Discover your own best self

Discover your own best self

The American Youth Foundation is a nonprofit youth development organization that engages thousands of youth year-round through community and school programs, summer camps, and leadership conferences at our beautiful properties, Merrowvista in New Hampshire and Miniwanca in Michigan.

Since 1925, we have welcomed young people from around the world to our campuses to discover the richness of our outdoor environments, the fun of interacting with a positive community, and the challenge of self-discovery.

Summer 2024 Registration

Summer 2024 registration is a first-come, first-served model, and waitlists will be created when programs fill. A $300 fee is due upon summer camp registration. The AYF is committed to making summer programs accessible to all youth through financial aid and scholarship. More information is available in the application process.

Learn more about next summer’s program offerings, rates, and registration process below.

Miniwanca          Merrowvista          National Leadership Conference


Stay updated and engaged with the AYF community! Sign up for our monthly Founder Sparks email newsletter and follow the AYF on Facebook and Instagram (Merrowvista, Miniwanca).

Miniwanca

Michigan

Set on 360 wooded acres and a mile of private Lake Michigan shoreline, Miniwanca Girls Camp and Boys Camp is a breathtaking and inspiring setting for growth.

Learn More

Merrowvista

New Hampshire

Set on over 600 acres in the pristine Ossipee Mountains of New Hampshire, Merrowvista draws you into a life that is rustic, uncomplicated, and filled with excitement.

Learn More

National Leadership Conference

An 8-day conference for high school and college students, held in June at Miniwanca in Shelby, Michigan.

Learn More

AYF launches Cleveland Regional Action Network

The American Youth Foundation is proud to launch its first Regional Action Network in Cleveland, Ohio. Shane Hinde, Mary Leach, Julie Meadows, and Meg Nystrom …

View of Merrowvista from the Ledge

AYF expands Spark Adult Retreat to Merrowvista

The American Youth Foundation is pleased to launch its Spark Adult Retreat at Merrowvista from August 23 to 25. Registration is now open. Director of …

RSVP for AYF Meet the President Events

American Youth Foundation President Liz Marshall is hitting the road this year to meet with AYF supporters across the country at Meet the President events, …

Director, Tiwi, Boys Camp, Miniwanca, Stony Lake

Staff Spotlight: Miniwanca’s Tiwi Freeman

Tiwi Freeman can never stay away from the American Youth Foundation too long. He first connected with the AYF in 2010 through Merrowvista, where he …

Meet new AYF President Liz Marshall in a city near you

American Youth Foundation President Liz Marshall is hitting the road this year to meet with AYF supporters across the country at Meet the President events, …

Meet the Spark 2024 Coordinating Team

Spark, the American Youth Foundation’s retreat for adults, returns to Miniwanca for its third year from September 12 to 15. AYF Director of Adult Programs …

Our Blog