Sunday, December 14: Boston, Massachusetts 
11:30 a.m to 1 p.m.
Private residence – RSVP below for exact location

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

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

Sunday, January 25: Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn Camp Fair
12 to 3 p.m.
Berkley Carroll Athletic Center
Free tickets required for entry.

​Wednesday, January 28: Westchester, New York
Westchester Camp Fair
5:30 to 8 p.m.
Purchase College 
Free tickets required for entry. 

​Saturday, January 31: Cambridge, Massachusetts 
Cambridge Camp Fair
​12 to 3 p.m.
The Foundry
Free tickets required for entry. 

Sunday, February 1: Long Island, New York
Long Island Camp Fair
12 to 3 p.m.
Hofstra University
Free tickets required for entry.

Sunday, February 1: Sommerville, Massachusetts 
Time TBD
Private residence – RSVP below for exact location

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

Many community organizations and schools flock the Cannan Valley in the fall and spring, but Megan Luce, Director of Community and School Programs, said winter programs offer unique outdoor options not many get to experience at Merrowvista.

“Winter is a magical time at Merrowvista! Our hills and surrounding mountains are blanketed in a sheet of snow, and we have many cozy indoor spaces to warm up,” she said. “A winter program here might include playing snowshoe games on the A-field, hiking to the frozen waterfall, roasting marshmallows on a fire outdoors, or doing our indoor high challenge course!”

Merrowvista currently has openings for winter programs from mid-February to mid-April 2026. Contact Megan at mluce@ayf.com for more information, and check out her answers to some of the most common winter program questions.

How much time do participants spend outdoors during winter programs?

As much as they’d like! We work with you to create your ideal schedule. We offer a variety of outdoor options, and, many of our indoor activities are available, too, such as team building challenges, leadership activities, games, crafts, and our high ropes course.

Groups can also take breaks inside to warm up around a fire and drink hot cocoa. We recommend a mix of indoor and outdoor activities to experience the best that Merrowvista has to offer in the winter.

What winter-exclusive activities are available?

There are so many great options: snowshoeing, winter shelter building, sledding, cross-country skiing, and winter outdoor survival. And we’ll always encourage an impromptu snowball fight or snowman building session!

What are accommodations like during winter programs?

Participants stay in our cozy Danforth Lodge, which is fully winterized and has its own sleeping accommodations, bathrooms, and common areas. Danforth can accommodate 58 people in 14 bunk rooms. There are shared bathrooms on each floor, and a few rooms have private bathrooms.

Thanks to a full commercial kitchen and dining space, Merrowvista staff can prepare meals right in Danforth, and there is ample space for group programming. Everything feels cozy and intimate since the whole group is staying in the same building.

Do participants need special winter gear?

Merrowvista provides all specialized winter gear like snowshoes and cross-country skis. Participants need to bring winter boots, warm layers, hats, and gloves. We provide all groups with a packing list specific to the season.

To book your winter CSP experience, email Megan Luce at mluce@ayf.com.

The post Merrowvista winter programs offer snowy outdoor adventures appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

For three days, these Founder Friends reconnected on the Farmhouse porch, along the cool waters of Dan Hole Pond, and atop the grassy expanse of the A-field, sharing their favorite memories of Merrowvista days gone by.

Vice President of Communications and Impact Kris Light said it was inspiring to see so many people return to camp. “It’s been several decades since some people were at Merrowvista,” he said. “It’s so special to have so many generations with such strong connections to camp rekindling their spark over the weekend.”

The weekend was filled with exploration, fun, and reminiscing, starting with an Italian dinner al fresco at Dan Hole Pond Friday night. Saturday was filled with interest groups like arts and crafts, archery, sailing and boating, swimming, hikes to The Ledge, and more. AYF Archivist Jan Strube brought her extensive AYF knowledge to The Bahn, setting up an in-depth display of 100 years in the Ossipee Mountains.

The day ended with a spirited Four Fold Relay, featuring classic elements like tent building, thawing and donning a frozen t-shirt, and a mad scramble to find a flag buried in the volleyball sand. After a delicious surf and turf meal, everyone trekked to the Fire Circle for singing and reflection from participants through the decades.

AYF President and CEO Liz Marshall shared her own Merrowvista experience and said she was moved by the obvious pride and love of the New Hampshire camp.

