What sets the AYF programs apart from other youth development programs, in your opinion?

Intentionality and the environment set AYF programs apart. The program curriculum and the staff mentality are so meticulously intentional. It all but guarantees participants will have the chance to learn and grow. It’s quite intense at times, but I appreciate how each moment carefully incorporates spirited fun and play. It’s a necessary balance with the moments of hard-hitting conversations in the NLC curriculum that require substantial brainpower.

All AYF programs are structured around experiential education, meaning the learning happens through activities. Those activities are only enhanced by the environment in which they are set. Programs are made all the more powerful by the dunes of western Michigan and the woods of New Hampshire.

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

I feel like my dad ought to answer this question. A bunch of AYF friends came to my wedding a couple months ago, and they told me that my dad made a point to share with them – while choking back tears – that he saw how much the AYF has had a positive influence on my life and who I am as a person. He had not had the chance to speak to so many AYF folks, and he made sure not to miss the opportunity to shower praise on its people and programs.

Why do you support the AYF today?

Personal fulfillment. I find it incredibly fulfilling to support an organization that has such a profoundly positive impact. As a participant, I got to experience the magic, transformation, and the awesome power of the experiences that AYF facilitates. It brings me joy and satisfaction to help in providing that to others now, knowing just how wonderful and meaningful it is.

Why should others support the AYF through financial gifts or volunteering?

The primary benefit of any AYF program goes to participants involved. But make no mistake, AYF staff benefit from these programs almost as much. Not only do you get satisfaction and fulfilment from helping others grow, but you grow yourself, you play, and you have new experiences you would never come across in day-to-day life. Volunteer with the AYF. You’ll be glad you did.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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How are AYF programs different than other summer camp and youth leadership programs?

“What sets the AYF apart is the deep intentionality behind the curriculum and programming. Every element is designed with care to support personal growth. The staff and volunteers are deeply committed to empowering young people, helping them discover the spark that enkindles their best selves.”

How has your time with the AYF affected you?

“One of the most meaningful ways the AYF has impacted me is by helping me discover my passion for helping others grow into their best selves. Through my experience as an NLC participant and volunteer, I learned how powerful intentional programming and supportive communities can be in building confidence and leadership. That foundation has guided me into a 15-year career as the Adventure Program Coordinator for Great Parks of Hamilton County in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“There, I’ve developed programs that reflect the same spirit of personal growth I experienced through the AYF, including the Women in the Outdoors Series, which empowers women to explore new outdoor skills, challenge themselves, and connect in nature. The thread between my AYF roots and the work I do today is clear: creating spaces where people feel supported to stretch, reflect, and grow.”

Why do you support the AYF?

“I support the AYF today because I believe in the power and potential of young people. As a mentor, I’ve witnessed profound growth in those who come through these dunes in just one week. I’ve seen quiet, shy, and reserved individuals become gleeful, connected, and empowered.

“This place becomes a home for many, welcoming young people from all walks of life, even from around the world. The AYF creates the kind of environment where that transformation is not only possible but expected. I continue to support this work because I want to keep showing up for young people as they discover their voice, their confidence, and their capacity to lead.”

Why should others support the AYF?

“Every contribution helps create a space where young people feel seen, valued, and inspired to become their best selves. These experiences can be truly life-changing: giving youth the confidence, courage, and community they need to step into their potential.

“By giving back, supporters become part of that transformation, helping to open doors for young people who might not otherwise have the chance to grow and lead. It’s an investment in the future and in the power of hope, connection, and possibility. I encourage everyone to get involved — whether through a donation or volunteering your time — to help continue this vital work and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Recently, AYF leadership updated its program outcomes to better illustrate how the organization’s timeless approach to youth development best addresses the needs of youth today.

Vice President of Strategic Programs Kris Light said the AYF remains grounded in the original philosophies of the four folds and best self.

