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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January 18, 2023
Dare to Adventure will expand outdoor access to Detroit-area youth
The American Youth Foundation will offer a new program in August 2023 that will introduce first-time campers from the Detroit area to Miniwanca and summer …

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 …

January 17, 2023
Staff Spotlight: Advancement’s Jessa Glick
Jessa Glick grew up wandering and wondering through the dunes and forests of Miniwanca each summer. Camp was a family affair. Her father, Jeff, was …

January 17, 2023
Park School students experience the great outdoors at Merrowvista
The American Youth Foundation shares its mission and values with hundreds of young participants each year through its Community and School Programs. One partner, Park …

January 9, 2023
Powerful Community Partners at Heart
All youth deserve to experience the power of self-discovery and personal growth American Youth Foundation outdoor education programs provide. The strong relationships formed between the …

December 14, 2022
St. Louis AYF alumni reconnect at Founder Social Hour
Founder Friends reconnected over a pint at the first Founder Social Hour in St. Louis. About 30 American Youth Foundation alumni gathered at 4 Hands …

December 13, 2022
Staff Spotlight: Miniwanca’s Bethany Wise
Miniwanca Girls Camp Director Bethany Wise is new to the American Youth Foundation, but not to the world of youth development and outdoor education. Bethany …

December 13, 2022
Meet the new Miniwanca Directors at virtual townhall
The AYF invites the Miniwanca community to meet the Directors on a Zoom townhall Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. ET. They’ll share their ideas …

December 9, 2022
Calibrate your 2023 with YearCompass
The American Youth Foundation invites you to join us once again for a virtual experience that will bring intention to your new year, called the …

December 9, 2022
President Anna Kay Vorsteg looks back on 2022
For most of my adult life, I have kept a small paperweight on my desk that reads, “Every wall is a door.” We all need …
October 24, 2022
Summer camp 2023 registration starts strong
Temperatures may be dropping, but the American Youth Foundation is fully focused on warm sunny days ahead as registration opened for 2023 summer camp this …

October 24, 2022
Staff Spotlight: Miniwanca’s Paul Kerchberger
Paul Kerchberger joined the American Youth Foundation in 2021, but he’s no stranger to summer camp life. He spent his youth soaring among the trees …