Founder Fire 2023

2023

INSIDE Letter from the President. . .................... 1 Charting a Centennial Voyage............. 2 AYF Mission, Vision and Values. . ........ 4 Building on Legacy. . ................................ 5 Fun with Intention. . .................................. 7 NLC Rises to the Challenge................. 9 Sparking Lifelong Learning................ 10 Volunteers Serve Humbly.................... 11 Bartie Jones Memorial......................... 12 Remembering Our Founder Family.............................. 13 JoAnn Mulcahy Memorial.................... 14 Eternal Flame Society.. ......................... 15 Board Highlights.................................... 16 Honor Roll.. ............................................... 17 Save the Date 2024.............................. 25

A letter

from the President

In the outdoor adventure community, there is an often-used Scandinavian expression, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.”

As we ready the AYF for the next century, it is important to revisit assumptions about best practices in evolving social, emotional, environmental, and economic climates. We must hold true to profoundly positive elements of our programs that help us realize our unique vision of inspired people unleashing their best in the world.

This season the smoke from wildfires, extreme fluctuations in temperatures, and severe storms taught us otherwise. No high-tech gear of any sort guaranteed every day would go as planned, even when those involved had raincoats and positive attitudes. We found ourselves surrendering to the reality that there is such a thing as bad weather, and such weather is an invitation to edit, not abandon your program plan. We tucked away that old expression and instead leaned on a pillar of staff training: always write a plan, just remember to write it in pencil, for “it’s a mark of leadership to adjust,” as Preston G. Orwig wisely said.

We cannot control the weather – or many other things – but we can and must continue to inspire youth and adults to seek, find, honor, and ultimately unleash the best in themselves and others. In doing this, we improve the climate in every way.

Enjoy this issue of the Founder Fire. Read on to learn more about our updated mission, vision, and values. Note how our programs continue to shape people of every age. I hope you find ample evidence that the work we do is of great value and must proceed through all conditions. I also hope you will be compelled to join us as we make ready to celebrate our first century and secure our next hundred years in 2025.

We are fortunate that many in our community, including our Board of Directors, spent valuable time in 2023 refreshing the AYF mission, ensuring our invitation to “best self” remains central, accessible, and relevant for youth today and tomorrow.

That work served us well this season as we trained new staff teams, but perhaps even more, as we made mid-course decisions about how best to proceed with various program plans in ever-changing environments.

Not all days are sunny and clear, and few ever go entirely as planned. Still, many days lie ahead, both silver and golden, and we intend to capture all they – and you – can offer.

Together, the AYF community will embolden more youth to live courageously, engaging their full capacities. With your help and investment, this work will continue to shape lives of purpose and passion. The AYF forecast looks bright.

Onward!

We did our fair share of adjusting this season and the good news is, we stayed the course regarding our mission, values, and program outcomes. In some cases, we shook free of activities that no longer served us and found better ones. As our organization adapted and embraced change, we developed exciting and creative ways to meet our mission now and in the future. Our voyage of discovery continues.

Anna Kay Vorsteg

1

CHARTING

A CENTENNIAL VOYAGE An anniversary is a chance to reflect on the past year and consider what’s next.

The American Youth Foundation’s centennial in 2025 provides the rare opportunity to also set in place strategic plans that will shape the direction of the organization for the next 100 years.

In 2022, the AYF Board of Directors and senior leadership team embarked on a multiyear strategic planning process to assess what the organization does well and how it can grow.

perspectives,” Branham said. “People feel passionately about the experience they had and want to make sure those experiences are available to others in the future.”

“The AYF is fortunate to be in possession of these magical properties where we create program communities focused on what kids need right now,” said Vice President Liz Marshall. “The strategic planning process gave us chance to step back, be thoughtful, and to tune up language and the mission to best meet the needs of kids of today and the future.”

This feedback laid the foundation for a strategic planning taskforce and staff committee to begin developing and implementing a strategic plan.

Marshall said the next step was to identify and assess the organization’s values. “At a moment like a centennial, you can go in a lot of different directions. There are a lot of competing priorities,” she said.

“Starting the process with values means wherever we go will be grounded in the culture code of the AYF. It will keep key decisions around policy, practice, and assessment rooted in the common language of community values.”

With these values established, the taskforce turned its attention to the AYF’s new vision and mission. The vision, Branham explained, serves as the “grand why” of the AYF’s existence and the impact it aspires to create. After careful consideration, the AYF declared its new vision for the next 100 years: Inspired people unleashing their best in the world.

Setting up the AYF for the next 100 years is no small task. That’s why leadership tapped Tucker Branham of Change Develop Move, a consulting organization with national reach, to help with the strategic planning process. In addition to her professional expertise, Branham is also a Miniwanca program alumni and former seasonal staffer.

“This language harkens back to the inspiration at the core of the organization since it was founded in 1925, interpreting it in a new way for this century,” said President Anna Kay Vorsteg.

The new mission statement articulates how the AYF intends to put that vision into action: The American Youth Foundation dares people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others, inspires them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges, and emboldens them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

“Tucker has a unique combination of professional experience and a personal understanding of the AYF’s strengths,” Marshall said.

Branham and the leadership team began the process by listening.

They spent months consulting with individuals across the AYF community, including current and past staff and program participants at National Leadership Conference, Miniwanca and Merrowvista; “The AYF’s incredible strength lies in its legacy of powerful youth parents and caregivers; and board members. They also conducted programming,” Marshall said. “The language and vision of original surveys and focus groups about the values and direction of AYF work. founders – that all people should be welcome to the work of “While listening to alumni, I was struck by how frequently the same discovering and developing their four-fold best selves – is evident in words and themes came up across the generations: inspirational our new mission. We are continuing the tradition of everyone doing programming, celebrating the best in others, exploring different their own internal work to become their best, then contributing to a thriving larger community.”

2

“The AYF’s incredible strength lies in its legacy of powerful youth programming.”

Liz Marshall Developing a new organizational vision, mission, and values is careful, theoretical work. The second phase of the strategic plan creates and implements strategies and objectives that put those concepts into practice.

The strategic plan also includes a focus on the physical sites and facilities through a master plan for renovation and upgrading the sites with safe, inviting buildings to house programs. Finance goals include expanding revenue as a nonprofit by looking to new partnerships with individuals, family foundations, and corporate organizations that can invest in and help fund existing and new program initiatives.

The AYF is evaluating five strategic components to ensure the relevance and reach of its transformational youth programming: participants, staff, programs, places, and finance. Each of these “This is why it’s so important to undertake the strategic planning components has key objectives and targets to reach in the next process before the centennial campaign,” Marshall said. “It will help few years. us understand where we want to grow organizationally and to be intentional in the work of rebuilding after the pandemic.”

For example, the AYF recognizes that increasing recruitment and retention rates are vital to attract and retain a broad and diverse Ultimately, the strategic plan illustrates the AYF’s continuing base of participants open to pursuing their best and supporting the commitment to investing in youth. “Our first and most important best in others. value supports youth through powerful programming in community,” Vorsteg said. “The AYF is doing the vital groundwork necessary to “There’s a real need to rebuild and fill our communities,” Marshall meet the needs of kids today and the next century through outdoor said. “Growing back to our full capacity post-pandemic is not quick adventures. We will continue to empower them to connect with their or easy, so before we can expand in significant ways, we have to own ideas and values, so they can act with purpose and integrity to shore up the core of our unique program communities and fill them improve their communities and the larger world, now and for with participants.” decades to come.”

By 2026, the AYF hopes to be back a full enrollment of summer camp programs, serving more than 500 Merrowvista campers, nearly 800 Miniwanca campers, and nearly 300 National Leadership Conference participants. Data-driven, outcomes-based decision making regarding program offerings, staffing models, and more are vital to this process.

3

CHARTING A CENTENNIAL VOYAGE

VISION, MISSION, AND VALUES OUR VISION •

Inspired people unleashing their best in the world

•

OUR MISSION The American Youth Foundation dares people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others, inspires them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges, and emboldens them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

OUR VALUES We believe how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community.

In practice, at the AYF we value…

INVESTING IN YOUTH Empowering youth is the core of our mission. We aim to offer equitable access to outdoor, experiential adventures. We seek to amplify youth voices as they recognize their own agency, articulate their ideas, and act with bold purpose throughout their lives.

ENKINDLING INNER SPARKS Each person has inherent strengths and passions that, when ignited, form the foundation of best self and a balanced life. We challenge people to be brave, think creatively, develop wholehearted social connections, and explore their values and beliefs.

