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The American Youth Foundation: is a non-profit organization that implements programs devoted to youth development, character education and leadership. The AYF operates 2 year-round educational centers, Camp Merrowvista in New Hampshire and camp Miniwanca in Michigan. Youth Summer Camps offering Experiential and Adventure Education, Environmental Education, ACA/AEE Accredited, ISSAC/NASSP.

Camps, Conferences, School and Community Programs inspiring Youth to Action

Welcome to East Camp

Home of Miniwanca Boys Camp

 

The winding road entrance into Boys Camp is one that brings a smile to campers' faces as they return for another great summer at Miniwanca.

 

 

As you continue into Boys Camp, one of the first things you see to your right is the Stony Lake Trail. This trail is a favorite amongst campers and connects Boys and Girls Camp. As you walk along this trail you get some of the best views of Stony Lake and Stony Creek.

 

 

 

Gathering Spots One of many unique spots on east camp. Murphy Memorial is used for small group gatherings.

 

 

 

The Eating Lodge is more than a place to get three meals a day. It is a fun and exciting place where songs are sung, tribal cheers are heard and birthdays are celebrated. Campers eat with their cabins and meals are served family style.

 

 

Cabins A group's cabin is their family while at camp. Arranged by ages, a group of cabins is called a "bay". Each cabin eats meals together and has cabin time throughout the day. Some of our campers live in more rustic cabins that have a roll-up flap to cover the windows.

 

 

 

 

Bathrooms Several bays share a "BIFF" (Bathroom in Friendly Forest). Our BIFFs have electricity, hot water and private dressing stalls. Each BIFF is centrally located in several bays.

 

 

 

Chapel Orwig Chapel is an open air chapel overlooking Stony Lake. It provides a spectacular view for those seated inside. Campers often gather here for evening reflections or interfaith services on Sunday.

 

 

Gathering Spot Stonyview is one of our historical buildings in east camp. It is used for rainy day activities, team challenges, large group gatherings and "Nights Doings". The patio overlooks Stony Lake and is a favorite hangout spot for both campers and staff.

 

 

 

Old Baldy is what makes East Camp so unique. From the top of Old Baldy you can see both Lake Michigan and Stony Lake. The dune is a favorite spot for campouts, watching Fourth of July fireworks over Stony Lake and sand boarding during free time.

 

 

 

Waterfront Miniwanca is located on two bodies of water: Lake Michigan and Stony Lake. Most of Miniwanca's boating and swimming activities take place on Stony Lake. Campers enjoy a variety of waterfront activities including swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing.

 

 

 

The Bridge to Stony Lake Waterfront allows campers to reach Stony Lake waterfront without crossing the road below.

 

 

 

Arts Cabin One of the most loved buildings in east camp. The craft house - "Creation Station" - has brought years of joy and creativity to campers and staff alike. Campers can take specific craft Interest Groups or explore their creative sides during free time.

 

 

Our Council Circle hosts some of Miniwanca's strongest traditions. This is where a camp session begins and ends. Minwanca's Council Ceremony is recognized as one of the most cherished moments of camp. During the ceremony, only the light of the fire illuminates the faces of campers as songs and memories are shared.

 

 

Our Activity Center serves a variety of purposes. It houses classrooms and an indoor climbing wall and high ropes course. The barn doors open up to an outdoor stage where campers perform at the all camp talent show.

Bryant Field hosts our athletic interest groups such as basketball, soccer, and frisbee. Whole camp activities and many other "Nights Doings" also take place here.

 

 

 

Health Center The Wellness Center is the centralized health center for both west and east camps. Each camp also has a smaller satellite health center to treat minor health and wellness concerns.

 

 

Challenge Course  Miniwanca has an outdoor Climbing Wall, and both a Low Challenge and High Challenge course. All activities at camp are both intentional and age-appropriate. Campers experience the challenge activities through interest groups, as well as special cabin activities.

 

 

 

 

Lake Michigan Miniwanca sits on one-mile of pristine Lake Michigan water-front. Campers may enjoy early morning "polar bear" dips in the lake, as well as afternoon swims during free time. Campers also enjoy night cookouts and sleepovers.

 

 

The mist over Stony Lake during a sunrise is a spectacular view that everyone should see during their time at Miniwanca.

 

 

Not much can compare to closing the day with a Lake Michigan sunset!
Lake Michigan sunsets are unforgettable and breathtaking. Campers often enjoy the sunset during evening reflections.

Our camps are located in Shelby, Michigan and Tuftonboro, New Hampshire
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