Holley Young’s history with the American Youth Foundation started in 1975 when she attended Miniwanca Girl Camp as a Piper. Five weeks later, she was hooked and nearly inconsolable about leaving camp and her new friends. That passion for the AYF never left Young. She continued to stay actively invovled with the organization as a seasonal staff member, National Leadership Conference participant, volunteer, and adult program participant. Her dedication to lifelong learning and the AYF mission made her a perfect fit for a new part-time role: Director of Adult Programs.
The AYF is obviously youth-oriented, but adult programs are an important part of what we do. Why does the AYF offer adult programs?
“Our learning, growth, and the impact we have on others doesn’t stop when we “age out” of youth-oriented programs. In fact, the AYF places a high value on lifelong learning. Adults bring experiences into AYF communities, and they take what they have learned during AYF adult programs into their communities, lives, and workplaces. Both are closely tied to a key AYF phrase: ‘One enkindled spirit can set hundreds on fire.'”
Do you have to be a former camper or staff member to participate in AYF adult programs?
“Absolutely not! In fact, the adult programs offered through the AYF have intentionally and joyfully reached out and welcomed people who have not been to Miniwanca or Merrowvista previously. Our expansive hospitality is a direct result of current participants having such meaningful and fun experiences that they tell their friends and colleagues about the AYF. Including those new to AYF programs enhances the community beyond words.”
How has the AYF shaped you as an adult?
“Where do I start? I always talked about the AYF during and after my years as a camper, cabin leader, and NLC participant in the early ‘80s. To graduate from college with a degree in Recreation Administration, I had to do experiential fieldwork and present a business plan. The fieldwork was at a beautiful state park over a summer in Wisconsin, and the business plan was something I dreamed up using the AYF mission, vision, and values as a general platform for my business called Young’s Camp for Adults.
“Throughout my adult years, I have leaned on the friendships and influences from AYF programs. The lifelong friendships I have developed are priceless. That I am now working in a part-time capacity for the AYF is unbelievable, but true. I could not have predicted this happening in a million years!”
Summer Seminars for Women is one of our longest running adults programs, and one you were active in as a participant and volunteer before moving into your current role. Why is this program so popular and bring back so many returning participants each year?
“SSW celebrates 35 years this summer! I think it’s so popular for a few reasons. First, the women created this program established a solid base that we use as a guidepost today. Aside from offering new content and tweaks here and there, we haven’t needed change such a time-tested, strong program.
“Second, the AYF and the SSW team offered virtual programming throughout the pandemic. Keeping these important bonds and connecting people back to SSW’s foundational values meant that we could keep relationships with one another and keep the AYF going strong. We are thrilled that 25% of SSW 2023 participants are new to this program, and some are new to the AYF. People keep coming back because they want and need to refuel, learn, connect, have fun, and return home with an elevated sense of purpose, centeredness, and joy.”
Spark is a newer adult program that began in 2022. What is the goal of this program?
“Like SSW, the Spark adult retreat is multigenerational community of participants. While this reality is not an overt goal, it enhances the experience for all who attend, no matter what decade of life they are in. Welcoming people from all walks of life into an inclusive environment with individual, small group, and community-wide activities resonates with participants long after they return home. Having returning participants is a marker that we must be doing something right!”
How is the AYF trying to expand its reach and relevance through adult programs?
“We have extended virtual learning opportunities through book clubs, Evening Reflection programs, year-in-review programs, and staying in touch with our adult communities. Adding the all-gender Spark program also created an opportunity to integrate much of what works well with the SSW model within a program that attracts many who have been associated with the National Leadership Conference programs at Miniwanca.
“For all adult programs, we strive to have high-quality content that is relevant to current life, societal issues, and meet the ongoing reality that adults need and want continuous learning and to fill their often-depleted tanks across the mental, social, physical, and spiritual areas.”
What are some of your favorite parts of working with adult program participants?
“I love that our participants are “seasoned” humans, in both age and experience! This often translates into easily encouraging people to share their knowledge, talents, and skills when working in a large community. Our volunteer coordinating teams do amazing work to create excellent programming, and our participants are hands-on, helping with an Evening Reflection, offering an activity during unstructured time, and planning Night’s Doings.”
Outside of the AYF, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
“I love taking walks with my partner, Lisa, and our beloved lab Ruby. When we have the chance to travel, it’s our pleasure to have friends gather with us. My home is my favorite place to be, so between travels, it is relaxing and grounding to just be home with our local friends. I am a better person after developing a regular yoga practice, so I make getting to classes a priority. I also found that being in a monthly book club has broadened my perspective on so many topics.”
Anything else you’d like to share with the AYF community?
“As the AYF is knee-deep in purposeful programming this summer, I see it so much differently as a part-time employee than I did as a volunteer. So much happens behind the scenes, and AYF employees give their all to walk, talk, and live the values of this organization.”