The Dining Hall gets a full transformation: streamers, flickering (fake) candles, and some chill music set the mood. Tables are arranged by Quads — Breakers, Creeks, Sands, and Beaches — and our fifth-year campers sit together at head tables, joined by a staff member of their choice. That staff member writes the camper a letter and brings a bundle of their favorite snacks, a quiet, personal gesture that always means a lot.

Dinner is built around the campers’ favorite foods, turned into something fun and special by our kitchen team. It’s always a hit.

Then there’s the Wheel of Destiny, a Miniwanca classic. Campers spin for surprises like silly staff performances, Quad points, or the rare honor of becoming Boys Camp Director… for 10 whole seconds. It’s goofy, it’s joyful, and it’s full of the kind of spirit that makes Boys Camp a unique place.

More than anything, the Fifth-Year Banquet is a reminder of how important it is to celebrate each other. These campers have shaped this community in real ways. Their presence, their growth, and their leadership matter, and this night is all about lifting that up and saying, simply, “We’re glad you’re here.”

The post The Fifth-Year Banquet at Miniwanca Boys Camp appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

It starts long before the music and cheering. In the days leading up to Carn-Avail, Avail campers work behind the scenes to design every game, build props, plan the schedule, and transform a corner of Boys Camp into a full-blown carnival. This summer’s event featured a mix of wild creativity and classic camp charm: a water relay course that left campers and staff soaked and laughing, ropes strung between trees to create a “spider web” maze, a homemade skee-ball setup, trivia competitions, and so much more.

Each station was entirely camper-run. Avail participants planned their games with intention, thinking about what would be inclusive, challenging, and most of all, fun for the rest of camp. Then they had to lead: explaining rules clearly, managing lines, adjusting when things didn’t go as expected, and making sure every camper felt welcome and included.

Carn-Avail is fun, but at its core, it’s a leadership lab in disguise. Avail campers model maturity, navigate group dynamics, and show the kind of presence that makes younger campers feel seen and supported. It’s a tough job, and this summer, they rose to the challenge with energy, humor, and real care for their community.

What’s most impressive is that, by the time the carnival begins, it feels effortless, but behind the scenes, it’s been hours of brainstorming, building, troubleshooting, and teamwork. That quiet effort, that willingness to do the work for the sake of others’ joy, is what leadership at Miniwanca is all about.

In a camp full of meaningful moments, Carn-Avail stands out as something special because it reminds us what happens when young people are trusted to lead and supported as they bring their ideas to life.

The post Miniwanca Avail campers host Carn-Avail appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

In our LARP (Live Action Roleplay) group, campers do more than just swing foam swords around. They start by learning the fundamentals of safe and effective swordplay: footwork, blocking, striking zones, and how to read an opponent’s movement. These basics build not just skill, but also discipline, focus, and respect for the game and each other.

Then, campers step into character: heroes, tricksters, guardians, and adventurers. With shields raised and alliances formed, they head into mock battles where every decision counts. It’s equal parts strategy, theater, and physical play — and it’s a blast.

Meanwhile, in Dungeons & Dragons, the focus shifts from action to imagination. Over four days, campers dive into a cocreated world where choices shape the story. They roleplay as original characters, make bold moves, and sometimes face tough losses. When a character doesn’t make it, players have to adapt, roll up someone new, and re-enter the world ready for whatever’s next.

A standout moment this summer came when Boys Camp Director Tiwi stepped in as a surprise villain. His over-the-top performance pushed one group to the brink, and when a player’s character was taken out, the rest of the party pulled together, fought through the chaos, and managed to save their teammate. It wasn’t just a dramatic moment; it was a powerful example of problem-solving, collaboration, and heart.

Both programs offer more than just fun. They help campers build confidence, creativity, and communication skills. Whether it’s through a dramatic duel or a dice-fueled debate, our campers are growing into thoughtful, expressive leaders, one story at a time.

The post Worlds of Adventure: LARP and Dungeons & Dragons at Miniwanca appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

In spring 2018, Freeman returned to the AYF as a Community and School Programs Facilitator at Miniwanca, then joined the full-time team as Boys Camp Program Coordinator and then Boys Camp Director in 2019. Now he’s returned once again to lead Boys Camp this summer, and he’s so excited to be back on the dunes. Get to know Tiwi Freeman!

