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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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!”

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

“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.

The post NLC Class Challenge raises more than $15,000 for scholarships appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

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.

The post 2024 NLC Class Challenge kicks off March 4 appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

“We all look at NLC as such a place of hope,” said NLC Co-Director Erin O’Brien said. “We see that in the participants, and it reminds us there are things to be hopeful for. Future generations will make big positive changes.”

This year, NLC saw new leadership under O’Brien and fellow Co-Directors Michael Harter and Beth Wilson. The three American Youth Foundation staff members worked hard to prepare a transformational eight-day experience for teens and young adults – familiar territory, as each spent several years as NLC volunteer staff.

Wilson said these dedicated individuals are key to the program’s success. “Volunteers work their tails off,” said Wilson. “Not only that, but they also have such a positive energy that we couldn’t bring without them. When I leave, my heart is so full because the participants and the volunteers give their all.”

This year, approximately 75 volunteers dedicated countless hours to planning and executing this powerful week. When volunteers describe their experience with NLC, the concept of community inevitably creeps into the conversation. It’s the driving force that motivates them to come back year after year – in some cases for decades – to put on a life-changing program full of tradition and transformational moments.

Most people join the volunteer staff after they complete the NLC program themselves. That was the case for Shawn Herron, but unlike most volunteers, he returned in 2018, more than 30 years after he was a program participant.

“It felt like coming home,” he said. “I don’t remember the curriculum and I don’t remember a lot of the specifics from 30 years ago, but I remember the feeling and the sense of community. That’s the biggest part of the experience.”

Herron credits the passion NLC elicits to the connection, commitment, and shared values of staff and participants. Herron also enjoys being able to support high schoolers knowing the impact NLC had on his life.

Similarly, Isabella Pallotto’s experience as a participant stuck with her. Shortly after graduating NLC, she chose to volunteer and give back to the program that gave her so much.

“We just get to meet so many great high schoolers who are truly leaders in their community,” she said. “It’s so amazing, and I think when we go back into the real world where things like the political landscape can be so hard, we can feel a little helpless. Coming to NLC and seeing so many young people who are so excited and passionate … that’s really special and inspiring to witness every year.”

Pallotto said everybody who attends leaves with new friends, whether they’re returning or first-time participants. The group works to make everyone feel comfortable and included from the start.

O’Brien echoed that sentiment, noting that volunteers and participants feel like a family who provides unconditional support to everyone and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. She added that many volunteers choked up when they saw the participants walk into camp for the first time in two years.

“There are so many people who have volunteered longer than I have and who have given up that time in their lives,” she said. “That’s not an easy thing to do, to ask someone in the middle of summer to volunteer two whole weeks of their time. I think it really speaks to how much we love what we’re doing, how much we believe in youth empowerment and how much it brings us together.”

Wilson said one of the reasons she continues to give her all to NLC is because during every conference, the participants teach her something new about the world or herself. O’Brien said seeing and experiencing everyone’s personal growth keeps her motivated.

“It’s life changing,” she said. “I think every single person who has been a part of it can say that NLC has changed their lives in some way – whether it’s relationships or the things that they learned while they were there.”

The post NLC volunteer staff serve humbly 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.

The post NLC Class Challenge raises $10,000 for 2023 scholarships appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

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.

The post Advancing Toward Our Best appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

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. 

The post Staff Spotlight: Miniwanca’s Michael Harter appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

National Leadership Conference participants were finally able to gather on the dunes of Miniwanca once again in 2021, albeit in a new, more intimate way.

While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the traditional eight-day annual conference, the American Youth Foundation hosted two four-day mini-conferences, bringing both challenges and unexpected benefits. The first mini-conference from July 22 to 25, 2021 welcomed 32 participants from the Connected in Compassion and yunážiŋkhiyA classes, and the second took place July 29 to Aug. 1, 2021 with 12 members of the Bold Hearts, Rising Voice class.

2021 central staff member and current NLC Co-Director Erin O’Brien has been a part of NLC since summer 2000 — she graduated as a participant and has volunteered ever since. She loves being witness to those “a-ha” moments where people connect with an idea or learn something about themselves. This year’s conference, she said, provided plenty of those same moments, despite being shorter and smaller than a typical year.

“I think people really needed the familiarity and knowing that that positive community is still there, and that even with all these crazy things going on in the world, we are still a place where you can have safe, open conversations about things that might be difficult to talk about,” she said.

Claire Swayze is a member of the Bold Hearts, Rising Voice class and attended the mini-conference. She felt the conversations were deeper, and it was easier to be more open and authentic in the smaller group.

“The one thing that I really noticed is by splitting up the conferences, we really got to deep dive into some of the things that have been going on in the world, and I got to form some really close connections with those from my class that did attend,” Swayze said.