“I am standing in a circle of people of all ages who said yes to coming home to Merrowvista,” said Marshall. “And you have come home to a place where you will always belong. You are the people who have created this home: for yourselves, for the campers, for those who came before us, and for those are still going to come.”

Former President Anna Kay Vorsteg joined Sunday morning for moments of reverence and reflection during Something Sacred. After, Marshall, Light, Board Chair DD Danforth Burlin, and the Merrowvista team shared the vision for the next 100 years of the American Youth Foundation.

“As we celebrate our organization’s storied past, we’re so excited for what’s to come,” Marshall said. “We’re proud to carry the Founders’ legacy forward into the next 100 years of empowering youth of all ages.”

The post Merrowvista Homecoming welcomes hundreds back to camp appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

What sets the AYF programs apart from other youth development programs?

“Most summer camps provide physical activity, social opportunities, and a taste of independence. The AYF goes much further, putting its values at the center of its mission.

“Merrowvista camps challenge our kids to get out of their comfort zone, creating opportunities for growth and empowerment. The staff actively cultivates an atmosphere of positivity and respect, fostering a safe space for kids to be their authentic selves. Wilderness trips require cooperation and teamwork, and the rustic camp lifestyle – both on and off trail – helps to remove social barriers that exist in the outside world.

“Anyone who’s interacted with the AYF has experienced these values in action. What has impressed us most as parents is the AYF’s ability to evolve with the changing times without losing its cultural foundations.

“Examples we’ve lived through include reframing the “R” fold, reducing the use of borrowed First Nation traditions, and adapting to the rise of smartphones and social media. Other organizations have struggled to make this kind of pivot. Having spent plenty of time at Merrowvista recently, we have seen firsthand that the AYF values and culture are as strong as ever.”

What is one way the AYF impacted you and your family? 

“The AYF, and Merrowvista specifically, has provided a uniquely safe and supportive environment for me as a teenager, for my younger siblings, and now for my children. It has been a home away from home, a community where I know that my children will not just be taken care of but valued, respected and seen.

“Each year our kids come home from camp having seemingly aged a year in only a few weeks’ time.  They are more confident, empowered, resourceful, and have a renewed positivity towards others and the world.”

Why do you support the AYF today?

“With all the challenges and growing pains the world is experiencing today, it seems that the values we live by at Merrowvista are becoming more rare and more needed. The AYF has a 100-year track record of nurturing young people, who in turn have the power to spread positive change through their communities. The Founders recognized this opportunity early on: ‘One enkindled spirit can set hundreds afire.’”

The post Inspired Impact: Trevor Uhl appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

The Evolution of Wayfinder

Merrowvista Executive Director Jason Knowles said the AYF decided to add more in-camp program options for high school-aged campers after the success of Wayfinder.

“Wayfinder provided five great summers of leadership and growth for our older campers and showed the value of expanding our onsite program offerings,” said Knowles. “These new programs – Discoverer, Pathfinder, and Torchbearer – will provide intentional leadership development opportunities.”

Camp Director Madelyn Cook said Merrowvista also recognized that not all campers want to enroll in offsite adventure programs, and these new programs increase camper choice. “We’ve expanded our options to meet the needs of our community, enabling campers of all ages to come to Merrowvista, find their people, learn hard and soft skills, and strengthen their sense of identity,” she said.

What is Discoverer?

Discoverer is for rising seventh and eighth graders. These campers will participate in interest groups and in an overnight offsite camping experience. Discoverer will lay the foundation for the leadership curriculum that lies ahead as Pathfinders and Torchbearers.

What is Pathfinder?

As Pathfinders, ninth and tenth graders will have a greater sense of choice in activities beyond traditional interest groups. Pathfinders will take on new responsibilities through community service projects and have leadership opportunities like co-leading assemblies.

“This curriculum is designed to challenge campers and help them achieve personal goals,” Cook said. “Pathfinder reminds campers they can do hard things.”

What is Torchbearer?

Torchbearer is the final step on the in-camp progression for campers entering grades 11 and 12. Torchbearers will continue to develop through leadership opportunities, group facilitation training, and skills development courses. They will have the chance to achieve certifications such as first aid, lifeguarding through the American Red Cross, and Level 1 Instructor training through US Archery.