“These program outcomes are as important now as ever, and this updated language does not change what we do, but instead further explains the ‘why’ of the AYF’s approach,” he said.

Outcome 1: Discovering and Developing Your Own Best Self
An open, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive is key to helping campers find their best self. Miniwanca Girls Camp Director Bethany Wise said AYF camp programs emphasize the value of individuality, acceptance, and freedom of expression, often reflected in the creative, eclectic costumes campers don for skits.

“Their outer appearance can represent their inner thoughts and feelings,” Wise said. “They’re always coming up with the silliest ways to put pieces together and design characters. I think that’s a great example of this environment fostering authentic self-expression. Outside of camp, so many girls’ clothing choices are scrutinized. Here, they can be themselves.”

Wise said the AYF’s philosophy of “challenge by choice” also supports this program outcome: knowing and accepting that not everyone’s goal will be the same. “During an activity like high ropes, some will aim to make it to the top of the rock wall, others want to go farther than they did the previous time,” she said. “It’s all a path of personal growth and discovery.”

Outcome 2: Growing Through the Four Folds

Once participants begin to identify best self, 2024 Merrowvista Director of Community and School Programs Dayna Vuksinick said they continue to grow through the four folds: mental, physical, social, and reverent (formerly the religious or spiritual fold). Her CSP participants often explore those concepts as they hike for the first time, get to know people who are different from them, and have conversations where everyone may not agree.

Miniwanca Conference, Community, and School Programs Director Michael Harter emphasized it’s important to spend time on the four
folds without expecting or demanding perfection. It’s something he and his fellow National Leadership Conference co-directors have spent a lot of time discussing.

“Young people are surrounded by so many conflicting messages,” he said. “We never want to them to confuse the pursuit of best self and balanced living with the concept of perfection, and we make that distinction in program.”

Light said the four folds serve as a lens through which to view life. “They help participants assess where they are strong and confident and where they would like to grow and challenge themselves,” he said. “The programs then provide opportunities to follow through on that
assessment.”

Outcome 3: Working Together to Build Community

Vuksinick said even just a few days is enough for kids to develop a deeply connected community. She recalled a group of students who asked to hold their senior prom at Merrowvista last year because they wanted to celebrate with the friends they made during a school program in sixth grade.

“Knowing that these kids hadn’t been there in six years, but they still had such a strong connection to us and really felt like they needed to be here to celebrate the end of their time together, was very beautiful to watch — and it was so fun,” she said.

Light said bonds created in these intentional communities do more than create lasting friendships. “When participants work together to achieve a common goal during program, they also develop positive leadership skills and find opportunities to put their best selves into action,” he said. “They recognize their impact as part of a larger whole and their responsibility in caring for and creating a sense of belonging within a community.”

Outcome 4: Making a Positive Difference in the World

The final program outcome is the hardest one to see in the moment, but all the directors have heard from families and teachers about participants who return home and make meaningful change in their lives, whether that’s trying out for a new sport or volunteering in their communities.

“It’s been amazing to see how different they are when they go back home,” Vuksinick said. “They help their families, they seem a lot kinder, and they’re a lot kinder to themselves. And I think that’s important — making that positive difference in yourself, so it turns around and feeds back into the world.”

Wise said each program outcome sets up the others for success. “I see the program outcomes as concentric circles,” she said. “They all
support each other at the same time, with this idea that you’re starting within your innermost self and then bringing that innermost best self out into the world.”

Harter said the foundational four folds and approach to balanced living combined with these updated program outcomes will propel the AYF and the youth it serves into the next 100 years.

“Many program activities look different than they did 100 years ago, but the actual work we do is very similar,” he said. “At the end of every program, we want participants to feel more prepared and empowered as young adults. We believe in their capacities to shape the world and confront issues facing their communities.”

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Hughes still carves out time to volunteer at NLC as often as she can, and she returns to Miniwanca as her children eagerly attend camp each summer. Here’s why Amy Hughes continues to support the AYF 30 years after her first ILC experience.