STEWARDING THE ENVIRONMENT Our programs foster a sense of respect and reverence for the natural world. We commit to using only what we need in order to minimize our impact on the planet. We practice environmental stewardship, conserving resources for future generations and offering the experience of connecting deeply with the natural world.

BELONGING IN COMMUNITY Our communities are joy-filled, optimistic, hopeful places where each person is encouraged to explore through play and express their own authentic spirit.

We aspire to create spaces where all people are included and feel a sense of belonging. In these thriving program communities, diverse perspectives provide a foundation to build greater understanding and foster equity.

GROWING TOGETHER Teamwork and collaboration provide essential tools for overcoming challenges. We believe powerful growth happens when we live in community, set boundaries, and take healthy risks. To adventure daringly with the support of others is an opportunity to put our best selves into action.

4

Danforth Lodge

Compton Lodge

BUILDING ON LEGACY Before sites are flooded with summer campers, the facilities teams at Miniwanca and Merrowvista prioritize larger structural projects that enhance the quality of life for staff and campers each year.

Other recently completed projects at Miniwanca include adding riprap (a layer of large stones that protects soil from erosion in areas of high or concentrated flows) to the shoreline on both sides of the Stony Creek spillway. Siding was also replaced or repaired on the duplex cabins in 50-Bay, 60-Bay, D-Bay, and A-Bay.

Senior Director of Infrastructure Andy Mulcahy said renovating Compton Lodge at Girls Camp was one of the biggest projects the Miniwanca facilities team recently tackled. Compton is often used to provide staff housing during the summer season and dorm-style lodging in the fall and spring for smaller community and school programs.

At Merrowvista, the facilities team was hard at work repairing the site’s well water filtration system by late May, ensuring fresh, safe drinking water for summer campers and staff. The Merrowvista Eating Lodge also received some much-needed love in the off-season; facilities replaced the floors in the dish room, kitchen, and bathrooms.

“This was a complete rehab to enhance the building’s accessibility, make it more efficient, and generally more comfortable for its occupants,” Mulcahy said.

Danforth Lodge, which is frequently used for smaller community and school programs and staff overflow housing, also saw updates and improvements this season. Its 30-year-old roof was replaced with a standing-steam metal roof.

Starting at the top of Compton’s exterior, the team replaced the roof with a white thermoplastic polyolefin material, which is designed to reflect summer rays away from the building and increase energy efficiency. The facilities team also replaced several windows, repaired “The new metal roof will shed snow much better than the former siding and trim, and added ADA-compliant ramp access. The exterior asphalt roof,” Mulcahy said. “It will also not be prone to fungus and will be fully complete this fall with exterior paint and caulking. grime as the other roof was.”

Inside, much of the building was stripped down to the studs for a Danforth’s exterior also received a refresh with new paint, as well as full renovation. The team gutted and rebuilt two communal bath- replacing any old siding, boards, soffit, or fascia. Merrowvista also rooms with updated plumbing, including more accessible toilets and received a significant upgrade to wash day thanks to a new showers. The existing kitchen was renovated to be more compact commercial laundry facility in the Danforth basement. and better meet the needs of the space. Facilities also installed new “When possible, we make every effort to upgrade and repurpose wiring, LED fixtures, outlets, and a new fire alarm system throughout existing structures like Compton and Danforth so they can serve our the building, as well as new flooring on the first floor. Mulcahy hopes Miniwanca and Merrowvista communities for decades to come,” to also add a nurse’s station in a still-to-be updated part of Compton.

Mulcahy said. “I’m grateful to our dedicated facilities teams for their “The building has been back in use since mid-May,” Mulcahy said. “It’s skills and to our generous AYF community for investing in the been wonderful to breathe new life back into this valuable space and infrastructure that supports these powerful youth programs.” welcome occupants again.”

5

6

W ITH I N T E NTI O N

On a clear summer evening, a group of Four Trails campers gathers around a fire. They’ve just eaten a meal they prepared after a day of kayaking and have finally swapped their damp gear for comfy camp clothes. They’re tired, perhaps a bit sore, and definitely smelly – and their laughter rings out all the same.

“Teaching people to move in a common rhythm to a song brings people out of their comfort zone, expands their physical exercise, encourages them to be vulnerable in front of others, and helps them to regulate their emotions,” she said. “It takes them through the stages of group development. You don’t know the moves at the start of camp. Staff and fellow campers teach it to you step by step until by the end of camp, everyone knows the dance and is excited to take it home and share it with other people.”

The mood shifts as the sun sets. Campers’ voices fade with the twilight as stars blanket the night sky. They reflect on what they’ve accomplished that day, both as individuals and as a community, and where the water may take them tomorrow.

In short, it’s a metaphor in action that happens through the program.

It’s more than just an idyllic summer camp memory in the making. This moment is the result of countless hours developing programs designed to help campers discover and embrace their authentic selves and become more independent, confident leaders at camp and in their home communities.

American Youth Foundation programs go so much deeper than outdoor fun. The dedicated program teams work year-round to create outdoor adventures that place kids in their growth zone – that sweet spot between their comfort zone and their danger zone – to develop their personal best.

On its surface, a flash mob is a spontaneous, wacky group dance that sparks joy and ramps up the volume a few decibels in the Eating Lodge.

But, Vice President Liz Marshall explained, there is intentional developmental work at play.

7

The AYF regularly hears from participants and alumni that their George spent extensive time revising and updating the AYF summer program experiences are among the most important in their lives. camp survey and evaluation process to better evaluate metrics like But how are these transformational effects measured and improved? participant growth and satisfaction.

That’s what Director of Special Projects Sandra George’s role is “Summer 2023 set some promising baselines,” she said. “We will all about. continue to repeat the evaluation process in the next few years to share George joined the AYF in early 2023 and began sifting through family clear data about the short-term and long-term program impacts.” survey data to see how AYF programs are meeting the social and It seems a lot to ask of a simple interest group, but early results show emotional needs of youth today, then aligning those outcomes with these activities build identity, community, and resiliency. larger education and public health models.

90% of campers are finding it easy to “know what their “The AYF recognizes we have always been doing this work of ‘fun with strengths are” after their camp experience a purpose’,” said George. “The learning that happens in program 94% of campers learned by trying new activities, communities is social and emotional learning. Fine-tuning our not just listening curriculum allows us to tap into greater intentional learning outcomes.”

National Leadership Conference: 97% of participants Social and emotional learning, she explained, is honing what are said new ideas and lessons learned from NLC activities traditionally classified as soft skills: identifying and self-regulating can be applied in their home and school communities one’s emotions, social awareness, and relationship skills.

“The goal is not to become experts in the skills. The goal is to try new “In the last decade, well-respected education foundations have things they aren’t necessarily good at and figure out how to work conducted extensive research about how young people thrive when through challenges and discover new interests,” George said. they develop their emotional, social, and cognitive identities,” she “Learning new skills and building social connections and community said. “You can see threads of four-fold balanced living in these skills, with people of different backgrounds ultimately leads to greater selfas well as our new organizational values.” understanding and transformational growth.”

8

NLC

LLE RISES TO TH E C HA

NG E

by Matt Sorrell

The American Youth Foundation’s longest running program, the National Leadership Conference, began in 1925, the same year the organization was founded. Since its inception, NLC has helped create confident, passionate leaders during the annual week-long conference each summer at Miniwanca.

In the end, the class Serving Through Action, which graduated in 2010, won both challenge categories, with 30 donations totaling approximately $6,000. In total, the NLC class challenge raised $10,271, enough to support 10 full scholarships.

Carolyn Faber, who’s been part of the AYF family since 1978 and was a mentor to the Serving Through Action class, helped spearhead its fundraising efforts.

In 2022, the NLC directors and advancement team looked at registration numbers and saw there was a need for financial aid and scholarships.

“It was remarkable that we were able to raise that kind of money in “It was a bigger call than we’d seen in a long time,” said NLC Co- such a short period of time,” Faber said. “It just shows that people Director Erin O’Brien. O’Brien and her cohorts hit upon the idea of who ‘get’ NLC and are supportive of NLC really come to bat when the engaging those passionate NLC alumni to challenge their respective call is put out there.” classes to raise the needed funds.

