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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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 …
September 22, 2022
Community and School Programs return to Miniwanca, Merrowvista
The American Youth Foundation continues to carefully build back its programs to pre-pandemic levels, including our Community and School Programs at Miniwanca and Merrowvista. This …
September 21, 2022
Inaugural Spark retreat ignites community
The American Youth Foundation launched a new adult program this month at Miniwanca. Spark, a retreat for adults, welcomed 33 attendees for four days of …
September 20, 2022
Ambrean Ford awarded national DEI honor
The American Youth Foundation congratulates and celebrates Ambrean Ford, Director of Community Life, Diversity, and Inclusion, who was recently recognized as national leader in creating …
August 24, 2022
Miniwanca welcomes SSW, Girls Camp Reunion back to camp
After two years of virtual gatherings and postponements, Miniwanca was finally able to welcome adults back to in-person programming during Summer Seminars for Women and …
August 24, 2022
Miniwanca Avail campers serve humbly
The Avail program returned to Miniwanca this summer with a new sense of energy and direction after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Avail …
August 9, 2022
Working the physical and mental folds with a high challenge
The four folds are at the core of all AYF youth programming, whether camp or the many students visiting Merrowvista for community school programs. These …
August 5, 2022
Merrowvista gathers in community
During each camp session at Merrowvista, the community unites around three different campfire events. The first fire takes place at Opening Circle, where all campers …
August 3, 2022
A day in the life of a Merrowvista camper
Pioneers and Seekers are very busy during their two or three weeks at camp. Although some days are unique, most days stick to a solid …
August 1, 2022
A Bittersweet Ending
It was a day full of fun, laughter, and reminiscing as campers prepared to go home. There was excitement to see family members and show …