Miniwanca

Our communities, our nation, and our world are being changed daily by the coronavirus pandemic, and so too are the program possibilities for the AYF. We are deeply committed to offering high quality, safe programs that give campers and participants the opportunity to connect with their own best selves, to engage in meaningful friendships, and to practice making a positive difference in their communities.

After careful assessment, the American Youth Foundation Board and staff feel we can offer safe, mission-supporting programs at Miniwanca and Merrowvista in summer 2021. If this summer’s program feels like a fit for your camper(s), we invite you to complete an application for camp. Applications will be accepted from Jan. 19 to 31. We will review all applications and plan to notify families of acceptance on Feb. 3.

As you can imagine, our operating conditions will be quite restrictive to prevent exposure of our children and staff to COVID-19. New CDC, state, and industry regulations for camps mean we must reduce the number of participants in our camp communities and the number of sessions offered. While it will not be simple, we are confident these adapted programs will possess powerful signature elements of our AYF programs.

We invite you to stay updated and engaged with the AYF community online and on Facebook and Instagram. There, you’ll find more information about our plans for 2021, and you can sign up to receive our monthly Founder Sparks email newsletter.

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At Miniwanca we live life differently…

Our days are simpler. We challenge often but have more fun. The outdoors is our home. We work together to create a community where individuals are respected, and where our values guide our actions. We gain confidence. We share. We have fun.

Set on 360 wooded acres and a mile of private Lake Michigan shoreline, Miniwanca is a breathtaking and inspiring setting for growth. Towering sand dunes and pines line our beach and a second, inland lake provides the perfect setting for swimming, sailing, and canoeing.

Miniwanca operates year round, with Community and School Programs (CSP) serving children from neighboring districts and distant cities. The National Leadership Conference (NLC) draws high school and college age youth for the chance to develop character, leadership skills, and new strength in a dynamic setting. Miniwanca Boys Camp and Girls Camp offer elementary through high school age campers the chance to discover and develop new strengths in 1, 2, 3 and 5 week overnight camp and trip programs.