Merrowvista is exploring options to honor Torchbearers’ achievements with wearable reminders, as is the tradition when campers complete milestone programs like Odyssey and Voyageur.

Discoverer, Pathfinder, and Torchbearer offer Merrowvista campers another way to discover their best and prepare them to be confident, competent young adults in the world.

“These new programs reflect our commitment to supporting campers as they achieve new heights in a caring and supportive community,” said Knowles. “It is an opportunity to learn real life skills as they take their first steps into adulthood after high school.”

The post Older Merrowvista campers have new in-camp options appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

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.”

The post Shifting Gears: AYF relaunches summer cycling programs appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

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.

The post Miniwanca Odyssey campers make Merrowvista connections appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

What is your family’s history with the AYF?
“My great-grandma was part of Miniwanca, and then my grandma, and then my mom. My mom was a counselor here at Merrowvista and she brought us all over: me, my sister, Kate, and my brother, Sam. I have been at the Volunteer Weekends since I was a little kid. I started camp as soon as I could – I think I was 7 or 8. My brother and sister have also gone all the way through AYF programs, as well.”

Why did you sign up for Wayfinder at Merrowvista this year?
“Wayfinder is the next step in the Four Trails program, so obviously I was not going to stop and miss out on doing this with all my friends! My dad is new this year to the Wayfinder program, too. He is bringing his architecture skills to the project.

“I also want to earn my stripes and get my rugby. It is a striped sweater people get on their Wayfinder year (what used to be their Voyageur year). The stripes colors are unique to each year. I have spent so many years here Merrowvista that I felt it was time to give back what it has given me.”

What has Merrowvista given you?
“It has given me a lot. It has given me lifelong friends, connections with my family, like my siblings. It has given me an opportunity to go out in nature, which I definitely would not do at home.”

How has the AYF impacted your family?
“It has brought us closer together, especially with my grandma. And it has made me closer with my siblings. When my sister and I were here when we were young, I used to love spending time with her and because I didn’t really get to at home. And now she is one of my Wayfinder leaders. I haven’t seen her in months because she is at college and so is my brother, Sam. Merrowvista brings us all back together after being separated for an entire year.”

Outside of your Wayfinder project, how else do you give back to AYF?
“I am on the Merrowvista homecoming committee, and I come to every Volunteer Weekend. I have also brought some of my friends from my town here, and I think that is a great way to share this place.”

Why should others support the AYF through financial gifts and/or volunteering?
“I think everyone should have the opportunity to experience AYF. I know I am lucky to have gone through the entire thing, but some people aren’t. To be able to experience this at its fullest potential is a great opportunity, and it needs to be funded.”

The post Inspired Impact: Annabelle Tucker appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

The summer season kicks off with National Leadership Conference, which welcomes third- and fourth-year participants back to Miniwanca on Friday, June 13. The first- and second-year classes arrive Saturday, June 14.

This is the 100th National Leadership Conference (known previously as Older Boys and Older Girls camps, as well as International Leadership Conference), and the NLC co-directors are excited for this important milestone.

“The American Youth Foundation has adapted for 100 years to meet the needs of youth today, while also staying true to its core values,” said NLC Co-Director Michael Harter. “That’s why NLC and the camp programs are thriving a century on.”

Miniwanca and Merrowvista welcome the first summer campers on Sunday, June 29. At Miniwanca, Boys Camp Director Tiwi Freeman and Girls Camp Director Bethany Wise are thrilled to see campers back on the dunes.

“It’s always exciting to see our sites come alive with campers again,” said Wise. “I’m looking forward to everything from the Night’s Doings and Quad Cup to Evening Reflections and sunsets on Lake Michigan.”

Freeman echoed that sentiment. “The centennial is such an exciting time for the entire AYF, and we’re definitely planning to incorporate some centennial excitement into our programming this summer.”

At Merrowvista, new faces on the fulltime team will join veteran camp leaders Matt Loper and Kris Light as campers return to the valley. “I could not be more excited to lead the camp team as we head into our centennial summer and another 100 years of helping children discover their best selves,” said new Camp Director Madelyn Cook. “We can’t wait!”

Both Miniwanca and Merrowvista recently welcomed dozens of volunteers to prep the sites for participants. These intrepid individuals cleaned cabins, made torches, chopped firewood, and completed countless other tasks necessary to safely open camp.

