Share Your AYF Story

100 Stories

The American Youth Foundation has transformed countless young people and their families in the last 100 years, and everyone has a story. For some, the AYF philosophy is a family tradition passed down through generations. For others, the AYF is a new experience that opens an entire world of connection and community in the outdoors.

Whatever your AYF story, we hope you’ll share it with us as part of our 100 Stories project.

Share Your AYF Story

Miniwanca Participant

"Miniwanca prepared me by pressing me into some leadership positions and providing mentors, some of them for the rest of my life."

1985 to 1970 Merrowvista Particpant and Staff

[After Merrowvista,] I ended up having a completely different self image than I'd ever had in my life before that.

Miniwanca Participant

I couldn't be more proud of or more grateful for what Camp Miniwanca has meant in my life.

2018 to 2025 Merrowvista Camper

Camp has helped me grow in an optimistic way. Instead of complaining about more things, I've always been able to find the good and exciting parts of activities we do.

Cece MacGuidwin

Miniwanca camper, 2024

This place feels like my second home. I feel so great here, like everyone who’s here truly belongs.

Miniwanca staff, 2024

I love the sense of community it brings. I think that's one of my favorite memories, is just how everybody can come together.

Miniwanca staff, 2024

What surprised me most about camp was just how welcoming everyone was. I mean, I’ve never been here before, and this is my first year working here. I’m going to keep talking to the people I met even after camp ends.

Miniwanca camper, 2022 - 2024

We got to hike to the Wells Site with backpacks, set up campsites, and make s'mores and stuff. ... It helped me gain confidence for next year, because I'm thinking of doing Trailblazers, and now I have a better idea of what it might be like.

Miniwanca camper and staff, CSP facilitator

If I could tell a future camper one thing about camp I would tell them that no matter who you are, they will be accepting of you. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Don't be afraid to be weird. Just be you and everything will be so much more.

Miniwanca, Merrowvista camper and staff, SSW participant

"I can’t overstate how much this organization has shaped who I am today. Supporting the AYF helps keep these vital programs strong, maintaining beautiful and safe facilities that are ideal for learning and personal growth."

2018 - 2024 Merrowvista camper

"Something I will always remember about Merrowvista is one night on the A-Field when a couple of people from the cabin and I just stared up at the stars."

2018 - 2024 Merrowvista camper

If I could tell a future camper one thing about this place, it’s a place where you can truly be yourself.

NLC Staff 2004 - 2024
Miniwanca Staff 2008 - 2024

I believe that people should support the AYF, because this place is special. How many other places exist for the sole purpose of empowering the youth to become their best selves?

Miniwanca Staff 2024

I'll always remember ... my first cabin of campers came in. It was some of their first years. They were all pretty nervous about making friends and everything. By the end of the week, they were all writing each other's emails and phone numbers down.

Miniwanca camper 2019
LIT 2024

At camp, I learned a lot about self-control—how to balance my ADHD, when to let it shine during playtime, and how to manage it when I needed to focus. But the most important part of camp was the time spent with my friends.

Miniwanca Camper 2021 - 2024

The thing I'll remember most about camp is all the people and the community that they built here.

Miniwanca Coordinator 2021-2024
Merrowvista Staff 2022

"The most important lesson I’ve learned at camp is how to work with people of all ages. There’s so much to learn from the campers and from the staff. It’s incredible to see the campers embrace the freedom to be themselves. That’s one of the biggest reasons I keep coming back to Miniwanca."

Former Miniwanca camper, current camper parent

What Miniwanca provides is a chance for reflection: Who are you? Who do you want to be?