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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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.”

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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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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 hundred years later, the AYF has officially kicked off its centennial summer, during which more than 1,100 participants will join programs at Miniwanca and Merrowvista. The excitement started with the 100th National Leadership Conference (previously Older Boys and Older Girls camp), which welcomed hundreds of teens from across the country for a week of youth leadership and development.

“It was a powerful week made all the more special because it was the 100th year that teens have experienced the life-changing conference that our organization was built upon,” said Michael Harter, NLC co-director.

Highlights from NLC included the first-year class revealing its banner to the larger community after several days of careful discussion and reflection. This year, the first-year class unveiled its name, To Connect Dreams, with a purple and blue banner decorated with constellations and the phrase: “Together in hope. United in ambition. Connected in Dreams.”

It was also a special year for Focus Forward, Lasting Legacy, the fourth-year graduating class of 2025. “It’s always a milestone moment for our community when the fourth-year class completes its final year,” Harter said. “But it was especially exciting this year as it was the centennial graduation.”

It wasn’t long after NLC participants departed Miniwanca that the first campers of the year rolled in. Sunday, June 29 was Opening Day for Miniwanca and Merrowvista summer camp, and staff enthusiastically welcomed their arrival.

“From the moment camp ends, we start planning for the next summer,” said Miniwanca Girls Camp Director Bethany Wise. “Our goal is to find just the right blend of tradition and the key elements that make Miniwanca feel like it did in 1925, while bringing in new traditions and elements that reflect the needs and personalities of our campers in 2025. Sometimes we bring back things we haven’t done for a while, like this year with the return of the Stony Lake Regatta.”

New Merrowvista Camp Director Madelyn Cook said she was thrilled to greet her first campers and experience her first Merrowvista summer right alongside them.

“Getting to learn more about the rich history of Merrowvista, its people, and its programs has only deepened my admiration and love of this community,” she said. “I could not be more excited to lead the camp team in our centennial summer.”

Since that first summer 100 years ago, AYF programs have evolved through the decades to meet the needs of its youth. They welcomed younger campers, added outcamping adventure programs for teens, and increased access to programs so even more people can experience the power of these inspirational weeks.

And still, the AYF’s commitment to youth empowerment has remained the same. Campers in 1925 felt the same anticipation, nerves, and joy climbing their first sand dunes at Miniwanca or paddling out on Dan Hole Pond at Merrowvista as they do today. And just like those first OG and OB participants, the campers of 2025 will ignite inner sparks as they discover their own best selves through transformative AYF programs this summer.

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As we shared during our virtual event, we invite you to  join the community phase of our Fuel the Fire, Fund the Future capital campaign. This $4 million fundraising campaign will expand our programs’ reach and relevance and protect and preserve our historic facilities.

Founder Friend, will you fuel the fire and make your gift to our centennial campaign fund today?

If you weren’t able to join, you can watch most of the kickoff event below. (Due to a technical glitch, the recording did not begin until 20 minutes into the hour-long presentation.) We look forward to celebrating with you all year!

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Join President and CEO Liz Marshall and other AYF leadership and staff on Zoom at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT to learn more about our exciting plans for the centennial and how you can ensure the AYF’s future for the next 100 years. RSVP below to receive the Zoom link straight to your inbox!

Join on Zoom

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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.

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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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And yet, in the ways that matter most, these youth would fit right in with the campers of 2025: morning plunges into cold lakes, joyful friendships formed in the summer twilight, and thoughtful discussions of best self and balanced living.

As the AYF enters its centennial year, President and CEO Liz Marshall said it’s important to commemorate the organization’s storied history and celebrate its limitless future.

“Our founders were united by a common vision: to develop leaders for tomorrow, inspire young people to discover and develop their own best self, and to give them the tools to live a balanced life,” Marshall said. “That legacy continues as our programs prepare youth today for a future as confident community leaders.”

Extending the Reach

Vice President of Strategic Programs Kris Light said the AYF mission reaches more people than ever before as the organization’s programs adapt to connect with youth across the country.

Each summer, Miniwanca and Merrowvista build intentional communities filled with diverse perspectives and experiences where everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves. These camp programs have experienced steady growth in the last four years as youth crave real, in-person connection away from technology and the stresses of daily life.

AYF Community and School Programs also introduce many youth to outdoor educational experiences for the first time. “Many of our CSP participants have never spent this much time a natural setting,” Light said. “Time away from home in these beautiful  spaces gives them the chance to truly engage with the outdoor world and their peers in new ways.”

CSP also forges partnerships in new communities like Boston Public Schools in Massachusetts and Community Foundation of Oceana County in western Michigan.

As participants grow into adulthood, the AYF recognized the desire for the young at heart to continue their journey of self-discovery through adult programs. Summer Seminars for Women are now approaching their fourth decade, while other newer programs like Spark are entering its third year at Miniwanca and inaugural year at Merrowvista.

“Our learning, growth, and the impact we have on others don’t stop when we age out of youth-oriented programs,” said Holley Young, Director of Adult Programs.

Growing Together in Community

The AYF community extends far beyond the boundaries of Miniwanca and Merrowvista, and Marshall hit the road this year to meet alumni in cities across the country.

Marshall made stops in several cities like Chicago, Cincinnati, and St. Petersburg, Florida to personally connect with AYF supporters, some of whom haven’t been back to Miniwanca or Merrowvista in years. More trips to cities on the West Coast and Washington, D.C. are planned for this fall.

