by Liz Marshall As the pandemic rocked the country in spring 2020, American Youth Foundation alumni sought connection and community with their Founder Family despite the physical distance. They asked...

Dear AYF Community, Author Anne Lamott says there are essentially three prayers that get us through tough times: Help, Thanks, and Wow. This summer has been full of such moments...

AYF campers across the country have spent the last two weeks building forts, logging miles on their virtual Four Trails treks, and teaching their families the sudsy fun of Arlos and Dishland.    Invincible Summer, the AYF’s free online summer programming, has united the Merrowvista and Miniwanca campers under one...

For almost 100 years, the American Youth Foundation has built and relied upon a community of life-giving partners to ensure the growth and success of our year-round programs at both...

The American Youth Foundation’s longstanding partner, Kids4Peace Boston, is offering a free online training for preteens and teenagers who want to learn more about anti-racism work and how they can enact these practices in their lives. This...

Coordinator Kal Bowers is back with another chapter of their of their original story, Wash Your Hands, Send Your Letters. This week, he checks in with the Beavers and Porcupines...

Coordinators Kal Bowers and Caroline Zerilli are back with another chapter of their original story, Wash Your Hands, Send Your Letters. This week, Kal checks in on the Rock Trolls...

Coordinators Kal Bowers and Caroline Zerilli are back with another chapter of their original story, Wash Your Hands, Send Your Letters. This week, Kal visits the whales of Dan Hole...

2019 Merrowvista coordinators Kal Bowers and Caroline Zerilli have written an original story about campers who embrace the spirit of the valley at home even though they can’t be at...

By Gretchen Clayton   It is an understatement to say that this whole coronavirus situation is difficult – for kids, adults, businesses – everyone is affected. In the hope that...

“I dare you, whoever you are, to share with others the fruits of your daring. Catch a passion for helping others, and a richer life will come back to you.”...

As we enter the holiday season, we’re reminded of the power of our positive communities. This year, AYF is participating in the global day of giving on December 3rd. We...

The energy here in Canaan Valley was nothing short of contagious as we welcomed twenty campers ranging from five to eight for our Day Camp program. The focus of the...

Greetings from the Canaan Valley, We kicked off the daily schedule today with an adorable Flag Raising from Whitecap village where they shared what they were grateful for with the...

It is the third and final week of the session here at Merrowvista, which means that the Four Fold Tournament is in full swing. On Sunday, campers were told to...

07.10.19   Standing outside the Bahn before Merrowvista’s annual Talent Show, I asked Kat from Tri-py what she would be doing for her act. “You can’t know yet,” she said....

Greetings from the Canaan Valley! It’s Sunday, July 7th, and the kids are settling into life at camp with grace and many laughs. Something I value so much about my...

It’s July 3rd, and the Canaan Valley is buzzing with the ALL of the energy that the start of camp brings! In true New England fashion, a surprise rain rolled...