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 Voyageur program at Miniwanca is a capstone trip filled with traditions and celebrations that enrich the experience and foster a deep sense of community. These rituals mark the milestones of the journey and create lasting memories and personal growth.

Sunrise Paddle
One cherished tradition is the sunrise paddle. As dawn breaks, campers set out on the calm waters of Georgian Bay, connecting with nature and starting the day with purpose and tranquility.

Solo Time
Another tradition is a solo, where each camper spends reflective time alone. Leaders pose a question to campers and spread them out to allow campers to think deeply and journal about their experiences, values, and personal growth. Many find this time transformative, as it helps them gain clarity and insight into their journey and their place in the world.

Re-Ration

Midway through Voyageur, campers get re-ration. This is a time when fresh food, clean clothes, and mail are delivered to the group. Receiving these supplies is a much-needed boost. Fresh food revitalizes the campers, clean clothes offer comfort, and mail from family, friends, and the camp community brings heartfelt messages, reminding them of the support and love waiting for them.

Ice Cream on the Rocks
A delightful tradition is eating ice cream at Ice Cream on the Rocks. After days of paddling, campers gather to enjoy a refreshing, sweet treat and meet up with other trip groups.

Nostos

As the Voyageur journey comes to an end, campers return home for Nostos, a celebration of their adventure and growth. They will paddle in from the Well Site and rejoin the camp community to cheers and chants of “We are proud of you!” Nostos is a time to celebrate the achievements and challenges campers overcome.

Receiving the Voyageur Rugby
One of the most anticipated moments of the Voyageur experience is when campers receive their rugby. This special item symbolizes the completion of the journey and the personal growth achieved. The traditional stripes connect each group to the Voyageurs of the past and future, but the colors and pattern are unique to that year. It’s a tangible reminder of the adventure, the friendships formed, and the values embraced. Wearing the Voyageur rugby is a badge of honor, representing the resilience, teamwork, and spirit of the program.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Camp Miniwanca 2024 is off to a flying start! We welcomed over 100 campers for our first week of camp, who have already been diving deep into their interest groups, learning quad cheers, and making new friends.

Yesterday was July Fourth, so we had a special day focused on the theme of celebration. In Girls Camp, we started with a Pajama Polar Bear in Lake Michigan before Cabin 20 led us in morning stretch. After breakfast, we held our Parade to Nowhere that ended on the Green Acre where and quads proudly waved their flags. Campers dug into the costume closet to dress their leaders for a gorgeous fashion show before spending the morning playing in the sand and waves at the beach.

It was still a little bit chilly (which did not deter most of the campers from playing with handmade yarn “water balloons” made by longtime volunteer PJ), so for lunch, we warmed everyone up with some white chicken chili and cornbread.

After a nice long rest hour, we did a Camp Swap The girls headed to Boys Camp to play quad games on Bryant Field, while the boys came to Lake Michigan to enjoy the beach, volleyball, and pickleball. The campers enjoyed experiencing the other side of camp for the afternoon. We returned to our own sides of camp for hamburgers and an intense game of Soldiers and Spies, a camp favorite Night’s Doings! As always, we ended the day reflecting on the beach as the sun set.

This week has been a perfect example of what makes Miniwanca so magical. One of my favorite moments was leading a Community Time block with the Seekers. When asked what qualities Seekers should possess, they created an acrostic:

Serene
Enthusiastic
Enjoyable
Kind
Empathetic
Respectful and Responsible (because both Rs were too important)

The juxtaposition of Serene and Enthusiastic perfectly represents Miniwanca. We have so many fun and exciting activities, but they are balanced by moments of serenity. Campers get time and space to reflect, appreciate nature, and leave feeling in tune with their best self. I am so sad that our one-week campers’ time is almost to an end, but I am able to say “Aloha” knowing they are returning home the best version of themselves, and I’m excited for them to return next summer!

Bethany Wise
Girls Camp Director

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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

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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.”