“We’re so grateful to all our volunteers for their hard work,” said Vice President of Advancement Sandra George. “Their dedication and effort have prepared us to welcome hundreds of kids and teens to Miniwanca and Merrowvista to celebrate 100 years of our AYF community!”

The post The countdown to summer 2025 begins appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Jason Knowles – Executive Director of Merrowvista
Jason brings over 15 years of leadership experience in outdoor education and nonprofit operations, including as Chief Operating Officer of the Aloha Foundation and Executive Director of Lantern Light Camps. A visionary leader, Jason deeply believes in the power of experiential learning and inclusive community building.

Megan Luce – Community and School Programs Director
Megan is a passionate outdoor educator with a decade of experience at the Appalachian Mountain Club, where she trained educators, built inclusive programming, and expanded access to nature. Megan brings a commitment to helping young people feel a sense of belonging and connection to the outdoors.

Izzy DiAdamo  – Assistant Camp Director
A lifelong member of the Merrowvista community, Izzy has grown from camper to a trusted member of summer staff. Her deep commitment to Merrowvista and her grounded leadership were essential as we navigated the post-COVID years. Izzy will join us full-time in the summer and part-time remotely through the school year while serving as faculty at Choate Rosemary Hall.

Ceanna Fried – Assistant Camp Director
Ceanna has been a cornerstone of our team the past two years as Transition Manager and Interim Four Trails Manager. With a wealth of institutional knowledge and experience across year-round operations, Ceanna’s calm, capable presence and deep dedication to the camp community are vital to our summer experience.

These new team members will be supported by former CSP and Camp Directors Matt Loper, who continues his role as Transition Director, and Kris Light, AYF Vice President of Strategic Programs.

The post Meet new Merrowvista team members appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

“A lifelong member of the AYF community, Madelyn brings an incredible depth of experience, a collaborative spirit, and a passionate belief in the transformative power of youth development,” said Kris Light, Vice President of Strategic Programs.

Madelyn’s connection to AYF began as a camper and seasonal staff member at Miniwanca, where her time as a leader and coordinator shaped her enduring commitment to intentional work with youth.

“I first traveled to Merrowvista in 2012 as a Miniwanca Odyssey camper, and the unique beauty and amazing energy of this remarkable community has lived in full color in my mind and heart ever since,” she said. “I am super excited to swim again in Dan Hole Pond, hike the Ledge, and play games on the A-field!”

Professionally, she’s worn many hats: scientist, educator, mentor, and community builder. With a doctorate in earth and environmental sciences from the University of Michigan, Madelyn has led undergraduate classrooms, collaborated on international research, served with AmeriCorps in urban education, and most recently, served as the AYF Director of Centennial Programs.

“Getting to learn more about the rich history of Merrowvista, its people, and its programs during my time as the Director of Centennial Programs this past year only deepened my admiration and love of this community,” Madelyn said. “I could not be more excited to lead the camp team as we head into our centennial summer and another 100 years of helping children discover their best selves.”

Madelyn is working  alongside the Merrowvista team with support from Light and Merrowvista Transition Director Matt Loper to ensure a smooth start to her first summer as camp director.

“We are energized by what lies ahead and look forward to what Madelyn will bring to Merrowvista as we continue building a community rooted in purpose, courage, and belonging,” said Light.

The post Meet new Merrowvista Camp Director Madelyn Cook appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Join President and CEO Liz Marshall and other AYF leadership and staff on Zoom at 8 p.m. ET to learn more about our exciting plans for the AYF’s centennial year and how you can ensure the AYF’s future for the next 100 years. RSVP online.

And make sure you join us for in-person celebrations later this year at Miniwanca, Merrowvista, and in St. Louis. Miniwanca Homecoming takes place Aug. 22 to 24, and Merrowvista Homecoming takes place Sept. 11 to 14.

Both homecomings will feature classic camp activities and interest groups, as well as opportunities to explore the beautiful sites and historic facilities. Everyone will get a chance to catch up with friends, enjoy delicious meals, and more. Throughout the weekends, we will immerse ourselves in positive and powerful community at the heart of AYF programs for a century.

Onsite housing is available at Miniwanca and Merrowvista, but participants are welcome to stay elsewhere and join us onsite for all meals and activities. Rates for onsite and offsite housing are available online.

