Saturday, January 10: Washington, DC
Joint event with Merrowvista
3 to 5 p.m.
Private residence – RSVP below for exact location

Saturday, January 17: Cleveland, Ohio
Joint event with Merrowvista
3 to 5 p.m.
Private residence – RSVP below for exact location

Saturday, February 1: St. Louis, Missouri 
Summer Expo 2026
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Parkway West High School

Saturday, February 1: St. Louis, Missouri 
3 to 5 p.m.
Private residence – RSVP below for exact location

Sunday, February 8: Indianapolis, Indiana
3 to 5 p.m.
Private residence – RSVP below for exact location

The post Learn more about 2026 NLC and Miniwanca summer camp this winter appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

We’re thrilled to welcome two outstanding individuals to the Miniwanca community.

Sandra George – Girls Camp Director
Sandra brings more than two decades of wide-ranging experience directing teams in complex community organizations, most recently shaping strategy as the AYF Vice President of Advancement.

A lifelong Miniwanca alum, she has been a camper, a leader, a seasonal staff member, and is a current camper parent. Colleagues know her as versatile and thoughtful with a remarkable gift for bringing people together and a joyful commitment to the traditions that make this community shine.

In this role, Sandra will continue her work as Vice President and member of the AYF Leadership Team, ensuring the Girls Camp community has a strong and experienced voice guiding its future

Landon Schumacker – Four Trails Program Manager
Landon’s path to this role winds through more than a decade of Miniwanca involvement and outdoor leadership. He has served as a Trip Leader, Program Coordinator, and Community and School Program Facilitator. He was also a camper and NLC participant.

Beyond AYF, he has led backcountry expeditions from the Mississippi River to the Appalachian Trail, instructed outdoor courses in Joshua Tree National Park, and most recently, taught music in Michigan schools.

Known as a skilled educator and mentor, Landon is eager to shape the next chapter of Four Trails and help campers grow in confidence, resilience, and a love for the outdoors.

Sandra and Landon join a dedicated year-round team that works throughout the year to ensure Miniwanca remains a place of belonging, growth, and discovery. With this group assembled, preparations for summer 2026 are well underway as we look forward to another memorable season.

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St. Louis is at the heart of the AYF’s origins, as it was the home of founder William H. Danforth, who founded Ralston Purina. Nestlé Purina PetCare continues to support the AYF and sponsored the two area events.

A stormy Saturday morning couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm at the BBQ Birthday Party, which moved indoors thanks to the support of local partner school St. Joseph’s Academy. More than 100 people from ages 8 to 80 joined the fun, swapping AYF stories over delicious barbecue and birthday cake.

Full-time staff from Miniwanca and Merrowvista traveled to St. Louis to join the festivities, too. Miniwanca Boys Camp Director Tiwi Freeman, Merrowvista Camp Director Madelyn Cook, and Merrowvista Community and School Programs Director Megan Luce led ice breakers and games in the school gym.

“The barbecue was a wonderful way to connect with so many of our Founder Friends who live in the St. Louis area, as well as those who traveled for our evening event,” said AYF President and CEO Liz Marshall.

That night, 150 people gathered at The Trolley Room in Forest Park for the Checkerboard Gala, a night of celebration, fundraising, and honoring AYF legends. Attendees were encouraged to dress in “” and they did not disappoint. The room was a sea of squares, from a jaunty cravat or blazer to a full checkerboard suit.

Former Missouri Congressman Richard Gephardt, who served as honorary Centennial Campaign co-chair, shared his AYF story with guests.

In his remarks, he said he had never left his hometown of St. Louis until he received a scholarship to attend Older Boys Conference at Miniwanca. There, his eyes were opened to just how big and diverse the country was – and how much we all had in common. The experience, he said, changed the life of “little Dicky Gephardt” and set him on a career path dedicated to serving others that ultimately led to 28 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

That same transformative experience still impacts participants today. Current camper Ruby Dunn shared how her three summers at Miniwanca have helped her become “a better human.”

“Miniwanca has taught me to bring values into my everyday life like teamwork, the importance of friendship, and believing in the best version of myself,” she said. “Nothing could make a kid happier than giving them an opportunity to explore their best self through the chance to go to camp.”

It was also a night for recognizing a woman who dedicated much of her life to the AYF. Marshall presented the Daring Visionary Award to former president Anna Kay Vorsteg for her 35 years of service to the organization.