What is your history with the AYF?
I was first introduced to the AYF through International Leadership Conference at Miniwanca in 1995. I was the only girl from my high school to receive the I Dare You! award and I was so nervous to attend!

ILC transitioned to National Leadership Conference a few years after I started. I completed my full four years of programming with my class of Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility). The program was so impactful, that I stayed on as staff until 2004 when I had to take a break to complete medical school/residency/fellowship training.

I returned to the dunes in 2014 and still to this day try to prioritize my June vacation schedule to continue to volunteer with NLC.

What sets the AYF programs apart from other youth development programs?
For me, it was the first leadership development program that was also a sleepaway camp. I had previously attended other leadership forums and programs, but even if they were multiple days, I drove back and forth each day. The ability to remain onsite and live in community with other campers brought incredibly deep and long lasting friendships. And we bonded over some ridiculous experiences about raccoons in the wilderness, which still brings us laughter today. I also absolutely love the focus of deeper self-reflection as a way to understand your personalized leadership style.

What is one way the AYF impacted you?
Miniwanca was life changing for me. I came from a privileged background of private schools, a comfortable lifestyle, and happily married parents. The classmates around me at my private school were all like me. There was very minimal diversity.

Going to Miniwanca, particularly my first several years when the program was international, was a bit mind blowing. To be able to deep dive into hard, emotionally challenging topics with teens from different countries, cities, and suburbs was the most eye-opening experience of my young adulthood.

It as the first opportunity I’d had to have those deep discussions in my everyday life. Being able to experience it through the eyes of a different culture, race, socioeconomic status, family structure, or gender was one of the most impactful lessons in tolerance, curiosity, and empathy. There are truly formative memories I hold close to my heart of very specific interactions that changed my worldview for the better.

How has AYF impacted your family?
My best friends are from camp, and so many decades later, our kids are old enough to start attending NLC themselves. I am so excited that my oldest son will  join me on the dunes this June for his inaugural year of NLC.

All three of my kids started attending summer camp at Miniwanca as soon as they were 8 years old and could register. They continue to go back yearly, and I can see the confidence it brings them to be independent thinkers and learn how to live without Mom and Dad beside them every step of the way. As my other two get old enough, they will also join Mom on the sand dunes for NLC, and I can’t wait!

Why do you support the AYF today?
I support the AYF because of their life-changing programming and because of the positive impacts I have seen in the teens I have helped facilitate and mentor over two decades with Miniwanca. If we can continue to encourage leading with curiosity, empathy, reflection, and bravery, then I think our world would be a much better place.

Why should others support the AYF through financial gifts or volunteering?
For the same reason that I choose to personally support the AYF: cultivating our future leaders in the art of curiosity, kindness, empathy, knowledge, and bravery will have long lasting impact on the future of our world as a whole.

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“I look forward to this week every year,” said NLC co-director Erin O’Brien. “We love seeing our community return to the dunes and experience powerful growth and development in such a short time.”

NLC is the American Youth Foundation’s longest-running program. It has evolved through the decades to meet the changing needs of youth today. This four-year progressive leadership development program encourages teens and young adults to discover their own values and to use their voice to advocate for themselves and others in their communities.

There was no graduating fourth-year class this year (NLC was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic), but Miniwanca welcomed nearly 100 new participants who joined the first-year class.

One highlight of each summer is when the first-year class reveals its banner and songs to the NLC community. The class creates its banner after several days of careful discussion and reflection. This year, the first-year class, Charged with Purpose, unveiled their unique, lightning bolt-shaped banner during an evening fire circle.

“I feel like I’ve grown a lot in my leadership skills, through the workshops and good discussions,” said one first-year participant. “I’ve identified what type of leader I am, and steps I can further take to grow in confidence as a leader.”

NLC co-director Michael Harter said NLC empowers young people by providing them the leadership skills and tools they need to create positive change in their home communities.

