Financial Aid

The American Youth Foundation is committed to making sure camp is accessible for all who are open to pursuing their best and supporting the best in others. As a nonprofit, we are funded by generous donations from our alumni, camp families, current and former staff, philanthropic donors, and community-based sponsors who share our commitment to ensuring access to our camp programs. If a Merrowvista or Miniwanca experience is a match for your child, the AYF will work in partnership with families to make the program affordable.

Need-Based Aid

Families can request financial assistance during the registration process. The amount a family contributes toward program tuition will be determined by household size and income, financial barriers and hardships, as well as individual circumstances.

Funds are limited and are given out on a rolling basis, so families and participants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

We make every effort to provide affordable tuition to participants for multiple years so they can return to future AYF programs. If your family has received assistance in the past, the AYF will prioritize your family to receive support for future programs, but you must reapply for assistance each year.

Application Process

1. Register your Miniwanca or Merrowvista camper or participant through Campbrain.
2. Select the option to request an application for financial aid at the end of the registration process.
3. A Client Relations Manager will contact you via email to send the application and to assist you with the process.

Please contact our Client Relations Managers Jamie O’Hagin at Merrowvista or Sara Umland at Miniwanca for more information about the financial aid process.

Discounts

Sibling Discount: Families registering more than one camper are eligible for a sibling tuition discount. Families pay 100% of the program with the highest cost, then receive 5% off each additional camper program. For example, families pay 100% tuition for their oldest camper in the 3-week Explorer program and receive 5% off tuition of their younger camper’s 2-week Seeker program.

Seasonal Staff Discount: Paid seasonal staff members with camper-aged children are eligible for a partial tuition discount. Camper tuition for one camper is reduced by 75% for each week of employment. For example, a Food Program Specialist who works the duration of the 3-week Session A camp program receives 75% off tuition for a 3-week, 2-week, or 1-week camp program.

National Leadership Conference Scholarships

There are three scholarship opportunities available to NLC participants: the Jennifer Mason Scholarship, the Danny Grad Scholarship, and the I Dare You! Scholarship. Learn more about requirements and application process for each.

National Leadership Award recipients are eligible to apply for the I Dare You! Scholarship. Learn more about the National Leadership Awards and how to recognize young leaders in your community.