“Anna Kay brings humor and warmth into every room she enters,” Marshall said that night as her Vorsteg’s wife, Vicki Boyd, and her children, Sovann and Tevy Vorsteg-Boyd, looked on. “She makes people feel seen. She makes hard work feel joyful. She makes the vision of ‘inspired people unleashing their best in the world’ something you feel immediately in her presence.”

In addition to the award, the AYF community will honor Vorsteg’s legacy with the Anna Kay Vorsteg Scholarship Fund, which will provide financial assistance for campers at both sites.

Marshall thanked attendees for the generous support throughout the year and encouraged them to keep the spark burning into the next century.

“At our camps, young people from all walks of life come together, and something powerful happens: they learn to listen, to lead, and to bridge divides. Most importantly, they discover their agency, their ability to create a world grounded in caring, inclusion, belonging, and respect for all. That kind of leadership has never been more needed than it is today,” she said. “Not every young person is believed in, trusted, or surrounded by mentors who see their spark. That is why our mission matters. When we invest in youth, we shape the next century.”

The program concluded with a beloved AYF tradition as almost everyone leapt up to encircle the room, link arms, and sing “Founder Hearts.” A year’s worth of centennial joy was evident as Founder Friends from across the country united in a moment that bridged the decades.

“The Checkerboard Gala was the perfect way to wrap a spectacular year and launch us into the next century,” Marshall said. “I am so grateful for the support of this community and look forward to what’s next for our organization.”

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“It’s inspiring to see so many adults dedicated to personal growth through all ages and stages of life,” Young said. “We had so much fun in community with one another, and I can’t wait to welcome everyone back in 2026.”

Check out some of our favorite Spark moments below!

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The cycling program was paused after the pandemic, giving AYF leaders the opportunity to reflect, research, and imagine what a renewed biking experience could look like for today’s youth.

In summer 2026, cycling will return to AYF with a fresh vision. AYF President Liz Marshall said the cycling landscape has changed in recent years, and rebuilding the program has allowed the AYF to approach it in new way, balancing tradition with innovation.

“The biking program still holds transformative promise, but we needed to rebuild it to meet safety standards and offer a powerful invitation for youth to discover their best,” Marshall said. “The new cycling program will provide an opportunity for personal growth grounded in our AYF core values and program outcomes.”

Daring New Adventures

Next summer, the AYF will launch a pilot season with cycling options at both sites. The AYF carefully considered the program offerings at Miniwanca and Merrowvista and developed pilot programs that best suited each site’s unique camper population.

“We will assess these pilot programs with the goal of adding more bike options at both sites in future summers,” said Marshall.

At Miniwanca, 2026 Explorers will enjoy a trip that includes both cycling and backpacking. At Merrowvista, the Trailblazer and Explorer programs will have biking components, and a new version of Voyageur will include sea kayaking, backpacking, and a cycling experience.

The new iteration of cycling prioritizes the central aspects of the AYF camp experience: building community and personal growth and development, not miles traveled.

A Culture of Safety

Since 2019, the AYF has listened, reflected, and studied the data and stories from the past. Those insights helped shape the new cycling offerings.

As with all Four Trails programs, a culture of safety will be the foundation. This means extra resources and staff, thorough training for trip leaders, pre-trip evaluations for campers, updated gear and new route standards.

The AYF has partnered with cycling and outdoor adventure experts to design trips with routes that avoid busy roads and take advantage of the expanding network of rail trails, dirt roads, and scenic rural routes.

The AYF philosophy of challenge by choice means campers will have options. Those who opt-into programs with cycling will be thoroughly prepared for the challenges that lie ahead and closely supervised on their trips. Campers who prefer not to bike will be able to challenge themselves in other ways through expanded in-camp programs and other Four Trails experiences.

Marshall said these new programs are about much more than just bringing bikes back to camp.

“We’re not reviving a trip,” she said. “We’re building a journey that empowers young people to move through the world with intention, fueled by their own energy. The return of cycling is about moving forward with purpose, care, and confidence.”

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The three-day event kicked off a slew of centennial celebrations taking place over the next three months, giving Founder Friends across the generations a chance to commemorate the American Youth Foundation’s 100th year.

Vice President of Advancement Sandra George was thrilled to see so many people from across the country – and around the world – return to celebrate a place that had such an impact on their lives.

