Summer Camp FAQ
Homecoming FAQ
The American Youth Foundation is so excited to welcome you to back to Miniwanca and Merrowvista to celebrate our centennial year!
Miniwanca Homecoming takes place Friday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 24.
Merrowvista Homecoming takes place Friday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 14.
Please carefully review the FAQ below for more information about registration, travel, and accommodations. Answers apply to both Miniwanca and Merrowvista homecoming weekends.
To register for Merrowvista or Miniwanca Homecoming you must create an account on CampBrain, our online portal for program registration. If you have difficulty registering through CampBrain, please reach out to ayfcentennial@ayf.com or contact us at 314-719-4343 for assistance.
The AYF uses an online portal called CampBrain to safely and securely register participants for programs, including the Miniwanca Homecoming (Aug. 22 to 24) and the Merrowvista Homecoming (Sept. 12 to 14).
To register for Homecoming events, you must create a CampBrain account. From this account you will be able to register other family members, make online payments, complete and access relevant participant forms, and upload additional information (if necessary).
Anyone is welcome to attend the Homecoming events at Merrowvista and Miniwanca. This includes current and former campers and their families, current and former staff members, as well as friends and family who have never attended an AYF program. All ages are welcome, but children younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
A nonrefundable $50 deposit per participant is due at the time of registration. The balance is due one month before Homecoming:
- Miniwanca deadline: July 22
- Merrowvista deadline: Aug. 12
If you must cancel your registration, the AYF will refund the amount paid minus the nonrefundable deposits before the deadlines below:
- Miniwanca deadline: July 22
- Merrowvista deadline: Aug. 12
There is a minimum $35 processing fee for each family’s refund.
If a participant must cancel before Homecoming due to illness or injury, the AYF will refund the amount paid minus the registration fee.
Limited funds are available to those who need assistance. Application information is available during the registration process.
We understand it may not be possible to attend the entire Homecoming weekend. If you are only able to attend for part of the weekend, please contact us at ayfcentennial@ayf.com so we may plan for your arrival and departure accordingly.
The AYF cannot offer prorated tuition for partial attendance of the Homecomings.
No, pets are not allowed at either the Merrowvista or Miniwanca Homecoming. The AYF allows service animals to be on site, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
We will assign you and your group to either dorm-style or cabin housing. Your preference will be considered, but we cannot guarantee placement. We will give dormitory lodging priority to those with mobility concerns.
We ask that you bring your own sheets and towels if possible. All mattresses are twin-sized. We have a limited number of linens, bath towels, blankets and/or sleeping bags available for those who are unable to bring their own.
If you require bedding and towels, please contact us at ayfcentennial@ayf.com. We will send a full packing list closer to Homecoming.
The AYF Food Program Teams will provide nourishing family-style meals to all participants. We offer many options, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free alternatives.
Please provide clear and comprehensive information regarding all food and environmental allergies or restrictions on a participant’s application and health forms. We will contact you if we need more information.
If you have specific dietary needs or concerns, please email ayfcentennial@ayf.com or include it in your registration information.
We ask that you not bring outside food to the site, as it may attract animals. The AYF will provide all meals during the Homecoming weekend.
Yes, those with limited mobility are welcome at Homecoming. We will give priority for dormitory-style lodging to those who express mobility and/or accessibility concerns during their registration.
If you have specific concerns or requests to discuss prior to registration, please contact ayfcentennial@ayf.com or call Merrowvista at 603-539-6607 or Miniwanca at 231-861-2262
The AYF will celebrate its centennial all year with a variety of virtual events and regional, in-person events. To learn more about our centennial events calendar and whether a centennial event is happening in your area, please contact ayfcentennial@ayf.com.
The Miniwanca Homecoming will also be the official homecoming event for Cedar Lake alumni, friends, and families. If you want to learn more about Cedar Lake at the Miniwanca Homecoming event, please contact ayfcentennial@ayf.com.
The Miniwanca Homecoming (Aug. 22 to 24) is open to all current and former Miniwanca campers/program participants and their families, regardless of program. This includes alumni, family, and staff from Boys Camp, Girls Camp, the National Leadership Conference, Alumni and Family Camp, Summer Seminars for Women, Elder Hostel, and any other program that took place at Miniwanca in the last 100 years.
The Miniwanca Girls Camp Reunion (Aug. 29 to Sept. 1) is an event for Miniwanca Girls Camp alumni (18 and older).
We cannot provide housing for registrants attending the Miniwanca Homecoming and the Miniwanca Girls Camp Reunion.