We’re also inviting Founder Friends to meet us in St. Louis Saturday, Oct. 18 for a BBQ Birthday Party in Tower Grove Park. This family-friendly event will include games, AYF-themed activities, barbecue, birthday cake, and much more. Tickets are available online.

Later that evening, we’ll don our finest creative checkerboard cocktail attire and honor those who’ve made the AYF what it is today at the Checkerboard Gala in Forest Park. Limited tickets for this fundraiser will be available online in April.

The post Kick off the AYF centennial celebrations April 16 appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Vice President of Infrastructure Andy Mulcahy said service learning continues to be a cornerstone of Miniwanca and Merrowvista summer programs. “Each summer, we entrust our oldest campers with impor tant construction projects that not only teach them valuable life skills, but also enrich the Miniwanca and Merrowvista communities,” he said.

The Wayfinder campers at Merrowvista (entering grades 11 and 12) and the Avail campers at Miniwanca (entering grades 9 to 12) complete three-week in-camp pro-grams focused on leadership development, community building, and service learning. The teens work under the careful supervision of the skilled facilities teams to complete projects that leave lasting legacies.

This year, the Merrowvista Wayfinders replaced an aged outdoor cooking area with a new pavilion, fire circle, and prep table with firewood storage. This project, designed by longtime facilities seasonal staff member Jim Davis, repurposed six 30-year-old telephone poles from the high ropes course as supports for the structure. Wayfinders measured, cut, and installed the poles, as well as the roof framing, rafters, collar ties, and metal roofing panels.

New skills abound during these projects. When constructing the fire circle, the teens learned how to use a transit, providing a level area for the base of the fire circle and a minor slope around the rest of the site to provide proper drainage. They also learned to mix and pour concrete when creating the tabletop.

Meanwhile, the Miniwanca Avail campers helped complete several projects, including renovating Duneview Cottage. They dug out the southwestern corner of the building where the dune had encroached on the structure, as well as removed saplings and underbrush surrounding the building. They also helped remove the front deck and stairs, as well as prepped the exterior for new paint.

Inside, they helped the facilities team gut the interior. They also replaced the floor joists and floor decking and dug a trench for a new water supply line.

Service learning extended to other parts of camp. Avail also got a chance to try their hands at trail maintenance, a critical part of maintaining overall safety and beauty at Miniwanca. They trimmed back significant overgrowth around the Michigan Trail near the Well Site, where campers often enjoy overnight campouts and practice for Four Trails trips. They also brought the nearby tent platforms back to life, replacing rotten railroad ties and adding new sand or dirt to the platforms.

Mulcahy made several visits to both sites to check on the progress of the projects and was impressed with the campers’ enthusiasm, dedication, and work ethic – though there was one situation he’d never encountered in his career.

“We did have to stop on more than one occasion due to dancing,” he said, laughing. “Never in my life have I had to halt work on a job site because of an impromptu dance party.”

The post Wayfinders and Avail campers learn through service appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

At first glance, it may not be obvious how coordinating a high-energy skit or Night’s Doings correlates to an office environment. However, plenty of former seasonal Merrowvista and Miniwanca staff can attest that their summer camp jobs helped them flourish in their professional careers.

According to the American Camp Association, summer camp roles not only foster leadership skills and networking, but they also strengthen a person’s ability to solve problems creatively and communicate in a variety of situations.

The spontaneous nature of camp pushes staff members to think creatively and make sound judgments quickly, said Shane Hinde, National Leadership Conference volunteer and Miniwanca summer camp staff member.

“When you’re in a cabin with six 8-year-olds, you never know what each moment is going to bring,” he added with a chuckle.

Hinde has worked at Miniwanca for five years and has volunteered with NLC for 15 years. He said he learned traditional leadership skills through the NLC, but working at camp was an entirely new experience.

“When I stepped into the role as a cabin leader during my first summer, quite frankly, it was one of the most challenging jobs I’ve ever had,” he said. “The amount of people skills I developed to build relationships quickly with both campers and staff, develop positive dynamics, and engage with a wide range of different personalities has really carried its way through all of my professional endeavors.”

Hinde is now a small business consultant, helping companies in their startup stage. Before that, he ran a rock-climbing gym while working on his master’s degree. He then ran Phoenix Coffee in Cleveland, Ohio, for about eight years.

