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.”

The post Hundreds celebrate centennial at Miniwanca Homecoming appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

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.

The post Worlds of Adventure: LARP and Dungeons & Dragons at Miniwanca appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

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.

The post The Siblinghood of Miniwanca appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

The first week of camp has been an incredible journey filled with excitement, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences. As we wrap up this week, we look back on the highlights that made it so special.

The camp buzzed with energy as campers arrived, greeted by enthusiastic leaders. After getting settled into cabins, we dove right into camp life with swim assessment and choosing interest groups for the week. Campers got to choose between many options including soccer, sailing, paddle sports, crafts, hiking, and Wanca Band!

The sand dunes of Miniwanca provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. Four Trails campers embarked on practice trips called shakedowns and learned the skills they will need on trail like water purification, canoe training, and how to pack a backpack. The day ended with a campfire under the stars, where stories, s’mores, and songs created a sense of camaraderie.

All campers have been assigned a Quad for their session. The Boys Camp Quads are Beaches, Sands, Creeks, and Breakers, and the Girls Camp Quads are Ridges, Dunes, Draws, and Trails. Quads play a key role in day-to-day life at Miniwanca. They are used to divide up the daily responsibilities in the Eating Lodge – setting the tables, cleaning up the eating area, and doing dishes – as well as adding some friendly competition to camp. Quads compete for quad points, which determine the winner of the Quad Cup at the end of the session. Campers can earn points come from activities like Night’s Doings games in the evening or from smaller tasks like cabin inspections.

One of the highlights for some campers was spending time on Stony Lake and Lake Michigan. Campers enjoyed swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach time with lifeguards ensuring everyone’s safety. The thrill of water activities was matched by the joy of simply relaxing by the shore, soaking in the sun and building sandcastles.

As we look forward to the coming weeks, the excitement only grows. With more adventures, learning opportunities, and fun ahead, we can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer holds.

Thank you to all the campers, families, and staff for making the first week unforgettable. Here’s to a fantastic summer at Miniwanca!

Regan Gibson Wiesler
Four Trails Manager

The post Summer Camp 2024 arrives at Miniwanca appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

The mood shifts as the sun sets. Campers’ voices fade with the twilight as stars blanket the night sky. They reflect on what they’ve accomplished that day, both as individuals and as a community, and where the water may take them tomorrow.

It’s more than just an idyllic summer camp memory in the making. This moment is the result of countless hours developing programs designed to help campers discover and embrace their authentic selves and become more independent, confident leaders at camp and in their home communities.

American Youth Foundation programs go so much deeper than outdoor fun. The dedicated program teams work year-round to create outdoor adventures that place kids in their growth zone – that sweet spot between their comfort zone and their danger zone – to develop their personal best.

On its surface, a flash mob is a spontaneous, wacky group dance that sparks joy and ramps up the volume a few decibels in the Eating Lodge. But, Vice President Liz Marshall explained, there is intentional developmental work at play.

“Teaching people to move in a common rhythm to a song brings people out of their comfort zone, expands their physical exercise, encourages them to be vulnerable in front of others, and helps them to regulate their emotions,” she said. “It takes them through the stages of group development. You don’t know the moves at the start of camp. Staff and fellow campers teach it to you step by step until by the end of camp, everyone knows the dance and is excited to take it home and share it with other people.”

In short, it’s a metaphor in action that happens through the program.

The AYF regularly hears from participants and alumni that their program experiences are among the most important in their lives. But how are these transformational effects measured and improved? That’s what Director of Special Projects Sandra George’s role is all about.

George joined the AYF in early 2023 and began sifting through family survey data to see how AYF programs are meeting the social and emotional needs of youth today, then aligning those outcomes with larger education and public health models.

“The AYF recognizes we have always been doing this work of ‘fun with a purpose’,” said George. “The learning that happens in program communities is social and emotional learning. Fine-tuning our curriculum allows us to tap into greater intentional learning outcomes.”

Social and emotional learning, she explained, is honing what are traditionally classified as soft skills: identifying and self-regulating one’s emotions, social awareness, and relationship skills.

“In the last decade, well-respected education foundations have conducted extensive research about how young people thrive when they develop their emotional, social, and cognitive identities,” she said. “You can see threads of four-fold balanced living in these skills, as well as our new organizational values.”