Like Swayze, Landon Schumacker, a member of the yunážiŋkhiyA class, said the smaller group afforded some intimacy not usually found at the larger conference. One of his 2021 standout NLC moments was the Opening Fire, usually a loud and raucous event with hundreds of people. This year, he said the energy was totally different, but no less inspiring.

“That was one of the first times during the conference — and I would have this moment several times over — where I was like, ‘This is the same, this is great,’” Schumacker said. “It didn’t feel abbreviated or super altered. It felt like conference in a really fantastic and really impactful way.”

Class mentor Amy Hughes said 2020 was tough, especially for the participants slated to graduate, because the virtual NLC-Z in 2020 was so different and challenging. This year, she and other organizers worked hard to turn the traditional eight-day experience into four days with purpose and meaning.

“We very intentionally went through the curriculum — you can imagine it’s very hard to go through a seven-day curriculum and try to put it basically within 48 hours — and it took a tremendous amount of time and lots of Zoom sessions back and forth with my co-mentors,” she said.

O’Brien echoed that, saying finding a balance of feeling prepared and not feeling overwhelmed was the most challenging element of the mini-conferences . They wanted to be sure the participants got something meaningful out of the conference but didn’t feel stretched thin. Both staff members said they hope to continue to be able to pivot the curriculum once the conference goes back to its full eight days in 2022.

Intentionality is also something else O’Brien emphasized, noting participants gathered frequently to ask important questions and made sure there was time and space for everyone to feel like they had a voice. This, she noted, is not always the case in the larger group setting.

Hughes said the modifications also changed the way in which organizers measured the success of the event — moving away from a numerical-based assessment of retention to direct feedback from participants.

“The kids in the class were so wonderful to each other, and so I think that was one of the other surrogate markers for us,” she said.

Both Schumacker and Swayze encourage anyone thinking to join NLC to do so. Schumacker said he would be “unrecognizable” without his conference experience. Swayze said the community and mission of the conference touches her heart every year and she takes pride in being a part of NLC’s legacy.

“We all are there for the same reason: We are all there to just do good in this world and to learn how to help others to do good in this world, and that is just so important,” Swayze said.

O’Brien encapsulated why the conference resonates with so many, in 2021 and historically.

“What makes it magical and what makes the connections is the positive community,” she said. “It’s about having a place to go that’s not only beautiful physically, but beautiful in the way that people treat each other, in the way that people communicate with one another and in the things that we learn about ourselves while we are there.”

The AYF is thrilled to announce that National Leadership Conference will return to its original eight-day format in 2022. This year’s NLC will be June 11 to 18; registration is now open.

The post NLC finds closer connection in 2021 appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Next year will also see three longtime NLC staff answer the call to leadership. Miniwanca Director of Programs Michael Harter and NLC Central Staff Members Erin O’Brien and Beth Wilson will serve as NLC co-directors, working together to enhance the conference experience for all staff and participants.

Erin has been with NLC 23 consecutive years, as a member of the Leaders for a New Beginning class, a mentor, and staff.

“I am so excited to collaborate with our team to create a conference experience that brings joy, connection, and inspiration to all staff and participants and embodies the AYF’s mission and core values,” she said.

Beth Wilson has been a participant, mentor, and staff member since 1989. “I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without NLC in my life,” she said. “As a director this year I hope to be part of changing lives for the better and watching these young adults flourish.”

Michael also has more than 20 years experience with NLC, graduating as a member of To Give Light in 1998 and mentoring classes at Merrowvista and Miniwanca.

“I am ready to help bring this community back together and build on the quality of youth development that happened in summer 2021,” Michael said. “The NLC community is such an important part of the larger AYF family, and I feel so lucky to help move our community forward.”

The leadership team’s first step is to build the 2022 staff team. Applications will open in mid-November, and they encourage all interested individuals to apply.

As the AYF continues to navigate evolving pandemic conditions, it will share testing, masking, and vaccination protocols for staff and participants. Visit ayf.com for more information about rates, scholarships, registration and more as it develops, and interested participants are encouraged to sign up for our email list to receive updates as soon as they become available.

As the AYF continues to navigate evolving pandemic conditions, it will share testing, masking, and vaccination protocols for staff and participants. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email nlc@ayf.com. Thank you for your continued support!

The post NLC welcomes new co-director team appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

I hope this finds you well despite the very real challenges posed by the pandemic. If only COVID-19 were merely a hypothetical leadership scenario on the sand dunes. Sadly, it is not, and so we continue to navigate this serious situation together. Today, we want to update you on the status of 2021 NLC and gauge your interest and ability to attend conference in an altered form this summer.