“The ability to problem-solve and the creativity and the people skills I gained as a seasonal staff member made me successful learning small businesses,” Hinde said.

Director of Merrowvista Amy Simmons said the while the summer camp programs are designed for the growth of participants, seasonal staff in their late teens and early 20s gain real-world value from their time at camp, too.

“Our seasonal staff have a tremendous responsibility for the wellbeing and safety of the campers in their care,” Simmons said. “They also learn skills like time management, adapting quickly in changing environments, and how to work with people who may have different perspectives and experiences than theirs.”

Other ACA research indicates staff find the work meaningful because they can see the impact they’re making in campers’ lives. AYF Information Technology Manager Romuald Dugue saw just how powerful that was when he first joined the AYF as a Merrowvista seasonal staff member in 2021.

“You get to see this transition in campers from where they are when they first initially arrive to coming alive,” Dugue said.

Hinde also noted that working at camp taught him how to really listen to others.

“I look at the work we do every summer at camp, and it’s about creating community, an ecosystem inclusive of campers, staff, perspectives, and skills,” he said. “And really, a business is the same, it’s organizing capacities and skills around completing a task or presenting you the service.”

The post Working at Summer Camp: More than Just a Job appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

What sets the AYF programs apart from other youth development programs?
“The AYF targets multifaceted participant growth both individually and through kind and caring community experiences that support and protect each other’s vulnerabilities.”

What is one way the AYF impacted you and your family?
“Three generations (so far) of my family have shared the four-fold way and AYF camp experiences both the same and different, including my mother’s involvement in National Leadership Conference around 1950, my three siblings and my Merrowvista camp summers in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, and my children and niece and nephew more recently. Throughout all the life changes among us, our camp experiences, songs, and stories have provided a supportive thread that helps tie us together.”

Why do you support the AYF today?
“My family and I are better people because of our AYF experiences, and I want AYF to continue offering its current and new programs. Also, I received generous tuition assistance when I attended Merrowvista and hope to help create the same financial resources for campers who otherwise would not be able to participate.”

Why should others support the AYF through financial gifts or volunteering?
“First, over the last 100 years, the AYF has successfully delivered balanced and impactful youth development programming, so the AYF is a great investment whether personal or philanthropic. Second, the recent pandemic resulted in many camps never reopening and causing others even now to close after struggling to recover. The AYF has survived, but additional resources will enable it to return to and even grow beyond pre-2020 programming levels.”

The post Inspired Impact: The Gehres Family appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Vice President of Advancement Sandra George said the AYF welcomed three talented creators to spend one to two weeks on site this summer, teaching interest groups to campers and working on their own art.

“This new program is designed for creative professionals to share their passion and expertise with our campers and staff,” George said.

At Merrowvista, mosaic artist Lizz Van Saun took up a one-week residency and worked with campers to create their own small-scale mosaic pieces.

“I think everyone had fun,” Van Saun said. “Everyone felt successful. Everyone completed the project. They seemed to really love it a lot. And I think they were really proud of what they did.”

At Miniwanca, artist and Lake Michigan neighbor Jeffrey Meeuwsen recruited the camp’s two artists this summer: Yolanda Gonzalez and Regin Igloria.

 

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Gonzalez specializes in illustration, fine art, printmaking, and painting. She helped campers design and carve their own printmaking blocks. Gonzalez said it was fun to then watch the campers use each other’s blocks to come up with patterns that they printed on fabric headbands.

She said she had no idea what to expect out of this unique residency but enjoyed immersing herself in camp life. “There’s just something special about the joy that you get from the community there,” she said. “I’m still making artwork from the experience. I think that’s really special, when there’s just a whole lot of intensity for those two weeks and you just want to create more and more afterwards.”

 

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Igloria said he has participated in about eight other residencies across the country and overseas, so he was excited to find an experience different from anything he had done.

Igloria specializes in artistic bookbinding and describes himself as a multidisciplinary artist mostly focusing on drawings and collages. He hosted introduction classes to creating zines and bookmaking.

“It was nice to just jump in, throw a couple of techniques and concepts at the campers, and see where they went,” Igloria said.

“And what always tends to happen when I introduce books to people who have never made books – which is a really wonderful thing – is that they want to give it to somebody they love and care about as a gift, so they put all this time, effort, and energy into it.”