George spent extensive time revising and updating the AYF summer camp survey and evaluation process to better evaluate metrics like participant growth and satisfaction.

“Summer 2023 set some promising baselines,” she said. “We will continue to repeat the evaluation process in the next few years to share clear data about the short-term and long-term program impacts.”

It seems a lot to ask of a simple interest group, but early results show these activities build identity, community, and resiliency.  In 2023:

• 90% of campers found it easy to “know what their strengths are” after their camp experience.
• 94% of campers learned by trying new activities, not just listening.
• 97% of National Leadership Conference participants said new ideas and lessons learned from NLC activities can be applied in their home and school communities.

“The goal is not to become experts in the skills. The goal is to try new things they aren’t necessarily good at and figure out how to work through challenges and discover new interests,” George said. “Learning new skills and building social connections and community with people of different backgrounds ultimately leads to greater self-understanding and transformational growth.”

The post Miniwanca, Merrowvista programs are fun with intention appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Miniwanca and Merrowvista staff know how overwhelming the initial camp experience can be and work hard to make the transition into camp a smooth one.

Rising third, fourth, and fifth graders are the youngest participants at camp each summer. Called Darers at Miniwanca Boys Camp and Girls Camp and Pioneers at Merrowvista, these programs are intentionally designed to introduce youth to living in community with their peers and to help them take their first steps toward identifying personal values.

2022 Miniwanca Girls Camp Director Emily Knuth said the Darer and Pioneer programs give young children their first taste of independence and broaden their worldview.

“Camp gives them some time to be away from home and their parents and creature comforts,” she said. “They get the chance to be their authentic selves. It also teaches them to live in community with five peers and experience getting to know different people from different places and start building some resiliency.”

Shanti Eswaran’s daughter Ranya, 9, attended Miniwanca for the first time this summer. The three-week stint was the longest she’d ever been away from home. While Eswaran’s other daughters, Kavni, 11, and Miraya, 14, are Miniwanca veterans and gave their sister a good idea about what to expect, Ranya still had some butterflies. They flew away, though, as soon as she arrived.

“When I dropped her off, her cabin leader came right up and started talking to her,” Eswaran said. “I was going to say goodbye, and she was already walking across the field with her cabin leader.”

Once they take that initial step into the unknown, a whole new world opens up for the novice camper.

Darer and Pioneer days are filled with lots of outdoor time pursuing adventure, from arts and crafts to hiking, kayaking to climbing. There are also quieter moments of reflection and intentional discussion that sow those first seeds of introspection and self-discovery.

“I think the new environment and the lack of electronic devices really forces the kids to not reflexively bounce things off their parents or their friends, but instead take some time to figure out how they feel about a situation before they react,” Eswaran said. “It’s a chance to let things rattle around in their head.”

For many Pioneers and Darers, their one to three weeks spent at camp are the longest they’ve ever been away from friends and family. 2022 Miniwanca Director of Programs Michael Harter said homesickness is something nearly every camper experiences, and it’s something both the full-time and seasonal staff are well equipped to handle.

“We have one staff member for every four to six campers,” Harter said. “This camper-centered ratio allows us to really listen and spend time with participants who may need a little extra help with homesickness. We work with them to name and understand the feeling, and then we distract with an awesome and engaging program focused on a variety of activities and a supportive community.”

In spring 2022, the AYF program team completed Camp Mental Health Certification offered by Let’s Empower, Advocate, and Do, a nonprofit that teaches youth development organizations how to provide proactive mental health support.

Harter said training like LEAD’s helps staff better respond to campers’ emotional needs. “We want to support campers so they can participate and engage in our programs, while listening to them and allowing them to advocate for themselves,” he said.

2022 Pioneer Program Coordinator Laura Hardin was a Merrowvista camper for eight years before becoming a seasonal staff member and current Community and School Programs intern. Hardin remembers having a hard time with homesickness during her first year, but the friendships she made then and in subsequent summers brought her back again and again.

She credits a lifetime of camp experiences – from overcoming homesickness to hiking more than 100 miles in three weeks during her Odyssey trip – that helped her become a successful adult. It’s why she returned to camp to help instill that confidence in the next generation of campers.