Inspired by the overwhelming success, O’Brien said the class “Everyone is really attached to their own class, and we’re just a very challenge will return, though with a few key changes. competitive group of people naturally, so we thought we’d tap into “We decided it’s too much of an ask to do both the challenge and the both of those things,” O’Brien said. annual AYF end-of-year fundraising campaign at the same time,” The challenge was two-fold: Which class could raise the most money, O’Brien said. “We wanted to give the class challenge its own space.” and which could get the most alumni to participate? To further up So as 2023 wraps up, the NLC leadership will focus on encouraging the ante, the timeframe for the initiative was tight. O’Brien said the alumni to reconnect with their classmates to build a foundation for idea was hatched in November, and the challenge only ran through another round of fundraising, which will take place in spring 2024. the end of the year.

“We’re really focused on reestablishing those class members as part The class challenge was mostly promoted by NLC alumni via graphics of the AYF community,” O’Brien said. “We want them to reconnect and QR codes shared on social media and emails, as well as old-school with the AYF family again.” fliers and sign-up sheets participants posted in their communities and workplaces.

9

Sparking LIFELONG LEARNING

by Matt Sorrell

The American Youth Foundation dares people to live courageously and engage their full capacities. Lifelong growth is also a key tenet of that vision, which is why the AYF is committed to offering programs for adults of all ages.

say what we felt and not be judged, but just be. There was a lot of analytical questioning, trying to get to the root of things and get centered. It was almost like a therapy session.”

This year, Spark took place Sept. 21 to 24 and welcomed around 75 participants – more than double the number from the first event.

Jones returned as keynote presenter with a new program that featured the addition of wellness activities helmed by his wife and business partner, Dr. Cari Jacobson, a holistic chiropractic practitioner.

Many adult programs cater to program alumni or women, and in 2022, the AYF expanded its offerings to be more inclusive of adults new to the AYF with Spark, a three-day retreat at Miniwanca.

“Youth development is a big part of the AYF mission, but Spark recognizes that we never stop learning,” said Holley Young, Director of Adult Programs.

As in 2022, Spark 2023 also featured plenty of traditional AYF camp activities for participants to enjoy, like morning Polar Bear plunges and a high ropes challenge course, as well as seminars and discussion groups. Those who wanted a more traditional camp experience could also stay in Miniwanca’s rustic cabins instead of the usual dormitory housing.

The first Spark retreat took place in September 2022 and welcomed some 30 participants to the shores of Lake Michigan. The programming centered around sessions with keynote speaker Darrell Jones, a pastor and mindfulness coach with a long history with the AYF as a camper, seasonal staffer, and National Leadership Conference participant. Young said the name Spark is a nod to the AYF’s value of enkindling inner sparks, igniting participants’ inner strengths and passions.

Young said inclusion also extended to program access. Equity pricing was available to ensure anyone who wanted to attend was able to, a practice she plans to offer for future retreats.

With two successful events to build on, Young said she sees Spark Dareus Howard attended the first Spark last year at the encour- growing even more in the years to come. She hopes to expand the agement of his partner, Ambrean Ford, who served as AYF Director program to Merrowvista in New Hampshire. of Community Life, Diversity, and Inclusion. The duo had such a “We want to make sure the Spark retreat is a sustainable model that positive experience that they attended this year as well. can be carried through into the future and facilitate lifelong learning “The biggest takeaway for me was that Spark was a release,” Howard for all our members of AYF community,” she said. said. “You become so relaxed and a lot more open. We were able to

10

Volunteers Serve Humbly

by Dana Rieck

Every year, the American Youth Foundation puts a call out for volunteers to ready its sites for the summer. The turnout, staff will tell you, is nothing short of inspiring.

As a foundation, Glick said the AYF offsets at least 30% of the true cost of camp for every participant when it sets tuition rates each year.

Volunteers are just one of the many ways the AYF relies on its community to support these discounted programs.

Nearly 100 people dedicated an entire weekend earlier this year to clean out, fix up, and prepare both Merrowvista and Miniwanca for “We are relying on the community that came before to help the the foundation’s summer programs. They worked on raised beds for present community have those same experiences,” Glick said. gardens, fixed cabin windows and doors, inspected canoes, and The AYF offers a variety of ways for people to roll up their sleeves moved mattresses — just a few tasks on long to-do lists. and get involved each year, including chaperoning camp buses from Director of Development Jessa Glick said these efforts are just one St. Louis to Michigan, helping with the Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial of several vital volunteer opportunities throughout the year that Golf Tournament, hosting fundraisers, putting on community events, support the AYF mission. and staffing the National Leadership Conference.

“Part of serving humbly is supporting and ensuring the growth of these spaces, but also maintaining these spectacular facilities that cost a lot of money to run,” Glick said. “And so, to keep camps accessible to kids, we rely on volunteers as well as donors.”

Almost all AYF volunteers return for more than one year of service, and they are often former campers or families of current campers.

When volunteers give their time, treasures, and talents to the AYF, Glick said they often experience what she calls a “giver’s glow,” when they feel valued and accomplished.

Michael Harter, Miniwanca Director of Conference, Community, and School Programs, said later this year, the AYF will ask for similar “They get to re-experience the feelings of growth and self-discovery volunteer assistance to winterize the camps and pack everything they had when they were participants or when they saw their family away until 2024. members participate,” she said.

“It is hard to explain the boost Volunteer Weekend gives the full-time staff after a long winter, as well as the seasonal staff who experience the results of that work as they get ready to embark on spring community and school programs,” Harter said.

Glick said volunteering for the AYF becomes a way of life for many who recognize the programs’ impact in their own lives. “It’s a way of discovering how to get outside yourself and make meaningful connections with others, in service to others,” she said.

If you’re interested in volunteering with the AYF, email development@ayf.com for more information about 2024 opportunities.

11

AN ODE

TO A T RU E F O U N D E R Elizabeth Bartholomew Jones, better known as Bartie to the American Youth Foundation community, passed away July 31 at age 98.

extensive AYF Archives now available for viewing online and at both sites. Just as she documented the organization’s powerful mission and beauty in her poetry, Bartie saw the tremendous value chronicling the AYF’s history for future generations.

Bartie was born Aug. 28, 1924 in Pontiac, Michigan. She grew up in Ohio, where she graduated from Heidelberg College with degrees in music and English. She married Thomas Bebb Jones in 1946, and together they raised three children: Judy, Lynn, and John.

“Bartie played such a special role at Miniwanca and in my personal life,” said AYF Archivist Jan Strube. “Her expressions of life through poetry, music, humor, honesty, kindness, smiles, and love of Miniwanca and its history will never be forgotten. Her proposal to save the AYF archives and share with the future was passion in action.”

She attended Miniwanca as an Older Girls camper for the first time in 1942, and she returned nearly every summer for the next seven decades as a camper, seasonal staff member, leader, instructor, and poet in residence.

Bartie was also instrumental in creating one of the AYF’s longest running adult programs: Summer Seminars for Women. She was dedicated to lifelong learning and growth, and she wanted to build a community of likeminded women committed to rekindling their inner sparks and sharing that light with others. Her passion once again proved lasting; SSW just completed its 35th program in summer 2023.

Bartie was a prolific writer, publishing 10 books of poetry, several magazine articles, a few songs, and a novel, “Call to Cambria.” The stunning landscapes of Miniwanca and Lake Michigan often moved her pen, reflected in poems like “My Church:” “This is my church

When she could no longer travel to her beloved dunes, Bartie remained a steadfast attendee of online AYF programs and a strong financial supporter. She was also a member of the Eternal Flame Society and left a generous bequest to the organization in her will.

Where I come to pray The dune of sand is my pew And the altar of truth

“Bartie was a true Founder of the American Youth Foundation,” said President Anna Kay Vorsteg. “Her dedication to the organization’s mission and the youth we serve will have profound impacts for decades to come. Her beautiful words and generous actions will linger long.”

Is the blue sky above And my window Is the sunset hue.”

Bartie is survived by her daughter, Lynn; three grandchildren, Robert Muhn, William Muhn, Hannah; and four great-grandchildren, Finn, Kirby, Camden, and Grace. Bartie is also remembered by seven living nieces and nephews and many friends.

As influential as the AYF was in her life, Bartie was equally important in shaping Miniwanca programs and preserving the organization’s history. She proposed amassing, organizing, and categorizing ephemerae from across the decades, laying the foundation for the

12

Remembering Jeffrey Burrows

Our Founder Family

Cooke, Helen is survived by son Joseph Evans Jr., many grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her sister Frances (Horlacher) Saindon. Helen began attending Miniwanca Older Girls camp in 1939. Her sister attended OG in 1947 and 1950.

Jeffrey Thomas Burrows, 66, passed away March 24, 2023. Jeff is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kim Burrows. The four-fold way of life teachings shaped his life as a camper at Miniwanca when he attended Younger Boys Camp from 1969 to 1973. Jeff returned as a youth leader and as an adult to become Miniwanca’s Director of Boys Camp and serve on the Miniwanca Advisory Council.