Our programming abilities in 2021 will be seriously restricted by the current CDC, state, and licensing regulations. The American Youth Foundation Board and staff have determined we cannot offer the traditional eight-day, in-person conference at Miniwanca in June. The shorter program format, staffing model, and demands of travel do not align with current requirements placed upon us. Know that we have every intention to offer programming for the NLC community in mid to late summer 2021, but it is too soon to know when, where, and what it will be.

For these reasons, we will wait until March to announce the plan for the 2021 National Leadership Conference. If conditions improve, we will update you with good news of greater possibilities. We believe this is the most honest and transparent approach to take with our families and participants. After a year of so much disappointment, we do not want to overpromise and under-deliver. We wish more of this were in our control. But we intend to grab the variables we can control and make something powerful from them.

Despite this pandemic, we will continue our march toward a full return of the National Leadership Conference and to ultimately do more, not less, than ever before. We will work to ensure a strong finish for the khiyA and Connected in Compassion classes who started so strongly. This is AYF’s legacy program, and it will endure!

Never Give Up…

Anna Kay Vorsteg
AYF President

The post Important update about NLC 2021 appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

The origins of the National Leadership Conference are rooted in the earliest days of the American Youth Foundation. Learn about the evolution of this flagship program from 1925 to today.

Take a closer look at the photos and artifacts in this presentation in the AYF Digital Archives.

Explore hundreds of artifacts and submit your own to help preserve the organization’s history in the AYF Digital Archives.  

The post From the Archives: National Leadership Conference appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

After her first year of high school at home in Boulder, Colorado, Lexie realized that she wanted to make a change, seeking more rigor and a deeper sense of connection in her school community. Her search led her to The Northwest School in Seattle, a boarding and day school which is both highly academic and focused on social justice and environmental sustainability. Lexie pursued this dream, was accepted and made the move out to Seattle to become part of a values driven community for her sophomore and junior years of high school.

Her experience at Northwest School opened the way to another educational adventure. Lexie was nominated to attend United World College in Mostar, Bosnia for her senior year and a gap year. This program is a two-year intensive study in an intercultural setting of 200 students total from around the world. Lexie was one of only two students from the United States who were nominated. UWC’s mission is to create peace and sustainability through education. The school in particular looks at curriculum through the lens of reconstructing community post war and conflict.

Lexie is an enkindled spirit who pursued her goals in order to become her best self and to engage in the process of working for peace and social justice in an international setting.

This article originally ran in the 2019 Founder Fire. 

The post Enkindled Spirits: Lexie Hill appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

At the end of the week, each class created a final presentation video reflecting on their NLC experiences and having a little fun.

Four Years: 

Third Years: 

Second Years: 

BHRV Ogga Chaka

Watch “BHRV Ogga Chaka” on Streamable.

The post NLC-Z 2020: Final Presentations appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

This program will allow campers to process thoughts and emotions surrounding current events and teach them how to channel that energy toward active anti-racism allyship. Kids4Peace Boston staff will offer age-appropriate curriculum for two groups: middle schoolers entering grades 7 and 8 and high schoolers entering grades 9 to 12.   

This interactive two-part online course will help kids understand racism and its many nuances (personal and structural, overt and covert, etc.) and provide tools to stand up as anti-racist allies in solidarity with the Black community and communities of color, against personal and institutional acts of racism, anti-Black violence, and white supremacy.

During Part 1, participants will:  

• Learn key concepts for understanding racism, including important terms and topics.
• Learn what it truly means to be anti-racist, not simply “not racist.”
• Start the process of creating a Personal Action Plan to navigate how to be an effective anti-racist ally.

During Part 2, participants will:  

• Learn important concepts in anti-racist allyship, such as personal versus structural racism.
• Unpack events of recent weeks, including anti-racism activism.
• Make and enact plans to take legislative action against racism and white supremacy nationally and in their communities.

Participants are asked to attend both sessions. The training is free, but space is limited.

Registration for Miniwanca and NLC sessions are now open. Click here to register.

Miniwanca Middle School Students (entering grades 7 and 8)
Part 1: Monday, July 27 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. EDT
Part 2: Monday, Aug. 3 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. EDT

Miniwanca and NLC High School Students (entering grades 9 to 12)
Part 1: Monday, July 27 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. EDT
Part 2: Monday, Aug. 3 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. EDT

The Miniwanca and NLC registration deadline is Sunday, July 26 at 6 p.m. EDT.

The post Learn to be an active anti-racist ally with Kids4Peace Boston appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

At the AYF, we believe that we are all responsible for building equitable community. Our organization’s work is to amplify the voice of youth and encourage them to speak out and take action against injustice. We know we don’t have all the answers, but we seek to work together to educate ourselves and others and to dismantle systems of oppression to create a more just world.

Let us follow the powerful example of our most recent National Leadership Conference first-year class, “Bold Hearts, Rising Voice,” to work toward the change our world so desperately needs.

The post We Must be the Change appeared first on American Youth Foundation.