“We had people in their 80s connecting with kids who just participated in summer camp this year,” George said. “It was magical to see so many generations bonding over shared experiences in this timeless place.”

Almost every former and current Miniwanca program was represented: Older and Younger Girls Camp, Older and Younger Boys Camp, National Leadership Conference, International Leadership Conference, Young Adult Conference, Four Trails, adult programs like Summer Seminars for Women, and even Cedar Lake, a now-closed camp the AYF once operated in California.

“For some people, this was their first time returning to Miniwanca in 50 years,” George said. “While the trees may be taller and the buildings a bit different, the Miniwanca magic remains the same.”

The weekend was filled with sunshine and fun as attendees rediscovered all Miniwanca had to offer. Some participants enjoyed camp activities like high ropes, arts and crafts, and beach time on Lake Michigan. Others took a deep dive into Miniwanca’s past, exploring the archives with AYF Archivists Jan Strube and Karen Reimer.

And of course, there was music. From the lilting Kodaya rounds popular since camp’s early days to the foot-stomping joy of Boys Camp favorite “The Buzzard Song,” everyone was thoroughly entertained during Saturday night’s Variety Show.

Sunday morning was filled with moments of reflection and reverence during Something Sacred, and President and CEO Liz Marshall shared the vision for the next 100 years of the American Youth Foundation.

The weekend concluded with a ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Assembly building, a full circle moment as the AYF begins its second century with a new facility that honors the organization’s history and meets the needs of tomorrow’s youth.

“As we celebrate our organization’s storied past, we’re so excited for what’s to come,” Marshall said. “One hundred years ago, the Founders sat on these dunes and imagined what the AYF could be. We’re proud to carry that legacy forward into the next 100 years of empowering youth of all ages.”

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What sets the AYF apart from other youth development programs?
“Now about a decade into my career, I hear discussion of balance: work-life balance, balance in our relationships, our relationship to working out, to our ability to be alone with ourselves. As I see adults struggling to seek this balance, I realize how lucky I was to have this guide to balanced living imprinted on me from such a young age. Balancing our mental, physical, social, and spiritual lives – the four-fold way of life, as we refer to it in the AYF – is an incredibly powerful way of being.

“There is a magic to the schedule of the days at the AYF. There is time for moving your body, for laughing with friends, for sitting and watching the sunset. You are challenged to find a space to be with yourself while surrounded by nature.

“By overcoming challenges in each of the four folds, you begin to understand yourself on the deepest level. The AYF is run by incredibly intelligent, intentional, and loving individuals, and it wasn’t until I was on staff that I understood how every moment is curated to allow young people to have the time and space to find their best selves.”

How have AYF programs affected you?
“The AYF taught me how to take on responsibility with maturity and how to handle challenges with steadiness. As an Odyssey leader, I remember feeling that every mile farther from Miniwanca was a mile I was responsible for getting my group back home safely. I felt the pressure but also felt my capability. There were true challenges: countless flats tires, downpours that set us behind schedule, participants needing encouragement to make it up that mountain. I found that biking 60 to 70 miles a day was the easiest part of the job, and I loved every minute of it.”

Why do I support the AYF?
“I support the AYF – and encourage others with the ability to do so to do the same – as I believe deeply that everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, deserves to know the joy and freedom of a summer at camp. I returned home each summer happier, stronger, and usually singing the same songs over and over again until my parents insisted I stop.”

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The Dining Hall gets a full transformation: streamers, flickering (fake) candles, and some chill music set the mood. Tables are arranged by Quads — Breakers, Creeks, Sands, and Beaches — and our fifth-year campers sit together at head tables, joined by a staff member of their choice. That staff member writes the camper a letter and brings a bundle of their favorite snacks, a quiet, personal gesture that always means a lot.

Dinner is built around the campers’ favorite foods, turned into something fun and special by our kitchen team. It’s always a hit.

Then there’s the Wheel of Destiny, a Miniwanca classic. Campers spin for surprises like silly staff performances, Quad points, or the rare honor of becoming Boys Camp Director… for 10 whole seconds. It’s goofy, it’s joyful, and it’s full of the kind of spirit that makes Boys Camp a unique place.

More than anything, the Fifth-Year Banquet is a reminder of how important it is to celebrate each other. These campers have shaped this community in real ways. Their presence, their growth, and their leadership matter, and this night is all about lifting that up and saying, simply, “We’re glad you’re here.”

