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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For three days, these Founder Friends reconnected on the Farmhouse porch, along the cool waters of Dan Hole Pond, and atop the grassy expanse of the A-field, sharing their favorite memories of Merrowvista days gone by.

Vice President of Communications and Impact Kris Light said it was inspiring to see so many people return to camp. “It’s been several decades since some people were at Merrowvista,” he said. “It’s so special to have so many generations with such strong connections to camp rekindling their spark over the weekend.”

The weekend was filled with exploration, fun, and reminiscing, starting with an Italian dinner al fresco at Dan Hole Pond Friday night. Saturday was filled with interest groups like arts and crafts, archery, sailing and boating, swimming, hikes to The Ledge, and more. AYF Archivist Jan Strube brought her extensive AYF knowledge to The Bahn, setting up an in-depth display of 100 years in the Ossipee Mountains.

The day ended with a spirited Four Fold Relay, featuring classic elements like tent building, thawing and donning a frozen t-shirt, and a mad scramble to find a flag buried in the volleyball sand. After a delicious surf and turf meal, everyone trekked to the Fire Circle for singing and reflection from participants through the decades.

AYF President and CEO Liz Marshall shared her own Merrowvista experience and said she was moved by the obvious pride and love of the New Hampshire camp.

“I am standing in a circle of people of all ages who said yes to coming home to Merrowvista,” said Marshall. “And you have come home to a place where you will always belong. You are the people who have created this home: for yourselves, for the campers, for those who came before us, and for those are still going to come.”

Former President Anna Kay Vorsteg joined Sunday morning for moments of reverence and reflection during Something Sacred. After, Marshall, Light, Board Chair DD Danforth Burlin, and the Merrowvista team shared the vision for the next 100 years of the American Youth Foundation.

“As we celebrate our organization’s storied past, we’re so excited for what’s to come,” Marshall said. “We’re proud to carry the Founders’ legacy forward into the next 100 years of empowering youth of all ages.”

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The AYF will cap its year of centennial festivities with two special events: BBQ Birthday Party and later that night, the Checkerboard Centennial Gala.

Family Fun: BBQ Birthday Party

The BBQ Birthday Party, presented by Nestlé Purina PetCare, will take place at the Stone Shelter in Tower Grove Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This family-oriented event will include a barbecue buffet from Salt & Smoke, soft drinks, and camp-inspired games with members of our Miniwanca and Merrowvista full-time teams.

“This is a great opportunity for St. Louis-area camper families and alumni to connect in gorgeous Tower Grove Park, enjoy some delicious food, and play some favorite games with some familiar camp faces,” said Sandra George, Vice President of Advancement.

Tickets to the BBQ Birthday Party are $10 each and are available online.

Checkerboard Gala: Honoring 100 Years

Later that night, we’ll gather at The Trolley Room in Forest Park for the Checkerboard Gala celebrating 100 years of the AYF. There will be drinks, dinner, dancing, walks down memory lane, awards, and fundraising efforts to secure the AYF’s future.

“This isn’t a stuffy, black-tie affair,” George said. “We encourage guests to embrace the event’s name and get creative with their cocktail attire! Checkerboard dresses, shirts, pocket squares, socks – maybe even a checkerboard suit? We can’t wait to see what our inventive community comes up with!”

During the gala, AYF President and CEO Liz Marshall will recognize former U.S. Representative Dick Gephardt and former Energizer CEO Pat Mulcahy as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Centennial Campaign. Gephardt and Mulcahy are both Miniwanca Boys Camp alums and longtime supporters of the AYF.

The AYF will also honor former President Anna Kay Vorsteg with the AYF Lasting Legacy award in recognition of her four decades of service, selfless leadership, and enduring legacy.

Tickets to the Checkerboard Gala are $150 each and are available online.

Incoming: Homecoming!

Onsite accommodations for Miniwanca Homecoming and Merrowvista Homecoming are filling fast! Interested families are encouraged to secure their spots soon.

These exciting weekends are the perfect opportunities for families to explore Miniwanca and Merrowvista together. There’s something for every generation, from fire circles and beloved camp songs to high-energy games and Interest Groups. Both events will feature special centennial celebrations, and all attendees will receive a commemorative enameled Founder medal.

“We’re so excited to welcome Founder Friends of all generations back to Merrowvista,” said Matt Loper, Merrowvista Transition Director. “It’s going to be a weekend of fun, community, and connection.”

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Completed in 1926, The Assembly was the oldest original building at Miniwanca. J. R. Marcum, a friend of AYF founder Preston Orwig, funded the $4,000 facility. Nestled in the side of a wooded sand dune, it was a versatile space for meetings, performances and other program activities and could accommodate hundreds of campers.

The Assembly had a natural stone hearth featuring a mill stone from the Stony Creek grist mill from the 1850s. The interior of the building was also adorned with flags and banners from numerous states and countries representing AYF participants over the years. 

The Toll of Time 

As Miniwanca programs evolved, so did the Assembly building. After multiple additions on a sand footing, the original structure could no longer carry the load. In 2022, the building was taken down, and plans for its replacement began immediately. 

A New Assembly 

AYF is working with HDJ Architects and Engineers in Grand Rapids to design a space that honors the legacy of the Assembly. The AYF was introduced to HDJ by architect Natalie Fox, AYF alum and great-granddaughter of the Burmeister family, the original Assembly architect.  

With Natalie as the project lead, we are able to preserve the beloved aesthetic of Assembly, as well as adapt to the needs of today’s programs, including a large central gathering space, accessible toilets, and a much-needed storm shelter in the basement. 

