These last six months, our AYF family has gone through many adjustments as the world and our programs changed course. We all continue to live in a time of uncertainty and creation of new routines. Here at the AYF, we know the current situation will impact our regular Early Bird registration process.
In a typical September, we send camp families dates and rates for the coming summer, announce registration is open, cheer for campers who commit to returning, and embrace new campers who sign up for the first time. Sadly, this year is not a normal year, and as much as we wish we could, we cannot open registration on this same timeline. Fear not, though – we will open registration in the months ahead!
Right now, we are taking time to better understand how other camps operated this summer (with and without COVID-19 cases); how schools, colleges, and universities navigate this situation; and if an effective vaccine will be widely available by the 2021 camp season. While we gather this information, we are delaying the start of our typical enrollment period and will share our plan for the upcoming summer season in early 2021.
We are deeply committed to offering high quality, safe programs that give campers and participants the opportunity to connect with their own best selves, to engage in meaningful friendships, and to practice making a positive difference in their communities. This has been the mission of the American Youth Foundation for 95 years, and we will not allow a pandemic to halt it, just as we did not allow the Great Depression or World War II to stop it either. The current moment demands adaptation, reflection, and careful planning to bring our powerful community together again, but rest assured, we will be together again.
As we plan for 2021, we invite you to stay engaged with the AYF community online through monthly moments of connection. Join us on Zoom every first Friday of the month for an Evening Reflection, or if you’re after more raucous fun, check our Night’s Doings on Zoom every third Friday of the month! Sign up for the monthly Founder Sparks email newsletter and follow Miniwanca, Merrowvista, and the American Youth Foundation on Facebook for links to these events each month.