{"id":89,"date":"2024-07-10T11:42:29","date_gmt":"2024-07-10T16:42:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ayf.com\/?page_id=89"},"modified":"2024-12-24T08:50:43","modified_gmt":"2024-12-24T14:50:43","slug":"michigan-programs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ayf.com\/programs\/michigan-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Community & School Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Miniwanca Community and School Program <\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Community building, leadership development, and environmental education<\/div>

Each year, thousands of kids and teens discover their best selves and connect with their peers at Miniwanca Community and School Programs. We facilitate transformative youth empowerment programs for groups seeking time in nature, team building, space for a retreat, training, or professional event.<\/p>\n

We welcome schools, youth organizations, scouting groups, athletic teams, and even adult community groups and corporate retreats to our home on the Lake Michigan sand dunes to disconnect from everyday challenges and focus on community building, leadership development, and the stunning natural world.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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What makes our programs different?<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Miniwanca programs offer a truly collaborative partnership. We work closely with our community and school partners to understand your learning objectives, then design an age-appropriate program that meets your goals and aligns with American Youth Foundation program outcomes.<\/p>\n

Miniwanca staff facilitate all learning experiences and onsite activities. Partner chaperones support behavior and supervise participants after the day\u2019s activities end and overnight.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

We have several options for your school or community group's stay at Miniwanca.<\/div><\/div>

Option 1<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

All-Inclusive Overnight Program<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Includes:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Outdoor education program experience aligned with your goals<\/div><\/div>
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1:12 Miniwanca staff-to-participant ratio<\/div><\/div>
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Access to and facilitation of any activity<\/div><\/div>
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Onsite overnight accommodation<\/div><\/div>
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All meals and s\u2019mores<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

When:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Year-round<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Ideal for:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Groups between 12 to 150 who want a fully immersive empowerment experience<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Option 2<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Miniwanca to You<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Includes:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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One-day program experience at your school or meeting place<\/div><\/div>
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1 to 2 highly trained Miniwanca staff facilitating at your school<\/div><\/div><\/div>

When:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Year-round<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Ideal for:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/strong>School classes and youth groups up to 150 people<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Option 3<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Facility Rental <\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Includes:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Full use of Four Seasons Lodge, Well Site camping area, or an entire camp facility<\/div><\/div>
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Dorm-style overnight lodging, cabins, or tent camping<\/div><\/div>
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Meal options are available, but not required<\/div><\/div><\/div>

When:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Year-round<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Ideal for:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/strong>Youth and adult groups or retreats up to 300 people<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Option 4<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Custom Program<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Looking for a day program? Want to focus on a specific sport, skill, or activity? We can help!<\/div><\/div>

Includes:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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1:12 Miniwanca staff-to-participant ratio<\/div><\/div>
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Access to and facilitation of any Miniwanca activity<\/div><\/div>
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Onsite overnight accommodation<\/div><\/div>
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All meals<\/div><\/div><\/div>

When:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Year-round<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Ideal for:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/strong>Clubs, sports teams, other specialized groups<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Request Info<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>
Miniwanca<\/div>

Available Activities<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Community and school programs have access to all site activities, which are facilitated by Miniwanca staff. <\/div><\/div>
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Archery<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Arts & Crafts<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Campfire Circles<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Canoeing<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Civic action & service<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Dune ecology<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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High ropes course<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Hiking<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Kayaking<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Leadership Training<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Challenge course<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Mindfulness activities<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Outdoor Cooking<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Shelter building & habitats<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Team building<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Lodging<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Cabins<\/strong>
\nOur rustic, three-season cabins accommodate up to 16 children and 3 adults. Cabins have screened windows and do not have electricity. Nearby bathroom facilities do have electricity and provide private, single-occupancy showers spaces, toilets, and sinks.<\/p>\n

Four Seasons Lodge<\/strong>
\nOur fully winterized lodge accommodates up to 120 individuals in primarily dorm-style sleeping arrangements. Shared bathroom facilities provide private, single-occupancy showers and toilets. There are several communal meeting spares, a full commercial kitchen, and access to audio-visual equipment.<\/p>\n

Well Site<\/strong>
\nOur most rustic option accommodates up to 150 people who can set up their shelters on tent sites nestled in the woods overlooking Lake Michigan. Hike the nearby trails, then gather around the fire circle to cook a meal and watch the sun set over the water. Porta-Jon facilities and well water access nearby.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Food<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Miniwanca serves delicious meals made from scratch for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our food program is an important part of community living, and we make time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. Everyone shares in the preparation, service, and cleanup of the space.<\/p>\n

With advance notice, the Food Program Team can provide vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, as well as accommodate many dietary allergies. Miniwanca is a peanut-aware facility; we do not serve peanuts or tree nuts.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>