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We use this idea every day on our high-ropes course, where the challenge is real and the choice is always theirs. Whether it’s reaching the top of the climbing wall, stepping out onto a swinging beam, or choosing to cheer on a friend from the ground, every camper is invited to participate in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to them.

We believe growth happens when we choose to challenge ourselves — not when we’re pushed or pressured — and our ropes courses are designed to offer that opportunity in a supportive and empowering environment.

Our high-ropes programming includes both an indoor and outdoor course, and each one brings its own unique adventure. Indoors, we feature a climbing wall, Burma bridge, Tarzan vines, and a high beam, all ideal for all-weather climbing and year-round use.

Outside, our course expands into the treetops with elements like the X-Wing, floating islands, traverse lines, and more that have campers laughing, leaping, and leaning into trust.

Safety is a top priority, and our staff are highly trained in both high-ropes technical skills and experiential education. Before any camper leaves the ground, they learn to put on their harness and helmet properly and are triple-checked by our facilitators. Every climb begins with a pre-climb ritual: helmet, harness, and human are checked, followed by a clear communication cycle: “On belay?” “Belay is on.” “Climbing?” “Climb on.” It’s both safety protocol and a ritual of intention, signaling the camper’s choice to take on the challenge ahead.

And while climbing may look like a solo experience, it’s one of the most collaborative activities at camp. Every camper is a part of the belay team and plays a vital role. Our backup belay keeps the climber double safe. The rope coiler ensures our ropes are managed well and tangle-free. The goal setter works with the climber to define their personal goal and announces to the team when it’s been reached so we can all celebrate together.

Campers learn that success isn’t just about making it to the top. It’s about setting an intention, showing up for your team, and honoring the effort it takes to grow. That’s the kind of adventure that sticks with you long after the harness comes off.

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The Odyssey program’s time at Merrowvista is an opportunity for campers to grow, connect, and celebrate their achievements with another part of the AYF community.

Preparation is key to a successful Odyssey journey. Campers spend time organizing and preparing their gear, ensuring they have everything they need for the challenges ahead. This includes packing essentials like tents, cooking equipment, and personal items into their packs.

To build confidence and readiness, they embark on a practice hike to Merrowvista’s iconic Ledge. This hike not only helps them test their gear but also gives them a taste of the physical demands of New England hiking.

Odyssey campers participate in games with the Merrowvista community, helping them build relationships with their peers. They will lead a flag raising and enjoy meals with the Merrowvista community. They also meet with their Merrowvista counterparts, who are also completing their Odyssey journeys through the 100 Mile Wilderness and the top of Mt. Katahdin.

After their transformative journeys, Miniwanca campers return to Merrowvista for a special walk-in celebration. Walking up Camp Hill, they are greeted with cheers and applause, marking the completion of their adventure. The celebration continues as they run to Dan Hole Pond and rinse off after 18 days of no showers. Rejoining the Merrowvista community for a day allows campers to share their experiences and reflect on their journey before heading back to Miniwanca, where they’re welcomed home with fanfare and cheer during Nostos.

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It starts long before the music and cheering. In the days leading up to Carn-Avail, Avail campers work behind the scenes to design every game, build props, plan the schedule, and transform a corner of Boys Camp into a full-blown carnival. This summer’s event featured a mix of wild creativity and classic camp charm: a water relay course that left campers and staff soaked and laughing, ropes strung between trees to create a “spider web” maze, a homemade skee-ball setup, trivia competitions, and so much more.

Each station was entirely camper-run. Avail participants planned their games with intention, thinking about what would be inclusive, challenging, and most of all, fun for the rest of camp. Then they had to lead: explaining rules clearly, managing lines, adjusting when things didn’t go as expected, and making sure every camper felt welcome and included.

Carn-Avail is fun, but at its core, it’s a leadership lab in disguise. Avail campers model maturity, navigate group dynamics, and show the kind of presence that makes younger campers feel seen and supported. It’s a tough job, and this summer, they rose to the challenge with energy, humor, and real care for their community.

What’s most impressive is that, by the time the carnival begins, it feels effortless, but behind the scenes, it’s been hours of brainstorming, building, troubleshooting, and teamwork. That quiet effort, that willingness to do the work for the sake of others’ joy, is what leadership at Miniwanca is all about.

In a camp full of meaningful moments, Carn-Avail stands out as something special because it reminds us what happens when young people are trusted to lead and supported as they bring their ideas to life.