George Garrett Greenleaf

George Garrett Greanleaf, 104, passed away Sept. 21, 2022.

George is survived by his second wife of 18 years, Celia Cox. George’s first wife, Agnes Mae Haynes, preceded him in death in 2000, after a 58-year marriage. Agnes was on staff for Miniwanca Older Girls Camp in 1968. They are survived by their children, all Miniwanca campers: Gary Greenleaf (Younger Boys Camp 1960 to 1962), Lois Halsted (Younger Girls Camp 1962 to 1968, OG 1966 to 1969), and Jeane Smith (YG 1963 to 1965).

Several of George’s grandchildren also attended Miniwanca: Kelli Hicks (YG 1982 to 1989), Melody Bungard (YG 1985 to 1988), and Elisa Stoner (YG 1982 to 1987).

Myra Elaine Wallace Connor

Myra Elaine Wallace Connor, 82, passed away Feb. 11, 2022. Myra is survived by her husband, James; their children, Andrew Connor, Tasha Connor, and Tanya Connor; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Myra attended Miniwanca Younger Girls Camp in 1954 and 1955. Myra’s sister, Sylvia W. McGrath, also attended from 1952 to 1954 and Older Girls Camp throughout the 1950s. Sylvia also served as a YG Leader in 1959, OG Leader in 1962, 1963 and 1965, and OG Faculty in 1966.

Ralph C. Cordell

Allen Mahler

Ralph Cordell passed away May 12, 2023 at 97. Ralph attended Miniwanca Older Boys Camp from 1954 to 1958. Survived by nine nieces and nephews and extended family, Ralph made sure family members could attend Miniwanca, including his nephew, John Hood, who attended in the 1990s.

Allen Rogers Mahler passed away Sept. 26, 2022 at age 95. In 1951, Al married Florene Lois Silhavy, who attended Miniwanca Older Girls camp from 1945 to 1948. Together they raised four children: David Mahler, Sarah Kraaz, Jane Kuipers, and Alice Harris. Jane was a part of the OG class of 1976, and Alice was OG class of 1979.

Grandson Nathan Harris graduated National Leadership Conference in 2009 and continues to serve as NLC program volunteer staff.

Ada Deer

Ada Deer, 88, passed away Aug. 15, 2023. Ada was the first member of the Menominee Tribe to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the first Native American to obtain a master’s in social work from Columbia University. President Bill Clinton appointed Ada to serve as head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1993, where she helped strengthen federal protections and rights for hundreds of native nations. Ada was the first Native American woman to run for Congress in Wisconsin. She wrote “Making a Difference: My Fight for Native Rights and Social Justice,” which stressed the importance of balanced living and community.

Ada attended Miniwanca Older Girls Camp from 1955 to 1958 and was a Younger Girls Camp leader in 1958. Sisters Constance E. Deer and Ferial (Deer) Skye also attended Miniwanca in the late 1950s and 1960s; her niece and nephew, Wenonah Skye and Clifton Skye, attended in the 1980s.

Carolyn Dimberg Rice

Carolyn Rice, 94, passed away Jan. 20, 2022. Carolyn attended Miniwanca Older Girls Camp from 1942 to 1945. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Rice. She is survived by her children, James Rice, John Rice, Ellen Sherif, and Sara Rice, as well as seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Grandchildren Katie Rice and Kristen Rice attended Miniwanca in the 1990s.

Nellie Jane Hays Whitton

Nellie Jane Hays Whitton, age 99, passed away March 1, 2022.

Predeceased by her husband Charles, Nellie is survived by her three daughters, Connie Whitton, Karen Whitton, and Cindy Whitton, and her grandson Isaac. Nellie attended Miniwanca Older Girls Camp from 1943 to 1950.

Helen Hester Horlacher Evans

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these memorials.

Please accept our sincerest apologies for any errors or omissions.

Helen Evans passed away Jan. 11, 2022 at age 101. Predeceased by husband Joseph C. Evans Sr. and daughter Elizabeth Evans

13

A Maker’s Lasting Legacy Longtime American Youth Foundation champion JoAnn Mulcahy passed away April 15. JoAnn was a staunch believer in the AYF’s mission to inspire and empower individuals to live at their best. She spent most of her adult life ensuring youth could experience programs at Miniwanca and Merrowvista by investing in programs and facilities. She also rolled up her sleeves to volunteer countless hours at both camps and in St. Louis.

JoAnn’s life truly captured the spirit of “adventure daringly.” She moved around the country throughout her life, from her early days in rural Iowa and Ithaca, New York to raising her family in St. Louis.

In her later years, she headed back to the farm life in Iowa, then westward bound to Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, where she was enamored by the spirit and history. She worked as a nurse, a ranch hand on cattle drives, participated in historical reenactments, and designed and built several homes along the way.

JoAnn’s creative legacy will live on through her generous estate gift.

Her bequest will help the AYF realize her vision to create, supply, and staff three maker spaces at Miniwanca Girls Camp, Miniwanca Boys Camp, and Merrowvista. These freeform spaces will allow for a variety of creative pursuits that may include fiber arts, painting, cooking, robotics, jewelry making, and 3-D printing, among others.

JoAnn firmly believed in the power of intergenerational connection, and these maker spaces will ensure adult volunteers and staff can create and guide youth participants in relationship-centered ways. It was JoAnn’s hope that these spaces would provide young people and adults experiences that help them self-define as producers and participants rather than solely consumers. The programs facilitated here will allow skilled creatives to teach or share talents with AYF youth in new ways and demonstrate that striving to be at one’s best is a lifelong endeavor. JoAnn’s dream was for every child to leave camp with a sense of accomplishment in something they created.

In addition to her adventurous spirit, JoAnn was a gifted artist and craftsperson. She started her own business in the early ’90s, teaching others how to spin, weave, and crochet. She was an active member of several fiber arts and weaving guilds; she spun, wove, and created her own clothing and period pieces for self-directed history reenactments. She was also an avid knitter, creating baby sweaters for loved ones and hats to donate to hospitals.

JoAnn also prioritized the AYF community as a spunky volunteer, enthusiastic participant, and a most generous donor and Eternal Flame Society member. She spent numerous summers at Miniwanca teaching arts and crafts to hundreds of young people. JoAnn enjoyed participating in Summer Seminars for Women and faithfully attended online AYF offerings in recent years. Many of her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews have participated in AYF programs, and several have served on staff.

The AYF is proud to honor her legacy and is forever grateful to JoAnn for her shining example of a good and generous person who used her gifts to enable others. Her experiences and the maker spaces she envisioned will enkindle creative, adventurous spirits like hers for decades to come.

14

ETERNAL FLAME SOCIETY For almost 100 years, American Youth Foundation alumni and supporters have sustained the work of empowering youth and providing spaces for people to discover their best selves through planned giving. These audacious many have provided a bedrock foundation. The AYF is grateful to every supporter who has made a gift to the AYF through their estate, will, or trust.

In 2014, the AYF established the Eternal Flame Society to build upon that foundation. Many want to keep alive their hopes, dreams, and beliefs beyond their brief lifetimes. The Eternal Flame Society honors individuals and families who recognize the AYF in their wills, trusts, estate plans, or other legacy gifts. Society members are publicly recognized unless they prefer to give anonymously. The AYF also provides information and assistance to donors considering a planned gift.

The AYF is delighted to recognize and thank these Eternal Flame Society members as of July 1, 2023: Anonymous (11) Linda Ahles Jay O. Aronson Judy and Barry Baker Kenneth Baughman Kay and Harvey Bell Christy Bland Ann and Gregory Boren Stephanie Borum and Celeste Jordan E. Chandlee Bryan Dorothy Danforth Burlin and Johannes Burlin Fredrica and Charles Depew John R. Drew Edman and Virginia Gray Robert and Cynthia Grimm Katherine Hein Sarah K. Hindle Margot Van Buskirk Hoerner Anne Hughes and Stan Livingston Colleen Campbell Jersild

Patricia Cobb Jones Jennifer Julius Susan Marshall LaPine Liz Marshall Larry and Laura Mason Thearon and Vanette McKinney Andy and Molly Mulcahy The Mulcahy Family Margaret Ride Peterson Marilyn Ripley Scheerbaum Billie Shelton Janet G. Strube Mary Struckhoff Jean Dungan Van Buskirk Anna Kay Vorsteg and Vicki Boyd Cinda Lou Walton Patrick and Kim West Frank Whitington Emily Willingham Kate Wissman Shirley Nesbitt Young Holley Young Laura Young

If you intend to remember the AYF in your will or estate and are not listed above or would like more information, please contact advancement@ayf.com.

