We’re thrilled to welcome two outstanding individuals to the Miniwanca community.

Sandra George – Girls Camp Director
Sandra brings more than two decades of wide-ranging experience directing teams in complex community organizations, most recently shaping strategy as the AYF Vice President of Advancement.

A lifelong Miniwanca alum, she has been a camper, a leader, a seasonal staff member, and is a current camper parent. Colleagues know her as versatile and thoughtful with a remarkable gift for bringing people together and a joyful commitment to the traditions that make this community shine.

In this role, Sandra will continue her work as Vice President and member of the AYF Leadership Team, ensuring the Girls Camp community has a strong and experienced voice guiding its future

Landon Schumacker – Four Trails Program Manager
Landon’s path to this role winds through more than a decade of Miniwanca involvement and outdoor leadership. He has served as a Trip Leader, Program Coordinator, and Community and School Program Facilitator. He was also a camper and NLC participant.

Beyond AYF, he has led backcountry expeditions from the Mississippi River to the Appalachian Trail, instructed outdoor courses in Joshua Tree National Park, and most recently, taught music in Michigan schools.

Known as a skilled educator and mentor, Landon is eager to shape the next chapter of Four Trails and help campers grow in confidence, resilience, and a love for the outdoors.

Sandra and Landon join a dedicated year-round team that works throughout the year to ensure Miniwanca remains a place of belonging, growth, and discovery. With this group assembled, preparations for summer 2026 are well underway as we look forward to another memorable season.

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The cycling program was paused after the pandemic, giving AYF leaders the opportunity to reflect, research, and imagine what a renewed biking experience could look like for today’s youth.

In summer 2026, cycling will return to AYF with a fresh vision. AYF President Liz Marshall said the cycling landscape has changed in recent years, and rebuilding the program has allowed the AYF to approach it in new way, balancing tradition with innovation.

“The biking program still holds transformative promise, but we needed to rebuild it to meet safety standards and offer a powerful invitation for youth to discover their best,” Marshall said. “The new cycling program will provide an opportunity for personal growth grounded in our AYF core values and program outcomes.”

Daring New Adventures

Next summer, the AYF will launch a pilot season with cycling options at both sites. The AYF carefully considered the program offerings at Miniwanca and Merrowvista and developed pilot programs that best suited each site’s unique camper population.

“We will assess these pilot programs with the goal of adding more bike options at both sites in future summers,” said Marshall.

At Miniwanca, 2026 Explorers will enjoy a trip that includes both cycling and backpacking. At Merrowvista, the Trailblazer and Explorer programs will have biking components, and a new version of Voyageur will include sea kayaking, backpacking, and a cycling experience.

The new iteration of cycling prioritizes the central aspects of the AYF camp experience: building community and personal growth and development, not miles traveled.

A Culture of Safety

Since 2019, the AYF has listened, reflected, and studied the data and stories from the past. Those insights helped shape the new cycling offerings.

As with all Four Trails programs, a culture of safety will be the foundation. This means extra resources and staff, thorough training for trip leaders, pre-trip evaluations for campers, updated gear and new route standards.

The AYF has partnered with cycling and outdoor adventure experts to design trips with routes that avoid busy roads and take advantage of the expanding network of rail trails, dirt roads, and scenic rural routes.

The AYF philosophy of challenge by choice means campers will have options. Those who opt-into programs with cycling will be thoroughly prepared for the challenges that lie ahead and closely supervised on their trips. Campers who prefer not to bike will be able to challenge themselves in other ways through expanded in-camp programs and other Four Trails experiences.

Marshall said these new programs are about much more than just bringing bikes back to camp.

“We’re not reviving a trip,” she said. “We’re building a journey that empowers young people to move through the world with intention, fueled by their own energy. The return of cycling is about moving forward with purpose, care, and confidence.”

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The Odyssey program’s time at Merrowvista is an opportunity for campers to grow, connect, and celebrate their achievements with another part of the AYF community.

Preparation is key to a successful Odyssey journey. Campers spend time organizing and preparing their gear, ensuring they have everything they need for the challenges ahead. This includes packing essentials like tents, cooking equipment, and personal items into their packs.

To build confidence and readiness, they embark on a practice hike to Merrowvista’s iconic Ledge. This hike not only helps them test their gear but also gives them a taste of the physical demands of New England hiking.

Odyssey campers participate in games with the Merrowvista community, helping them build relationships with their peers. They will lead a flag raising and enjoy meals with the Merrowvista community. They also meet with their Merrowvista counterparts, who are also completing their Odyssey journeys through the 100 Mile Wilderness and the top of Mt. Katahdin.

