas for 2023, what they’re looking...

The American Youth Foundation invites you to join us once again for a virtual experience that will bring intention to your new year, called the YearCompass. Originating over a decade...

For most of my adult life, I have kept a small paperweight on my desk that reads, “Every wall is a door.”  We all need reminders that, when faced with...

Temperatures may be dropping, but the American Youth Foundation is fully focused on warm sunny days ahead as registration opened for 2023 summer camp this week. Already, more than 200...

Paul Kerchberger joined the American Youth Foundation in 2021, but he’s no stranger to summer camp life. He spent his youth soaring among the trees on the high ropes course...

The American Youth Foundation continues to carefully build back its programs to pre-pandemic levels, including our Community and School Programs at Miniwanca and Merrowvista. This year, both sites are welcoming...

The American Youth Foundation launched a new adult program this month at Miniwanca. Spark, a retreat for adults, welcomed 33 attendees for four days of reflection, connection, and introspection Sept....

The American Youth Foundation congratulates and celebrates Ambrean Ford, Director of Community Life, Diversity, and Inclusion, who was recently recognized as national leader in creating a more inclusive, equitable workplace....

After two years of virtual gatherings and postponements, Miniwanca was finally able to welcome adults back to in-person programming during Summer Seminars for Women and Girls Camp Reunion in early...

The Avail program returned to Miniwanca this summer with a new sense of energy and direction after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Avail is a program option for...

The four folds are at the core of all AYF youth programming, whether camp or the many students visiting Merrowvista for community school programs. These folds are physical, mental, religious,...

During each camp session at Merrowvista, the community unites around three different campfire events. The first fire takes place at Opening Circle, where all campers introduce themselves, share their village...

Pioneers and Seekers are very busy during their two or three weeks at camp. Although some days are unique, most days stick to a solid routine to give the campers...