Meeuwsen will continue to assist the Minwianca team as it plans and designs its own centennial artworks at Girls Camp and Boys Camp. All three artists said they’re excited to see where the residency program grows from here. “The framework and overarching premise of an encouraging environment is already in place, so it lends itself well to this,” Van Saun said.

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The AYF will host homecoming weekends at Miniwanca Aug. 22 to 24 and at Merrowvista Sept. 12 to 14. Participants can choose to stay onsite in a cabin or dormitory-style housing or find lodging offsite and join each day’s festivities.

Register for Miniwanca Homecoming

Register for Merrowvista Homecoming

“We are so excited to welcome back former campers and their families to our beautiful sites for a weekend of excitement, joy, and camp fun,” said Vice President of Advancement Sandra George.

Homecoming welcomes anyone with connections to Miniwanca or Merrowvista, as well as those who want to learn more about camp. Attendees will gather for three days of fun camp activities, delicious meals, and powerful community moments. They’ll also have the chance to reflect on the AYF’s history and learn what’s next for the storied organization.

“We are growing in so many new ways, and we look to our community to help us build on that momentum as we prepare the next generations to discover and unleash their best for another 100 years,” said AYF President and CEO Liz Marshall.

Miniwanca will also host the next Girls Camp Reunion from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. The reunion, which takes place every five years, welcomes generations of Miniwanca Girls Camp alums back to the dunes for a long weekend of friendship and connection. While the homecoming weekend is open to anyone, reunion participants must be 18 or older and former Girls Camp participants or staff.

Register for Girls Camp Reunion

“This is one of our most anticipated alumni events,” said Director of Adult Programs Holley Young. “Girls Camp Reunion reunites so many women from across the decades who are connected through their shared camp experiences.”

The centennial festivities wrap in St. Louis this fall when the AYF hosts a BBQ Birthday Party on Oct. 18 in Tower Grove Park, presented by Nestlé Purina PetCare. Tickets are $10 each, and everyone is welcome to join for tasty St. Louis barbecue, AYF-themed games, and birthday cake.

Also in St. Louis on Oct. 18, the AYF hosts the Checkerboard Gala, a fundraiser and awards dinner at the Trolley Room in Forest Park. Guests will don cocktail or creative checkerboard attire as we wrap a year of festivity and connection. Tickets are limited and will be available later this spring.

Register for the St. Louis BBQ Birthday Party

Learn more about the Checkerboard Gala

“We’re so excited to gather so many Founder Friends as we honor our past and celebrate our future,” Marshall said.

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Former American Youth Foundation President Anna Kay Vorsteg first established the internship program in the 1990s, envisioning a months-long experience for young adults to work in youth education while developing their interpersonal skills.

“It’s a really great opportunity for these young adults who are just getting out of college, who are unsure of what they want to do next, to come and learn these skills,” said Dayna Vuksinick, Merrowvista Director of Community and Schools Programs.

The pandemic shifted the internship program for a few years. Vuksinick said staffing shortages post-COVID limited its structure and activities, and it was a challenge to balance intern growth opportunities with workload to avoid burnout.

This fall, Merrowvista returned to the internship’s original iteration: a two-part program with the same cohort. Each group has about six to 10 interns, who must be at least 21 or a senior in college. This year, Merrowvista has eight fall interns and two lead facilitators, who are previous interns, to help train and coordinate programming.

The fall portion of the internship typically lasts about 12 weeks, starting right after summer camp and running through November. The interns can opt to return in the spring to work CSP from February to May.

Up to 2,000 students come through Merrowvista CSP every year. The interns do everything from connecting with schools and clients to creating programming and working in the kitchen to cleaning the site between groups.

Vuksinick said after COVID, CSP shifted to focus on students’ social and emotional learning, as well as developing their leadership and communication skills. She said the interns are encouraged to be creative and put their own unique stamp on the activities, rather than just following a strict curriculum.

“At the end of the season, they have this sense of ownership over the entire space,” Vuksinick said.

In the spring, they also work on a special project when kids aren’t on site. In 2019, Vuksinick said the interns worked with a nonprofit to create a more robust composting system for Merrowvista and then created programming for kids to learn about composting.

“These projects are their chance to leave their mark on Merrowvista,” she said. “The idea is to build something that can better the camp.”

The connections made during the internship create lasting personal and professional bonds.