“Camp taught me that anything you can put your mind to you can achieve,” Hardin said. “Merrowvista taught me perseverance.”

Merrowvista parent and former camper Ben Grant watched his daughter, 9-year-old Lydia, take her first steps down that path this year as a Pioneer.

“Camp gives kids a sense of independence, and it definitely builds confidence when you can walk into a new environment, meet people, and make friends in a short time,” he said.

Grant’s other daughter, Emery, 13, returned to camp this year for the third time, and he’s seen how she’s blossomed since starting her Merrowvista journey.

“We talk in our day-to-day lives about being your best self,” he said. “After a few years, she realized that camp is truly a place where she can be herself in a supportive community. It’s a place of true comfort, and you don’t have to put on a mask like you do in other parts of your life.”

Miniwanca parent Patricia Sanders said it was remarkable seeing her two first-time campers, 11-year-old Mary Ruth and 9-year-old Frank, respond to the same powerful programing she experienced as a camper and Leader in Training.

“Mary Ruth said it was so amazing being around women and girls and having so much fun,” Sanders said, adding that Frank felt empowered by his new level of independence at Boys Camp.

“The first thing they said when they stepped off the bus was could they go back next summer,” Sanders said. “I have yet to find another place that gives children the space to find and be themselves completely.”

The post First-year AYF campers take brave first steps toward independence appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Meet Paul and new Miniwanca Girls Camp Director Bethany Wise at a Miniwanca Virtual Townhall Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. ET!
Learn more and join on Zoom.

Last year was your first with the AYF as a Recruitment and Retention Manager. What was the biggest lesson you learned last summer?
The biggest lesson I learned from summer 2022 was how deeply invested the Miniwanca staff is to facilitating the mission of the organization. Coming from a Scouting camp, I had little insight on what to expect from Miniwanca culture and tradition. To my delight, I was quickly surrounded by joyful individuals who share my mindset: mission over everything. The Miniwanca staff are individually excellent at providing an exceptional program to youth and simply need guidance from leadership to be successful.

This year, you moved into the Boys Camp Director role. Why does that role appeal to you?
The Boys Camp Director is the role where I can have the most impact on programming and participation. I spent most of my time at my previous camp in a leadership position. I have seen nearly every situation imaginable in a summer camping setting, and my fondest memories are working toward achieving our mission goals with both staff and campers.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am absolutely thrilled to be reentering the world of program this summer. Last summer, I found it challenging to interact with the campers and contribute to their experience while also completing my duties. I could not be more enthusiastic about being involved in all programs this summer and assist my staff in providing the Miniwanca experience to all campers.

Is there anything new we can expect for Boys Camp 2023?
While I don’t wish to give away too many surprises for 2023, I intend to take a critical look at the Boys Camp schedule to ensure it contains as many well-prepared experiences as possible. Boys Camp participants should anticipate Interest Groups led by subject matter experts and grandiose camp-wide events that thrill and amaze. One could say that my excitement for the potential of our 2023 programming is inflating by the day.

What is one of your favorite summer camp memories?
My favorite summer camp memory came when I was 19, and I was the director of my camp’s first-year program for campers 10 to 11 years old. One week, I had the opportunity to work with 20 foreign exchange Scouts from Beijing. They joined my existing class of 20 American Scouts and changed my perspective of the world. Even though instruction was a challenge, as we needed a translator for all communication, they approached each new experience with excitement and without hesitation. I would wager that I learned much more from them that week than they did from me!

What is one of the biggest challenges facing youth today and how does summer camp help them face it?
I believe the largest challenge youth face today is the unrealistic expectations of success and conformity that social media places upon them. This nearly constant pressure makes finding their own unique qualities and abilities exceedingly difficult. The AYF directly combats this challenge by removing the external pressure and promoting individuality. In my opinion, the mission of our camps and programs is one of the best steps youth can take toward becoming the best version of themselves.

What do you enjoy doing outside of the AYF?
When I am not having fun at the AYF, I still enjoy spending my time outside! Whether it is canoeing, golfing, or just sitting around the fire with friends and family, I always do my best to remain connected to the wilderness and those that matter the most to me.