“That’s really what it’s all about,” Harter said. “We want the transformative power of this conference to extend far beyond the boundaries of Miniwanca. These teens leave here inspired and confident that their voice not only matters, but that it is also so important and necessary in the world.”

One member of the third-year class summed conference up best: “I was never able to see myself the way others did. NLC helped me see my spark.”

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“We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for our conference participants,” said NLC Co-Director Erin O’Brien. “Because of these generous supporters, students who otherwise would not have been able to attend NLC this summer will get the chance to do so.”

As in 2022, Serving Through Action, the NLC graduating class of 2010, raised the most money – $3,208 – and had the most donors give to the campaign in their name at 43.

The NLC community also showed their support in March by participating in a virtual 5K and sharing their walk, hike, run, or stroll on social media.

“Our NLC community is spread across the country, and this challenge allowed so many people to reconnect online and in person,” O’Brien said. “Their enthusiasm is a testament to the power of our transformational programs and how much they value the impact NLC has on these young leaders.

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Now, this community will answer the call again this March during the second NLC Class Challenge, a fundraiser that supports scholarships for teens to attend the 2024 conference.

The Class Challenge began in fall 2022 and raised more than $10,000, supporting 10 full scholarships to NLC 2023. NLC Co-Director Erin O’Brien said it was so successful, they knew they wanted to go even bigger this year.

“We were so impressed at our community’s enthusiasm and passion for this project,” O’Brien said. “We knew that if we moved the challenge to the spring and gave people more time to prepare, then we’d be able to support even more NLC participants through scholarship and financial aid.”

The NLC Class Challenge kicks off Monday, March 4 and runs through Thursday, March 14. As in 2022, this year’s challenge is two-fold: Which class can raise the most money, and which class can get the most donations? The winning classes will receive NLC-branded prizes.

Serving Through Action, which graduated in 2010, took both categories during the first challenge. Co-Director Beth Wilson believes several classes will give them a run for their money this year.

“The NLC community is a competitive bunch,” Wilson said. “We’re confident they’ll rise to the challenge.”

To build community across the country, O’Brien said alumni and fundraisers can join a virtual 5K via social media anytime on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10. Participants are encouraged to gather in person or simply slip on their walking shoes to take a stroll and a selfie.

“We want everyone to step out, exercise their physical fold, and share their photo on Facebook or Instagram,” O’Brien said. “Be sure to use the hashtag #NLCClassChallenge so we can all cheer each other on!”

Anyone who donates $40 or more during the fundraiser will receive a medal to commemorate their participation.

Though the challenge is focused on NLC alumni, Co-Director Michael Harter said the entire AYF community is encouraged to contribute and help young leaders discover their best at NLC 2024.

“If you don’t know a class or person associated with NLC, you can donate in support of the future class of 2025,” Harter said. “Though we’re sure there are plenty of alumni who’d love to get to know you and welcome your gift on behalf on their class!”

The NLC Class Challenge winners will be announced Thursday, April 11 at 8 p.m. ET during an informational Zoom call about NLC 2024. For more information and to receive the Zoom link in your email, sign up for the AYF email list.

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Bundy, as he’s better known by the NLC community, is a tireless advocate for youth who has dedicated his life to mentorship through NLC and another formative nonprofit, Florida 4-H. In August 2023, Florida 4-H inducted Bundy into its Hall of Fame, honoring his more than 40 years of service to the organization.

“The Florida 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding 4-H alumni, volunteers, professionals, and community leaders,” the 4-H said in a statement. “Members have made significant contributions to 4-H and their community through accomplishments in the areas of citizenship, leadership, career and character.”

Bundy participated in many 4-H programs in his youth. As an adult, he gave back to the organization that shaped him through multiple terms on the Florida 4-H Foundation Board of Directors and as a powerful fundraiser.

