The American Youth Foundation centennial celebrations continued this month as more than 150 people made the trip up the winding mountain roads to Merrowvista for Homecoming. For three days, these...

Trevor Uhl and his siblings, Keegan, Katrina, and Lindsey, spent their summers roaming the mountains and valleys of Merrowvista in the late ’80s and ’90s. That time had such a...

Older Merrowvista campers have exciting new choices for summer camp 2026. In addition to the Four Trails adventure programs, Merrowvista will offer new in-camp options for middle- and high school-aged...

For decades, the Four Trails biking program was a defining part of the American Youth Foundation experience. Generations of campers discovered resilience, teamwork, and a deeper sense of self while...

The Odyssey program at Miniwanca is a capstone adventure that takes campers on a journey of self-discovery and growth as they backpack the 100 Mile Wilderness of the Appalachian Trail....

The American Youth Foundation invites you to join us for a day of celebration in St. Louis on Saturday, Oct. 18. The AYF will cap its year of centennial festivities...

Annabelle Tucker proves it’s never too early to start giving back to the American Youth Foundation programs that gave so much to her. At 16, she’s currently a Wayfinder at...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...