This is your second time as Boys Camp Director. What did you learn the first time that will inform how you approach the job this time?

“One of the biggest things I learned is how to be flexible with a schedule. We put so much time and energy into planning for the summer during the offseason. It’s very easy to get so excited about all the activities, and if plans need to change, it can be disappointing. One of favorite co-workers, Chelsea, once shared with me: ‘Don’t get comfortable!’ It’s so important to be flexible and shape the summer based on what the community needs.”

Why did you want to return to the Boys Camp Director role?

“If I’ve learned anything in my time working for the AYF, it’s that I love to serve. I knew that I still had unused capacities to serve the youth in AYF programs and that I needed to act on them. I love that this role offers so many different opportunities to help support the development of youth and young adults to be their very best.”

What are you most looking forward to in summer 2024?

“I’m looking forward to the camp atmosphere of growth and community. I can’t wait for a fire circle and seeing what wild, fun skit ideas our campers have come up with to perform for the rest of camp. I also can’t wait to sit on the porch of Stony Lodge on Bryant Field and hear the joy and laughter of camp echo through the dunes.”

Miniwanca has lots of big and small traditions. What are some of your favorite ones at Boys Camp?

“I love how the staff and youth come together at the Fifth Year Banquet to celebrate participants who have been at camp for five years or more. We have our own way of bringing fanciness to camp, and I love all the fun attention to detail that everyone brings to the night. I also really enjoy the Evening Reflections we have at the top of Baldy. I love looking over the huge dune to see the sun setting over Lake Michigan. It’s one of my favorite places to reflect at camp.”

If you could be a Miniwanca camper for one day, what activities would you make sure to try?

“Oh, I’ve dreamed about that exact idea a few times actually! My perfect Interest Group rotation would be Reading with a View before lunch and then maybe Woodshop in the afternoon. My dream Night’s Doings – well, I really need to get a chance to run in Wanca Kart! I think I would be really good at it.”

You’ve spent time at both Merrowvista and Miniwanca during your career with the AYF. How do they compare to one another? What unites them both as AYF?  

“I think Miniwanca and Merrowvista have a lot more in common with each other than people give them credit for. The camp communities are so welcoming and caring! Although some of the big games and activities are different, the core of the fun is in connecting through play. The biggest difference is geologically. The Canaan Valley is abundant with peace and beauty, nestled up in the White Mountains. And when I first came to Miniwanca, I was blown away by the dunes. They are incredibly unique, and it’s so special that we get to walk and play on them at camp.”

What were some of your most important experiences of your internship at Merrowvista?

“I think one of the most important experiences I had during my internship was being able to coordinate with a school group coming for one of our community and school programs. It was invaluable practice in how to support a group of youth and chaperones coming to camp. It was the first time I had a taste of what working for the AYF full-time could look like, and it thrilled and intrigued me. I don’t think I would be here today without that experience.

“The other huge piece of growth and understanding I made was learning how to work well in a team. I was only one member of a large team that all needed to work and grow together to accomplish the incredibly high standards that we had. I learned about my own leadership and communications style, and how to work best with others and their own styles. I have so much love and respect for the rest of that I-45 class.”

Did you attend any summer camp or have any other formative outdoor education experiences as a kid?

“Growing up in Maine, I spent my summers outside a lot. In middle school, my mom frequently had to come track me down in the woods behind our house to get me to come in for dinner. I would blaze trails and built many tree houses.”

What is your advice to a camper who may be coming to Miniwanca by themselves for the first time?

“My advice to those campers would be to check out our Miniwanca video to get an idea of at what camp looks and sounds like. I know when I am going to a new place, I am always a little bit nervous because I don’t know everything to expect. That video does a great job of showing you places around camp and the types of people you will meet at camp. And that video isn’t just for show, those people that look they are having so much fun? They really are!”

Outside of camp, what are some of your favorite things to do in your downtime?

