August 2023
August 22, 2023
Miniwanca welcomes families for weekend of fun
Miniwanca’s annual Alumni & Family Weekend took place Aug. 17 to 20. More than two dozen people gathered for a long weekend of fun, community, …
August 18, 2023
Working at Summer Camp: More than Just a Job
At first glance, it may not be obvious how coordinating a high-energy skit or Night’s Doings correlates to an office environment. However, plenty of former …
August 18, 2023
Merrowvista wraps up summer 2023
Summer 2023 was filled with cannonballs into Dan Hole Pond, songs sung at the top of campers’ little lungs, and bowls of chicken tenders. For …
August 18, 2023
Merrowvista Odyssey campers return triumphant
With arms linked and faces caked with dirt, 10 Merrowvista Odyssey campers and their two leaders finished the final stretch of their 16-day trip: the …
August 16, 2023
New campers dare to adventure at Miniwanca
Nearly 20 seventh and eighth graders took bold first steps into a new camp experience at Miniwanca at the inaugural Dare to Adventure program in …
August 14, 2023
Remembering Elizabeth “Bartie” Jones
Elizabeth Bartholomew Jones, better known as Bartie to the American Youth Foundation community, passed away July 31 at age 98. Bartie was born Aug. 28, …
August 10, 2023
Staff Spotlight: AYF’s Kris Light
Kris Light has a 20-year history with the American Youth Foundation. His foundation with the AYF began as a seasonal Four Trails leader, camp coordinator, …
August 10, 2023
Wayfinders help Merrowvista grow
When people think of summer camps, they don’t normally think of hard hats and power tools. However, the Wayfinder program at Merrowvista provides campers with …
August 10, 2023
Staff Spotlight: Merrowvista’s Dayna Vuksinick
Dayna Vuksinick never intended to work with kids as a career. In fact, the Utah native thought she’d use her outdoor education degree as a …
August 10, 2023
Staff Spotlight: AYF’s Romauld Dugue
Information Technology Manager Romauld Dugue works behind the scenes at the American Youth Foundation, ensuring the three sites stay connected to deliver quality youth programming …
August 3, 2023
Four Fold Tournament Kickoff at Merrowvista
Every summer, campers eagerly await one of Merrowvista’s most beloved traditions: the Four Fold Tournament. This tournament takes place during the last week of the …
August 3, 2023
The One-Week Merrowvista Experience
A week at Merrowvista provides an opportunity for young people to embark on a summer of adventures and memory-making. Along with this excitement, campers also …