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Session A of Miniwanca is already more than halfway over, and time has flown!

During our first week of Session A, Girls Camp welcomed 26 one-week campers, nearly all of whom were first time Miniwancans. We also brought in 43 three-week campers who have provided guidance to new campers and brought so much positive energy into camp. Campers got to experience a variety of interest groups and enjoyed some of our most loved Night’s Doings. Girls Camp quads also teamed up with their Boys Camp counterparts for an epic capture the flag game!

After sending our one-weekers home, we welcomed 46 more two-week campers into our community and really hit the ground running with a lot of special events. On July 4, Girls Campers had the chance to participate in our annual Pajama Polar Bear and run into Lake Michigan at 7 a.m. They also completed a 5k walk/run, played on the beach, and ate all the watermelon we could find.

We celebrated another round of quad games with Boys Camp and found some time to rest and recharge going into our final week of the session. This week, we also said happy trails to our Voyageur, Adventurer, Explorer, and Trailblazer trips. Each trip will be gone for different durations, and we can’t wait to welcome them home and hear about all their adventures!

As a first time Miniwancan myself, this first session has been a powerful learning experience. Getting to know all the beautiful traditions of Miniwanca can sometimes feel daunting, but each day I feel more and more connected to the history of this community. A camper told me she was a sixth-generation camper at Miniwanca! That is a beautiful legacy to carry on.

I am also deeply grateful to all the amazing volunteers who have been onsite, providing guidance and support for our campers and staff. They have been helping with everything from playing tetherball and nine-square with campers, to organizing quad and Polar Bear shirts, to leading songs in our fire circles. Their presence throughout camp is such a powerful reminder to our campers of what it means to be a Miniwanca camper not just for a few years while you’re young, but for life.

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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.”

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After working at summer camps in Hawai’i and Ohio, she recently relocated to west Michigan to take on the Girls Camp Director role, following in the footsteps of Emily Knuth. Here, Bethany shares how camp experiences shaped her adult life, what she’s looking forward to in summer 2023, and her favorite part about the AYF so far.

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

What drew you to the Girls Camp Director role?
“I have always loved working at camp, and I love creating spaces for people to learn. When I was teaching, my favorite part (besides my students) was designing curriculum. As Girls Camp Director, I have the privilege of designing high-quality programs for our campers, and it really allows me to use all my skills and passions.”

Can you share some of your history with summer camps?
“I began attending summer camp in Ohio when I was 9 years old, and I cried from homesickness every single night! But I still had so much fun that I decided to return the next year, and after that I just fell in love with camp. I convinced the camp director to hire me when I was only 14 to look after the staff children. After that I worked in pretty much every role until I was a program coordinator. I then spent two summers working at a camp in Hawai’i as the activities coordinator and then two more summers working at the MetroParks day camps in Columbus, Ohio.”

What was one of your favorite summer camp activities as a child?
“I loved horseback riding! This was something extra special I only got to do in the summer. When I started working, my best friend’s mom was the barn director, so we got to take extra rides during our time off and it was a really meaningful experience.”

How did your childhood experiences at summer camp shape who you are as adult?
“Summer camp established such a strong sense of community for me that has helped me take risks. I am still close with so many of my camp friends who are always supporting me. I have the privilege of going through life knowing that even when I fail, I have people in my corner who will help me back up again.”

What prompted you to pursue education and communication disorders in college and graduate school?
“I have always loved learning and became passionate about understanding how people learn. For my undergraduate degree I learned a lot about the science of how people learn. But I didn’t want to miss out on working with children every day, so I took that knowledge and became a teacher for many years.”

How does that background inform your approach to outdoor experiential education?
“My experiences have shown that the best way to learn is by doing. I love getting to incorporate the science behind learning into creating programs that maximizes a participant’s experience. Experiential education has such a tremendous impact because it engages the whole person and allows new knowledge to stick in someone’s brain long term.”

