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Annabelle Tucker proves it’s never too early to start giving back to the American Youth Foundation programs that gave so much to her. At 16, she’s currently a Wayfinder at Merrowvista and part of the fourth generation of her family to participate in AYF programs. Here, she shares why she volunteers her time to support the camp she loves.

What is your family’s history with the AYF?
“My great-grandma was part of Miniwanca, and then my grandma, and then my mom. My mom was a counselor here at Merrowvista and she brought us all over: me, my sister, Kate, and my brother, Sam. I have been at the Volunteer Weekends since I was a little kid. I started camp as soon as I could – I think I was 7 or 8. My brother and sister have also gone all the way through AYF programs, as well.”

Why did you sign up for Wayfinder at Merrowvista this year?
“Wayfinder is the next step in the Four Trails program, so obviously I was not going to stop and miss out on doing this with all my friends! My dad is new this year to the Wayfinder program, too. He is bringing his architecture skills to the project.

“I also want to earn my stripes and get my rugby. It is a striped sweater people get on their Wayfinder year (what used to be their Voyageur year). The stripes colors are unique to each year. I have spent so many years here Merrowvista that I felt it was time to give back what it has given me.”

What has Merrowvista given you?
“It has given me a lot. It has given me lifelong friends, connections with my family, like my siblings. It has given me an opportunity to go out in nature, which I definitely would not do at home.”

How has the AYF impacted your family?
“It has brought us closer together, especially with my grandma. And it has made me closer with my siblings. When my sister and I were here when we were young, I used to love spending time with her and because I didn’t really get to at home. And now she is one of my Wayfinder leaders. I haven’t seen her in months because she is at college and so is my brother, Sam. Merrowvista brings us all back together after being separated for an entire year.”

Outside of your Wayfinder project, how else do you give back to AYF?
“I am on the Merrowvista homecoming committee, and I come to every Volunteer Weekend. I have also brought some of my friends from my town here, and I think that is a great way to share this place.”

Why should others support the AYF through financial gifts and/or volunteering?
“I think everyone should have the opportunity to experience AYF. I know I am lucky to have gone through the entire thing, but some people aren’t. To be able to experience this at its fullest potential is a great opportunity, and it needs to be funded.”