Florida 4-H first connected Bundy with the American Youth Foundation when he received an I Dare You Award (now called the National Leadership Award) and attended his first National Leadership Conference in 1987.

“I was hooked by Miniwanca’s scenery, the beautiful sunsets, the history of the AYF, and the best community and cabinmates ever – many of whom are still serving on NLC staff to this day,” Bundy said. “I mattered. We mattered. When I left Camp Miniwanca in 1987, I told everybody even if I had to walk, I would be back the next year. This summer will be my 34th conference at NLC. Miniwanca is my family – I’m a lifer!”

NLC Co-Director Michael Harter said Bundy puts the AYF motto into action year-round.

“His service-based leadership shows up at NLC, but goes far beyond camp. His example of unleashing his best into his community is an inspiration for us all,” Harter said. “Bundy serves with a full heart, whether singing a song, gifting some beef jerky from his not-so-secret snack stash, or in his boots and sunglasses on the final morning of conference. Thousands of youth over the years have been inspired by Todd Bundy.”

Bundy said each year, he prioritizes making sure everyone at NLC knows they matter. “I make it a mission to make sure each camper and staff member is having a great time, to see if I can lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement or worldly wisdom,” he said. “If nothing else, I let folks know that I care and try to leave them with a smile on their face. I have a heart for people.”

That passion for people and supporting the next generation has made Bundy a dedicated guiding light for hundreds of teens and young adults in NLC and 4-H.

“The AYF and 4-H are both wonderful youth organizations that are all about making a positive impact on youth and making our world a better place to live,” he said. “There is too much negativity in the world today, and these two organizations and others like them are making strides for a brighter tomorrow.”

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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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Though his career took him through retail and banking, Robinson never forgot the AYF and recently returned in a full-time capacity as Development Coordinator on the Advancement team. Here, he shares what NLC meant to him, why he came back to the AYF, and the best advice he ever received.

How did you hear about NLC and why did you decide to attend?
I first heard about NLC back in the ’90s when my older sister and cousin attended the International Leadership Conference. They still talk about their time in the mountains of New Hampshire and how it changed their lives. I just knew I had to get there some day.

What were some of your biggest takeaways from NLC?
One of the biggest takeaways for NLC is to look at life with a broader stroke to really seek to understand the world around you.

How has NLC impacted your life as an adult?
NLC gave me tools for my adult life. For example, it’s okay to walk into a space and be you, it’s okay to be different from others in the space. It also helped to create an inner safe space for me.

Why did you want to return to the AYF in a full-time capacity?
I returned to AYF because I want to make an impact and give back to the place that give me so much. It was the place where I learned it’s okay to be uncomfortable and to use that space for growth.

What are some of your primary responsibilities at Development Coordinator?
I’m responsible for working with donor and alumni information, including collection and processing of fundraising data, correspondence, reporting, supporting the St. Louis office, and running the buses to Miniwanca in the summer.

What is one of your favorite parts of your job?
My favorite part of my job is working with volunteers and making new connections with the community at large.

Why is a development team so important to a nonprofit like the AYF?
The development team is important to nonprofit organizations because we’re the team fundraising and connecting with volunteers and supporters so we can all live out the mission of the AYF and sustain its future.

When you’re not working, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Enjoy time with family and friends, researching family history, going to the movies, and trying new restaurants.

What’s the best advice you ever received?
Life is uncomfortable, but not comfort-less. We need the uncomfortable to grow, but we need comfort.

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Check out some highlights from this year’s conference below!

The post 2023 National Leadership Conference delivers powerful program appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Michael Harter, Miniwanca Director of Conferences, Community and School Programs, facilitated the leadership workshops with the support of Nestlé Purina. This valuable partnership is rooted in the founding of both organizations (William H. Danforth founded Purina and co-founded the AYF.) and continued company culture.

“Nestlé Purina is committed to increasing engagement with youth in their communities, and they give us the opportunity and space to offer high-quality programming for leadership and youth development.”

