National Leadership Conference

Miniwanca campers playing a game

October 26, 2017

Supporting One Another: Best Selves & Positive Communities

“We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole …

National Leadership Conference community gathers around council fire

June 2, 2017

NLC 2017: Get. Ready.

By Gabrielle Cory (written after conference 2016) This past week I have been in Michigan at the National Leadership Conference. For those of you who …

May 2, 2017

Celebration & Recognition

On Sunday, April 30th, old and new friends of the AYF community gathered for dinner to kick off the 16th Annual Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial …

April 25, 2017

Balanced Living: How I Dare You! Changed One Man’s Life

By Carrie Kennedy, MEd A few years ago, I was introduced to Joe Maroon at an art opening. Being from Pittsburgh, I knew he was …

Sun sets over Lake Michigan at Miniwanca beach

January 6, 2017

A New Year’s Resolution

As we ring in the new year, many people look for ways to answer some version of the question, ‘how can I be at my …

Camp Miniwanca staff and student look at Lake Michigan from top of dune- photo courtesy Dan Terpstra-min

December 9, 2016

A World of Good

With the holiday season upon us, the AYF has so much gratitude for all of the ways in which the members of our community make …

Camp Merrowvista snowy winter council circle

November 22, 2016

The Light of the Fire

By Kris Light Every campfire has a purpose. It has been an essential part of our story as a species; a thing that once adopted …

Music makers in Boys Camp

October 7, 2016

Reasons Teens Should Go To Camp

By Will Shelton A few days ago, we stumbled across this article, and I was very eager to read it. We love to have teens …

June 28, 2016

You & Me

Written by Asher Abrahms You and Me is a tribute to the American Youth Foundation and its National Leadership Conference at Camp Miniwanca. I’m grateful …

Merrowvista New Hampshire Summer Camp Happy Cute Boys with facepaint

June 22, 2016

Preparing the Child for the Path

By Anna Kay Vorsteg As we make ready for the program season ahead, it feels important to name a societal trend that is changing the …