Matt Loper, former AYF Director of Programs, said his 2007-2008 intern cohort remains close. They attend each other’s weddings, celebrate the birth of their children, and this year grieved together when one of them passed away. He said the program is set up to create an “incredible group identity formation process.”

“It was probably the best year of my life,” he said. “We really bonded. We were forged in the fire of these intense days together.”

Like Loper, some Merrowvista interns go on to full-time work with the AYF. Former Merrowvista Camp Director Lauren Abrami, Miniwanca Boys Camp Director Tiwi Freeman, and Vice President of Strategic Programs Kris Light are also former Merrowvista interns.

A more recent intern, Hannah Harris, has been a part of the Merrowvista community since she was a baby; both her parents were educators. Her 10-person intern cohort began in fall 2019 but was interrupted in spring when the pandemic shut down normal operations.

She still considers her fellow interns close friends. “The early spring was so awesome,” she said. “We were really thrilled to be reunited when we came back to program.”

While interns get the chance to work with kids, Harris said the program’s other significant appeal is that it acts as an accelerated course for college grads to learn skills they wouldn’t necessarily learn in a traditional office setting, particularly social-emotional intelligence skills.

“Your people skills are really what grow the most,” she said. “You get to essentially play for your job, which is so lucky, but it’s tough, too, and there’s a lot to navigate socially with that.”

Loper agreed. “You’re learning skills that you’re putting into practice day after day after day — and you’re getting the chance to learn your own specific approach, your style,” he said.

For more information about the 2025 Merrowvista internship experience, email Vuksinick at dvuksinick@ayf.com.

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“There were Spark participants who had not been back to Merrowvista in decades, and to see their reconnection with a sacred place from their youth was very meaningful,” she said. “Because Spark at Merrowvista was ‘small’ in numbers, it created an opportunity for the community to form, connect, and truly bond as the weekend progressed.”

Spark began in 2022 at Miniwanca after hearing from several former summer camp participants who wanted to continue their paths of growth and self-discovery as adults. The program grew rapidly in its first two years, and the AYF decided to expand the program to Merrowvista.

“At Spark, we strive to allow adults to play, learn, and lean into the AYF four folds and balanced living activities that hundreds of youth experience during the summer,” Young said. “In this way, all AYF programs are encouraging youth of all ages to unleash our best selves!”

Young was excited to tap Matt Loper, a longtime Merrowvista community member and former AYF full-time staff member, to co-facilitate this program. “We were both immensely moved by the openness and vulnerability that our community demonstrated, and the intense bonds that were created in such a short amount of time,” Young said.

Merrowvista Spark participants spent time in community and small touchstone groups, sharing and reflecting on their time together. Young said one highlight of the weekend was keynote speaker Katy Belden LeGrand, whose presentation “Seeing Others and Being Deeply Seen” resonated with participants.

The community also spent time enjoying the vast beauty of Merrowvista’s stunning acreage in the mountains. “Hiking to The Ledge, talking around the campfire, and taking a plunge in Dan Hole Pond is a testimonial to the reality that practicing the mental, physical, social, and reverent elements can positively impact our lives,” Young said. “We left renewed and empowered to send our sparks out into the wider world.”

Young said Merrowvista Spark will return in the future, and she looks forward to reconnecting with this powerful community.

The post First Merrowvista Spark enkindles a new community appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

I wrote this last week as I looked out the window on a beautiful golden day in the Canaan Valley just as the Four Fold Relay took off, excited for the final event of our Four Fold Camp Tournament.

This tournament always takes place on the last full day of camp. Campers split into teams to participate in various events on the A-field, Waterfront, or the meadow. During the relay, campers do everything from carrying eggs on spoons and attempting to put on frozen t-shirts to bobbing for apples and reciting the Gettysburg Address in full beard and stovepipe hat.

During this event, you can see 8-year-old Pioneers sprinting to the end with 13-year-old Trailblazers, and the older camper is leading by example and so excited to support and celebrate their fellow younger camper.

I’ve spent many years at this camp, and this activity remains one of my favorites. No matter how much camp changes, feelings around the Four Fold Relay remain the same. Campers from different cabins come together as a community to compete and win the title of Four Fold Champion, and everyone celebrates their accomplishments.

Daniel Hope
In-Camp Coordinator

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