15

AYF Celebrates New Leadership The American Youth Foundation Board of Directors welcomed two new members to its ranks this year at its annual spring meeting in St. Louis: Ayn Dietrich-Williams and Charlie Koch.

Currently, she serves as the communication manager for education and technology ventures at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

Koch, (back row, third from left) connected with the AYF more than Dietrich-Williams is deeply committed to the 25 years ago when he attended Merrowvista as a camper. He said AYF mission after personally experiencing the Voyageur and Vista programs were foundational in his late it as a National Leadership Conference par- teens. He returned to camp in the following years as a seasonal ticipant. She has championed NLC for more staff leader and coordinator, and again as an intern for Community than 20 years, introducing many youth to the and School Programs. Today, his own children attend Merrowvista program through mentoring, fund-raising, summer camp. and recruiting efforts. She also volunteers on After earning his master’s in counseling, Koch served youth in the NLC staff each summer and looks forward school-based programs and at Youth Building Alternatives, a to the day her own child will attend the program that has meant program for people who did not graduate from high school. Today, so much to her. he works as a guidance counselor Baxter Academy for Technology Outside of NLC, she has served on the AYF Diversity, Equity, and and Science, serving more than 200 students.

Inclusion Committee and the Strategic Planning Taskforce. She said Also in March, the Board bid a fond farewell to Daniel Miller. “We’re joining the Board is a logical extension of her volunteer work with grateful to Daniel for his decades of service to youth, and we look the AYF. forward to the fresh perspectives and ideas that Ayn and Charlie Dietrich-Williams’ career in communications and public relations will bring to the AYF,” said Board Chair DD Danforth Burlin. has spanned across industries, from the FBI to State Farm Insurance.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

EMERITUS MEMBERS

DD Danforth Burlin

Gretchen Butler Clayton

Charlie Koch

Chandlee Dickey

Kay Bell

Patrick West

Christopher Danforth

Kathryn Lemaire

John Drew

J. Patrick Mulcahy

Andrea Van Cleve

Donald Danforth III

Jeffrey McDonnell

Shannon O’Toole

A. Neil Sweeny

Glenn E. Davis

Deborah A. Seidel

Astrid Wielens

Ayn Dietrich-Williams

Kelly Tyson

Chair

Treasurer Secretary

Patricia Jones For more information about our financial statements, including our annual audit, and annual IRS Informational Return Form 990, please visit ayf.com/publications.

16

HONOR ROLL | Contributor Donations from January 1 to December 31, 2022 We extend our deepest gratitude to the following individuals, corporations, and foundations for their support of our programs and the youth we serve. We hope you will continue to give generously in 2023 and 2024 as we continue to recover from the pandemic’s lasting effects.Thank you for your support.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. Please accept our sincere apologies for any errors or omissions.

VOYAGEURS CIRCLE ($25,000+)

DD Danforth Burlin and Johannes Burlin Gretchen and Jay Clayton The Estate of William H. Danforth MD Chandlee Dickey and Lawrence Panych The Estate of Alice M. Dickinson The Mulcahy Family JoAnn Mulcahy Erin and Shannon O'Brien Deb Seidel Anna Kay Vorsteg and Vicki Boyd

DIRECTORS CIRCLE

Andy and Molly Mulcahy Michael and Lynn Mulcahy Michael and Dianne O'Brien Profitable Pretzels Marilyn Ripley Scheerbaum Service Metal Pipe Fittings, Flanges & Valves Keith and Virginia Smith Family Foundation Chris and Lisa Spiek A. Neil Sweeny and Family The Tinker Family

($5,000+)

Anonymous Elizabeth Calhoun Donald and Susannah Danforth Bob, Jeri and Logynn Funkhouser Paul and Jennifer Gunning The Hyland Family Kennelwood Village Inc. Emily and Dennis Knuth Susan Marshall LaPine The Lemaire Family Jonathan and Suzann Lupton Smith and Janet McGehee Ellen Danforth O'Bannon Shannon O'Toole Amanda and Alex Perez Ritz-Craft Corporation Johanna Root Margaret Rush Mary and Thomas Stillman Judith L. Straka Janet G. Strube Laura Young

ADVENTURERS CIRCLE ($1,000+)

Acquis Consulting Group Attralus, Inc. David and Sara Bailey Bank of America Private Bank Karen and David Baratz Kenneth Baughman Gary J. Bloomfield, Ph.D. Christena Bolton Mr. Thomas G. Brackman Susan Buckley

FOUNDERS CIRCLE ($10,000+)

The Albers/Kuhn Family Foundation Christopher and Molly Danforth David and Christina Danforth Mrs. Donald Danforth, Jr. The Honorable and Mrs. John C. Danforth John Drew Chris and Kelly Gould Charlie and Leah Koch David Leisey David and Mary MacMillin Jeffrey and Jennifer McDonnell Nestle Purina PetCare Company O'Brien Family Foundation Andrea and Peter Van Cleve Patrick and Kim West

Axel Burlin Hans Burlin Kathleen and Ivan Charner Rebecca and Brad Cook Marcia Corbett Stacey and Phil Corcoran Glenn and Susan Davis Janie Denman Legacy Fund of the Community Foundation for Oceana County Ayn Dietrich-Williams Catherine Erickson and Chris Young Henry & Dorothy V. Fischer Family

WAYFINDERS CIRCLE ($2,500+)

Tom and Hunter Bailey Kathleen Beyerman and Rick Hawkins Teresa Suter Bowers Tony and Shawna Gehres Kevin and Jana Hunt Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Patricia Cobb Jones Jeffrey and Chris Libson Clara McLeod Daniel and Anne Miller

17

Denotes Member of the Eternal Flame Society

Fund of the Community Foundation for Oceana County Tony and Shawna Gehres Jeffrey Giles Marjorie Goetzke Entorf Edman and Virginia Gray Paul Hamilton Carol Hardenbergh Kenneth and Bonnie Hargreaves Cody and Carrie Smith Robert and Sally Harrison Yvette LeGear Hartsfield Diane Hatfield and Jim Hobbins Dr. and Mrs. R. Mark Hatfield John Hecker and Family HeplerBroom LLC Shawn Herron and Phuoc Le Ronald B. Howe Thomas and Hilary Hoynes Mr. Brady & Dr. Brigid Hunemuller Blake Ives The Jaeger Family Ward and Carol Klein Amy and Nathan Kostal Lake Forest Dental Katherine Lindholm and Neil Lewis Earl and Cara Littlefield Jean Ann and Charles Luckhardt Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Bruce Marshall Liz Marshall Laura and Larry Mason Kip and Carol McGilliard Thearon and Vanette McKinney Susan H. McLeod Carol Davis Moakley and Brien Moakley James Oetting Catherine Okhuysen and Anne Williamson Tom Oxtoby and Shirley Fleming-Oxtoby Anne and Jack Palomaki Ginger Solon Partee Kenneth J. Perkins Margaret Ride Peterson Andreas N. Philippides Scholarship Fund The Pillsbury Foundation John Reichenbach and Family Victoria Sherman and Bill Tucker Linda Slagell Santha Stall Standard Process Self Interactive

HONOR ROLL | Contributor Donations from January 1 to December 31, 2022 Barbara W. Strawn Michael and Jennifer Trippeer Kelly and Cleveland Tyson Laura Venn and Bryan Westerhold Washington University Athletics Paul and Marianne Weichselbaum Emily Willingham Nancy Wilson George and Jennifer Yohrling Holley Young 80 Bay of Miniwanca

Buck Drew DDS PA Mark and Katie Drew David and Jennifer Eaglesham Deana Fox Lori and Sarang Gadkari Brenda Gay Kenneth Harrop Michelle Hirsch Katie Hodgdon and Sarah Blake Walsh Nancy Hoerner

LEADERS CIRCLE

Anne Hughes and Stan Livingston Dr. Jennifer Hull Paul and Mildred John Sarah and Todd Kallman Gary Kaplan Ranon Kent Jo Kincaid Allison Knox Dr. Sara Lynn LaCagnin Keith and Monique Lawton Peter and Margaret Link Nicholas and Diane Litton Matthew Loper Elizabeth Lupfer

($500+)

