Blog
Find out what's happening at AYF and our camps. You can also view blog posts for summer camp by using the links below:
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All blog entries
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 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 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 …
January 11, 2024
Meet Miniwanca’s new Boys Camp Director and Assistant Director of Camps
Miniwanca is thrilled to welcome two new members to its full-time team, including one familiar face. We can’t wait for you to meet them during …
December 20, 2023
Aloha to outgoing President Anna Kay Vorsteg
The entire American Youth Foundation community wishes its beloved president of 20 years, Anna Kay Vorsteg, happy trails as she embarks on the next phase …
December 18, 2023
AYF volunteers serve humbly at Miniwanca, Merrowvista
Every year, the American Youth Foundation puts a call out for volunteers to ready its sites for the summer. The turnout, staff will tell you, …
November 1, 2023
A Leadership Transition
Dear American Youth Foundation Community: For 20 years the American Youth Foundation has had the amazing good fortune to have had Anna Kay Vorsteg serve …
November 1, 2023
Passing the Torch – A Leadership Transition
The AYF is pleased to announce a passing of the torch of leadership. After decades of remarkable service that has lifted our organization to new …
November 1, 2023
Passing the Torch
Dear AYF Community, It has been my honor to serve as president for the American Youth Foundation and I write to share that after 35 …
October 27, 2023
Sparking Connection
By Dana Rieck Attendance at Miniwanca’s four-day Spark 2023 retreat nearly doubled in its second year as 62 people gathered for reflection, connection and introspection. …
September 19, 2023
Creating A Sense of Belonging
By Dana Rieck Dozens of participants attended the Summer Seminars for Women this year, a three-day program that for 35 years has created an intergenerational …