Register Today

Volunteers are an invaluable part of our American Youth Foundation community, whether chaperoning campers on their way to Miniwanca or sweeping out the cabins at Merrowvista.

Each year, there are many opportunities for people who want to serve humbly and reconnect with their favorite American Youth Foundation programs. Take a look at our current volunteer needs and see what fits your schedule and abilities:

St. Louis

Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament: Monday, May 4:

We need help executing our biggest fundraiser of the year! Volunteers will assist with set up, registration, and event breakdown, as well as running games throughout the golf course and supporting the fund-a-need event. Full and half day options available.

To help, email Development Coordinator Michael Robinson for more information.

Yes, I can help with golf!

Camp Bus Assistance: June and July

The bus ride from St. Louis to Miniwanca makes summer programs possible for nearly 100 campers each year. Their experiences can’t happen without the support of our volunteer chaperones who ensure campers’ safety as they travel the open road.

Whether you ride up to Michigan or shepherd campers back home to St. Louis, AYF will cover return or departure travel for the opposite leg of the trip.

Can’t commit to a chaperone role? We welcome St. Louis-area volunteers to assist with loading and unloading Miniwanca buses. Early birds can bid our intrepid campers farewell as the sun rises. If joyful family reunions tug at your heartstrings, lend us a hand as triumphant young people return in the evening.

2026 Bus Dates

• Saturday, June 13 at 5:00 a.m.
• Saturday, June 20 at 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, June 28 at 5:00 a.m.
• Sunday, July 5 at 5:00 a.m.
• Friday, July 17 at 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, July 19 at 5:00 a.m.
• Friday, Aug. 7 at 7:00 p.m.

To help, email Development Coordinator Michael Robinson for more information.

Yes, I can help with St, Louis buses!

Merrowvista

Volunteer Weekend: May 1 to 3

Warmer temps are slowly returning to the Canaan Valley, and as snow melts, we are excited to welcome volunteers back to Merrowvista. This family-oriented weekend is free to attend and includes meals and accommodations. Volunteers will tackle age-appropriate projects and activities like:

• cleaning and preparing cabins
• cleaning out and preparing gardens and raised beds
• trail maintenance
• painting
• waking up program spaces

Register Online

Miniwanca

Volunteer Weekend: April 24 to 27

Miniwanca will soon see hundreds of summer campers and National Leadership Conference participants, and we need you to help us prepare the dozens of cabins and buildings for their arrival. Families are welcome to join us for this free weekend of service, fun, and the first Polar Bear of the season!

Volunteers will:

• clean and prepare cabins
• help with trail maintenance
• create torches for fire circles
• help with grounds maintenance like raking leaves
• pack out Four Trails food

Register Online

Volunteering at Summer Camp

Miniwanca welcomes extra help all summer! Volunteers can:

• assist in the kitchen with the food program team
• maintain our beautiful grounds with the facilities team
• assist our office team with administrative tasks
• teach your own Interest Group to the next generation

Volunteers will receive housing and all meals, and they’ll spend downtime in community with fellow Founder Friends. We ask all volunteers to give at least three full days of their time to the community.

Volunteers must complete a volunteer staff application and a background check prior to arrival.

I’m ready to help this summer!

If volunteering is not an option this year, please consider making a financial gift to the AYF. Thank you for supporting our mission and the youth we serve!