Jean Booker was a committed educator and fervent advocate for youth. Over her years with the AYF, she was the driving force behind efforts to give equal access to AYF...

By the NLC Team My own self, At my very best, All the time is a moving target. Our best self requires a commitment to growth and change as we...

In AYF programs we often speak about the power of enkindled spirits; how one enkindled spirit has the power to change the world by sharing their light and their gifts...

By Heather Kiley Vice President, AYF My own self, At my very best, All the time, especially when it’s hard. That’s what we practice in AYF. We acknowledge that the more...

Leadership is at the heart of Miniwanca’s programs, as outstanding role models provide guidance and inspiration for our campers and staff. This fall we conducted a nationwide search for a...

“In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” -Albert Camus Margaret “Gigs” Hoerner is long-time Miniwanca Girl. A camper for eight years,...

Dear Friends, We write with great sadness to share that Steve Schrepper, Facilities Manager at Miniwanca, passed away on Monday morning from late stage stomach cancer. All of us remember Steve...

By Scott Myers I was out for a walk with my dog and my daughter the other day when I saw a young boy, no older than 10. He was...

This is the unabridged version of the article originally published in the 2017 Founder Fire, released in November. By Samme Orwig Whether you’ve attended camp for one season or twenty,...

2018 John Sterling McCarthy passed away on Monday, March 26, 2018. Full Obituary 2017 Marlene Pierce Marlene Pierce, wife of “Daddy Don” Pierce, passed away on December 17, 2017 in...

“We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well,...

Miniwanca Magic: it’s something we talk a lot about, especially as we near the end of the summer each year. Campers comment on how amazing it is to be part...

I admit I am totally biased, but I believe AYF campers and staff are remarkable, and tonight we celebrated the remarkable group of campers who have made Merrowvista their home...

It is the last full day of camp. Our hearts are so full of joy, but they are also ready to burst with our impending departure. We have aspired nobly:...

As we begin looking toward the end of summer, we wanted to offer a final Four Trails update before the campers return and we all gather together for Grand Council...

Though time (being the illusion it is, a common conversation among campers) is crawling towards the end of the summer here in the Canaan Valley, the boisterous shouts of campers...

Yesterday marked a very important day of Session B – the kickoff of the Four Fold Tournament!!! To give you a taste of what the campers experienced yesterday, below is...

A busy two weeks had gone by, and to see the camp this morning, you would have thought we were over for the summer! Staff enjoyed a breakfast buffet with...