James Abshagen Amazon Smile Dru Anderson Michael and Holly Arnold Meghan and Chris Bliss Kregg and Rochelle Bodily Mary Jane and Robert Bolle Stephanie Borum and Celeste Jordan The Bowers Family: Amy, Brad, Kal, Ben and Natalie The Bratcher Family A. Jason Brauer Stephanie Brock-Wilson Katherine Brokaw Rochelle and Louis Cain Caterpillar Foundation Gerard Oprins and Cindy Christensen Emily Cline Don and Elizabeth Cobin Commerce Bank of St. Louis Fran Coughlin The Desai Family Brook Detterman Daniel and Doris Devereux Jeff Dorazewski

Martha D. MacMillin Todd and Tracy Markley Byron and Margaret Martin Paul and Georgia Martin Brad and Sheryl Max Patricia McCormick Deborah McDonald Heather Mcpherson Dean and Pat Messinger Jim Motz and Ames Hwang The John & Deb Murphy Family Walter Mutter Betsy Newman Meg Schuster Nystrom Kurt and John Olsen James Olson Julie Palomaki-Meadows Haris Pobric Barbara Queal James and Mary Roberts Eileen Rodriguez Kim and David Scartelli Ann and Jon Schmid Brian and Sara Schneidewind Karl Schults Julius A. Seidel Carolyn A. Sharp Amy Skalinder PJ Smith Edith and Charles Spencer Michael and Margaret St Pierre Mary Struckhoff William and Kerrie Stude Michael Tchou Tom and Catie Ter Horst Mark and Mary Unangst The Ward Family - Alan, Katy, Guy, Callie Mark and Marta Ward Michael and Donna Warren

18

Kyle Weaver Jane Vahle Weingartner Dickson and Ann Whitney

PATHFINDERS CIRCLE ($250+)

Annette Augsburger Rev. A. Otto Baumann, II Dianne Bennett Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. Todd and Lori Bianchine The Bliss Family Hallie Boger Deb Boogaard Matt Boxdorfer Henry W. Boyd III Vincent C. Bresch Kevin Brockman Jane Brock-Wilson Jay and Abby Brown Nancy Burke and Don Burn Richard H. Burst Pattie Butler Charlotte Cabrol and Amy Johnson Meg Campbell The Campos Family Rosalyn Chrenka, Ph.D John and Kay Clark Meredith Lee-Clark Lara Cooper Susan and Stephen Costello Paul S. Craun Gray Danforth Peter DiGasbarro Hallie Dovich Tyler Dunaway Leslie Ahrens Ellis Sue Essen Carolyn A. Faber Tricia Shields Folger Richard and Barbara Fox Jerry and Connie Fritz Douglas and Jane Goodrich Robert and Cynthia Grimm Becky and Peter Hanrahan Marty and Jim Harris Catherine Campbell Henn and Family Barbara Henrichs Nancy and Raymond Hill Gail Hindle Ruth Hintz Margot Van Buskirk Hoerner Mimi S. Holmes The Hoover McPherson Family

HONOR ROLL | Contributor Donations from January 1 to December 31, 2022 Susan Melson Huffman Carl and Marybeth Kantner Dennis and Sharon Karr Jean Kasl Elizabeth J. Kelly Hannah Kennedy Barbara Kerr Kimmel Family Fund of the Community Foundation for Oceana County

Sara and Matthew Ottman Stephen Owens and Ann Owens Margaret Oxtoby Nancy Paysinger W. Robert Pearson Amanda Perkins Dr. Richard and Ethel Phillips Steven and Frances Piesbergen Teddy J. Pins

Kathy and Mike Thomas Jon and Lynn Tiede Trevor and Leslie Uhl Brent Underwood The Vanier Family Beth and Michael Vivio Callie Ward Robert and Margaret Watson Carrie and Jay Weaver Katherine Weih Linda G. Wenri Regan Winkler Kate Wissman The Yaney Family

CHALLENGERS CIRCLE ($100+)

Kathryn Koch Jane Koten J.A. Lacy Family Ava Lancaster Michael and Kim Livingston Scott Loper The Low Family James and Terry Lucas Samantha Lucheck Judith Jobbitt and Thomas Marshall Carol and Philip Maus Jay Todd Max Gregg Merz Terese Mitchusson Anne and Kurt Mueller Sheila Nollen Kimberly and Sonny Novotny Jamie and Patrick O'Hagin The Okuma Family Annie and Todd Oliverio

Lauren Abrami and Elizabeth Johnson Diane Adair Mr. Howell E. Adams, Jr. Mark and Cindy Adams Sherry Adams Martha Allard American Living Inc. Michael Andreani Laura Andrews and Family Megan Andrews and Family Judson M. Armstrong Jay O. Aronson Jane and Burton Bangsberg Barbara Baran Gary Baran and Family Sarah Barney and Dr. Melissa Barney Kristine Barr Tracy and Roger Bautista Ray Beal Karen, Doug and John Beattie David Beck Don and Sherry Beckerle Judy Beisner Katie and Albie Bell Family Janet Benson Thomas Blanke Steve Boggs Ann Bowyer Boren Steven Borgelt Lynn Bradley David Bright Winona Bright Mr. William T. Brown Caroline Brush Angela Buchenauer John A. Buchman

Catherine Skinner Powell The Kaptur Puma Family Karen Reimer David and Christy Riel Chloé Risto and 1`Kevin Byerley Karl Robillard and Bob Thornton David and Dorothy Rutledge Sharron and Daniel Sanborn The Schindler Family Robert and Doni Schumacker Dan Shea John Shea The Skidmore Family from Texas Lina Slack Thomas Spiegelhalter Bridget Stack Judy Stockman Luella Swisher The Tabtiang Family Carol and James Teener Bets and Chris Thomas

19

Denotes Member of the Eternal Flame Society

Deborah and Derrick Buddemeyer David A. Byers Charles W. Cammack III Alan and Diane Campbell Amy Campbell Cayman Chemical Nadine Chalmers Susan Rockwell Chandler Debra Charles Bridget R. Clanton Holly Clayson Ruth Cleveland Ellen Cohill Laura Colebank Ginny Coleman Kenneth Collier Bradley J. Collins Dr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Collins Sally and Gregory Connell Madelyn Cook Dr. Margaret H. Cooper Peggy Mill Copeland Melissa Cosby Allison Cox Catherine E. Cox Ross Ann Craig Jay Crosson Rev. Beverly J. Crute, Ph.D. Marie Dalton-Meyer and Les Meyer Bruce and Linda Damstra The Davidson Family Mary Jane Davis Kate Del Robert Denta Marilyn Detrich Karen and Daniel Detterman Linda Detterman Allison and Mark DeVuyst Ardath Dixon William Dobbins Barbara and Richard DoerrerPeacock Robert and Dawn Downey Bruce Dunbar Audrey Durrua Mary Erickson Dr. Joan Essen Jonathan Faust Neil Fisher and Meryl Loonin Melissa Fleurant Dona and Thomas Foerster Nancy and Donald Fraser Jeremy Fryberger Dr. Gail G. Gamble

HONOR ROLL | Contributor Donations from January 1 to December 31, 2022

Ann Ladenson Garrison Heather Gettys Regan Gibson Wiesler Jessa Glick Emily and Peter Glore Stephanie Goel Emily and Christopher Goemans Larry and Nancy Goodlund Goodman/Van Riper Photography Nancy and Michael Goyda Matthew Gray Barbara J. Greig David and Debra Grimm Lisa Guy Karen Bell Gwidt and Jesse Gwidt Laura Haas Robert F. Hagemann III Lois Greenleaf Halsted Dawn Hammersley M. Kay Hannah David and Theresa Hard Robert and Cindy Harlan Kathryn Mellis Harper Veronica Johnson Harris Priscilla and James Heininger Tanya Heydt Sarah K. Hindle Susan and Allan Hinton Jen Hobin Al and Kathryn Hodgdon Robert and Elizabeth Hoffman Karen Hogan Maggie Holsten Shirley and Roger Holt Hale Laurie Hilscher Humphrey

Jane Ward Lindberg and Family Jeanne D. Lischer Robert and Joan Lohrey Denise Loper Michael Lowrey Nancy Ludlow Gabriel Maayan Sara Marblestone and Sheri Tracey Marianna and Byron Martin Melissa Martin Rev. Amy E. and Brian McCreath Ben, Peter, Meg and Jay McDermott Sue McKinney Christopher and Laura McMahon Jessie Meranda Theresa and Ronald Merbler Beverly Cosner Miller Scott and Jane Molden Kathy Moll Gwen Henry Monahan William and Martha Monroe Rebecca and Bruce Montgomery Lynn Beimdiek Morris William R. Morris Phil and Carol Moulden Terry Muller Steve and Elizabeth Murrill Dr. David Namay

