Merrowvista
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 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 …
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 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 …
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 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 …