by Karen Reimer and Jan Strube The origins of the National Leadership Conference are rooted in the earliest days of the American Youth Foundation. Learn about the evolution of this...

In mid-June, participants from NLC convened online for this year’s National Leadership Conference on Zoom. They engaged in programming that connected them with their community, developed leadership skills, and discussed...

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...

Members of the National Leadership Conference Second Year class sat in small groups, listening intently as Dr. Andrew Cullison, Director of the Prindle Institute for Ethics at Depauw University, explained...

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...

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...

Marie Prange Oetting had a life-long involvement with the American Youth Foundation and embraced the timeless mission of balanced living and best self as an integral part of her life. Her...

We are thrilled to share with the AYF community that Anna Kay Vorsteg has been awarded the Association for Experiential Education’s 2018 PICOUP Award. Each year, AEE Northeast members have the...

Jean Booker was a committed educator and fervent advocate for youth. Over her years with the AYF, she was the driving force behind efforts to give equal access to AYF...

By the NLC Team My own self, At my very best, All the time is a moving target. Our best self requires a commitment to growth and change as we...

In AYF programs we often speak about the power of enkindled spirits; how one enkindled spirit has the power to change the world by sharing their light and their gifts...

By Heather Kiley Vice President, AYF My own self, At my very best, All the time, especially when it’s hard. That’s what we practice in AYF. We acknowledge that the more...

Dear Friends, We write with great sadness to share that Steve Schrepper, Facilities Manager at Miniwanca, passed away on Monday morning from late stage stomach cancer. All of us remember Steve...

By Scott Myers I was out for a walk with my dog and my daughter the other day when I saw a young boy, no older than 10. He was...

This is the unabridged version of the article originally published in the 2017 Founder Fire, released in November. By Samme Orwig Whether you’ve attended camp for one season or twenty,...

“We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well,...

By Gabrielle Cory (written after conference 2016) This past week I have been in Michigan at the National Leadership Conference. For those of you who don’t know what that is,...

On Sunday, April 30th, old and new friends of the AYF community gathered for dinner to kick off the 16th Annual Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Dinner Auction & Golf Tournament....