During the daylong program, the participants first toured the Purina manufacturing facilities in Davenport or Clinton, Iowa. Then, Harter led them in teambuilding activities focused on leadership and collaboration.

“The leadership lab opens up a world of possibility to youth who didn’t know it is existed before,” he said. “In a short time, it challenges them to question what they know about leadership. It’s not just being in charge. Every young person has the capacity for leadership, and it’s a skill that can be learned and practiced.”

He said the Purina Leadership Labs offer teens a sample of AYF programs, and all are encouraged to attend the weeklong National Leadership Conference.

“NLC and the Purina Learning Lab are both based in experiential education,” Harter said. “The learning labs take place in a short amount of time, but we want to give these students a taste of what leadership development can feel like outside of an academic experience.”

Harter said programs like this are vital as the AYF works to increase its reach and relevance.

“The work of the AYF is not the experience at camp. It’s what a person brings home with them, how they have grown and how they can make an impact on their community,” Harter said. “The more the AYF can reach out into communities, the wider the ideas of best self, and balanced living, and positive community can spread.”

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In late 2022, NLC Co-Directors Erin O’Brien, Beth Wilson, and Michael Harter presented NLC alumni with a challenge: Which class could raise the most money for 2023 NLC scholarships, and how many people could they get to participate?

Dozens of alumni participated in the Fuel the Founder Fire Challenge, rallying their classmates to solicit contributions from family and friends across the country. When the clock struck midnight on Jan. 31, these devoted alumni had raised $10,271 in just 30 days.

“We were so impressed with our alumni’s ability to come through during such a busy time of year,” O’Brien said. “Their continued dedication to NLC long after they’ve graduated shows how powerful their connection has remained over the years.”

The class Serving Through Action was true to its name, with 30 donations raising $6,000 of the total scholarship funds. The class To Seek Again and Again was second in total number of participants, while Capable and Strong took second in total dollars raised. The class Deeply Rooted was third in both categories.

“Turning fundraising into a friendly competition is fun, and truly we’re so grateful for every dollar and donor,” said O’Brien. “At the end of the day, 2023 NLC participants are the true winners, as all $10,271 will go toward scholarships for them.”

If you’d like to make a gift to the National Leadership Conference, you can contribute online.

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NLC Co-Director Erin O’Brien said it was emotional to reconnect with youth and volunteer staff after so much time apart.

“I got choked up several times with happiness over the simple fact that it was happening,” she said. “I am proud we were able to give the participants and staff a full conference after everything we have all been through over the last few years. I think we all needed the connections, the positive interactions, and the hope that NLC provides for so many.”

NLC 2022 saw nearly 100 first-year participants take their first steps on the dunes, as well as the welcome return of 40 third- and fourth-year participants. There was no second-year class since the program was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

For eight days, the NLC participants gathered in community and as classes, creating and strengthening bonds that will last a lifetime. The week was filled with powerful discussion, emotional reunions, and moments of levity as everyone had fun along the way.

Fellow Co-Director Beth Wilson said it was particularly powerful to watch the fourth-year class, Connected in Compassion, graduate.

“One of my favorite mission moments is when each fourth-year graduating participant said something about how NLC has changed their lives,” Wilson said. “This class literally had to wait six years to graduate and still almost 20 of them returned.”

It was also exciting to welcome the first-year participants, many of whom are the children of current and former NLC staff members. “This class will graduate in the 100th year of the AYF,” O’Brien said. “The chose the name Focus Forward Lasting Legacy – fitting for the centennial class of the AYF’s first program.”

The magic of NLC wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated NLC staff, a team of 75 volunteers from across the country who give their time and skills to host this life-changing program.

“This program wouldn’t exist without the volunteer staff. They work so hard, they show up for the participants, and each volunteer brings their own gifts to our program,” O’Brien said. “It is such a vibrant, loving, positive community filled with the most inspiring people.”

