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Around 2,000 kids and teens will experience the power of American Youth Foundation programs this fall through the organization’s Community and School Programs at Miniwanca and Merrowvista.

CSP welcome participants from grade school through high school and college to disconnect from everyday challenges and focus on community building, leadership development, and the stunning natural world.

Both sites have full-time staff dedicated to the creation and facilitation of CSP: Miniwanca Conferences, Community, and School Programs Director Michael Harter and Program Coordinator Presli Schumacker and Merrowvista Community and School Programs Director Dayna Vuksinick and Program Coordinator Kate Murphy.

“Many camps offer facility rentals during the school year, but our Community and School Programs take it one step further,” said Harter. “We work closely with our community and school partners to understand their learning objectives, then design an age-appropriate program that meets their goals and aligns with AYF program outcomes.”

Truly collaborative partnerships like these are why schools like Breton Downs Elementary in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Codman Academy in Boston, Massachusetts have returned to Miniwanca and Merrowvista for decades.

“It’s wonderful to see the same adults bringing new kids to Merrowvista year after year,” Vuksinick said. “They see the real-world impact of AYF programs in their classrooms and communities and they can’t wait to watch the next group transform in just a few days.”

Dedicated seasonal staff join the full-time team each year and receive extensive training in youth development and empowerment. Both sites provide a 1:12 ratio of staff to participants.

“Our programs really are an all-inclusive experience for our partners,” Vuksinick said. “People are always surprised when I tell them there’s no additional cost for multiple activities, meals, or accommodation. If you want to incorporate the high ropes course into your program, great! Let’s make it happen.”

Harter said the growth CSP participants experience in such a short time never fails to impress him.

“These transformative programs create so much impact in just a few short days,” Harter said. “These groups leave camp with stronger bonds and are empowered with the tools they need to create lasting positive change in their communities.”

If you or your school want to learn more about CSP, email Harter at mharter@ayf.com for information about Miniwanca in Michigan or email Vuksinick at dvuksinick@ayf.com for information about Merrowvista in New Hampshire.