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:

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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 …

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