The new construction of Assembly is supported by the Fuel the Fire, Fund the Future centennial campaign. Help rebuild this important landmark for the next generation! 

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Join President and CEO Liz Marshall and other AYF leadership and staff on Zoom at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT to learn more about our exciting plans for the centennial and how you can ensure the AYF’s future for the next 100 years. RSVP below to receive the Zoom link straight to your inbox!

Join on Zoom

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Join President and CEO Liz Marshall and other AYF leadership and staff on Zoom at 8 p.m. ET to learn more about our exciting plans for the AYF’s centennial year and how you can ensure the AYF’s future for the next 100 years. RSVP online.

And make sure you join us for in-person celebrations later this year at Miniwanca, Merrowvista, and in St. Louis. Miniwanca Homecoming takes place Aug. 22 to 24, and Merrowvista Homecoming takes place Sept. 11 to 14.

Both homecomings will feature classic camp activities and interest groups, as well as opportunities to explore the beautiful sites and historic facilities. Everyone will get a chance to catch up with friends, enjoy delicious meals, and more. Throughout the weekends, we will immerse ourselves in positive and powerful community at the heart of AYF programs for a century.

Onsite housing is available at Miniwanca and Merrowvista, but participants are welcome to stay elsewhere and join us onsite for all meals and activities. Rates for onsite and offsite housing are available online.

We’re also inviting Founder Friends to meet us in St. Louis Saturday, Oct. 18 for a BBQ Birthday Party in Tower Grove Park. This family-friendly event will include games, AYF-themed activities, barbecue, birthday cake, and much more. Tickets are available online.

Later that evening, we’ll don our finest creative checkerboard cocktail attire and honor those who’ve made the AYF what it is today at the Checkerboard Gala in Forest Park. Limited tickets for this fundraiser will be available online in April.

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As we prepare for the centennial year, you may have already noticed some updates to our website and logo. We understand people have a strong emotional connection to the original four-fold emblem. We do, too – that’s why it continues to be part of our AYF story.

The four-fold emblem and way of living remains a cornerstone of our program outcomes and key to our identity. It remains the front of the founder medal, is displayed prominently at both sites, and its symbolism is explained during each program.

So why did we change it? We decided the upcoming centennial was the right time to refresh our logo as we enter the next 100 years. Last year, the AYF and a design firm worked with focus groups to create a bold, youth-oriented image, inviting new young people to experience four-fold living and the timeless mission of the AYF.

This new fire design is an updated take on classic AYF imagery that symbolizes the sparks enkindled in the past fueling the fire of the future.

• The three-color fire represents the original dare: Aspire Nobly, Adventure Daringly, Serve Humbly
• The four logs symbolize the four folds that fuel the fire within
• The addition of 1925 and AYF acknowledge our founding year and how people often refer to the American Youth Foundation today.

We also invested in a new, dynamic website to help us increase our reach and relevance. The new ayf.com is more approachable to those new to the American Youth Foundation, with quick access to all our program offerings for children, teens, and adults. More updates and features are coming in 2025, and we hope you’ll check back often to see the exciting additions.

And now, I call on you to adventure with us into the next 100 years. We want and need your support to build on this momentum. You can help us sustain and expand our transformational programs, reach more people, and maintain the excellence that has defined our organization for a century. Spread the word about the camps, tell a young person about staff opportunities, and give a gift to the annual fund; all these actions make a critical difference for the AYF and the youth we serve.

Together, we will keep this legacy alive and thriving. Together, we will ensure the AYF will inspire, nurture, and empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

With gratitude and excitement for the year ahead,

Liz Marshall
President and CEO

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Please RSVP below. These events take place at private homes, and the AYF will email the exact address to guests closer to the event date.

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“These Meet the President events give me the opportunity to personally connect with our supporters across the country, some of whom haven’t been back to Miniwanca or Merrowvista in years,” she said.

Marshall said she looks forward to sharing more about how the transformative youth development programs in Michigan and New Hampshire have grown and what exciting plans lay ahead for the AYF’s centennial in 2025. It also gives her the chance to hear how the AYF has guided so many throughout their adult lives.

“I’m struck by the passion of our alums who were so moved by the power of their AYF experiences that even decades later, they can recall the people and programs that had a lasting effect on their lives,” she said. “Meeting this diverse group – some with a long history at Miniwanca and Merrowvista, others with a single impactful encounter – is inspiring. I love hearing the stories of how our camps and conferences have shaped their values, given direction to their choices, and enriched their lives.”

In early 2024, Marshall had the chance to gather with supporters in Cincinnati, Ohio and New York City and said she was thrilled to hear how eager people are to celebrate and plan for the AYF’s next 100 years.

“It’s an honor for me to meet such wonderful, supportive people who want to invest in this work and pay it forward to a whole new generation of AYF campers as we prepare to enter AYF’s next century,” she said.

The next cities Marshall will visit are:

• St. Petersburg, Florida: Thursday, April 14 from 3 to 5 p.m.

• Lexington, Massachusetts: Sunday, April. 28 from 3 to 5 p.m.

• Oak Park, Illinois: Sunday, May 19 from 3 to 5 p.m.

• Chicago, Illinois: Tuesday, May 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Los Angeles, California: September 2024 (more information to come)

• San Francisco, California: September 2024 (more information to come)

• Bloomfield, Michigan: Fall 2024 (more information to come)

Denver, Colorado: Fall 2024 (more information to come)

• Washington, D.C.: Fall 2024 (more information to come)

To join, please RSVP below. These events take place at private homes, and the AYF will email the exact address to guests closer to the event date.

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