The AYF is committed to making summer camp and conference accessible to as many youth as possible through financial aid and scholarship. However, program tuition is not the only cost associated with summer camp. For some, adequate gear can be difficult to obtain.

“The cost of a sleeping bag should never stand between a camper and the magic of Miniwanca or Merrowvista,” said Director of Development Jessa Glick.

Miniwanca and Merrowvista each keep a stock of supplies on hand for those who need it, and spring means it’s time to stock the shelves.

The AYF is asking its community to help alleviate some of these costs to families through its Gear Up for Camp online equipment drive. Gear Up for Camp kicks off today, March 24, and runs through April 30.

Supporters can purchase items like headlamps, rain gear, and more from the Gear Up for Camp wish list on Amazon. The products will be shipped to the AYF office in St. Louis, where they will be inventoried and distributed to both sites.

If preferred, donors can also provide a financial gift to the AYF to support the greatest needs as summer 2023 approaches.

“Gear Up for Camp will ensure that all summer camp and NLC participants feel prepared, safe, and comfortable from the moment they arrive at Merrowvista and Miniwanca” Glick said. “We’re grateful for our dedicated supporters and alumni, who continually show us the power of our community. Together, this commitment transforms AYF programs into places where everyone feels and is welcome and included.”

The post Help campers Gear Up for summer 2023 appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

The golf tournament has taken place nearly every year since 2021 in memory of lifelong AYF supporter and avid golfer, Donald Danforth Jr. This year, nearly 100 golfers, volunteers, and AYF staff came out to enjoy a sunny spring day of sport and fundraising at Algonquin Golf Club.

Presented by Nestlé Purina PetCare, the golf tournament is the AYF’s signature fundraiser, raising more $2 million for youth to experience exceptional programming at Miniwanca and Merrowvista over the history of the tournament. The funds generated through the tournament provide financial assistance to inspire youth each year to discover their best selves.

After a day on the links, golfers and volunteers enjoyed a cocktail reception, where they pledged contributions to fund specific AYF needs and entered to win raffle items like St. Louis Cardinals and Blues game packages, a cash bouquet and pearl bracelet, and more.

“The generosity of our supporters never fails to amaze me,” said Advancement Manager Annie Oliverio. “Thanks to their contributions, dozens of children and teens will experience summer camp, community and school programs, and the National Leadership Conference at Miniwanca and Merrowvista.”

President Anna Kay Vorsteg said one highlight of the day was hearing from brothers Liam and Gabriel Grundy, who shared their personal experience with AYF programs.

Liam Grundy completed Wayfinder in 2021 and will return to Miniwanca for Voyageur and his first year of NLC.

“My experiences at Miniwanca have shaped me to be a more patient and tolerant individual, as I learned to get along with cabinmates, meet new people, and make new friends,” he said. “Multiple years at camp have caused me to take the Four Folds much more seriously in my life and who I am, especially at home.”

After five years in-camp as a Seeker and Challenger, Gabriel Grundy will embark on his first Four Trails trip this summer as an Explorer. He said he appreciates how the AYF continues to evolve as an organization.

“If you know me well, then you know that I’m a strong believe in openness, inclusion, and diversity,” he said. “The ways that AYF has been working on changes in the words we use, the cultures we honor, and the people who get to come to camp really matter to me. I’ve seen the way that camp has been working to be its best self in the past few years, and I think it will continue getting better tomorrow.”

The Grundy brothers’ words moved attendees and Vorsteg. “We can share the importance of the mission and the value of our programs, but hearing directly from youth about a powerful AYF experience resonates so much more than any staff presentation ever could,” she said. “Inspiring youth to go out and share their strengths with the world is at the heart of what we do, and Liam and Gabriel exemplified that perfectly.”

The Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament will return in 2023. Check out some of our favorite moments from this year’s tournament below:

The post Golf Tournament raises more than $100,000 for AYF scholarships appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

1. Click here to start and fill out the form that pops up, making sure the American Youth Foundation is the beneficiary of your fundraiser. Include how much money you’d like to raise (any amount is greatly appreciated!), and select Nov. 30, 2022 as the end date of your Giving Tuesday fundraiser. Click “Next.”

3. You can change the title of your fundraiser if you’d like. We recommend something clear and simple, like “Catherine’s Giving Tuesday Fundraiser for the AYF.” You can also share your personal AYF story or just use the text we’ve provided for you. Once you’re happy with your title and story, click “Next.”

4. You can change the cover photo to one of your favorite AYF memories or simply use one of the photos we’ve provided for you. Once you’re satisfied with your photo, click “Create.”

5. Now it’s time to share your fundraiser with your Facebook friends! On the next screen, click “Get Started” to invite your Facebook friends to contribute to your fundraiser. Select “Invite” next to name to send a request to contribute. You can invite as many Facebook friends as you want. Once you’ve invited everyone you’d like, click the X at the top right of the pop-up box.

6. Now share your Facebook fundraiser on your personal timeline. Fill in the text box just as you would your Facebook status, telling others why you want to raise money for the AYF on Giving Tuesday. When you’re happy with your text, click “Post.” On the following screen, you can kick off your fundraiser with your own a donation, if you’d like.

7. You’re all done! Facebook will end your fundraiser on the scheduled day and make sure the donations are sent to the AYF.

If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to email to communications manager Catherine Klene at cklene@ayf.com, and she’ll do her best to help.

Thank you so much for helping spread the word about the AYF’s mission! Now more than ever, youth need our programs, and this world needs our youth. Your Facebook fundraiser will provide scholarship support for children who attend programs at our beautiful Miniwanca and Merrowvista campuses as we take on the extraordinary cost associated with operation during a pandemic.

Thank you for your support!

The post How to support the AYF with a Facebook fundraiser appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Thank you for making yesterday our most successful #GivingTuesday ever! Your contributions raised more than $20,000 in scholarship support for participants at Merrowvista, Miniwanca, National Leadership Conference, and Community and School Programs.

Total donated: $20,096
Total donors: 120

Yesterday, we exceeded our GivingTuesday goal thanks to your generous donations and your willingness to share our fundraiser with family and friends. Whether you were a first-time or long-time donor, rest assured your actions will make a significant difference in the life of a young person.

Join the #GivingTuesday movement Tuesday, Dec. 1 and help a young person experience the life-changing power of an AYF program.

Every child deserves the chance to live at their best in a positive community. Now more than ever, youth need our programs, and this world needs our youth. Your gift will provide scholarship support for children who attend programs at our beautiful Miniwanca and Merrowvista campuses as we take on the extraordinary cost associated with operation during a pandemic.

Here’s how you can help:

• Save the date and mark your calendar for Tuesday, Dec. 1.

• Contribute to AYF’s GivingTuesday fundraiser and encourage others to do so, too.

• Create your own Facebook fundraiser and share it with your friends. Creating a fundraiser is easy, and any goal amount is greatly appreciated. (Need some help? Click here for a step-by-step guide to create your own Facebook Fundraiser!)

• Text AYFGIVE to 44321 to donate

• Share our fundraiser on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Thank you for your support!

The post Join us Dec. 1 for GivingTuesday 2020 appeared first on American Youth Foundation.