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At 100 years old, the Rev. Dr. Margaret Towner’s life has spanned the existence of the American Youth Foundation. Her remarkable journey mirrors the AYF’s own century of developing courageous leaders who impact the wider world.

Early Days on the Dunes

Marg’s earliest memories of Miniwanca are when her parents served on the faculty of the first camp conferences in the mid-1920s. Those formative summers brought her into direct contact with AYF’s visionary founders: Waite, Alexander, Danforth, and Orwig. “Having known all of them and grown up with them for many years, I think that was quite an influence,” she said.

Marg’s experience was also shaped by her mother, Dorothy Towner, affectionately known as “Bird Lady” at Miniwanca. An expert in ornithology, Dorothy would rise early to lead nature expeditions along Stony Creek.

As she grew, Marg became camp photographer, working from a darkroom underneath the nurses’ cottage. One memorable afternoon, William H. Danforth interrupted her photography class with characteristic enthusiasm. “Marg, I want you to come with me,” she recalled him saying.

She protested that she was busy with her class, but he insisted: “They can take care of themselves. Come on! I want you to take some pictures.” That impromptu session took them to a friend’s cherry orchard near Little Point Sable, where Marg captured images that Danforth treasured.

Her photographs became part of the AYF’s historical record. One photograph of girls around a campfire graced the cover of American Camping Magazine.

Shaping a Life’s Calling

Miniwanca and the AYF shaped Marg’s life. “The philosophy of mental, physical, social, and religious – that’s just ingrained in me and everything I do,” she said. “It’s encouraging people to do the best they can to excel.”

Marg felt an early calling toward spirituality. A conversation atop the steps of the Council Circle with a mentor, Barney Blakemore, was a pivotal moment.

“I was talking to him about thinking of going into the ministry, and he said he encouraged me very much to do so, but he said, ‘Margaret, I cannot let you come to my seminary, because we do not accept women.’”

She was undaunted. Marg went on to become the first woman ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA, a groundbreaking achievement built on her confidence in following her own path.

Witnessing Change and Championing Inclusion

Marg credits Miniwanca with expanding her horizons. It was the first place where she was part of a diverse community from different racial backgrounds, and these experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to justice. She’s pleased with how AYF has evolved. “I’m glad to see the way by which Miniwanca has changed,” she said. “I’m interested to see that Miniwanca is branching out more in outreach and service with the campers.”

When asked what advice she would give to young people today, Marg’s response was powerful. “What comes to my mind is the title of Danforth’s book, ‘I Dare You.’ I dare you to be involved in your communities and in your lives, mentally, physically, spiritually, and religiously, which means you would speak out against discrimination.”

At 100, she continues this approach. “Right now, I’m involved in trying to write letters to the editor against the whole business of discrimination and violence,” she said, and to encourage a return to the Christian ideals of her youth: inclusion and belonging.

As AYF moves into its second century, Marg’s message is clear. “Just keep it going.” She hopes the organization will continue to emphasize inclusiveness and authentic love of neighbor.

“Be brave and courageous to act on our values from our heart and connection to the divine,” she said.

Through her century of life, Marg Towner has embodied everything the AYF aspires to develop in young people- a life lived as “my own self, at my very best, all the time.”