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...

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...

After the Polar Bears went for a dip, a golden Miniwanca day began with a morning stretch that included learning the dance moves to the rekindle summer flash mob. Next,...

The Founder Family is a deeply connected community that spans far beyond the 360 acres of Miniwanca’s beachfront sand dunes, forested trails, sun-drenched ridges and moss-covered draws. This family expands...

As the morning sun peeked through the shelter of the trees, the Darers woke up in the Hollow. On the Green Acre, the Seeker age group peeled back their sleeping...

Almost one week into this three-week journey, the Camp Miniwanca community is settling into a balanced rhythm. Under the umbrella of Miniwanca magic, campers are seeking new adventures, building connections,...

LITS rang the Turn of the Road bell as an invitation to rise and gather on the beach for Evening Reflection. Cabin groups arrived donning shirts, hats and even pants...

Summer 2021 has officially begun at Miniwanca! The Media Specialist will share periodic dispatches from Girls Camp and Boys Camp here on the blog. Check back often as we share...

Molly Mulcahy meets a lot of fascinating people in her role as the Alumni and Community Relations Director. She spends her days connecting with and sharing the stories of AYF...

The waterfronts at Merrowvista and Miniwanca have always been essential to camp life. Learn more about their natural origins and the evolution of waterfront activities at camp.  ...

Daniel Gottshall, 10, was disappointed when he found out the American Youth Foundation would not be able to welcome campers to Miniwanca in 2020. His family has spent many summers...

If you’re a Merrowvista camper parent, you’ve probably had a conversation or two with Lisa Boucher. Boucher started at Merrowvista in 1996 as a receptionist, registrar, and camp store manager....

As the American Youth Foundation prepares for summer 2021, the program and operations teams are eager to fill 200 seasonal staff jobs at Merrowvista and Miniwanca. AYF Senior Program Director...

In January, we announced dates and changes to our summer 2021 program offerings. Unfortunately, guidance regarding COVID-19 means we cannot offer our off-site Four Trails programs this year, since campers cannot...

We invite you to join us for a virtual experience that will bring intention to your new year, called the YearCompass. Originating over a decade ago by a  group of creative...