What about the AYF’s approach to youth development resonates with you most?
“I love our motto ‘My own self, at my very best, all the time.’ It’s easy for youth to get caught up in comparing themselves to others, so I love the emphasis on doing what is best for each person. AYF’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is also extremely important to me. I’m thrilled to be working with an organization that is not afraid to question things and works so hard to make camp more inclusive.” 

How are you preparing for the 2023 summer season?
“One of my biggest focuses right now is hiring the best possible staff – they give camp that magical feeling. Having a group that is in sync and focused on providing the best possible experience for our campers is one of the most important aspects of a great summer.” 

What are you looking forward to most during your first year as Director?
“I am so excited for the first day that our 2023 campers arrive. I have heard so many stories about Miniwanca, but I can’t wait for that first day where I get to experience the buzz of everyone arriving full of hope and excitement. I think that day will stay with me for many years.”

What is one of the biggest challenges facing youth today, and how does summer camp help them meet that challenge?
“Our youth are facing a serious mental health crisis that seems to get worse every year. There is no longer a state of blissful ignorance while you are young. Kids are so deeply connected to everything happening in our world, and it seems the bad news outweighs the good too often. I love that summer camp gives them a chance to disconnect from the endless stream of information, create a supportive community, and allow them to just be kids for a while. I hope that camp gives them tools to better navigate the world when they return home and know that they have a network of people supporting them.”

What do you enjoy doing outside of the AYF?
“I absolutely love to read, and I love being outdoors with my family. We like to hike, camp, and fish. I have also coached competitive soccer for many years which takes up a lot of free time, but it has been one of my favorite things to do!”

What book has changed your perspective on the world?
“I don’t know if I can choose just one! One book I would recommend is Eric Klinenberg’s Palaces for the People, which talks about how social infrastructure like parks, libraries, and community centers positively impact people psychologically and physically. I also recommend Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery. It’s a biography of Emma Gatewood, who was the first woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail when she was 57 years old. I admire her determination and fearlessness so much.

How have your family’s first few months in west Michigan been?
“We are most excited for all the great outdoor adventures we can have close to home and being part of a new community. We have lived in a large city for many years and have felt disconnected from people at times because there is always so much going on. We like to live at a little slower pace.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Miniwanca community?
“I feel incredibly honored to be the next Girls Camp Director. I am committed to keeping Miniwanca a truly amazing place that positively impacts the youth that come through our doors.”

The post Staff Spotlight: Miniwanca’s Bethany Wise appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Summer Seminars for Women took place Aug. 4 through 8. This annual event went virtual in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and staff and participants were thrilled to gather in person on the dunes again.

“It was wonderful to see so many women making real connections and learning more about themselves and each other,” said Holley Young, AYF Adult Program Lead.

Participants spend the long weekend discussing how this year’s theme, Finding Balance, applied to their lives. Presenters Kelly Patterson, Tucker Branham, and Griffin Vogler also shared their insights around this important topic.

“Balanced living is foundational to all AYF programming, and it’s so important to stop and reflect on how we can assess and, if necessary, regain that balance,” said AYF Vice President Liz Marshall. “SSW provided a welcoming, supportive space for participants to reflect and grow as they do this work.”

The following weekend, dozens of Miniwanca Girls Camp alumni returned to their beloved camp for a weekend of fun, nostalgia, and connection.

Former Girls Campers of all ages felt like kids again as they rushed into Lake Michigan for Polar Bear, tried new Interest Groups, played rounds of Deck Tennis and Captainball, enjoyed delicious meals in the Eating Lodge, and reflected together during Candlelight Sing and Something Sacred.

“We have such a dedicated and supportive alumni base. It was a pleasure to welcome them back to camp after having to delay the reunion for two years,” said Molly Mulcahy, Director of Alumni and Community Relations.

Summer Seminars for Women will return in 2023 and Girls Camp Reunion will return in 2025. Sign up for the free Founder Sparks newsletter and be among the first to know when registration opens.