Wilson recalled the instant connection between staff and participants. “We were all there for the same reason, and after a few days when the participants got an idea what camp was like, it was a feeling I’ve never experienced before,” she said. “To see what we had worked so hard for over the past year come together and see these young adults not only have fun, but also learn about themselves and others was magical to me.”

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We recorded the webinar for those who weren’t able to make it. We hope it provides insight into the AYF’s progress toward creating powerful, inclusive, transformational program communities at Merrowvista and Miniwanca.

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High school physics teacher Robert Pike works hard to learn his students’ names within the first three days of each semester, so they feel valued and appreciated — a habit he started as a longtime mentor for National Leadership Conference.

Pike keeps a smile on NLC participants’ faces nearly every summer, but it took nearly 20 years to return to the AYF after his time as a Miniwanca camper and then volunteer, as his teaching schedule was incompatible with NLC programming. He returned to the shores of Lake Michigan when the program was moved from August to June.

Pike recalls his time at camp in the 1980s as positive and memorable, so he works to create similar experiences for first-year participants, the group he works with every year. Pike loves the conference’s emphasis on inclusion and open, respectful dialogue. He’s passionate about getting young people to work together — whether at conference or in the classroom — so that they can determine on their own what specifically they need help understanding.

Last year Campbell High School students awarded Pike the school’s MLK Humanitarian Award, which honors those who embody the spirit and mission of legendary civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Pike attributes this honor to all he has learned from participants and staff members throughout his time with AYF, passing the flame from one NLC class to the next. He said he will continue to mentor NLC participants each year because the genuine, humble philosophies of best self and balanced living established by the camp’s founders withstand the test of time.

The article originally appeared in the 2021 Founder Fire. 

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He volunteered on the National Leadership Conference and Miniwanca Boys Camp staff until 2021, when he joined the full-time team as Boys Camp Director. This summer, he takes on two roles: Miniwanca Director of Programs and NLC Co-Director. Here, he shares what summer 2021 taught him, how he cares for his own mental health during the busy camp season, and the one game he could play every single day.

Your career has always reflected an interest in youth development, particularly mental health. When and how did you realize this was a field you wanted to work in?
I first went to college to become a teacher, but decided the classroom wasn’t the most fulfilling career for me. I started working for various camps and outdoor education centers and earned a degree in experiential education instead.

During the winter, I found work in a psychiatric residential treatment facility, where I used the games, and group activities from my youth empowerment work. I intended to find another outdoor education or camp to work at the following summer, but a decade later, I was still working with that same company, this time as a licensed therapist. I used my background in experiential education to create an intensive outpatient program where kids who needed help could come and enjoy the experience of treatment.

Why did you decide to return to the AYF full-time in 2021?
The AYF was instrumental in my own empowerment. The mission and vision of the organization opened the world to a 14-year-old from a small Midwestern suburb. The rocky trails of Merrowvista and the sandy paths of Miniwanca are home to some of the most transformative experiences and conversations in my life. I jumped at the opportunity to bring that community together again, to give back to another generation of founders, especially now. I was excited at the challenge summer 2021 presented, and I’m even more excited to take on a bigger program year in 2022.

What lessons did you learn during summer 2021 that you are applying to summer 2022?
I learned just how important experiences in community are to youth and how difficult it was for folks to rebuild our community. We celebrated that challenge together.

We learned the founders’ vision of a balanced life is more important than ever. Young people made incredible sacrifices for the greater good and carried a great deal of the burden of the pandemic. The weight of those sacrifices affected them so many ways. Youth empowerment means listening to what youth tell us they need, and we learned even through adversity and uncertainty, young people thrive.

I remember early in the 2021 camp session, I watched 85 young people playing on Bryant Field and knew we brought more balance to their lives. We all came back to Miniwanca to rebuild the community. Next summer, we will return ready to build ourselves and each other even more.