What book has changed how you think or look at the world?
A book I read recently that made the largest impact on my worldview was Stalling for Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator, the memoir of Gary Noesner, one of the pioneers of crisis negotiation. He explains that whether the situation is mundane or an actual crisis, the best negotiation tactic is understanding the other party’s situation, beliefs, or intent. His memoir helped me understand that real leadership – and real humanity – is learning about other’s experiences and meeting them where they are to come to an equal solution.

What is one of the greatest pieces of advice you’ve ever received?
It’s actually a quote from Abraham Lincoln, who once said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.” This quote reminds me that each of us is personally responsible for our own fate and destiny. We will get out of life what we put into it, and I intend to live each day with this in mind.

If you could be a Miniwanca camper today, what Interest Group would you absolutely sign up for?
Without a doubt, I would choose the high ropes challenge course. I will never turn down an opportunity to get back on a ropes course and relive the thrill I felt when I was starting my summer camp staff career!

As Miniwanca and the AYF look toward the next 100 years, where do you hope our organization is headed?
In the next 100 years I sincerely hope the AYF continues to grow and provide as many developmental experiences to youth as possible. The work we do here makes substantial impacts on the lives of children, and the more children we can reach, the more confident and empowered adults the future will hold!

The post Staff Spotlight: Miniwanca’s Paul Kerchberger appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

The day began at a faster pace than usual, as campers participated in the Doc Wheels Fun Run 5K. Starting at Graceland and ending on the Green Acre, campers chose to walk, jog, or run for the race.

At the finish line, campers were greeted by cheering staff members and a breakfast buffet of doughnuts and fresh fruit. Spirits were high after campers finished their breakfast and transitioned into a Polar Bear and swim in Lake Michigan.

Boys Camp and Girls Camp enjoyed their time together as they awaited the arrival of their Voyaguer friends, who were kayaking on the Mississippi River for the last five weeks. 

This ride-in is called Nostos, which is Greek for ‘the return to light and life,’ and is often used when discussing epics in literature. Four Trails trips are epic journeys for their participants, and Miniwnaca celebrates their heroic accomplishments as one community.

Campers, family members, and staff charged into the water to greet the Voyagers with open arms and wide smiles. There was a palpable sense of community, as people shed tears of relief, shared moments of laughter, and exchanged stories from their time apart from loved ones.

Today continued to find more room for joy, as Boys Camp transitioned into Wish Day, which is an afternoon dedicated to granting as many of the campers’ wishes as possible. While many campers made good use of their wish by requesting Wancabread, chocolate milk, or pizza, other campers wished to use indoor showers at the Four Seasons building.

Staff worked hard to grant each camper’s wish – and for a few staff members this meant spending the day with a camper who wanted to be them. For example, the Media Specialist handed over their camera to a camper so he could be the camp photographer for the day.

A camper with the staff member that he wants to shadow for Wish Day.

Another camper who wished to become an employee for the day made an additional request to be fired from their position once Wish Day had ended. Anna Kay Vorsteg, the president of the American Youth Foundation, wanted to do her part in making wishes come true, and so she had to complete the difficult task of firing a 9-year-old.

The day was truly filled with joy as campers and staff learned about some of the other wishes that were made today. At dinner, campers transitioned from talking about their wishes to the Variety Show, where campers shared their talents, participated in skits, and sang campfire songs together. Celebrating each other’s talents was a wonderful way to round out the day.

Following Evening Reflection, where campers reflected on their moments of joy throughout the day, it was time for bed. The campers were excited to go to their cabins to get some much needed rest after their long day and to get ready for the remaining days of fun left this session.

The post Creating Joy Through Community appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

During Something Sacred, campers challenged themselves and one another to define the word “growth.” Staff shared stories about moments of personal development in their own lives, and then explained why it is important to not wait for growth factors to come to you. 

Part of the magic of Miniwanca is the interactions between different age groups. Younger campers can look to the older ones as examples of balanced living in action.

After a great community conversation, it was time to focus on the social fold. Boys Camp traveled to the Well Site, a more remote part of Miniwanca with access to the Lake Michigan shoreline. 

The hike to the Well Site went quickly, but campers worked even faster to set up their activities for the afternoon upon arrival. Campers were given four hours of free time to choose activities that interested them.

