General Updates
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
July 8, 2025
Supporting our Texas summer camp community
Our hearts are broken for the communities that suffered devastating losses during the Texas flash floods on July 4, especially Camp Mystic, Heart O’ the Hills, and other camps in...
AYF Centennial
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
National Leadership Conference
June 29, 2025
American Youth Foundation kicks off centennial summer
In 1925, the first Older Boys and Older Girls conference participants arrived at Miniwanca and Merrowvista. Some were excited for the adventure ahead; others were nervous to leave home for...
General Updates
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
National Leadership Conference
May 22, 2025
The countdown to summer 2025 begins
You can feel it in the air at Miniwanca and Merrowvista: summer 2025 is just around the corner, and staff are eagerly awaiting the campers’ arrival. The summer season kicks...
Merrowvista
May 21, 2025
Meet new Merrowvista team members
The American Youth Foundation is thrilled to introduce four inspiring leaders who have joined the Merrowvista team this spring, along with new Camp Director Madelyn Cook. Jason Knowles – Executive...
Community and School Programs
Founder Fire
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
National Leadership Conference
April 24, 2025
AYF programs spark purpose through intentional outcomes
For the last 100 years, American Youth Foundation programs have fostered self-discovery through a balanced approach of personal growth, community building, and interconnected program goals. Recently, AYF leadership updated its...
Merrowvista
April 24, 2025
Meet new Merrowvista Camp Director Madelyn Cook
The American Youth Foundation is thrilled to announce Madelyn Cook as the new Merrowvista Camp Director. “A lifelong member of the AYF community, Madelyn brings an incredible depth of experience,...
AYF Centennial
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
March 19, 2025
Kick off the AYF centennial celebrations April 16
Save the date: The American Youth Foundation is kicking off its centennial festivities with a virtual gathering Wednesday, April 16! Join President and CEO Liz Marshall and other AYF leadership...
Founder Fire
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
March 19, 2025
Wayfinders and Avail campers learn through service
Summer camp often calls to mind visions of youth adventuring daringly as they hike through rugged terrain or aspiring nobly as they master sailing or kayaking in open water. However,...
General Updates
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
March 1, 2025
Working at Summer Camp: More than Just a Job
Learn more about working at Miniwanca! Learn more about working at Merrowvista! At first glance, it may not be obvious how coordinating a high-energy skit or Night’s Doings correlates to...
AYF Centennial
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
January 30, 2025
Registration opens for AYF centennial events
The American Youth Foundation kicked off its centennial year Tuesday, Jan. 28, when it opened registration for four celebratory events taking place at Miniwanca, Merrowvista, and in St. Louis. The...
Community and School Programs
Merrowvista
November 26, 2024
Merrowvista internship program leaves lasting impact
Merrowvista Community and School Programs provide growth opportunities to thousands of kids and teens, but there’s another key group that benefits, too. The dedicated internship cohorts who develop and run...
Merrowvista
August 29, 2024
First Merrowvista Spark enkindles a new community
Merrowvista welcomed 20 eager participants to its first Spark, a three-day retreat for adults, Aug. 23 to 25. AYF Director of Adult Programs Holley Young said it was a joy...
Merrowvista
July 23, 2024
Merrowvista wraps Session A with Four Fold Tournament
As we wrapped up Session A last week, we reflected on all our Trailblazers and Pioneers have accomplished. I loved seeing all these wild and fun campers have achieved. They...
Merrowvista
July 18, 2024
Merrowvista campers embrace life on trail
As we approach the end of session A, every cabin group (called Villages at camp) has taken some sort of outdoor adventure trip. Whether it was an overnight at the...
Merrowvista
July 18, 2024
Merrowvista bids farewell to Session A
Camp Director Katsu Okuma is back with another dispatch from Merrowvista as camp prepares to say goodbye to Session A and welcome Session B campers....
Merrowvista
July 9, 2024
Welcoming summer at the Merrowvista waterfront
Hello everyone! My name is Audrey, and I am the waterfront coordinator this summer at Merrowvista. This past week, the waterfront has become a focal point of camp activities, and...
Merrowvista
July 2, 2024
Summer 2024 kicks off in Canaan Valley
Summer camp 2024 has officially begun at Merrowvista! Our first campers arrived on Sunday, and we’re already making new friends and building community in the Canaan Valley....
Merrowvista
June 26, 2024
Merrowvista prepares for summer camp 2024
Only 4 more days until Session A Opening Day! Interim Camp Director Katsu Okuma and the season staff are hard at work preparing Merrowvista for our first campers of the...