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In our LARP (Live Action Roleplay) group, campers do more than just swing foam swords around. They start by learning the fundamentals of safe and effective swordplay: footwork, blocking, striking zones, and how to read an opponent’s movement. These basics build not just skill, but also discipline, focus, and respect for the game and each other.

Then, campers step into character: heroes, tricksters, guardians, and adventurers. With shields raised and alliances formed, they head into mock battles where every decision counts. It’s equal parts strategy, theater, and physical play — and it’s a blast.

Meanwhile, in Dungeons & Dragons, the focus shifts from action to imagination. Over four days, campers dive into a cocreated world where choices shape the story. They roleplay as original characters, make bold moves, and sometimes face tough losses. When a character doesn’t make it, players have to adapt, roll up someone new, and re-enter the world ready for whatever’s next.

A standout moment this summer came when Boys Camp Director Tiwi stepped in as a surprise villain. His over-the-top performance pushed one group to the brink, and when a player’s character was taken out, the rest of the party pulled together, fought through the chaos, and managed to save their teammate. It wasn’t just a dramatic moment; it was a powerful example of problem-solving, collaboration, and heart.

Both programs offer more than just fun. They help campers build confidence, creativity, and communication skills. Whether it’s through a dramatic duel or a dice-fueled debate, our campers are growing into thoughtful, expressive leaders, one story at a time.

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Of all 20-some summers I have spent at camp, one of my most memorable was the first time my little sister, Paige, joined me. I had attended for a few years before Paige was old enough and ready to try a week away.

Before camp, we sat on my bed all night as I walked her through every single thing that would happen at camp, from the registration line until mom and dad picked us up. I was so excited to finally have someone else to share this special place with.

To this day, that was of the best weeks of my life. I remember how close our cabin was, even with the girls that we didn’t know before. We played matchmaker with our cabin leader and drove her crazy during a lunch where we kept chugging lemonade and water until we all laughed so hard we spit it all over the table. I remember the strange bird call we made up to find each other at camp-wide events, and the freedom that came from embracing our silliest, weirdest selves.

I was so moved by the kindness my friends showed my little sister and how welcome they made her feel. I remember sitting with her on the front stoop of our cabin when she was homesick and reassuring her that everything was going to be okay. This magical week cemented my passion for summer camp experiences and is why I absolutely love working at Miniwanca.

My sister and I returned to camp together for years as campers and then as staff members. I loved working alongside my sister and seeing her interact with campers. A huge part of our sisterly inside jokes even today are silly things that happened while we were working at camp. Even as adults living in different states, camp is something we will always have as a throughline keeping us together.

This is why siblings who come to Miniwanca together have a special place in my heart. This year, we have five sibling pairs working on staff together, and 20 staff members with camper siblings. We also have over 110 families who have multiple kids attending Miniwanca!

Summer camp is such a special place for siblings to bond. There are few opportunities where kids can work on their own sibling relationship without their parents. Even when they attend the same school, grade and classroom separate means they may not spend that much time together.

Siblings at camp may end up in the same interest groups or quads, where learn how to work together alongside people outside their family. It provides them an opportunity to see the other as their own person. The chance to get to know your sibling in a new environment opens the doors for a much deeper bond that will last a lifetime.

It is no coincidence that Miniwanca has its own sibling. The two camps of the American Youth Foundation, Miniwanca and Merrowvista, have shared values, history, and founders. Each also has their own traditions, lingo, and memories that give a unique experience to those who attend.

Just like siblings, these camps complement each other — different in personality but bound by love and legacy. Attending summer camp with your sibling means you each get to explore your own path while still sharing a common ground. It’s a bond strengthened by lake swims, campfire stories, and the quiet understanding of what it means to call a place like Miniwanca — or Merrowvista — home.

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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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Completed in 1926, The Assembly was the oldest original building at Miniwanca. J. R. Marcum, a friend of AYF founder Preston Orwig, funded the $4,000 facility. Nestled in the side of a wooded sand dune, it was a versatile space for meetings, performances and other program activities and could accommodate hundreds of campers.

The Assembly had a natural stone hearth featuring a mill stone from the Stony Creek grist mill from the 1850s. The interior of the building was also adorned with flags and banners from numerous states and countries representing AYF participants over the years. 