Many campers chose to swim in Lake Michigan, and ride the huge waves that crashed on the shore. Other campers chose to play card games or yard games in the grassy meadow at the entrance of the site. 

Once campers arrived back to East Camp, it was time for the Night’s Doings of the evening: movie night in the Activity Center. East Camp cozied up with popcorn and enjoyed watching “The Mitchells vs. The Machines.”

The post A Trip to the Well Site appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

The day began with a regatta on Stony Lake. Campers could sign up to participate in several different races on canoes, paddle boards, kayaks, or sailboats.

During each boat race, campers on the waterfront cheered on their friends out on the water. Between each race, the campers played beach volleyball, flung themselves down a slip-and-slide, or played games in the boathouse. 

The next set of activities involved the adventure courses and the archery range. Campers from each quad rotated through stations where each individual camper participated in challenges that could earn points for their quad.

After a much needed rest hour from a busy morning of programming, it was time for and afternoon of sports on Bryant Field. Campers competed in a number of events, including gaga ball, football, soccer, spikeball, nine-square, and card games, or they sat back and enjoyed watching different activities with the staff.

Rounding out a fun-filled day of activities came Night’s Doings: No Egg Survives. For this challenge, campers worked in small groups to create an invention that would prevent an egg from breaking when dropped. It was a wonderful day as one community, and Boys Campers look forward to more special programming days ahead.

The post Banding Together for A Day of Fun appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Campers were eager to begin spending their time exploring new activities or enhancing their skills during an activity they have participated in before. The staff were equally excited to offer new interest groups for the first time.

The Adventurers and Explorers have been hard at work practicing skills necessary for their time on trail. All that preparation will now be tested as campers head to the Manistee River for a five-day canoe trip or to Manitou Island for an eight-day hiking excursion. 

With many hellos and many goodbyes, time is passing quickly at Miniwanca. Campers won’t waste a moment of the remaining days of Session B as they discover more about their own best selves through fun and challenge.

The post Brand New Faces, Brand New Places appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

This summer, the community at Miniwanca has worked to define what it means to trust others, and what it looks like to practice trusting your own self. During Something Sacred, a period of group reflection, campers discussed the importance of trust.

One of the standout points from this group think was that in order to trust someone, that person must make you feel accepted and respected. This lesson was quickly put into practice as campers joined together to sing campfire songs and share laughter. 

Following Something Sacred, campers were set to spend the day together at the historic Well Site on the outskirts of East Camp. Unfortunately, a rainy weather forecast required a change of plans.

The hike was postponed for a later date, and programming redirected toward the Activity Center. Here, campers challenged staff members to games of dodgeball, basketball and trivia. 

Campers who were more interested in participating in quieter activities moved into a breakout room in the Activity Center to play cards or read books. Some campers even learned how to strum a few guitar chords.

The day wrapped up with a game of Animal Crossing, where leaders dressed like animals and dispersed throughout camp for the campers to find. Upon finding their leaders, campers had to convince them to come back to Bryant Field in order to earn a point for their quad. 

The days ahead at Miniwanca are looking much brighter now that the rain has passed, and the community is together as one.

The post Making the Most of a Rainy Day appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

This morning, the Avail campers from Girls Camp and Boys Camp gathered for team-building exercises. Activities like these begin relationship building with the campers they will work alongside throughout the summer. 

Another group of campers who are finding their groove together, are the Four Trails campers. In less than a week, Miniwanca will send these campers on their multiday adventure trips.

In order to prepare for the upcoming trips, Adventurers hiked to the Well Site in East Camp for a night of tent camping and practicing outdoor camping skills before their exploration commences. Meanwhile, the Explorers practiced canoe skills and canoe rescues on Stony Lake. 

The Darers and Seekers at Miniwanca have been hard at work trying to earn as many Quad Cup points as possible: ensuring their cabin is the cleanest in camp, searching for the lucrative golden paddle, and winning Quad Cup competitions during Night’s Doings.

On top of competing for the Quad Cup, campers have been challenging themselves during the second day of their interest group rotation. 

Each program Miniwanca offers is a unique opportunity for campers to challenge themselves, and as the days go by at Miniwanca this summer, the community will continue to grow in different ways. 