“I am a board game nerd. I’m not a huge fan of classic board games, but I really enjoy more modern games from the past 20 years or so. I also really love to play Magic the Gathering and the Pokemon trading card game. If I’m not playing something like those with my friends, I’m out on an adventure exploring the area around my new home in West Michigan or snuggling with my two cats on the couch.” 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“There was a seasonal staff member at Merrowvista  who taught me a lot about gratitude. It wasn’t direct advice; it was just my own observations about how he conducted his life. He approached every situation as an opportunity to observe and understand new things and share his thanks for whatever that was. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard anyone say thank you as much as he did. He was genuine and earnest every time.

“I don’t think I am as overly positive and grateful as he was, but I make it a point to share my gratitude whenever possible. So many people in this world do things that help others, and it costs very little to acknowledge that and share some joy and kindness with the world around you.”

The post Staff Spotlight: Miniwanca’s Tiwi Freeman appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Tiwi Freeman returns to Miniwanca and his role as Boys Camp Director! Tiwi  first connected with the AYF in 2010 through Merrowvista in New Hampshire, where he worked in a variety of seasonal staff roles.

He holds a  technology degree from the University of Southern Maine and combined  that skill with his passion for youth development at an  after-school enrichment company that created  STEM-based curriculum.

In spring 2018, Tiwi returned to the AYF as a Community and School Programs Facilitator, then joined the full time team as Boys Camp Program Coordinator in summer 2018 and then Boys Camp Director in 2019. He lives in Muskegon, Michigan with his wife, Sydney.

“I’m thrilled to return to the role of Boys Camp Director,” he said.  “I’m excited to encourage campers to step out of their comfort zone and try new things.”

Brianna Moynihan is the new Assistant Director of Camps! Brianna has attended summer camp for as long as she remembers – as a camper, then a counselor, and a director. Brianna is passionate about connecting youth with nature and developing those who work with youth.

Brianna is from Grand Haven, Michigan and has spent most of her life in west Michigan. She has a degree from Michigan State University in child development and organizational leadership. She has spent her career facilitating spaces where everyone belongs, taking risks is encouraged, and differences are celebrated.

“I’m counting down the days until summer and is ecstatic to be spending them at Miniwanca,” she said. “I’m most looking forward to unplugged time in nature, waterfront and adventure activities, and participating in all the Miniwanca traditions.”

The post Meet Miniwanca’s new Boys Camp Director and Assistant Director of Camps appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

This week, Miniwanca welcomed 124 two-week Darers and Pioneers to camp, kicking off the second largest camping session of 2023. The Dunes of Miniwanca are once again echoing with song and laughter.

Miniwanca Boys Camp staff and Session A three-week campers welcomed 66 new campers, while the Miniwanca Girls Camp Staff welcomed 58 smiling faces to their neck of the woods. Altogether, the two camps of Miniwanca are alive with 191 young Founders, eager to discover and develop their best selves.

After families hugged and said their goodbyes, camp quickly swept their new friends into their adventurous and exciting program – starting with dinner! Following the community’s first meal together, campers selected their Interest Groups for the first week at Miniwanca. Interest Groups, or IGs, are hour-long program blocks that take place three times a week. There is something for everyone, from high ropes and sailing to music and improved theater.

The camper’s first day ended with Opening Fire Circles at both Boys and Girls Camp, before campers hiked back to their cabin homes by the starlight and headlamp for a well-deserved night’s rest.

Throughout the remainder of Session A, our campers will hike, swim, and join in engaging relationship-building activities that last the whole day. They will also say “See you later!” to the Voyager and Odyssey Trips and compete in the Miniwanca-wide Quad Cup!

The post Smiles, sunshine and Miniwanca magic kick off summer 2023 appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Meet Paul and new Miniwanca Girls Camp Director Bethany Wise at a Miniwanca Virtual Townhall Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. ET!
Learn more and join on Zoom.

Last year was your first with the AYF as a Recruitment and Retention Manager. What was the biggest lesson you learned last summer?
The biggest lesson I learned from summer 2022 was how deeply invested the Miniwanca staff is to facilitating the mission of the organization. Coming from a Scouting camp, I had little insight on what to expect from Miniwanca culture and tradition. To my delight, I was quickly surrounded by joyful individuals who share my mindset: mission over everything. The Miniwanca staff are individually excellent at providing an exceptional program to youth and simply need guidance from leadership to be successful.

