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Chicago-area youth got a chance to experience summer camp for the first time this month at Dare to Adventure, a four-day outdoor educational experience at Miniwanca. This is the second year for this program, which is designed to provide more equitable access to the outdoors and AYF programs through a low cost, mini-camp experience.

Led by new Program Coordinator Presli Schumacker, these campers experienced traditional camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, high ropes and rock climbing courses, as well as quieter moments of reflection and discussion about their values and what access to the outdoors means to them.

Conferences, Community, and School Programs Director Michael Harter said the program had a profound impact on its young campers. “Everyone wants to come back for summer camp in 2025,” he said. “One participant even said she wanted to try Four Trails.”

Harter said Dare to Adventure and other programs like it are important as the AYF heads into its next 100 years “Dare to Adventure is only in its second year and in the early stages of its design. We’re excited to see where it goes,” he said. “Programs like this are important because they help us expand the reach and impact of our mission for kids who otherwise would not have had this experience.”

Harter encouraged anyone who knows of campers enter grades 7 and 8 who could benefit from a first-time experience like Dare to Adventure to contact him for more information at mharter@ayf.com.