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 three-day event kicked off a slew of centennial celebrations taking place over the next three months, giving Founder Friends across the generations a chance to commemorate the American Youth Foundation’s 100th year.

Vice President of Advancement Sandra George was thrilled to see so many people from across the country – and around the world – return to celebrate a place that had such an impact on their lives.

“We had people in their 80s connecting with kids who just participated in summer camp this year,” George said. “It was magical to see so many generations bonding over shared experiences in this timeless place.”

Almost every former and current Miniwanca program was represented: Older and Younger Girls Camp, Older and Younger Boys Camp, National Leadership Conference, International Leadership Conference, Young Adult Conference, Four Trails, adult programs like Summer Seminars for Women, and even Cedar Lake, a now-closed camp the AYF once operated in California.

“For some people, this was their first time returning to Miniwanca in 50 years,” George said. “While the trees may be taller and the buildings a bit different, the Miniwanca magic remains the same.”

The weekend was filled with sunshine and fun as attendees rediscovered all Miniwanca had to offer. Some participants enjoyed camp activities like high ropes, arts and crafts, and beach time on Lake Michigan. Others took a deep dive into Miniwanca’s past, exploring the archives with AYF Archivists Jan Strube and Karen Reimer.

And of course, there was music. From the lilting Kodaya rounds popular since camp’s early days to the foot-stomping joy of Boys Camp favorite “The Buzzard Song,” everyone was thoroughly entertained during Saturday night’s Variety Show.

Sunday morning was filled with moments of reflection and reverence during Something Sacred, and President and CEO Liz Marshall shared the vision for the next 100 years of the American Youth Foundation.

The weekend concluded with a ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Assembly building, a full circle moment as the AYF begins its second century with a new facility that honors the organization’s history and meets the needs of tomorrow’s youth.

“As we celebrate our organization’s storied past, we’re so excited for what’s to come,” Marshall said. “One hundred years ago, the Founders sat on these dunes and imagined what the AYF could be. We’re proud to carry that legacy forward into the next 100 years of empowering youth of all ages.”

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The 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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The AYF will host homecoming weekends at Miniwanca Aug. 22 to 24 and at Merrowvista Sept. 12 to 14. Participants can choose to stay onsite in a cabin or dormitory-style housing or find lodging offsite and join each day’s festivities.

Register for Miniwanca Homecoming

Register for Merrowvista Homecoming

“We are so excited to welcome back former campers and their families to our beautiful sites for a weekend of excitement, joy, and camp fun,” said Vice President of Advancement Sandra George.

Homecoming welcomes anyone with connections to Miniwanca or Merrowvista, as well as those who want to learn more about camp. Attendees will gather for three days of fun camp activities, delicious meals, and powerful community moments. They’ll also have the chance to reflect on the AYF’s history and learn what’s next for the storied organization.

“We are growing in so many new ways, and we look to our community to help us build on that momentum as we prepare the next generations to discover and unleash their best for another 100 years,” said AYF President and CEO Liz Marshall.

Miniwanca will also host the next Girls Camp Reunion from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. The reunion, which takes place every five years, welcomes generations of Miniwanca Girls Camp alums back to the dunes for a long weekend of friendship and connection. While the homecoming weekend is open to anyone, reunion participants must be 18 or older and former Girls Camp participants or staff.

Register for Girls Camp Reunion

“This is one of our most anticipated alumni events,” said Director of Adult Programs Holley Young. “Girls Camp Reunion reunites so many women from across the decades who are connected through their shared camp experiences.”

The centennial festivities wrap in St. Louis this fall when the AYF hosts a BBQ Birthday Party on Oct. 18 in Tower Grove Park, presented by Nestlé Purina PetCare. Tickets are $10 each, and everyone is welcome to join for tasty St. Louis barbecue, AYF-themed games, and birthday cake.

Also in St. Louis on Oct. 18, the AYF hosts the Checkerboard Gala, a fundraiser and awards dinner at the Trolley Room in Forest Park. Guests will don cocktail or creative checkerboard attire as we wrap a year of festivity and connection. Tickets are limited and will be available later this spring.

Register for the St. Louis BBQ Birthday Party

Learn more about the Checkerboard Gala

“We’re so excited to gather so many Founder Friends as we honor our past and celebrate our future,” Marshall said.

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In 2022, the AYF Board of Directors and senior leadership team embarked on a multiyear strategic planning process to assess what the organization does well and how it can grow.

“The AYF is fortunate to be in possession of these magical properties where we create program communities focused on what kids need right now,” said President Liz Marshall. “The strategic planning process gave us chance to step back, be thoughtful, and to tune up language and mission to best meet the needs of kids of today and the future.”

Setting up the AYF for the next 100 years is no small task. That’s why leadership tapped Tucker Branham of Change Develop Move, a consulting organization with national reach, to help with the strategic planning process. In addition to her professional expertise, Branham is also a Miniwanca program alumna and former seasonal staffer.

“Tucker has a unique combination of professional experience and a personal understanding of the AYF’s strengths,” Marshall said.

Branham and the leadership team began the process by listening. They spent months consulting with individuals across the AYF community, including current and past staff and program participants at National Leadership Conference, Miniwanca and Merrowvista; parents and caregivers; and board members. They also conducted surveys and focus groups about the values and direction of AYF work.

