The AYF will cap its year of centennial festivities with two special events: BBQ Birthday Party and later that night, the Checkerboard Centennial Gala.

Family Fun: BBQ Birthday Party

The BBQ Birthday Party, presented by Nestlé Purina PetCare, will take place at the Stone Shelter in Tower Grove Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This family-oriented event will include a barbecue buffet from Salt & Smoke, soft drinks, and camp-inspired games with members of our Miniwanca and Merrowvista full-time teams.

“This is a great opportunity for St. Louis-area camper families and alumni to connect in gorgeous Tower Grove Park, enjoy some delicious food, and play some favorite games with some familiar camp faces,” said Sandra George, Vice President of Advancement.

Tickets to the BBQ Birthday Party are $10 each and are available online.

Checkerboard Gala: Honoring 100 Years

Later that night, we’ll gather at The Trolley Room in Forest Park for the Checkerboard Gala celebrating 100 years of the AYF. There will be drinks, dinner, dancing, walks down memory lane, awards, and fundraising efforts to secure the AYF’s future.

“This isn’t a stuffy, black-tie affair,” George said. “We encourage guests to embrace the event’s name and get creative with their cocktail attire! Checkerboard dresses, shirts, pocket squares, socks – maybe even a checkerboard suit? We can’t wait to see what our inventive community comes up with!”

During the gala, AYF President and CEO Liz Marshall will recognize former U.S. Representative Dick Gephardt and former Energizer CEO Pat Mulcahy as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Centennial Campaign. Gephardt and Mulcahy are both Miniwanca Boys Camp alums and longtime supporters of the AYF.

The AYF will also honor former President Anna Kay Vorsteg with the AYF Lasting Legacy award in recognition of her four decades of service, selfless leadership, and enduring legacy.

Tickets to the Checkerboard Gala are $150 each and are available online.

Incoming: Homecoming!

Onsite accommodations for Miniwanca Homecoming and Merrowvista Homecoming are filling fast! Interested families are encouraged to secure their spots soon.

These exciting weekends are the perfect opportunities for families to explore Miniwanca and Merrowvista together. There’s something for every generation, from fire circles and beloved camp songs to high-energy games and Interest Groups. Both events will feature special centennial celebrations, and all attendees will receive a commemorative enameled Founder medal.

“We’re so excited to welcome Founder Friends of all generations back to Merrowvista,” said Matt Loper, Merrowvista Transition Director. “It’s going to be a weekend of fun, community, and connection.”

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Join Camp Directors Tiwi Freeman and Bethany Wise, as well as Assistant Director Brianna Moynihan and Four Trails Manager Regan Wiesler, on February 10 or 11 in St. Louis.

All are welcome, whether you’re a longtime camp family who has already registered or brand-new to Miniwanca and want to learn more.

Saturday, February 10
Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park
10 a.m. at the North Entrance

We’ll explore the zoo together, then walk one mile to the American Youth Foundation office for hot chocolate and conversation. (In the event of inclement weather, we’ll meet at the Saint Louis Science Center instead.)

Sunday, February 11
Eden Theological Seminary
475 E Lockwood Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119
12 to 3 p.m. at Schroer Commons

Drop by when convenient at this open house to learn more about summer camp 2024 and get to know new camp friends before summer starts!

Both events are free to attend; RSVPs appreciated!

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Learn more about summer 2023 and meet Camp Directors Paul Kerchberger and Bethany Wise. All are welcome, whether you’re a longtime camp family who has already registered or brand-new to Miniwanca and want to learn more. Bring a friend and find out what Miniwanca is all about!

The open house is free to attend; RSVPs appreciated!

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AYF President Anna Kay Vorsteg and Vice President Liz Marshall also flew in for the event. “It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces after so many years,” Marshall said. “St. Louis has always strongly supported the AYF, and it was great to gather with everyone in their home community.”

Advancement Manager Alice Volkov said the St. Louis event was the first of what she hopes will be more Founder Social Hour events that will take place in other cities. “As we prepare for the AYF centennial celebration in 2025, we want to connect with our AYF community across the country,” she said. “We can’t wait to see more Founder Friends in 2023.”

To learn more about upcoming AYF events in your community, subscribe to our email newsletter, Founder Sparks.

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