On Satruday, all Boys Camp will hike to the Well Site for one final  days of fun together before the Four Trails campers are depart for their adventure trips. Campers look forward to a fun day of swimming, yard games, card games, and fellowship.

The post Getting into a Groove appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Today marked the first day of interest group rotations, staff-led programs designed to challenge and inspire each camper to learn and grow. Campers can choose to learn anything from sailing and pottery to Dungeons & Dragons and archery. 

Each week, campers participate in three interest group activities, each with their own four-day curriculum designed to challenge a variety of skill levels. Next week campers will have the opportunity to sign up for three different interest groups.

A typical day at Miniwanca also includes an all-camp assembly. These gatherings are a great time for community building, games and announcements. Campers were introduced to the Quad Cup at the assembly today.

While most of camp has been busy starting their first interest group rotations, Four Trails campers who will soon hit the trail began preparing for their trips in Graceland. Campers learned how to pack and cook food on trail and how to pitch tents.

On a normal day at Miniwanca, campers are given one hour of rest time following lunch, as well as one hour of personal time following the end of interest group rotations. During personal time, campers can unwind or play at the waterfront, the crafthouse or at any other staff-supervised activity. 

After dinner, all of camp congregates for Night’s Doings, which are typically competitions that yield Quad Cup points. During atypical days at Miniwanca, Night’s Doings may be a barbecue with West Camp or an ice cream social in the dining hall. 

On Tuesday, campers were assigned their quad and given their quad t-shirt. Once the campers were all proudly wearing their quad color, it was time for a battle for Middle Earth. During this game, campers were given roles on cards that would determine how they would fare during a battle with a different quad member.

The first quad cup competition came to a close, and campers went to bed excited for their interest groups to continue, and for the epic battles to come for the Quad Cup. 

The post Let the Games Begin appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Staff were happy to report another successful Opening Day for Session B. After a long day of introductions and touring Boys Camp, everyone was ready for a meal with their new cabin groups.

Cabin time continued through dinner and into the interest group showcase, where staff presented the activities everyone could sign up to try this week. Campers’ focused turned toward the fun to come this summer.

The next day, cabins rotated all over Boys Camp for orientation stations. Swim checks, presentations on maintaining physical well being, team building, and other informative safety protocol sessions took place during this rotations period. Campers were officially well-informed on how to have a fun, safe summer, which meant it was time to let the fun commence. 

Traditionally, the opening Fire Circle takes place at the end of the first full day of camp each session at Miniwanca. In preparation for this celebration, cabins also practice and perform silly skits.

After cabins delegated the roles for each skit, gathered necessary costumes, and spied on the progress of other cabins, it was time to head to the Fire Circle. 

Following the lighting of the torches and the introduction of the four folds (physical, social, spiritual, and mental) an unexpected rainstorm rolled over East Camp. Campers retreated to the Activity Center to showcase their prepared skits.

The surprise rainstorm ended up being a great way for the community to practice having a fun, safe summer, encouraging youth to look past the rainy clouds and find brighter moments of fun and community.

The campers will continue to learn about positive mindsets as interest groups start this week. During interest groups, campers are asked to choose how much they want to challenge themselves, and this creates great opportunities for goal-setting and celebrating each other’s successes.

The post Building the Foundation for a Fun, Safe Summer appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Boys Camp started the day with a carnival in Bryant Field. Campers began preparing for an afternoon of competition by applying face paint and donning their Quads’ colors. But before the all-camp event, Boys Campers played carnival games to win tickets to be exchanged for prizes. 

One of the most entertaining and most popular games was the dunk tank. The campers formed a line as fast as they could for a chance to dunk their favorite staff member by throwing a ball at the red target — though occasionally, fellow staff members couldn’t resist a guaranteed dunk. 

Spirits were high at the end of the carnival and the beginning of lunch. This was a time for refueling and locking in focus before a much needed hour of rest time. When campers woke up, Girls Camp was in route for Bryant Field to join with their Quad counterparts. 

The games began with team chants, sign making, and a few moments of time to size up the competition. For the next four hours, each Quad took turns sending representatives to compete in different games against the other Quads. 