After their transformative journeys, Miniwanca campers return to Merrowvista for a special walk-in celebration. Walking up Camp Hill, they are greeted with cheers and applause, marking the completion of their adventure. The celebration continues as they run to Dan Hole Pond and rinse off after 18 days of no showers. Rejoining the Merrowvista community for a day allows campers to share their experiences and reflect on their journey before heading back to Miniwanca, where they’re welcomed home with fanfare and cheer during Nostos.

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

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

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

Re-Ration

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

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

Nostos

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

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

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One of the most enchanting aspects of this trip is the diverse wildlife they will encounter along the way. From the moment Adventurers dip their paddle into the water, the river comes alive with the sights and sounds of its inhabitants.

Adventurers can keep an eye out for the majestic blue herons standing tall on the riverbanks. They might also spot ducks paddling alongside their canoe and hear songbirds hidden in the trees.

Deer are often seen grazing near the water’s edge, and if they’re lucky, Adventurers might see a beaver building its dam. Raccoons and squirrels are also frequent visitors, adding to the lively atmosphere of the river – and a reminder to keep campsites tidy to avoid nocturnal visitors.

Beneath the surface, fish dart through the clear waters. The river is a haven for anglers, with species like trout and bass offering a rewarding challenge. Watching the fish swim by as you paddle is a mesmerizing experience.

Encountering wildlife on the Au Sable River reminds campers of the importance of stewarding the environment, a core value of the AYF. The river’s ecosystem is delicate, and efforts to preserve its natural habitat are crucial. Following Leave No Trace Ethics like respecting the wildlife and maintaining the cleanliness of the river ensures that future trips can enjoy the same breathtaking encounters.

Whether it’s the thrill of spotting a deer or the joy of watching ducks play, these moments create lasting memories to go alongside the stories and songs groups share on the river. Canoeing on the Au Sable River is more than a physical journey; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

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1. Crossing the Mackinac Bridge: The adventure begins with a drive to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. To get there, Explorers cross the Mackinac Bridge. This engineering marvel is a 5-mile long bridge, offered stunning views of the surrounding waters and sets the tone for the journey ahead.
2. Visiting the Log Slide The trail takes Explorers past the famous Log Slide, a historic site where logs were once sent down a steep sand dune to the lake below to be floated to a logging mill. The dune sits 175 feet above Lake Superior and is a steep climb if you journey down. The panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking, showing the group their first look at Lake Superior.

   

3. Swimming in Lake Superior along 12 Mile Beach After miles of hiking, the Explorers enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior along 12 Mile Beach. The waters are chilly, but the pristine shoreline and smooth pebbles on the beach provided a chance to relax and soak in the natural beauty.
4. The Old Car in the Woods: During their trek, Explorers come across the old, abandoned car deep in the woods. This unexpected find is a relic of the areas logging history. No one really knows where it came from or how it ended up in the area.

   

5. Miners Castle: The journey concludes with a visit to Miners Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks of Picture Rocks National Lakeshore. The stunning rock formations and sweeping views of Lake Superior are a fitting end to an incredible adventure.

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When the Trailblazers aren’t at Graceland, the Four Trails headquarters, they are out on Stony Lake learning about canoeing. They learn safety basics, practice different strokes, and play games like Red Light, Green Light to practice their new skills. A favorite day is “T-Rescue Day,” where they practice helping a capsized boat, draining it, and climbing back inside. It’s a fun day with a lot of swimming in the lake.

Trailblazers do a practice trip called a Shakedown to a remote part of the Miniwanca property called the Well Site. They pack their bags with the gear they will use on their trip to make sure everything is ready for their adventure.

After all this preparation, they’re ready to hit the trail. Both parts of the trip take place on the Manistee River and the Manistee River Trail. The groups that canoe first head up to the Hodenpyl Dam Pond, where they start their journey before portaging around the dam and heading downriver and camping in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Wildlife sightings are common on this trip, including bald eagles soaring over the river.

The backpacking groups hike along the Manistee River Trail on the bluffs above the river. They hike through old growth forests and get to spy a deer grazing near the trail or a bat swooping over their campfire at night.

After completing the first mode of their trip, they return to Miniwanca and spend a day swapping gear for their next trip. They will head back out to paddle and hike for their second trip the next day. Trailblazers return from their trips triumphantly, having conquered their first Four Trails trip.

The last week of camp is spent celebrating, sharing stories and jumping back into in-camp life. The trip lends them new skills and confidence as they reenter the camp community.  Trailblazers join in with the rest of the eight-grade age group to do in camp favorites like interest groups and nights doings.

