by Briana Moynihan, Assistant Camp Director “POOOOLLLLARRR BEARRR!” That sound wakes many campers at Miniwanca each morning. It’s the call of the early risers – the bold, adventurous campers who...

As Hannah Montana famously said, Trailblazers “get the best of both worlds.” Miniwanca’s Trailblazer program is an introduction to backcountry adventures. This three-week program introduces campers to backpacking, canoeing, and...

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...

Our Four Trails Program is led by experienced and passionate leaders committed to providing a safe, enriching, and unforgettable experience for our campers. Here’s a closer look at the Four...

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...

Allison Cone’s experience at National Leadership Conference in the early 2000s forever changed how she experienced the world. The program was so impactful that she returned time and time again...

Eager third-graders kicked off an impressive arboreal mission in April when they helped launch The Tree Lab at Miniwanca. Nearly 100 students from Shelby Elementary began the process of planting...

by Bethany Wise, Miniwanca Girls Camp Director Let’s go back to August 2024. Just days after wrapping up an incredible summer, while everything is still fresh in our minds, the...

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...

A chilly silver day didn’t detract from the fun and the generosity at the Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament earlier this month in St. Louis More than 90 people...

Chandlee Dickey credits her experiences at Miniwanca and Merrowvista in the 1970s with changing her life trajectory. Her time as a camper and seasonal staff member inspired her to live...

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...

Jan Strube is a keeper of AYF history, preserving photographs, memories, and more as a volunteer archivist. Her passion for the AYF began as a Miniwanca Younger Girls camper in...

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,...

More than 100 Founder Friends gathered on Zoom Wednesday, April 16 to kick off our centennial festivities. We can’t wait for all the excitement and connection this year holds! As...

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...

The lessons Amy Hughes learned during International Leadership Conference and National Leadership Conference in the mid-1990s laid the foundation for her personal and professional life today. Hughes is a medical...