The Toll of Time 

As Miniwanca programs evolved, so did the Assembly building. After multiple additions on a sand footing, the original structure could no longer carry the load. In 2022, the building was taken down, and plans for its replacement began immediately. 

A New Assembly 

AYF is working with HDJ Architects and Engineers in Grand Rapids to design a space that honors the legacy of the Assembly. The AYF was introduced to HDJ by architect Natalie Fox, AYF alum and great-granddaughter of the Burmeister family, the original Assembly architect.  

With Natalie as the project lead, we are able to preserve the beloved aesthetic of Assembly, as well as adapt to the needs of today’s programs, including a large central gathering space, accessible toilets, and a much-needed storm shelter in the basement. 

The new construction of Assembly is supported by the Fuel the Fire, Fund the Future centennial campaign. Help rebuild this important landmark for the next generation! 

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One of the most enchanting aspects of this trip is the diverse wildlife they will encounter along the way. From the moment Adventurers dip their paddle into the water, the river comes alive with the sights and sounds of its inhabitants.

Adventurers can keep an eye out for the majestic blue herons standing tall on the riverbanks. They might also spot ducks paddling alongside their canoe and hear songbirds hidden in the trees.

Deer are often seen grazing near the water’s edge, and if they’re lucky, Adventurers might see a beaver building its dam. Raccoons and squirrels are also frequent visitors, adding to the lively atmosphere of the river – and a reminder to keep campsites tidy to avoid nocturnal visitors.

Beneath the surface, fish dart through the clear waters. The river is a haven for anglers, with species like trout and bass offering a rewarding challenge. Watching the fish swim by as you paddle is a mesmerizing experience.

Encountering wildlife on the Au Sable River reminds campers of the importance of stewarding the environment, a core value of the AYF. The river’s ecosystem is delicate, and efforts to preserve its natural habitat are crucial. Following Leave No Trace Ethics like respecting the wildlife and maintaining the cleanliness of the river ensures that future trips can enjoy the same breathtaking encounters.

Whether it’s the thrill of spotting a deer or the joy of watching ducks play, these moments create lasting memories to go alongside the stories and songs groups share on the river. Canoeing on the Au Sable River is more than a physical journey; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

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1. Crossing the Mackinac Bridge: The adventure begins with a drive to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. To get there, Explorers cross the Mackinac Bridge. This engineering marvel is a 5-mile long bridge, offered stunning views of the surrounding waters and sets the tone for the journey ahead.
2. Visiting the Log Slide The trail takes Explorers past the famous Log Slide, a historic site where logs were once sent down a steep sand dune to the lake below to be floated to a logging mill. The dune sits 175 feet above Lake Superior and is a steep climb if you journey down. The panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking, showing the group their first look at Lake Superior.

   

3. Swimming in Lake Superior along 12 Mile Beach After miles of hiking, the Explorers enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior along 12 Mile Beach. The waters are chilly, but the pristine shoreline and smooth pebbles on the beach provided a chance to relax and soak in the natural beauty.
4. The Old Car in the Woods: During their trek, Explorers come across the old, abandoned car deep in the woods. This unexpected find is a relic of the areas logging history. No one really knows where it came from or how it ended up in the area.

   

5. Miners Castle: The journey concludes with a visit to Miners Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks of Picture Rocks National Lakeshore. The stunning rock formations and sweeping views of Lake Superior are a fitting end to an incredible adventure.

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A quad might sound like just another team or group at camp, but anyone who’s been in a Miniwanca quad knows it’s so much more. The quad system is woven into daily life here, adding structure, spirit, and an extra layer of connection that helps campers grow in ways far beyond the games.

At the start of each session, campers are placed into one of four quads, intentionally mixed-age groups that gives campers the chance to build relationships across grades, cabins, and experience levels. The oldest campers step into leadership roles, guiding their younger quadmates with enthusiasm, patience, and a growing sense of responsibility.

Quads take on daily shared responsibilities like doing dishes or cleaning up camp spaces. These everyday chores might seem small, but they teach teamwork, accountability, and pride in contributing to the camp community.

And yes, there are points involved! Quads earn points not only through chores, but also through games, competitions, and spirit. Everything counts when you’re vying for the legendary Quad Shield.

Throughout each session, the energy builds. There are quad meetings to strategize, moments to cheer each other on, and even time to collaborate on skits to perform in front of the entire camp.