Helaine Hunscher Susan and Thomas Hurd Jonathan and Sarah Igoe Robert Istnick Linda Meyer Jackmond The Jenkins Family Beverly Stevens Jensen Patricia and Chauncey Johnstone Lynn Ann Jones Maryhelen Jones Bettina Getz and William Judge Pat Benedict Jurgens Nancy M. Kaelber David Keegan Elaine Keegan Aleta Keel Barbara Kelley Paul Kerchberger C. Benjamin and Sondra Kirby Flora Kitzman Anne Klene Catherine Klene Randy and Laura Kniffen Judith Kogan Chandler and Elysian Koglmeier Brad Kosem Dominic Lambek James Langan Andrew Langdon Marnie Lanphier Mariann Laue Baker Patti, Carol, Maureen, Michelle, Jane and Sheila Gleeson Katie LeGrand Jill Levenfeld

Judith K. Nettles Barry and Elaine Nocks Karen Nordstrom The Heartland Girls Eileen O'Keefe Lynn Olsen Christine and John Orsborn Steve Palley and Kate Stein Carol Paronis

20

Jennifer Peterson J. Stuart and Debbie Pettitt Jennifer Pett-Ridge Julie C. Pett-Ridge Suzanna Gordner Pollak Martin and Mary Proudfoot Christopher Pryslopski Jan Queal Diane Rabe Helen and James Randels James Redmond Janet Reece Jane Reynolds Jennifer M. Rhodes Peter Ribbens Bill and Gloria Riggs Charles Rimmer Laurie Rinehart-Thompson Dr. Betts Rivet Barbara Roden Elizabeth Roghair Brian Rudolph Kerry Ryan and Dr. Noaman Siddiqi Julia Ann Sanders Jill Schantz Mary Dee and Ed Schmidt Erin Schulte Nancy Schwartz Kathleen Schweich

Ginger G. Scott Vicki and Robert Scruggs Manoochehr and Maryann Sharifi Monique Sharifi Liz and Jeffrey Sharp The Shepherd Foundation Linda S. Shirk Bruce Shuman Stacey Siak

HONOR ROLL | Contributor Donations from January 1 to December 31, 2022 Bob and Henley Smith Douglas and Coleen Smith Jennifer Smith, Robert Jones and Family Dr. Phillip Smith Leslie and Larry Snyder Julie and Donn Stengele Bridget Stewart William and Margaret Stude Betsy Stuerke Faye Sturhahn and Ted Smith Lucy Sullivan The Sullivan-Fielding Family Weeza Swain Piroska Ludwig Szabo Susan Steiger Tebb Geraldine J. Thompson Michelle Thompson Patricia Thrash Justin Traxler and Regina Wu Ellen Trovillion Mark J. Twentyman Fred Vahle Bill Van Cleve Margaret Van Cleve Norma Jean Vavra Klein Sovann Vorsteg-Boyd Dayna Vuksinick Kurt Wagner and Family John and Vicki Waller Barb Walton Chad and Amber Warner Carol Crain White Bob and Sandy Wilcox Annette K. Williams Evie (Hill) Williams James Williams Wendell and Mary Williams Mary Jane Wiseman Nancy and William Wittkamp James Yemm Shirley Young Brian and Janice Zanjani Nancy and Bill Ziegelmueller

DARERS CIRCLE ($1+)

Kelsey Abell Carol Alexander Kacie Allick Sally and Robert Anderson Robert Andrews Rachael Anne EmilyVan Ark RhoCo Ashley Judy and Barry Baker

Courtney Barnard Tracey Bartlebaugh Ron Bergman Burke and Jo Hoyt Bero William and Jill Beute Mindy Bhuyan Pamela and John Bishop

Megin Charner-Laird Jessica Cheney Abbie Chronister (Greene) David and Debra Clarke Janet Clement Sara Coburn Michael Cook

Nicholas Blair Robert Bloomfield Arthur and Louann Bodenbender Rebecca Bond Lisa and Barry Boucher Tracy Marblestone Brant Cindy Brewbaker Harry Brewer Ruth and John Britton Casey Brock-Wilson Barbara Bruins Julie Bruneau E. Chandlee Bryan Heidi Burch Sheena Burd Brendan Burje Matthew Burke Ryan Burke Anita Ward Burnett Katharine "KB" Bussert Sandra Kemp Butler Benjamin Caldwell Sarah Caliendo Tessa Campbell Elizabeth Carnahan Lynn Carson John and June Carter Chris Champlin

Gabriella Costello Pamela Cubberly Elisa Cuellar Philip B. Curtis Susan R. Danielson Huong Dao Roger and Harriet Davidson Rachel Demotts Betty and Alvin DeWitt Barbara Ruhl DeYoung and Family Nancy S. Dickinson Jennifer Dieman Tracy Diiacovo Beth Dimka Kim Dzung Do Barbara Dolan and Natalie Nowicki Sandra A. Doveikis Mary Dubose Elizabeth Early Sarah Ekern-Schumacher Alison and Tod Ewing Allison Farnen Chris Farr Kathleen Smith Faulkenberry Suzanne Lilly Ferrall Julie Miller Figg Mary Stafford Forbes Dan and Rita Forbush 21

Denotes Member of the Eternal Flame Society

Ambrean Ford Jan Forster Robert and Sylvia Frank Carol Savery Frederick and William Frederick Lisa Freeman Kristin Fuhrmann-Simmons Sarah Garner Sarah Garvin Sarah Gehres Thomas and Patricia Geiger Maggie Geller Nicole Gerome Jaycie Gibson Kendall Gibson Peter and Emily Glore Rebecca Epstein Goldstein Andrew and Betty Golub Maggie Hayba Gonzales Billie Gordon Lindsay and Hunter Gordon Melinda Graham David E. Gray Paul and Evelyn Green Sarah Green Bob Greiner Barbara Griffith Audrey M. Gross Anne Davis Grothe Joseph and Sally Grube Nathan Gunnels Samuel Gunning Spencer Gunning Thomsa E. Haas Barbara Hainer Loraine and Ed Hammerbeck Jeanine Handy Rebecca Harberts Mo Harris Carolyn Hart Michael Harter and Griffin Vogler David Hatfield Calista L. Hillman Frederick Hird Sandra Bear Holcombe Rick Holgate William A. Holsten Carolyn Hubenak Susan and John Huesing Carrie Kauffman Huffman and Larry Huffman Shirley Huffman Kay Hyman Hilary Jacobs Peter and Anne James

HONOR ROLL | Contributor Donations from January 1 to December 31, 2022 Barry Johnson Heidi Frielingsdorf Johnson Jory and Calvin Johnson Mary Lynne Johnson Jennifer Johnsrud and Amy Carlson Mike Jones Rachel and Michael Jones David and Lynne Judd Fred Kelly and Donnell Kelly Sara Kelly Dan Kemock Daniel Kim Amy and Tim Knauff Dr. Natalie Knesek and Mr. Tim Knesek Daniel Kocarnik Judy R. Koehl Sara and Richard Kopacz John Kotanidas, Jr. Angela and Kevin Kovarik Nicole Kraft Ann and Lionel Kreamer Erin Krewet Emily Kurdziel

Rhonda Lofgren Leisa Lowrey Judith Luptak Lois Maag Chip MacLeod Elsa Mark-Ng Olivia Marshall Megan Max Laura Mayo "Bonnie" Martha R. McAlister Liz Mccarthy Susan McColl Johanna and Raymond McCoy Daniel Mccreath Erin and Mark McGaughey Bridgette Lyn McKeown Carleigh Mcmahon Margaret Messawer Deborah Amsden Micklos Ellen Miller Emily Milliman Carla Minori Man on a Mission Joseph and Kathryne Mitchell

Meredith LaCagnin Sharon Lartey Karli Lawrence Mark and Margaret Leach Mary Leach Sang Lee Megan Lemaire Jill Lewis Catherine Lindell John Linke Lynn and Matthew Litwiller Alexa Lofgren

Erin Sauter Monolo and Angie Monolo Carolyn Moore Eileen Moran Michael and Joan Mullen Calvin and Karen Mutti Helen and Jack Naleid Heidi Nelson Mary Cooper Nelson Martha Neuman Bruce Newton Marianne Nolley

