Blog
Find out what's happening at AYF and our camps. You can also view blog posts for summer camp by using the links below:
You may also browse by tags or date
All blog entries
March 1, 2024
Meet the Spark 2024 Coordinating Team
Spark, the American Youth Foundation’s retreat for adults, returns to Miniwanca for its third year from September 12 to 15. AYF Director of Adult Programs …
February 20, 2024
Register now for Miniwanca, Merrowvista Volunteer Weekends
The entire family is invited to lend a hand this spring at Miniwanca and Merrowvista! This year, Volunteer Weekend takes place April 26 to 28 …
February 20, 2024
Staff Spotlight: Merrowvista’s Katsu Okuma
Katsu Okuma wasn’t a “camp kid” growing up. Instead, he spent summers traveling around Ohio playing baseball. The camp bug finally got him in high …
February 20, 2024
2024 NLC Class Challenge kicks off March 4
The National Leadership Conference community is a prime example of serving humbly. Each summer, dozens of dedicated volunteers staff the American Youth Foundation’s longest running …
February 14, 2024
AYF facilities teams build on legacy
Before sites are flooded with summer campers, the facilities teams at Miniwanca and Merrowvista prioritize larger structural projects that enhance the quality of life for …
February 5, 2024
Meet the 2024 Summer Seminars for Women team
The American Youth Foundation’s Summer Seminars for Women celebrates its 36th year in 2024. Its longevity and popularity couldn’t be sustained without dedicated leadership, and …
January 30, 2024
Miniwanca will host St. Louis meet up Feb. 10 and 11
There are two upcoming opportunities to meet Miniwanca staff and learn what summer camp 2024 is all about! Bring a friend and find out what …
January 29, 2024
The AYF welcomes President Liz Marshall
The American Youth Foundation is proud to officially welcome Liz Marshall to her new role as president and CEO of the organization. As the AYF …
January 24, 2024
NLC ‘lifer’ Todd Bundy inducted to Florida 4-H Hall of Fame
If you’ve ever attended National Leadership Conference, you’ve likely met the Mayor of Miniwanca, Todd Bundy. The NLC community bestowed this honorary title on him …
January 19, 2024
Staff Spotlight: Merrowvista’s Jamie Sweetser
Seven years ago, Jamie Sweetser’s family friend Kim Novotny convinced her to try something new. She joined the seasonal kitchen team at Merrowvista and, under …
January 11, 2024
Miniwanca, Merrowvista programs are fun with intention
On a clear summer evening, a group of Four Trails campers gather around a fire. They’ve just eaten a meal they prepared after a day …
January 11, 2024
Meet Miniwanca’s new Boys Camp Director and Assistant Director of Camps
Miniwanca is thrilled to welcome two new members to its full-time team, including one familiar face. We can’t wait for you to meet them during …