National Leadership Conference
June 28, 2024
National Leadership Conference ignites inner sparks as summer 2024 begins
Nearly 200 high schoolers descended on Miniwanca this month for the National Leadership Conference, a week of leadership development through community, discussion, and play. “I …
April 29, 2024
NLC Class Challenge raises more than $15,000 for scholarships
The National Leadership Conference community once again proved that not only could they rise to the challenge, but they could also exceed it. In total, …
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 …
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 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 …
July 27, 2023
Staff Spotlight: Advancement’s Michael Robinson
Michael Robinson first encountered the mission of the American Youth Foundation as a National Leadership Conference participant from 2008 to 2011. As a member of …
June 29, 2023
2023 National Leadership Conference delivers powerful program
More than 150 teens gathered on the sand dunes of Miniwanca for National Leadership Conference. The American Youth Foundation’s oldest program, NLC is a transformative …
February 27, 2023
Purina Leadership Labs expand AYF reach across the country
The American Youth Foundation continues to connect with new communities across the country. Recently, nearly 50 teenagers in Iowa experienced a taste of the AYF’s …
January 18, 2023
NLC Class Challenge raises $10,000 for 2023 scholarships
National Leadership Conference classes form strong bonds during this transformative four-year program – bonds that hold tight long after their last fire circle together. In …
June 29, 2022
NLC returns to Miniwanca with powerful program
The National Leadership Conference roared back to life this summer after two years of virtual and abbreviated gatherings. NLC Co-Director Erin O’Brien said it was …
May 26, 2022
Advancing Toward Our Best
Thank you to all who joined us Tuesday evening at Advancing Toward Our Best! We recorded the webinar for those who weren’t able to make …
March 22, 2022
Enkindled Spirits: Robert Pike
by Dana Rieck High school physics teacher Robert Pike works hard to learn his students’ names within the first three days of each semester, so …