Some highlights from the competition included musical chairs, where the chairs were swapped out for buckets of water, a game of capture the flag, and each Quad forming a long line with the goal of transferring a T-shirt from the beginning of the line to the end of the line the fastest. 

After the Quad Cup paused for the rest of the day, both camps celebrated their hard work with a barbecue in Bryant Field. 

Having a fun, safe summer has always been the goal at Miniwanca, and the carnival and Quad Cup were the perfect iteration of that goal. Campers went to bed happy and exhausted from the long day of celebration. 

The post Celebrating Togetherness appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

After breakfast, campers were given a period of free time before the long day ahead of them.

Before heading to the Wells Site, East Camp joined together in Orwig Chapel for Something Sacred, a time to reflect on the topic of trust. Cabin leaders presented personal stories, read poems, and led singalongs.

The hike to the Wells Site was longer than the typical hike to West Camp, but the views were well worth the extra distance.

Campers started playing card games, drawing, reading, hammocking, swimming at the beach and playing yard games. It was a great time to catch up with friends and relax together as a community. 

Signing up for interest groups was another exciting highlight of the day. Boys Camp was buzzing with anticipation for the week ahead. On the hike back to Bryant Field, campers and staff alike were talking about the interest groups they get to do this week.

Once the campers returned to Boys Camp, dinner was served, a satisfying meal after a long day of hiking and sunshine. To celebrate the day together, campers made s’mores before heading back to their cabins.

The post Exploring New Sites appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Campers spent their first week of camp exploring new activities or old favorites during interest groups. Nearly every day, campers spend a block of time at these activities that cover everything from sailing and fishing to Dungeons and Dragons and learning how to build a fire. The curriculum for each interest group builds on itself, allowing campers to grow and learn more about their chosen challenge each day. Next week, campers will start a new slate of interest groups.

The program team carves out time for campers to develop each of the four folds (mental, physical, social, and spiritual) every day at Miniwanca. Morning stretch wakes up the body, and CORE wakes up the mind with a new philosophical discussion each morning. 

At the end of each day, campers discuss which activities were fun and which activities helped them learn something new at Evening Reflection. This nightly routine is an important part of the summer camp program at Miniwanca, giving campers time to contemplate the intention behind the fun. 

In other exciting news, the Summer 2022 Quad Cup is officially underway! Different cabins are united in one of four quads, working together all session to earn the most points and win the coveted Quad Cup trophy. 

The post Seeking Balance appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

After breakfast, each cabin broke off for a busy day of touring East Camp, taking cabin photos, completing swim checks, signing up for interest groups and learning about how to have a fun and safe summer.

This busy schedule didn’t get in the way of quick games of soccer, frisbee, Dungeons and Dragons, or enjoying time at the waterfront.

Fun times continued as each cabin created an outrageous skit to perform at the Opening Fire circle. As cabin groups worked on their skits, one cabin proclaimed their cabin mates their summer family.

At Opening Fire, campers watched the tradition of lighting four torches before lighting the campfire. This tradition represents the four folds of Miniwanca: mental, social, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. 

After a fun-filled evening of song-singing, skits, and cabin bonding it was time to call it a night. Campers returned to their respective cabin bays and prepared for another day of fun at Miniwanca.

The post Bright Days Ahead appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Cabin Leaders, Coordinators, Specialists, and more are learning Miniwanca traditions and favorite activities to share with new and returning campers. Some events for staff training, such as Night’s Doings (a special activity that takes place most nights after dinner during camp) inject youthful energy into our staff before campers arrive.

The Opening Fire will be the first official event for campers at Miniwanca, where campers and staff gather together for a night of introductions and fun. The staff participated in their own Opening Fire, complete with cabin introduction skits and reflecting on what they hope to give to Miniwanca this summer.

Staff training is more than just fun activities, though. They are also training to create a safe summer.

All incoming seasonal staff were tested for COVID-19 at arrival and are practicing “green behaviors” when off site, meaning they mask while indoors and avoid crowded indoor spaces. Staff are also receiving other trainings such as CPR and waterfront safety. With all this preparation in place, summer 2022 is shaping up to be a success.

The post Miniwanca seasonal staff prepares for summer 2022 appeared first on American Youth Foundation.