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The final dinner at camp was a celebration banquet hosted by the Avail campers. The banquet was Harry Potter themed, and the eating lodge was decorated Great Hall-style with four long tables separated by quads. Campers and staff alike dressed up and gathered together the beginning of the last night.

Closing Circle celebrated campers’ accomplishments and gave them the chance to reminisce on their three weeks together. Miniwanca shared the final quad scores, and the Ridges took first place and the shield. Some of Miniwanca’s oldest campers received their Avail shirts, or their Voyager rugbies as a token of their accomplishments this summer. The senior then campers closed the circle by lining the path with candles singing “Follow the Gleam” as the rest of camp walked out.

The night finished with a slideshow where campers saw some of their favorite memories captured for the first time and the Voyager Evening Reflection. It was a night of community that brought smiles and tears as campers prepared to return home.

While the session has ended, the memories and stories will live on with the Founder Friends of summer 2022.

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The return of the Voyagers, now called Nostos, is the last of the summer 2022 trip groups to rejoin Miniwanca. Nostos is a term from Homer’s Odyssey, and it is the word used to reference a long journey at sea and the return home from that journey.

Everyone, gathered on the green acre to watch the Voyagers come back to Miniwanca. As the Voyagers paddled in, those on the beach began clapping and chanting, “We are proud of you!” The Voyagers beached their kayaks and ran back into the water in front of the cheering crowd to sing Founder Hearts together.

When the time came for the reunion between those on the beach and the Voyagers, it was a magical moment. Absence truly had made the founder hearts grow fonder as the hugs and smiles reflected the joy of homecoming.

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Session B’s cup was one to remember. It was a hot day, so the first event was an all-quad competition where campers raced to passed a soaking wet sponge down a line. The other all-quad event required everyone in the quad to put on, take off, and pass a large t-shirt down the line.

The other events did not require whole quad participation in one place, but everyone helped their team along. Foxtail chases and water bucket musical chairs captured the center of attention, but the background acts of unfolding a frozen t-shirt, building the tallest freestanding Lego structure, and creating a human pyramid helped bring in points.

It was a tight competition, but the Ridges (Bridges when combined with their Boys Camp counterparts) came out victorious. Shortly after the winner was announced, everyone gathered together to welcome Adventurers back to Miniwanca.

The afternoon was one of competition, but the evening was one of camaraderie. Campers enjoyed an all camp cook-out at Boys Camp before they walked back to Girls Camp. Once back at West Camp, there were s’mores and late-night dips in Lake Michigan. Some campers even chose to camp out on the beach under the stars.

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Earlier this week, singing and cheers the Eating Lodge at breakfast as campers wished the Adventurers and Explorers farewell. Each group got their moment to shine as Miniwanca surrounded them with love. The Miniwanca community traditionally sings “Happy Trails” to the Four Trails campers before they depart for their adventure trips – adding a hummed rendition of the Indiana Jones theme at the end.

This tradition is the final send off before daring campers will begin their outcamping journeys. For the Explorers and Adventurers, the journey is about a week long. These campers will grow in many different ways as they experience life outside with daily hikes, canoe trips, and tent camping.

Before leaving for the actual trip, Four Trails groups spent some time at Miniwanca preparing. They practice packing all their gear, putting up their tents, and reviewing waterfront and paddling skills to feel equipped for the trail. Finally, the Explorers and Adventurers head out on a “shakedown,” an overnight camping experience to put it all together before they leave.

In the final week of Session B, campers who have adventured daringly on their trips will return. The Explorers will return on July 22, Adventurers will return July 24, and the Voyagers will return by July 26. The last week of camp will be full of emotions and memories as everyone gathers together one final time this summer.

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Darers, Seekers, and Avail campers – those who stay on site the whole session – began new interest groups this week. The Four Trails campers – those who will leave site for a multiday outcamping adventure –spent the day preparing for their upcoming trips. The Adventurers finished up last-minute packing, while Explorers headed  to the Well Site for a shakedown, which is a practice hike and overnight camp out in anticipation of their trip.

