National Leadership Conference
April 29, 2024
NLC Class Challenge raises more than $15,000 for scholarships
The National Leadership Conference community once again proved that not only could they rise to the challenge, but they could also exceed it. In total, 114 people raised $15,087 in...
National Leadership Conference
February 20, 2024
2024 NLC Class Challenge kicks off March 4
The National Leadership Conference community is a prime example of serving humbly. Each summer, dozens of dedicated volunteers staff the American Youth Foundation’s longest running program. Hundreds more support through...
National Leadership Conference
January 24, 2024
NLC ‘lifer’ Todd Bundy inducted to Florida 4-H Hall of Fame
If you’ve ever attended National Leadership Conference, you’ve likely met the Mayor of Miniwanca, Todd Bundy. The NLC community bestowed this honorary title on him in 1995, one he still...
General Updates
April 24, 2023
NLC volunteer staff serve humbly
The National Leadership Conference roared back to life in summer 2022 after two years of virtual and abbreviated gatherings and brought with it a fresh outlook supported by a strong...
Community and School Programs
National Leadership Conference
February 27, 2023
Purina Leadership Labs expand AYF reach across the country
The American Youth Foundation continues to connect with new communities across the country. Recently, nearly 50 teenagers in Iowa experienced a taste of the AYF’s mission and values at Purina...
National Leadership Conference
January 18, 2023
NLC Class Challenge raises $10,000 for 2023 scholarships
National Leadership Conference classes form strong bonds during this transformative four-year program – bonds that hold tight long after their last fire circle together. In late 2022, NLC Co-Directors Erin...
National Leadership Conference
June 29, 2022
NLC returns to Miniwanca with powerful program
The National Leadership Conference roared back to life this summer after two years of virtual and abbreviated gatherings. NLC Co-Director Erin O’Brien said it was emotional to reconnect with youth...
Founder Fire
National Leadership Conference
March 22, 2022
Enkindled Spirits: Robert Pike
by Dana Rieck High school physics teacher Robert Pike works hard to learn his students’ names within the first three days of each semester, so they feel valued and appreciated...
Founder Fire
National Leadership Conference
February 18, 2022
NLC finds closer connection in 2021
by Dana Rieck National Leadership Conference participants were finally able to gather on the dunes of Miniwanca once again in 2021, albeit in a new, more intimate way. While the...
National Leadership Conference
October 26, 2021
NLC welcomes new co-director team
The future of the National Leadership Conference looks bright in 2022.The American Youth Foundation is pleased to return to the full eight-day conference, welcoming first-year participants once again and offering...
General Updates
National Leadership Conference
December 14, 2020
Important update about NLC 2021
Dear NLC staff, participants, and families, I hope this finds you well despite the very real challenges posed by the pandemic. If only COVID-19 were merely a hypothetical leadership scenario...