And then comes the grand finale: the Quad Cup. It’s one time when quads from both Boys Camp and Girls Camp unite under one color to compete together in a final burst of fun, spirit, and friendly rivalry. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s unforgettable.

But the true value of quads isn’t measured in points or trophies. It’s in the way campers learn to work across differences, support one another, and take pride in something bigger than themselves. Quads create a sense of belonging and tradition. They push campers to try new things, lead with confidence, and show up for their peers, not just during the big moments, but in the quiet, everyday ones, too.

At camp, being part of a quad means you’re part of a team, a tradition, and a family. And that’s the kind of connection that sticks with you long after the summer sun sets.

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“POOOOLLLLARRR BEARRR!” That sound wakes many campers at Miniwanca each morning. It’s the call of the early risers – the bold, adventurous campers who start their day with a brisk leap into the cold waters of Lake Michigan or Stony Lake. But even before the first camper makes a splash, there’s another group already up and ready: our lifeguards.

The waterfronts at Miniwanca are where some of the best camp memories are made: sailing across Stony Lake, paddle boarding under the sun, jumping into the waves at Lake Michigan, or splashing around at a Lily Pad party. It’s where campers take on new adventures, laugh until their cheeks hurt, and experience the magic of water in all its forms.

Behind all that fun is a deep commitment to safety. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in children ages 4 to 15. Our lifeguards take their job of keeping our campers safe around water very seriously.

I grew up on Lake Michigan and understand the fun, power, and caution required around water. I’ve always known how vital our waterfront staff are. But this year, I took the next step of ensuring Miniwanca’s waterfront is safe by becoming an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor.

Becoming a Lifeguard Instructor means I can now train and certify our staff directly here at camp, helping more team members gain the skills and confidence they need to keep our swimmers safe. The course is no joke — it covers everything from surveillance and rescue techniques to spinal injury management and CPR/AED certification for professional rescuers. It teaches future instructors not only how to perform these skills but how to teach them clearly, safely, and with confidence. And every guard we train takes the full American Red Cross Lifeguard course, which includes in-water rescues, first aid, emergency action plans, and hours of practice until their responses are automatic.

Our goal isn’t just to meet the standard. It’s to exceed it. With a certified Lifeguard Instructor on site, we can now build stronger, more confident teams, tailor training to our specific waterfronts, and ensure consistency and excellence throughout the summer. We plan to certify over 30 lifeguards this summer. So, whether it’s the quiet calm of a morning Polar Bear, the organized chaos of a pool party, or the thrill of a Lake Michigan swim, our guards are ready, focused, prepared, and always scanning.

Yes, the waterfront is where we go to have fun, to cool off, to take big jumps, and to try new things. And thanks to the dedication of our lifeguards — and now, the ability to train even more of them right here at Miniwanca — it’s also one of the safest, most well-supported places at camp, too.

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When the Trailblazers aren’t at Graceland, the Four Trails headquarters, they are out on Stony Lake learning about canoeing. They learn safety basics, practice different strokes, and play games like Red Light, Green Light to practice their new skills. A favorite day is “T-Rescue Day,” where they practice helping a capsized boat, draining it, and climbing back inside. It’s a fun day with a lot of swimming in the lake.

Trailblazers do a practice trip called a Shakedown to a remote part of the Miniwanca property called the Well Site. They pack their bags with the gear they will use on their trip to make sure everything is ready for their adventure.

After all this preparation, they’re ready to hit the trail. Both parts of the trip take place on the Manistee River and the Manistee River Trail. The groups that canoe first head up to the Hodenpyl Dam Pond, where they start their journey before portaging around the dam and heading downriver and camping in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Wildlife sightings are common on this trip, including bald eagles soaring over the river.

The backpacking groups hike along the Manistee River Trail on the bluffs above the river. They hike through old growth forests and get to spy a deer grazing near the trail or a bat swooping over their campfire at night.

After completing the first mode of their trip, they return to Miniwanca and spend a day swapping gear for their next trip. They will head back out to paddle and hike for their second trip the next day. Trailblazers return from their trips triumphantly, having conquered their first Four Trails trip.

The last week of camp is spent celebrating, sharing stories and jumping back into in-camp life. The trip lends them new skills and confidence as they reenter the camp community.  Trailblazers join in with the rest of the eight-grade age group to do in camp favorites like interest groups and nights doings.

We are so proud of them for taking on this new challenge as Miniwanca campers and can’t wait to see where the trail takes them in the future!

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