This year, you moved into the Boys Camp Director role. Why does that role appeal to you?
The Boys Camp Director is the role where I can have the most impact on programming and participation. I spent most of my time at my previous camp in a leadership position. I have seen nearly every situation imaginable in a summer camping setting, and my fondest memories are working toward achieving our mission goals with both staff and campers.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am absolutely thrilled to be reentering the world of program this summer. Last summer, I found it challenging to interact with the campers and contribute to their experience while also completing my duties. I could not be more enthusiastic about being involved in all programs this summer and assist my staff in providing the Miniwanca experience to all campers.

Is there anything new we can expect for Boys Camp 2023?
While I don’t wish to give away too many surprises for 2023, I intend to take a critical look at the Boys Camp schedule to ensure it contains as many well-prepared experiences as possible. Boys Camp participants should anticipate Interest Groups led by subject matter experts and grandiose camp-wide events that thrill and amaze. One could say that my excitement for the potential of our 2023 programming is inflating by the day.

What is one of your favorite summer camp memories?
My favorite summer camp memory came when I was 19, and I was the director of my camp’s first-year program for campers 10 to 11 years old. One week, I had the opportunity to work with 20 foreign exchange Scouts from Beijing. They joined my existing class of 20 American Scouts and changed my perspective of the world. Even though instruction was a challenge, as we needed a translator for all communication, they approached each new experience with excitement and without hesitation. I would wager that I learned much more from them that week than they did from me!

What is one of the biggest challenges facing youth today and how does summer camp help them face it?
I believe the largest challenge youth face today is the unrealistic expectations of success and conformity that social media places upon them. This nearly constant pressure makes finding their own unique qualities and abilities exceedingly difficult. The AYF directly combats this challenge by removing the external pressure and promoting individuality. In my opinion, the mission of our camps and programs is one of the best steps youth can take toward becoming the best version of themselves.

What do you enjoy doing outside of the AYF?
When I am not having fun at the AYF, I still enjoy spending my time outside! Whether it is canoeing, golfing, or just sitting around the fire with friends and family, I always do my best to remain connected to the wilderness and those that matter the most to me.

What book has changed how you think or look at the world?
A book I read recently that made the largest impact on my worldview was Stalling for Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator, the memoir of Gary Noesner, one of the pioneers of crisis negotiation. He explains that whether the situation is mundane or an actual crisis, the best negotiation tactic is understanding the other party’s situation, beliefs, or intent. His memoir helped me understand that real leadership – and real humanity – is learning about other’s experiences and meeting them where they are to come to an equal solution.

What is one of the greatest pieces of advice you’ve ever received?
It’s actually a quote from Abraham Lincoln, who once said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.” This quote reminds me that each of us is personally responsible for our own fate and destiny. We will get out of life what we put into it, and I intend to live each day with this in mind.

If you could be a Miniwanca camper today, what Interest Group would you absolutely sign up for?
Without a doubt, I would choose the high ropes challenge course. I will never turn down an opportunity to get back on a ropes course and relive the thrill I felt when I was starting my summer camp staff career!

As Miniwanca and the AYF look toward the next 100 years, where do you hope our organization is headed?
In the next 100 years I sincerely hope the AYF continues to grow and provide as many developmental experiences to youth as possible. The work we do here makes substantial impacts on the lives of children, and the more children we can reach, the more confident and empowered adults the future will hold!

The post Staff Spotlight: Miniwanca’s Paul Kerchberger appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

The day began at a faster pace than usual, as campers participated in the Doc Wheels Fun Run 5K. Starting at Graceland and ending on the Green Acre, campers chose to walk, jog, or run for the race.

At the finish line, campers were greeted by cheering staff members and a breakfast buffet of doughnuts and fresh fruit. Spirits were high after campers finished their breakfast and transitioned into a Polar Bear and swim in Lake Michigan.

Boys Camp and Girls Camp enjoyed their time together as they awaited the arrival of their Voyaguer friends, who were kayaking on the Mississippi River for the last five weeks. 

This ride-in is called Nostos, which is Greek for ‘the return to light and life,’ and is often used when discussing epics in literature. Four Trails trips are epic journeys for their participants, and Miniwnaca celebrates their heroic accomplishments as one community.