What is Miniwanca doing to support our community’s mental well-being this summer?
Our days are long – Miniwanca doesn’t see darkness in the summer until nearly 10 p.m. – and there is an instinct to pack as much into that time as possible. This summer, we are creating programs that allow folks more room for balance while at camp.

There are few experiences more therapeutic than reflecting on the Lake Michigan beach in late June, and I know many people who have come to life-shifting revelations at camp. While our staff are not therapists or mental health professionals, it is still important that we recognize those needs in young people.

In 2022, this means recognizing that mental and emotional health is at the center of their development and empowerment. We know young people need extra help and support for their own well-being. That’s why we are taking time to train and learn as an organization. We will have staff trained in LEAD Camp Mental Health Certification to make sure the youth in our care are supported while at camp and have the skills, tools, and networks away from camp to grow, too.

You are also one of three NLC co-directors this year. What did the AYF feel this co-directing team was the best option for conference this year?
NLC has been staffed by volunteers for as long as I can remember, and it’s only possible because of their dedication. Erin O’Brien, Beth Wilson, and I have worked closely together for years at NLC, and our strengths really complement each other.

Erin brings a background in education and curriculum development to the leadership team. Beth is a longtime small business owner who pushes the program to its highest potential. We feel we are a great team to help the community not just with the immediate needs of NLC 2022, but also to build for growth in the next few years.

NLC reaches teens at a pivotal time in their lives. What value do you feel NLC adds to their transition from youth to young adults?
We give young people capstone experiences. We build the conference around finding ways to empower young adults to find their own agency for change in themselves and communities. We also create an environment where young adults can build their values and find ways to become their best selves.

Having a community to explore and build with during this critical developmental stage is so important. Many participants find a lifelong community in their NLC class. They have adults in official mentor roles who can be counted on year-round, not just at Miniwanca. They have peers who provide empathy and support. The NLC community is powerful for youth when they are hungry for community and connection in new ways.

What are some of your favorite Miniwanca or NLC traditions or activities you look forward to each year?
One of my favorite things each summer is watching the progression from “stranger in a strange place” to “founder of camp.” Giving and exchanging founder medals is a favorite tradition, and I really like getting another so I can give it away. Now I get to give them away by the hundreds!

At NLC, some of my favorite moments are celebrating the accomplishments of the Second Year Quest.  I love the bittersweetness of the last day of NLC, too. It is so rich with emotion and gratitude.

Miniwanca is a family affair in the Vogler-Harter household, and your three kids are also active participants in AYF programming. How have their experiences at camp affected their lives?
Even before their parents were employed by the AYF, the organization shaped who our children are today. Every year, even with such understanding of the programing, I’m astonished by their growth in a few short weeks. They are remarkable kids who can express their values, lead their peers, and better understand themselves and their place in the world because of their time at camp. We were afraid making camp a bigger piece of our family life would take away from the Miniwanca magic, but we couldn’t have been more wrong. They left camp in 2021 with the same giant smiles as they had every previous summer.

You wear many hats as Director of Programs and NLC Co-Director. How do you care for your own mental health and wellbeing, especially during the summer?
In the summer, I take time for gratitude in small ways daily. I try to stay present and participate in the community as much as possible. The fruit of my labor is the laughter and growth of youth in the program season. Being a part of that is so fulfilling.

I also make sure I take time to myself. I am a very introverted person, so small bits of solitude help me recharge. Sometimes that means a nap during rest hour, and sometimes it means standing in a field looking at stars in a rare moment of quiet.

In the off season, I love games and time with my family. Card games, board games, made-up games to complete chores – all kinds of games and play keep me in a positive mental space and able to be my best self. If every day could include game of cards, that would be perfect.

Self-care isn’t only about the fun stuff. Sometimes it’s taking the time to reflect on my own balance and how to fill my day with intention toward balance. It is impossible to be my best self if I am not caring for myself. 

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