“I’m struck by the passion of our alums who were so moved by the power of their AYF experiences that even decades later, they can recall the people and programs that had a lasting effect on their lives,” she said. “Meeting this diverse group – some with a long history at Miniwanca and Merrowvista, others with a single impactful encounter – is inspiring.”

Marshall hopes to channel this passion into action, rekindling sparks to create Regional Action Networks that can develop and strengthen relationships in their communities.

“The Regional Action Networks gather our Founder Friends for social activities, lifelong learning, and community service,” said Vice President of Advancement Sandra George. “We also hope these ambassadors will help us share more information about AYF programs in their communities and collaborate with regional partners to advance the AYF mission.”

Regional Action Networks are currently being organized in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Louisville, Seattle, and St. Louis. Volunteer ambassadors helm the groups, coordinating gatherings via private Facebook Groups. As the AYF grows these satellite communities, George is confident its members will embrace the organization’s value of investing in youth.

“There are so many wonderful, supportive people who want to invest in this work as we prepare to enter AYF’s next century,” she said.

Coming Home

Of course, no centennial would be complete without celebration. The AYF will host homecoming weekends at Miniwanca and Merrowvista, as well as virtual events and regional celebrations across the country.

Everyone is invited to join a homecoming weekend at each site. Miniwanca Homecoming will take place Friday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, and Merrowvista Homecoming will take place Friday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. Registration and rates for both events will be available online in January 2025.

Homecoming will see family and friends from all generations gather at Miniwanca and Merrowvista for a three days of fun camp activities, delicious meals, and powerful community moments. On-site housing will be available.

The AYF will also host a 100th Birthday Party in St. Louis on Oct. 18, 2025, and Miniwanca will also host its 2025 Girls Camp Reunion from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, 2025. More details and registration will be available online.

“The American Youth Foundation is so excited to gather so many Founder Friends as we honor our past and celebrate our future,” Marshall said. “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.”

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As we prepare for the centennial year, you may have already noticed some updates to our website and logo. We understand people have a strong emotional connection to the original four-fold emblem. We do, too – that’s why it continues to be part of our AYF story.

The four-fold emblem and way of living remains a cornerstone of our program outcomes and key to our identity. It remains the front of the founder medal, is displayed prominently at both sites, and its symbolism is explained during each program.

So why did we change it? We decided the upcoming centennial was the right time to refresh our logo as we enter the next 100 years. Last year, the AYF and a design firm worked with focus groups to create a bold, youth-oriented image, inviting new young people to experience four-fold living and the timeless mission of the AYF.

This new fire design is an updated take on classic AYF imagery that symbolizes the sparks enkindled in the past fueling the fire of the future.

• The three-color fire represents the original dare: Aspire Nobly, Adventure Daringly, Serve Humbly
• The four logs symbolize the four folds that fuel the fire within
• The addition of 1925 and AYF acknowledge our founding year and how people often refer to the American Youth Foundation today.

We also invested in a new, dynamic website to help us increase our reach and relevance. The new ayf.com is more approachable to those new to the American Youth Foundation, with quick access to all our program offerings for children, teens, and adults. More updates and features are coming in 2025, and we hope you’ll check back often to see the exciting additions.

And now, I call on you to adventure with us into the next 100 years. We want and need your support to build on this momentum. You can help us sustain and expand our transformational programs, reach more people, and maintain the excellence that has defined our organization for a century. Spread the word about the camps, tell a young person about staff opportunities, and give a gift to the annual fund; all these actions make a critical difference for the AYF and the youth we serve.

Together, we will keep this legacy alive and thriving. Together, we will ensure the AYF will inspire, nurture, and empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

With gratitude and excitement for the year ahead,

Liz Marshall
President and CEO

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George said the goal of these groups is to provide opportunities for Miniwanca and Merrowvista program alumns, current participant families, and seasonal staff to remain connected to the AYF and to develop and strengthen relationships within their own communities.

“The Regional Action Networks will gather our Founder Friends in cities across the country for social activities, lifelong learning, and community service,” George said. “We also hope these ambassadors will help us share more information about AYF programs in their communities and collaborate with regional partners to advance the AYF mission.”

The first AYF Regional Network launched this month in Cleveland, Ohio. Shane Hinde, Mary Leach, Julie Meadows, and Meg Nystrom serve as AYF Cleveland Ambassadors.

“These volunteer ambassadors will plan at least two events a year where AYF alums can gather for connection, community service, professional development, and fun,” George said.

The Cleveland group planned to host its first event, a beach cleanup, in April, but it was canceled due to inclement weather. The ambassadors are excited to schedule another event soon.

“This group will be a fantastic opportunity to join hands with other AYF enthusiasts in the Cleveland area and make a tangible difference in the community while enjoying the beauty of local natural spaces,” Leach said.

A second Regional Action Network recently launched in Los Angeles; Miniwanca alums JT Max and Blake Ives serve as ambassadors and are in the early stages of planning their first event.

Those interested in learning more about the AYF in Cleveland or Los Angeles can join their private Facebook Groups: AYF Cleveland Regional Action Network and AYF Los Angeles Regional Action Network.

“As we enter our 100th year serving youth, we’re hopeful these groups will help the AYF expand our reach and connect with new families and community partners across the country,” Marshall said. “I’ve heard from so many adults today that their childhood experiences at Merrowvista or Miniwanca shaped who they are. We can’t wait to watch these dedicated individuals gather and unleash their best on their home communities.”

More Regional Action Networks are planned for cities with sizable AYF populations, such as Chicago, St. Louis, Boston, and many more. If you’re interested in serving as an AYF Ambassador for your community or would like to learn more, please email advancement@ayf.com.

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