Willky’s AYF journey began at Merrowvista when was a 9th grader at Codman Academy. In the first days of forming their new school community, Codman students came to Merrowvista as...

The American Youth Foundation is always eager to hear about our program participants and alumni making positive change in their communities. Do you know a camper or alum who is...

The American Youth Foundation continues to adapt its programs to online platforms. After the success of Invincible Summer, the Summer Seminars for Women community also gathered on Zoom and Canvas...

Lexie has grown up at Miniwanca Girls Camp and the National Leadership Conference, returning each summer and completing the Odyssey cycling trip from Michigan to New Hampshire. She has been...

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...

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...

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...

By Catherine Klene “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” This popular quote inspired the name of AYF’s free online summer programming, but...

by Karen Reimer and Jan Strube Of all the memories of Girls and Boys Camp activities through the years, Fourth of July traditions at Miniwanca are embedded in our hearts...

Young people of the AYF strive to be at their best. They continue to discover more about themselves and passionately pursue projects that serve their communities. They are enkindled spirits...

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...

The American Youth Foundation stands in solidarity with communities of color who continue to bear the weight of longtime, systemic injustice and who have suffered disproportionately through the COVID-19 crisis....

by Catherine Klene Summer 2020 will undoubtedly be different than years past, but president Anna Kay Vorsteg shared that the AYF community has already exceeded her expectations.  “This pandemic has issued a very...

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...

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...

 Over the past month, you have adjusted to changes and experienced the loss of many beloved aspects of your lives. You’ve heeded the call for distancing and made sacrifices...

Read An Important Update from AYF President Anna Kay Vorsteg For the latest answers to your Frequently Asked Questions, please click here (updated Wednesday, April 15, 2020) Over the past...

By Anna Kay Vorsteg Surely you are aware of the many Executive Orders being issued by Governors at this time. I write to make sure you are equally aware of...

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...

Below, Ollie Williamson, a former and current Boys Camp staff member shares his experience of his first summer on staff at Miniwanca. We hope you enjoy and if you’re interested...