A sense of connection is also growing among campers as new friendships made and the old relationships rekindled. Cabinmates are bonding, and quads are working together to win points.

Competition reigned during Night’s Doings: Quad Games. Everyone got a chance to play Nuke ‘Em, an elimination-style volleyball game, and dodgeball. Quad cheers and laughter rang as the quads all played together.

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Clay Creation in the pottery barn put the finishing touches on their masterpieces. Make Your Mark spent the day outside with a beach clean-up project, and Dungeon & Dragons players completed their final quests. As the campers finished their projects or had a last dip in Lake Michigan, their minds began to stir with what the potential opportunities for the next round of interest groups would be.

Night’s Doings consisted of the Low Quad Circle, where quads gather together to perform skits and songs they’ve created. The performances were scored by the most esteemed judges: Sesame Street’s Elmo and two sisters from Denmark wearing Hawaiian shirts. It was an incredibly tight competition, but the Ridges pulled ahead to take the first place spot.

To round out a perfectly typical day, the Explorers led Evening Reflection as the discussed their thoughts on the idea of imagination. A beautiful sunset lined the beach for a mindful practice of reflecting on the day.

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Out on the waterfront of Stony Lake, campers experiences a beautiful day for water-based interest groups. It was breezy and refreshing for the paddle sports participants, while the sailors enjoyed a wind that helped move sailboats seamlessly across the water.

While the afternoon was full of smiles, the evening activity was truly something sweet. Campers did not exchange their dinner dishes for dessert plates, as the Night’s Doings activity would have their sweet snack. This activity would be the ice cream social.

Campers chose delectable toppings for their ice cream, then gathered with their cabinmates and leader to connect over conversation. It was a sweet evening that helped to foster connections in the first week of Session B.

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The morning interest groups (different activity groups campers can select for a period of time every week) kicked off with a strong start as campers explored different experiences such as the Wanca Spa or outdoor games. Whether it was relaxing with a book by Lake Michigan or working with community service, everyone found something to fill the block.

Though today’s routine was typical, there are always a few fun surprises in store. A Taco Tuesday lunch even included a song in honor of Taco Tuesday. The meal was only the start of the lunchtime funsies, a beloved tradition where campers can play while they eat by kicking off different activities, such as asking another cabin to sing a song or surfing atop their chairs.

Midway through the first week, campers are making progress in all their interest groups and finding their rhythm as they settle into camp life. They experienced their first Night’s Doings after dinner with the Amazing Race, a camp-ified version of the popular competitive reality show. This was  one of the first events during which the quads could start to win points toward the shield at the end of the summer.

All in all, it was a terrifically typical Tuesday at Girls Camp.

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With a fun, safe summer in mind, the first full day at Miniwanca was brimming with different activities, including morning rotations where cabin photos were taken and afternoon interest groups that whisked campers into new activities.

Night’s Doings consisted of the Opening Fire, the traditional first Night’s Doings, where everyone is formally welcomed into camp, cabin groups introduce themselves, and quads are formed. The event radiates community and connection mixed with fun songs and even funnier skits.

The Opening Fire was the perfect event to preclude Evening Reflection, which promotes quiet thought before campers and staff call it a night. Session B is off to a wonderful start as campers settle in to their home for the summer and grow closer to being their very best selves.

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The last full day at camp was filled with sunshine, smiles, and hugs as campers celebrated with their friends. The awards assembly highlighted all the wonderful things accomplished during the session. One of the most notable was the Polar Bear award with an adorable T-shirt presented to commemorate all those early morning dips.

As evening fell, everyone anxiously awaited the results for the Quad Shield to be announced at Closing Circle. The winner of session A was … The Draws!

As the evening turned to dusk, campers watched the end of session slideshow that highlighted all the wonderful memories made. Immediately after the slideshow, everyone gathered in the Church of the Dunes where Avail, the oldest campers, led a special Evening Reflection on the idea of transition, a perfect way to end the first session of summer 2022.

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