We are so proud of them for taking on this new challenge as Miniwanca campers and can’t wait to see where the trail takes them in the future!

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Trip Leaders

The Four Trails Trip Leaders are seasonal youth development professionals who co-lead trip groups on backpacking, canoeing, and sea kayaking trips. Their focus throughout the summer is:

• Mentoring and guiding campers: Our trip leaders are passionate outdoor professionals. You can often find them in the off-season on their own adventures guiding trips at their college or with friends.
• Ensuring safety: Trip Leaders undergo rigorous training to handle trail emergencies. They learn medical skills, learn to read weather and trail conditions, delve into itineraries, and practice emergency procedures with their trail gear, including satellite phones.
• Teaching outdoor skills and facilitating group activities: Leaders teach campers outdoor ethics, Leave No Trace skills, camp craft, and wilderness self-care. They lead discussions, debriefings, and evening reflections on the trail.

Four Trails Coordinators

The Four Trails Coordinators support the overall Four Trails program. You can find them working on:

• Trip Preparation: The coordinators assign group gear, coordinate any repairs, and help campers who are missing any gear when they get to camp.
• Support and training: You can find coordinators assisting trip leaders with programming, facilitation, and camper challenges, and leading staff training activities.
• Updating the In-Camp Community: Coordinators share trip reports with the camp community while groups are on trail. These reports include trip locations, distances traveled, and milestones. They prepare the community to send groups off and celebrate their return.

Four Trails Specialist

Four Trails Specialists are here to help wherever they can! They cover for trip leaders on days off, help with food pack out and teach skills, are a ready to share their stories from their adventures on trail.

Why Our Leaders Stand Out

• Experience and Passion: Many of our leaders have been part of the Miniwanca community for years, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for outdoor education and youth empowerment.
• Commitment to Safety: Our leaders are trained to handle a variety of situations, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all campers.
• Focus on Growth: They are dedicated to helping campers grow personally and develop essential life skills through challenging and rewarding outdoor experiences.

We love our amazing Four Trails staff and we can’t wait for them to lead our campers on awesome adventures this summer!

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As the logistics coordinator, I work from our base camp office, which is known around camp as “OCE.” This is the very first stop for campers when they return from a trip to drop off their gear, which means I’m one of the first people to ask how their trip went.
I’m often greeted with the same answer: “Good.” (Sometimes I also hear complaints about bugs, bad weather and heavy backpacks.)

However, I’ve learned if I ask those same campers about their trip a few days later, after they’ve had time to sleep and shower, I hear the good stuff.

Like how our Carter Dome campers got hit with a rainstorm their first day on trail, soaking them all the way down to their hiking boots. One camper decided to create a pair of slippers, made up of leaves and tall grass. Other campers followed suit, and soon everyone had the perfect slippers to wear around the campsite, affectionately dubbed, “Birkin-Docks.”

Canaan Village also encountered rain on their hike, but the downpour enhanced their trip. While hiking, they found a natural waterslide that emptied into a wading pool, which thanks to the rain, was full enough to swim in. “It kind of looked like a bathtub,” one camper explained, “so we called it nature’s bathtub. It was just as good as showering.”

Try-Pyramid was excited to hike, but they hadn’t realized how much they would miss camp while they were away. To combat this “camp-sickness,” Tri-Py treated their trail meals just like the ones in the Eating Lodge, sharing a moment of gratitude, making announcements and singing the Arlos song. They even took turns hiding their own Woody the Hedgehog.

Being on trail among peers inspires creativity, gratitude, and bonds between groups, especially when it comes to our older campers in the Four Trails program. When I spoke to Flagg Village about their six-day canoe trip, they were all sitting in a circle, reflecting on the silly moments they’d shared, but quickly, they got reflective. “We all went into this trip not knowing each other,” a Flagg camper shared. “Now after spending all that time together, we’re like family.”

My time working in OCE and hearing these stories has strengthened my belief that these trips are so worth it — despite the bugs, the rain, and the heavy packs. Each camper returns just a little more confident than they left and full of stories they will carry with them always.

I’m reminded daily of the words of one returning Katahdin camper who smiled as she said: “That was the hardest but coolest thing I’ve ever done.”

Jane Miller
Logistics Coordinator

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You attended camp and worked seasonally at Miniwanca for years. Why did you decide to take a full-time job at Merrowvista?
“I have been working in the outdoor education industry as a field instructor since I graduated in 2020, and as I gained more experience, I started to keep the AYF in the back of my mind and look out for full-time positions. I loved my time as a seasonal staff member at Miniwanca and had been thinking about what it would be like to be full-time for a while.

