Community and School Programs
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
September 22, 2022
Community and School Programs return to Miniwanca, Merrowvista
The American Youth Foundation continues to carefully build back its programs to pre-pandemic levels, including our Community and School Programs at Miniwanca and Merrowvista. This year, both sites are welcoming...
Merrowvista
August 9, 2022
Working the physical and mental folds with a high challenge
The four folds are at the core of all AYF youth programming, whether camp or the many students visiting Merrowvista for community school programs. These folds are physical, mental, religious,...
Merrowvista
August 5, 2022
Merrowvista gathers in community
During each camp session at Merrowvista, the community unites around three different campfire events. The first fire takes place at Opening Circle, where all campers introduce themselves, share their village...
Merrowvista
August 3, 2022
A day in the life of a Merrowvista camper
Pioneers and Seekers are very busy during their two or three weeks at camp. Although some days are unique, most days stick to a solid routine to give the campers...
Merrowvista
August 1, 2022
Adventuring to the Outpost and Mt. Flagg
Seekers in Session B have recently returned from various trips across the 6oo acres of Merrowvista. The trips allow youth to step away from the regular camp schedule for a...
Merrowvista
July 29, 2022
Session B begins at Merrowvista
Last Friday, Merrowvista bid farewell to the rest of the campers in Session A. After a quick intersession for staff to get some well-deserved rest, camp welcomed the Session B...
General Updates
Merrowvista
July 21, 2022
Camp Risk launches at Merrowvista 2022
The Four Fold tournament is underway at Merrowvista, and the competition is intense. On Wednesday morning, the teams assembled at the Activity Center to learn more about an event new...
General Updates
Merrowvista
July 20, 2022
Rain won’t stop the Four Fold Tournament
At Merrowvista, there are two kinds of weather days: beautiful golden days (sunny) and beautiful silver days (rainy). As campers entered the last week of Session A, not even a...
Merrowvista
July 14, 2022
Woody the hedgehog is on the loose…
A camp-wide hunt for a missing wooden hedgehog is underway at Merrowvista. Facilities Infrastructure Manager made Woody the hedgehog in the woodshop, and each morning, a staff member hides Woody...
Merrowvista
July 12, 2022
Creatures are on the move at Merrowvista
Merrowvista has many unique evening traditions like Fire Circles, Evening Reflections, and Candlelight Sing. On nights without a special tradition, the community gathers for Night’s Doings. This year, Merrowvista introduced...
Merrowvista
July 8, 2022
Campers dive into speciality interest groups
The first week of camp for Merrowvista’s Session A is wrapping up with tremendous excitement, concluding the first round of interest groups. Interest groups are a core component of summer...
Merrowvista
July 7, 2022
First campers of the 2022 season arrive at Merrowvista
Last Sunday, July 3, was one of the best days of the year at Merrowvista: Opening Day for the first session of summer camp 2022. It was all hands on...
Merrowvista
June 29, 2022
Merrowvista 2022 staff training in full swing
The entire Merrowvista 2022 staff is working diligently with only three days until campers arrive for Session A. Last week, the staff spent the week honing their skills in various...
Merrowvista
June 16, 2022
Merrowvista prepares to welcome summer 2022 campers
Staff are hard at work preparing the site for campers’ arrival to Merrowvista in less than two weeks. From installing docks in Dan Hole Pond to setting up new little...
General Updates
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
National Leadership Conference
May 26, 2022
Advancing Toward Our Best
Thank you to all who joined us Tuesday evening at Advancing Toward Our Best! We recorded the webinar for those who weren’t able to make it. We hope it provides...
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
May 23, 2022
Volunteers prepare Miniwanca, Merrowvista for summer 2022
Volunteers recently gathered in the crisp spring air at Miniwanca and Merrowvista to roll up their sleeves and prepare the sites for summer 2022. At Miniwanca, Director of Operations Griffin...
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
May 20, 2022
Staff Spotlight: Carrie Hargreaves Smith
For as long as she can remember, Carrie Hargreaves Smith was interested in a health care career. She loved math, science, and learning about all the human body’s intricate processes....
General Updates
Merrowvista
Miniwanca
April 28, 2022
AYF staff complete LEAD Camp Mental Health training
More than a dozen members of the American Youth Foundation staff recently completed Camp Mental Health Certification offered by Let’s Empower, Advocate, and Do. LEAD is a nonprofit dedicated to...