“While listening to alumni, I was struck by how frequently the same words and themes came up across the generations: inspirational programming, celebrating the best in others, exploring different perspectives,” Branham said. “People feel passionately about the experience they had and want to make sure those experiences are available to others in the future.”

This feedback laid the foundation for a strategic planning taskforce and staff committee to begin developing and implementing a strategic plan.

Marshall said the next step was to identify and assess the organization’s values. “At a moment like a centennial, you can go in a lot of different directions. There are a lot of competing priorities,” she said. “Starting the process with values means wherever we go will be grounded in culture code of the AYF. It will keep key decisions around policy, practice, and assessment rooted in the common language of community values.”

With these values established, the taskforce turned its attention to the AYF’s new vision and mission. The vision, Branham explained, serves as the “grand why” of the AYF’s existence and the impact it aspires to create. After careful consideration, the AYF declared its new vision for the next 100 years: Inspired people unleashing their best in the world.

“This language harkens back to the inspiration at the core of the organization since it was founded in 1925, interpreting it in a new way for this century,” said former President Anna Kay Vorsteg.

The new mission statement articulates how the AYF intends to put that vision into action: The American Youth Foundation dares people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others, inspires them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges, and emboldens them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

“The AYF’s incredible strength lies in its legacy of powerful youth programming,” Marshall said. “The language and vision of original founders – that all people should be welcome to the work of discovering and developing their four-fold best selves – is evident in our new mission. We are continuing the tradition of everyone doing their own internal work to become their best, then contributing to a larger community.”

Developing a new organizational vision, mission, and values is careful, theoretical work. The second phase of the strategic plan creates and implements strategies and objectives that put those concepts into practice.

The AYF is evaluating five strategic components to ensure the relevance and reach of its transformational youth programming: participants, staff, programs, places, and finance. Each of these components has key objectives and targets to reach in the next few years.

For example, the AYF recognizes that increasing recruitment and retention rates are vital to attract and retain a broad and diverse base of participants open to pursuing their best and supporting the best in others.

“There’s a real need to rebuild and fill our communities,” Marshall said. “Growing back to our full capacity post-pandemic is not quick or easy, so before we can expand in significant ways, we have to shore up the core of our unique program communities and fill them with participants.”

By 2026, the AYF hopes to be back at full enrollment of summer camp programs, serving more than 500 Merrowvista campers, nearly 800 Miniwanca campers, and nearly 300 National Leadership Conference participants. Data-driven, outcomes-based decision making regarding program offerings, staffing models, and more are vital to this process.

The strategic plan also includes a focus on the physical sites and facilities through a master plan for renovation and upgrading the sites with safe, inviting buildings to house programs. Finance goals include expanding revenue as a nonprofit by looking to new partnerships with individuals, family foundations, and corporate organizations that can invest in and help fund existing and new program initiatives.

“This is why it’s so important to undertake the strategic planning process before the centennial campaign,” Marshall said. “It will help us understand where we want to grow organizationally and to be intentional in the work of rebuilding after the pandemic.”

Ultimately, the strategic plan illustrates the AYF’s continuing commitment to investing in youth.

“Our first and most important value supports youth through powerful programming in community,” Vorsteg said. “The AYF is doing the vital groundwork necessary to meet the needs of kids today and the next century through outdoor adventures. We will continue to empower them to connect with their own ideas and values, so they can act with purpose and integrity to improve their communities and the larger world, now and for decades to come.”

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George said the goal of these groups is to provide opportunities for Miniwanca and Merrowvista program alumns, current participant families, and seasonal staff to remain connected to the AYF and to develop and strengthen relationships within their own communities.

“The Regional Action Networks will gather our Founder Friends in cities across the country for social activities, lifelong learning, and community service,” George said. “We also hope these ambassadors will help us share more information about AYF programs in their communities and collaborate with regional partners to advance the AYF mission.”

The first AYF Regional Network launched this month in Cleveland, Ohio. Shane Hinde, Mary Leach, Julie Meadows, and Meg Nystrom serve as AYF Cleveland Ambassadors.

“These volunteer ambassadors will plan at least two events a year where AYF alums can gather for connection, community service, professional development, and fun,” George said.

The Cleveland group planned to host its first event, a beach cleanup, in April, but it was canceled due to inclement weather. The ambassadors are excited to schedule another event soon.

“This group will be a fantastic opportunity to join hands with other AYF enthusiasts in the Cleveland area and make a tangible difference in the community while enjoying the beauty of local natural spaces,” Leach said.

A second Regional Action Network recently launched in Los Angeles; Miniwanca alums JT Max and Blake Ives serve as ambassadors and are in the early stages of planning their first event.

Those interested in learning more about the AYF in Cleveland or Los Angeles can join their private Facebook Groups: AYF Cleveland Regional Action Network and AYF Los Angeles Regional Action Network.

“As we enter our 100th year serving youth, we’re hopeful these groups will help the AYF expand our reach and connect with new families and community partners across the country,” Marshall said. “I’ve heard from so many adults today that their childhood experiences at Merrowvista or Miniwanca shaped who they are. We can’t wait to watch these dedicated individuals gather and unleash their best on their home communities.”

More Regional Action Networks are planned for cities with sizable AYF populations, such as Chicago, St. Louis, Boston, and many more. If you’re interested in serving as an AYF Ambassador for your community or would like to learn more, please email advancement@ayf.com.

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