Campers, family members, and staff charged into the water to greet the Voyagers with open arms and wide smiles. There was a palpable sense of community, as people shed tears of relief, shared moments of laughter, and exchanged stories from their time apart from loved ones.

Today continued to find more room for joy, as Boys Camp transitioned into Wish Day, which is an afternoon dedicated to granting as many of the campers’ wishes as possible. While many campers made good use of their wish by requesting Wancabread, chocolate milk, or pizza, other campers wished to use indoor showers at the Four Seasons building.

Staff worked hard to grant each camper’s wish – and for a few staff members this meant spending the day with a camper who wanted to be them. For example, the Media Specialist handed over their camera to a camper so he could be the camp photographer for the day.

A camper with the staff member that he wants to shadow for Wish Day.

Another camper who wished to become an employee for the day made an additional request to be fired from their position once Wish Day had ended. Anna Kay Vorsteg, the president of the American Youth Foundation, wanted to do her part in making wishes come true, and so she had to complete the difficult task of firing a 9-year-old.

The day was truly filled with joy as campers and staff learned about some of the other wishes that were made today. At dinner, campers transitioned from talking about their wishes to the Variety Show, where campers shared their talents, participated in skits, and sang campfire songs together. Celebrating each other’s talents was a wonderful way to round out the day.

Following Evening Reflection, where campers reflected on their moments of joy throughout the day, it was time for bed. The campers were excited to go to their cabins to get some much needed rest after their long day and to get ready for the remaining days of fun left this session.

The post Creating Joy Through Community appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

During Something Sacred, campers challenged themselves and one another to define the word “growth.” Staff shared stories about moments of personal development in their own lives, and then explained why it is important to not wait for growth factors to come to you. 

Part of the magic of Miniwanca is the interactions between different age groups. Younger campers can look to the older ones as examples of balanced living in action.

After a great community conversation, it was time to focus on the social fold. Boys Camp traveled to the Well Site, a more remote part of Miniwanca with access to the Lake Michigan shoreline. 

The hike to the Well Site went quickly, but campers worked even faster to set up their activities for the afternoon upon arrival. Campers were given four hours of free time to choose activities that interested them.

Many campers chose to swim in Lake Michigan, and ride the huge waves that crashed on the shore. Other campers chose to play card games or yard games in the grassy meadow at the entrance of the site. 

Once campers arrived back to East Camp, it was time for the Night’s Doings of the evening: movie night in the Activity Center. East Camp cozied up with popcorn and enjoyed watching “The Mitchells vs. The Machines.”

The post A Trip to the Well Site appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

The day began with a regatta on Stony Lake. Campers could sign up to participate in several different races on canoes, paddle boards, kayaks, or sailboats.

During each boat race, campers on the waterfront cheered on their friends out on the water. Between each race, the campers played beach volleyball, flung themselves down a slip-and-slide, or played games in the boathouse. 

The next set of activities involved the adventure courses and the archery range. Campers from each quad rotated through stations where each individual camper participated in challenges that could earn points for their quad.

After a much needed rest hour from a busy morning of programming, it was time for and afternoon of sports on Bryant Field. Campers competed in a number of events, including gaga ball, football, soccer, spikeball, nine-square, and card games, or they sat back and enjoyed watching different activities with the staff.

Rounding out a fun-filled day of activities came Night’s Doings: No Egg Survives. For this challenge, campers worked in small groups to create an invention that would prevent an egg from breaking when dropped. It was a wonderful day as one community, and Boys Campers look forward to more special programming days ahead.

The post Banding Together for A Day of Fun appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Campers were eager to begin spending their time exploring new activities or enhancing their skills during an activity they have participated in before. The staff were equally excited to offer new interest groups for the first time.

The Adventurers and Explorers have been hard at work practicing skills necessary for their time on trail. All that preparation will now be tested as campers head to the Manistee River for a five-day canoe trip or to Manitou Island for an eight-day hiking excursion. 

With many hellos and many goodbyes, time is passing quickly at Miniwanca. Campers won’t waste a moment of the remaining days of Session B as they discover more about their own best selves through fun and challenge.

The post Brand New Faces, Brand New Places appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

This summer, the community at Miniwanca has worked to define what it means to trust others, and what it looks like to practice trusting your own self. During Something Sacred, a period of group reflection, campers discussed the importance of trust.