“The job at Merrowvista came at a really good time for me and was a next step that made a lot of sense personally and professionally. I am really inspired by the work that we do at the AYF, and whether I am at Merrowvista or Miniwanca, I will always feel excited about what we do at this organization!”

What’s one of your favorite Four Trails moments?
“Toward the end of my Odyssey trip, all three trip groups were staying at the same campsite, and the boys’ group led an Evening Reflection. We tried to sing some songs, which sounded pretty bad since no one was singing very boldly and there was a lot of giggling, but I remember feeling so connected to everyone in our little circle, even though each group had had mostly separate journeys.

“One of the leaders shared some words about the trip along the lines of ‘Days are long, but Odyssey is short,’ which inspired me then and sticks with me to this day as a reminder to remember to have perspective and enjoy the long days because years can somehow happen suddenly.”

Where did the nickname Earl come from?
“During rest hour my first year as a camper, we were chatting (not good rest hour behavior!) and talking about what our parents would have named us if we were boys. I said my parents would have named me Earl. Everyone thought that was very funny, and it stuck for a decade.”

What were your first impressions of Merrowvista? How does it compare to Miniwanca?
“I have loved getting to know Merrowvista! It has been so lovely to spend some time in the valley and see another side of the AYF. So far, it is much less sandy and quite a bit steeper overall than Miniwanca.”

What drew you to working full-time for the AYF?
“I was thinking about transitioning from working in the field for a while and wanted to find a job that was more sustainable for me but felt equally fulfilling, and I think I have found that with the AYF. There are so many things that resonate with me about the work, but I think it comes down to our participants. For a lot of young people, there’s a lack of intentional community and structures for deep connection, and I think the AYF does a really good job of providing that.

“The world often feels grim, and for me, the way I can have hope for the future is to work with young people and help them be their best selves. I feel so grateful for the way that the community and connections I made at Miniwanca shaped me as a young person, and I think the more people that can have an experience like that, through the AYF or another avenue, the better for them and for our collective future.”

As the new Four Trails Manager, what are you most looking forward to this summer?
“Right now, I am really looking forward to staff training. I am so excited to meet our seasonal staff, build relationships, and share some of my knowledge with them. I am hoping to be a strong support for our Four Trails leaders this summer and help them create the Merrowvista magic.”

How do Four Trails programs challenge campers beyond the physical element? How do these programs change campers?
“A sentiment echoed at each outdoor education company I have worked at is that play is practice for real life. These trips teach our campers so many valuable life skills, some of which they might not realize for years to come. When I think about what has informed my values and how I move through the world, important parts of it started at Miniwanca.

“Our campers learn to be resilient at the end of long, wet days. They learn to be independent by setting up their shelters and cooking their meals. They learn how to be present by disconnecting from technology.

“Most importantly, they learn how to be in community. They learn what it is like to be part of a group where everyone contributes and where conflict is not avoided but worked through and healed. They learn how to get along with someone they might not if they had the choice. They learn to have empathy and grace for that person and understand why they might see the world differently. Our youth are capable of so much and being on these trips helps them realize their gifts and how to use them to lift up themselves and those around them.”

What advice do you have for a camper embarking on their first Four Trails experience?
“My advice is to lean in! This trip is what you make it. We are all here for each other at Merrowvista and on trail, you get to re-create that community in new places with your group.

If you could go on a Merrowvista Four Trails trip this year, is there one you’d really like to try?
“I would love to go on Odyssey. I have done lots of hiking on the Appalachian Trail but never in Maine, and it seems so beautiful and challenging.”

What are some of your favorite things to outside of work?
“I love to do small crafts! I have recently been excited about crocheting little baskets, carving little spoons, and making little leather notebooks.”

What piece of media changed the way you thought about something and why?
“One of my co-leaders shared the short essay ‘Joyas Voladores’ by Brian Doyle with me and our group one evening on a trip several years ago, and it has become one that I love to share with groups at the end of trips. I think everyone should read it, so I won’t spoil it, but it is about being a person with a heart and that that is a hard thing, but it is also a very joyful thing. It helped me realize that it is a gift to have a heart that can feel everything from pain and sorrow to joy and love. It is a gift to be able to share your heart.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Merrowvista or larger AYF community?
“I am so happy to be back at the AYF and that I welcome connection in any form. Please feel free to reach out about the program or just to chat, even if we don’t know each other!”

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