Camps, Conferences, School and Community Programs inspiring Youth to Action
National Leadership Conference Program

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The Program

• The AYF Leadership Conference is a week-long intensive leadership program that combines the seriousness of a conference with the fun and excitement of a camp.

• Set on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan and 360 acres of dune forest, Miniwanca provides a very unique and wonderful setting for the Leadership Conference.

• The four-year curriculum provides participants the opportunity to return each year to progress through an experiential leadership training curriculum.
   

The Mission

The goal of all AYF programs is to inspire people to discover and develop their personal best, seek balance in mental, physical, social, and spiritual living, and to make a positive difference in their communities and in the wider world. However, each program has specific goals to meet the specific age group and program learning objectives. The Leadership Conference program and curriculum are based on the following goals and learning objectives:
 

CONFERENCE GOALS
Developing Leadership for:

• Responsible Citizenship

• Inclusive Community

• Sustainable Environment
   

CONFERENCE LEARNING OBJECTIVES / THEMES

• Best Self: Participants recognize the unique qualities they already possess and take time to further develop their own personal best

• Balanced Living: Balancing the mental, physical, social, and spiritual aspects in a variety of situations

• Healthy Community Relationships: Development of skills important to creating and maintaining healthy friendships and a positive group culture

• Personal Effectiveness: The sense that one is in control of one’s life

• Effectiveness in Groups: Understanding one's actions in relation to others

• Openness to Diversity: Belief that there is more than one right way to do things; willingness to consider other viewpoints; openness to people of other races and ethnic groups; and ability to deal with issues that cannot be precisely resolved

• Social Responsibility: A sense of shared duty to consider and help others in society
   

FOUR - YEAR OUTCOMES WITH LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Personal Effectiveness
            Year 1: Self-Knowledge
            Year 2: Communication
            Year 3: Managing Change
            Year 4: Spirituality and Personal Values
   

• Effectiveness in Groups
            Year 1: Group Process
            Year 2: Situational Leadership
            Year 3: Conflict Management
            Year 4: Facilitation
   

• Openness to Diversity
            Year 1: Experiencing Diversity
            Year 2: Valuing Diversity
            Year 3: Understanding the Underlying System of Oppression and Privilege
            Year 4: Identifying Action Steps
   

• Social Responsibility
            Year 1: Community
            Year 2: Ownership to the Experience through Role Modeling
            Year 3: Servant Leadership
            Year 4: Relationship of Spirituality to Society
   

Dartmouth Research

In a four-year study, researchers at Dartmouth College studied the outcomes of AYF’s high school leadership programs. The project involved more than 3,000 young people and several comparison groups. The study concludes that, as a result of AYF’s summer leadership conferences, significant growth occurs in three areas of personal development essential to leadership in a multicultural society. Nine months after the experience, students either maintain the level of change that occurred as a result of the conferences, or continue to increase the level of change.

 

AYF Definition of Leadership and Motto

The AYF motto provides a framework for remembering the AYF Capacities of Leadership:
                            My own self, at my very best, all the time

My own self           I know and value myself and my capacities for growth.

At my very best     I am a person with purpose and power, committed to empowering others.

All the time            I am flexible and able to influence individuals and groups in a variety of situations.
 

Daily Schedule

Activities are listed along with a description of how it supports the balanced living aspects of the AYF mission and how it accomplishes the learning objectives of the Leadership Conference

Morning Wake-Up Block
(Physical & Social) (Personal Effectiveness)
There is one hour from rising bell to call to community. This time is used for morning physical activity, showering, eating breakfast, participant check-in, and personal time.

Call to Community and Flag Raising
(Social) (Effectiveness in Groups & Openness to Diversity)
We start our day as a conference community. International flags are presented and raised.

Quiet Time
(Mental & Spiritual) (Personal Effectiveness)
The theme of the day is announced, along with a reading or thought for the day. Participants and staff find a spot for quiet reflection. Journal writing is encouraged.

Leadership Skill Development Sessions
(Mental, Social, Physical, & Spiritual) (Personal Effectiveness, Effectiveness in Groups, Openness to Diversity, and Social Responsibility)
The majority of the morning is spent in leadership sessions. Leadership is taught in 1st - 4th year class groups and is focused on the AYF Leadership Curriculum and Learning Objectives.

Interest Groups
(Mental, Physical, Social, & Spiritual) (Personal Effectiveness)
Interest groups span a variety of activities including athletics, crafts, dramatics, outdoor skills, environmental studies, canoeing, boating, sailing, first aid, and others. Participants sign up for Interest Groups during registration. Interest Groups meet for an hour and a half each day for five days.

Community Time
(Social & Mental) (Effectiveness in Groups & Openness to Diversity)
Time spent in community groups provides opportunities for fun and team building activities. There may also be friendly competition between communities, i.e. beach relays and more. Community groups are mixed classes and are as diverse in their make-up as possible.

Free Time
(Social & Physical)
The time during the day for participants to take care of personal needs, sit and talk with new friends, visit the craft house, or play a game of four square, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, or other activities of interest.

Civil Action
(Mental & Social) (Social Responsibility, Openness to Diversity, Personal Effectiveness, and Effectiveness in Groups)
Civil Action curriculum is focused on getting participants involved in their local communities. By examining global issues, we provide participants with information and resources to help them get involved. The end of each session reflects on what can be done on local and community levels. 

Reflections
(Spiritual, Mental, & Social) (Personal Effectiveness, Openness to Diversity, and Social Responsibility)
Reflections based on the day's theme are announced at morning quiet time and incorporated throughout the day during meal breadcrumbs and spiritual insights. The theme is brought to closure during the evening reflection. Reflections are activities for the entire community.

Nights Doings
(Social) (Effectiveness in Groups)
Nights Doings are fun evening activities. They are meant to be relaxing and allow people to be creative and outgoing!
 

Other Conference Activities

Challenge Course Activities
These activities are directed towards cooperative learning, which foster individual and group development. All 1st year participants will experience the team challenge course. 2nd, 3rd and 4th years will experience either the High Challenge Course or the Climbing Wall. All challenge activities are “Challenge by Choice” and facilitated by trained staff.

Community Service
Miniwanca is a community that we hope participants and staff will call “home." With this comes the responsibility for helping to care for our home. Opportunities are provided for participants and staff to enhance the grounds, facilities, and natural environment of Miniwanca through designated service projects and daily stewardship.

Council Circle
Council Circles are traditional all-community gatherings. There are three councils during conference: Opening Council, Founders Council, and Closing Council/Torch of Leadership.

Inspection, Camp Clean Up, and Maintenance
Assuming responsibility for one's belongings and surroundings is an important goal at conference. All participants and staff are expected to keep their personal gear neatly stored and their living spaces clean and orderly. In addition, participants are assigned responsibility for the upkeep of certain buildings and areas of conference. Cabins are assigned stewardship assignments. These areas are inspected daily to insure that we maintain high levels of cleanliness.

Forums
Speakers and presenters empower and motivate the community to make a positive difference by sharing their story and message about leadership and best self.
 

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