One of the standout points from this group think was that in order to trust someone, that person must make you feel accepted and respected. This lesson was quickly put into practice as campers joined together to sing campfire songs and share laughter. 

Following Something Sacred, campers were set to spend the day together at the historic Well Site on the outskirts of East Camp. Unfortunately, a rainy weather forecast required a change of plans.

The hike was postponed for a later date, and programming redirected toward the Activity Center. Here, campers challenged staff members to games of dodgeball, basketball and trivia. 

Campers who were more interested in participating in quieter activities moved into a breakout room in the Activity Center to play cards or read books. Some campers even learned how to strum a few guitar chords.

The day wrapped up with a game of Animal Crossing, where leaders dressed like animals and dispersed throughout camp for the campers to find. Upon finding their leaders, campers had to convince them to come back to Bryant Field in order to earn a point for their quad. 

The days ahead at Miniwanca are looking much brighter now that the rain has passed, and the community is together as one.

The post Making the Most of a Rainy Day appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

This morning, the Avail campers from Girls Camp and Boys Camp gathered for team-building exercises. Activities like these begin relationship building with the campers they will work alongside throughout the summer. 

Another group of campers who are finding their groove together, are the Four Trails campers. In less than a week, Miniwanca will send these campers on their multiday adventure trips.

In order to prepare for the upcoming trips, Adventurers hiked to the Well Site in East Camp for a night of tent camping and practicing outdoor camping skills before their exploration commences. Meanwhile, the Explorers practiced canoe skills and canoe rescues on Stony Lake. 

The Darers and Seekers at Miniwanca have been hard at work trying to earn as many Quad Cup points as possible: ensuring their cabin is the cleanest in camp, searching for the lucrative golden paddle, and winning Quad Cup competitions during Night’s Doings.

On top of competing for the Quad Cup, campers have been challenging themselves during the second day of their interest group rotation. 

Each program Miniwanca offers is a unique opportunity for campers to challenge themselves, and as the days go by at Miniwanca this summer, the community will continue to grow in different ways. 

On Satruday, all Boys Camp will hike to the Well Site for one final  days of fun together before the Four Trails campers are depart for their adventure trips. Campers look forward to a fun day of swimming, yard games, card games, and fellowship.

The post Getting into a Groove appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Today marked the first day of interest group rotations, staff-led programs designed to challenge and inspire each camper to learn and grow. Campers can choose to learn anything from sailing and pottery to Dungeons & Dragons and archery. 

Each week, campers participate in three interest group activities, each with their own four-day curriculum designed to challenge a variety of skill levels. Next week campers will have the opportunity to sign up for three different interest groups.

A typical day at Miniwanca also includes an all-camp assembly. These gatherings are a great time for community building, games and announcements. Campers were introduced to the Quad Cup at the assembly today.

While most of camp has been busy starting their first interest group rotations, Four Trails campers who will soon hit the trail began preparing for their trips in Graceland. Campers learned how to pack and cook food on trail and how to pitch tents.

On a normal day at Miniwanca, campers are given one hour of rest time following lunch, as well as one hour of personal time following the end of interest group rotations. During personal time, campers can unwind or play at the waterfront, the crafthouse or at any other staff-supervised activity. 

After dinner, all of camp congregates for Night’s Doings, which are typically competitions that yield Quad Cup points. During atypical days at Miniwanca, Night’s Doings may be a barbecue with West Camp or an ice cream social in the dining hall. 

On Tuesday, campers were assigned their quad and given their quad t-shirt. Once the campers were all proudly wearing their quad color, it was time for a battle for Middle Earth. During this game, campers were given roles on cards that would determine how they would fare during a battle with a different quad member.

The first quad cup competition came to a close, and campers went to bed excited for their interest groups to continue, and for the epic battles to come for the Quad Cup. 

The post Let the Games Begin appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Staff were happy to report another successful Opening Day for Session B. After a long day of introductions and touring Boys Camp, everyone was ready for a meal with their new cabin groups.

Cabin time continued through dinner and into the interest group showcase, where staff presented the activities everyone could sign up to try this week. Campers’ focused turned toward the fun to come this summer.

