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After several years working at other nonprofits, Nick Tamboli wanted a job that combined his love of the outdoors with his passion for helping youth discover their best. He joined the American Youth Foundation Advancement Team in 2022 and has been able to witness firsthand how his work and the generosity of AYF donors impact thousands of youth each year. Here, he shares first impressions of Merrowvista and Miniwanca, his love of history, and what he’d do if he could be a camper for a day.

The Advancement Team places a crucial role at the AYF, but not everyone understands what it does. Can you share the main responsibilities of your role as Advancement Manager for Development and Finance?

“My main responsibility is to make sure we raise the necessary funds needed to operate our camps, run our programs, and provide scholarships to those that need them. I plan events like the Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament and create appeals, like the National Leadership Conference Class Giving Challenge, to encourage our donors, alumni, and community partners to give to our organization. I also track our donations though a series of databases to ensure our financial information is accurate.” 

Why is an Advancement Team so important to a nonprofit like the AYF?

“A large part of what an Advancement Team does is working to raise the funds needed to keep the camps running. The team helps provide scholarships and grants needed to make sure everyone who wants to can participate in the great programs we offer. Our team interacts with donors, alumni, and community partners to keep them engaged and connected to the AYF.”

You’ve had the opportunity to visit camp at Miniwanca and Merrowivsta and see the program in action. What were your initial impressions?

“I had three initial reactions. First, I was in awe of the natural beauty of the camps and their landscape. They are truly breathtaking places to visit. My second impression was the pure joy of the children involved in the programs. It was obvious the camps provided a safe and fun environment for them to grow and just be kids. Finally, I saw that this is an organization with deeply rooted traditions. From the special names to the fun camp songs and everything in between, it’s clear the role tradition plays in the camps. I’m excited to honor those traditions during the 100th year celebration next year!”

If you could be an AYF camper for one day at either site, what activities would you do?

“I love being in nature. I would spend my day as an AYF camper paddleboarding, hiking to the Ledge, fishing, and participating in team games such as Capture the Flag – a few of which I was fortunate enough to do this year while visiting Merrowvista! Go Team Banana!”

If you could trade jobs with a colleague for one day, whose role would you like to try and why?

“I would trade with Andy Mulcahy, Vice President of Infrastructure. My undergrad is in historic preservation, and I spent many years working on different historic buildings. I love working with my hands to maintain and rebuild historic structures. I find it very rewarding.”

What do you like most about working for the AYF?

“I like that my job directly provides an opportunity for children to live better lives and be better versions of themselves. I like challenging myself and my team to continually outdo ourselves and raise the bar to provide even more scholarships and allow even more campers to experience the joy I saw when I visited the camps.”

What surprised you most about working for the AYF?

“Every person I’ve met within the AYF has a personal story connecting them to someone else within the organization. The AYF is like one giant family, and I consider myself fortunate to be a part of it.”

Outside of work, what are some of your favorite things to do?

“I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I’m a bit of a history nerd, so I always enjoy learning new things. I am always looking for a recommendation on a new history book or museum to visit.”

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

“Never do anything halfway. Always put your full effort in any work you do or relationship you build. Your work is a reflection of yourself.”