The next day, cabins rotated all over Boys Camp for orientation stations. Swim checks, presentations on maintaining physical well being, team building, and other informative safety protocol sessions took place during this rotations period. Campers were officially well-informed on how to have a fun, safe summer, which meant it was time to let the fun commence. 

Traditionally, the opening Fire Circle takes place at the end of the first full day of camp each session at Miniwanca. In preparation for this celebration, cabins also practice and perform silly skits.

After cabins delegated the roles for each skit, gathered necessary costumes, and spied on the progress of other cabins, it was time to head to the Fire Circle. 

Following the lighting of the torches and the introduction of the four folds (physical, social, spiritual, and mental) an unexpected rainstorm rolled over East Camp. Campers retreated to the Activity Center to showcase their prepared skits.

The surprise rainstorm ended up being a great way for the community to practice having a fun, safe summer, encouraging youth to look past the rainy clouds and find brighter moments of fun and community.

The campers will continue to learn about positive mindsets as interest groups start this week. During interest groups, campers are asked to choose how much they want to challenge themselves, and this creates great opportunities for goal-setting and celebrating each other’s successes.

The post Building the Foundation for a Fun, Safe Summer appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

Boys Camp started the day with a carnival in Bryant Field. Campers began preparing for an afternoon of competition by applying face paint and donning their Quads’ colors. But before the all-camp event, Boys Campers played carnival games to win tickets to be exchanged for prizes. 

One of the most entertaining and most popular games was the dunk tank. The campers formed a line as fast as they could for a chance to dunk their favorite staff member by throwing a ball at the red target — though occasionally, fellow staff members couldn’t resist a guaranteed dunk. 

Spirits were high at the end of the carnival and the beginning of lunch. This was a time for refueling and locking in focus before a much needed hour of rest time. When campers woke up, Girls Camp was in route for Bryant Field to join with their Quad counterparts. 

The games began with team chants, sign making, and a few moments of time to size up the competition. For the next four hours, each Quad took turns sending representatives to compete in different games against the other Quads. 

Some highlights from the competition included musical chairs, where the chairs were swapped out for buckets of water, a game of capture the flag, and each Quad forming a long line with the goal of transferring a T-shirt from the beginning of the line to the end of the line the fastest. 

After the Quad Cup paused for the rest of the day, both camps celebrated their hard work with a barbecue in Bryant Field. 

Having a fun, safe summer has always been the goal at Miniwanca, and the carnival and Quad Cup were the perfect iteration of that goal. Campers went to bed happy and exhausted from the long day of celebration. 

The post Celebrating Togetherness appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

After breakfast, campers were given a period of free time before the long day ahead of them.

Before heading to the Wells Site, East Camp joined together in Orwig Chapel for Something Sacred, a time to reflect on the topic of trust. Cabin leaders presented personal stories, read poems, and led singalongs.

The hike to the Wells Site was longer than the typical hike to West Camp, but the views were well worth the extra distance.

Campers started playing card games, drawing, reading, hammocking, swimming at the beach and playing yard games. It was a great time to catch up with friends and relax together as a community. 

Signing up for interest groups was another exciting highlight of the day. Boys Camp was buzzing with anticipation for the week ahead. On the hike back to Bryant Field, campers and staff alike were talking about the interest groups they get to do this week.

Once the campers returned to Boys Camp, dinner was served, a satisfying meal after a long day of hiking and sunshine. To celebrate the day together, campers made s’mores before heading back to their cabins.

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After breakfast, each cabin broke off for a busy day of touring East Camp, taking cabin photos, completing swim checks, signing up for interest groups and learning about how to have a fun and safe summer.

This busy schedule didn’t get in the way of quick games of soccer, frisbee, Dungeons and Dragons, or enjoying time at the waterfront.

Fun times continued as each cabin created an outrageous skit to perform at the Opening Fire circle. As cabin groups worked on their skits, one cabin proclaimed their cabin mates their summer family.

At Opening Fire, campers watched the tradition of lighting four torches before lighting the campfire. This tradition represents the four folds of Miniwanca: mental, social, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. 

After a fun-filled evening of song-singing, skits, and cabin bonding it was time to call it a night. Campers returned to their respective cabin bays and prepared for another day of fun at Miniwanca.

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