Ann O'Brien Tracy Obyc Elizabeth Ohle Ashlie O'Reilly Catherine Orpett Emma Palley Christie Patrick Kelly and Bob Patterson Mark Pawlowski Edward Nelson Peters Daniel Peterson Joan Peterson Karen Pfendler Brian Pham Tabatha Phillips Robert and Michelle Pike Judith Pitchforth Katilynn Pollard Emily Prince Hannah Puma Abby Rand Nancy Ratliff Craig Readler Adam Rechnitzer Bruce and Page Reed Christie Reed Tom Reed Jill Currie Reeves Brent and Meehan Repp Virginia Reynolds Judith and Kenneth Rhoads David and Nadine Richardson Don and Deborah Riley Gail Roller Robert Roy Sandra and Gary Ruggiero Sarah Coelho Ruiz Pam and Joseph Ruth Sandra Sabatini Cas Sachs Christopher Sale Erica Sandler Melissa Rooney Sarver Helene M. Saunders Joellen and Wayne Scheer Julia Yvonne Schenck Phillip and Mary Schenkenberg James L. Schmitz Mary Jude Schmitz Erica Schreiber Lucas Schroeder Lesley Mellis Schuldt Presli Schumacker Jennifer Sebolt

22

Donna M. Sens Isaac Shafer Levi Shafer Micah Shafer John Shearer Jason Shoopak The Shorter Family Lois Farley Shuford Wendy Sigle Amy and Kevin Simmons Patricia and William Simmons Judy Sindecuse Hayden Morgan Smeaton Adam Smetana Erick Smith Penny Smith Jenny Somerville Brandon Spearman Ben Speed Jenny and Hal Spiers Catherine Stephens Nate Struman Sarah Suggs Katelyn Sullivan Melanie Sullivan Pamela and Stanley Switlik Nancy Tellier Michael and Karen Thomas Jeanne Yates Tomlinson Bonnie Travers Katana Valle-Sloane Peter and Kathryn Vigh Alice Volkov Waalkes Melissa Walker Cinda Lou Walton Carmen Dressler Ward Nancy and Robert Weed Elvester Welch Abby Wells Joann and Arthur Whipple David and Mary Anna Wicker Astrid Wielens and Bridget Stearns Hannah Williams and Rica Bryan Ollie Williamson Banks Wilson Jeff and Beth Wilson Mimi Wilson Richard Winters Mary Wolfe Eunice and Roland Wong Robert and Pamela Wunder Kathy Zenk

TRIBUTE & MEMORIAL GIFTS | September 10, 2022 to July 15, 2023 In Honor of Robert A. Abraham The Sens Family In Honor of the Outstanding Staff at the AYF! Deb Seidel

In Memory of Dad Waite, my beloved grandfather Betsy Stuerke In Memory of George G. Greenleaf Lois Greenleaf Halsted

In Honor of Rhonda Armor Nancy Paysinger

In Memory of Albert R. Gremse Joan Peterson

In Memory of Bruce Barmby Robert Andrews Thomas and Patricia Geiger

In Honor of Sara Hofverberg and her lifelong Miniwanca Friends Nancy Lau

In Honor of Albie and Katie Bell and Family Karen Bell Gwidt and Jesse Gwidt

In Memory of Larry Holmes David and Sara Bailey Beverly Davis Garner

In Memory of Jeffrey Burrows Casidy Ferneding Jamie Drinkwater Stockton

In Honor of Susan Huffman Nancy Paysinger

In Memory of Ralph C. Cordell Jerry and Joan Flynn In Honor of David Dietrich Randy and Laura Kniffen

In Honor of Matt Loper Lauren Abrami and Elizabeth Johnson Tony and Shawna Gehres Mary Lynne Johnson Jill Levenfeld Scott Loper Julie and Donn Stengele Alice Volkov In Memory of Jennifer Mason Laura and Larry Mason Emily Prince In Honor of Max, Emmy, and JT Megan Max In Honor of Peter and Ben McDermott Jay and Meg McDermott

In Memory of John Bart Jones Lynn Ann Jones

In Honor of Vanette and Thearon McKinney Nancy Paysinger

In Honor of Julia Wilkins Kohrmann Mary Jude Smith

In Honor of Andy Ewbank Lucas Schroeder

In Memory of Jeffrey Glick The Glick Family In Honor of Jessa Glick Kathy Berg in Memory of Troy Murray, NLC 2013 "Unite Together for Good" Ayn Dietrich-Williams In Honor of Carolyn Faber Nancy Paysinger

In Memory of Elizabeth Mulcahy Telthorst Patricia and Chauncey Johnstone In Memory of JoAnn Mulcahy John Drew Laura Mason In Memory of My Parents Margaret Messawer

In Honor of Alice Palmer David and Dorothy Rutledge

In Honor of Carolyn Faber Patrick Hayes Mary Leach

In Honor of Mary K. France Weeza Swain

In Memory of Judy Bebb Muhn Lynn Ann Jones

In Honor of Erin Karr O'Brien Laura Andrews and Family Megan Andrews Tracey Bartlebaugh Dennis and Sharon Karr Michael and Dianne O'Brien Erick Smith

In Memory of Virginia "Wink" Dunn Olivia Marshall Julie Palomaki-Meadows

In Memory of Ricky Owens: always a Tika, always our family Katharine "KB" Bussert

In Memory of Sipho Msipa The Low Family

In Memory of Jamie Nielson Stephen and Ann Owens

In Memory of Robert and Virginia Dunn Anne and Jack Palomaki

In Memory of Carolyn Anderson Beimdiek The Baratz Family

Judith Kogan Patricia McCormick Lynn Olsen Craig Readler Gail Roller Jeffrey Stakel Ross Tucker

In Honor of Nancy Solon Ginger Solon Partee In Memory of Dr. Steven Meadows Anne and Jack Palomaki Julie Palomaki-Meadows

In Honor of Rachel Krishnan Nancy Paysinger In Honor of Dr. Sara Lynn LeCagnin Meredith LaCagnin

In Memory of Shawman Lee Detterman Meireis Ray Beal Janet Clement Ellen Cohill Pamela Cubberly Brook Detterman Melissa Fleurant Audrey M. Gross Kate Hanauer David Hatfield Diane Hatfield and Jim Hobbins Hilary Jacobs David Keegan Elaine Keegan

In memory of Dr. Roland and Virginia Ladenson Ann Ladenson Garrison In Honor of Ava Lancaster Nancy Paysinger In Memory of Hal LaPine Susan Marshall LaPine Anna Kay Vorsteg and Vicki Boyd In Honor of Susan Marshall LaPine Anna Kay Vorsteg and Vicki Boyd In Honor of Mary Leach Mark and Margaret Leach

23

In Honor of Liz Jackson Ginger Solon Partee In Honor of Katie Partee Ginger Solon Partee In Memory of Jane Paysinger Susan Melson Huffman In Honor of Ann Phillips Allison Farnen In Honor of Teddy Pins Anonymous In Memory of Naomi and James E. Pound Jean Kasl In Honor of Hannah Puma The Kaptur Puma Family

TRIBUTE & MEMORIAL GIFTS | September 10, 2022 to July 15, 2023 In Honor of Clare Sanford Laura Venn and Bryan Westerhold In Memory of Kim Scartelli Winona Bright Margot and Eric Hoerner Carolyn Hubenak Fred Kelly and Donnell Kelly Amy and Tim Knauff Laura Mason Bridget Stack Janet G. Strube In Honor of Deb Seidel Appwerks, LLC Kristine Barr Jo Kincaid In Memory of Barbara Carman Shore Carolyn Metzger Harmon In Honor of Jan Strube John Hecker and Family Julie Palomaki-Meadows In Memory of Jack Swisher Luella Swisher In Honor of Adam Thomas Kate Wissman In Honor of Bets Thomas Michael and Karen Thomas In Honor of Jack Thomas Kate Wissman In Memory of Ryan Thomas Kate Wissman Bets and Chris Thomas In Honor of Amrine Laurel Tomlinson-Tunick Jeanne Yates Tomlinson In Honor of Susan Venn Laura Venn and Bryan Westerhold In Memory of Mariette Ward The Ward Family – Alan, Katy, Guy, Callie In Honor of Nancy Markle Wilson Weeza Swain In Honor of Holley Young Liz Marshall

The following individuals donated to the 2022 NLC class challenge Kelsey Abell Michael Andreani Harry Brewer Caroline Brush Deborah and Derrick Buddemeyer Brendan Burje Ryan Burke Katharine "KB" Bussert Tessa Campbell Chris Champlin Abbie Chronister (Greene) Jennifer Dieman William Dobbins Mary Dubose Carolyn A. Faber Peter and Emily Glore Stephanie Goel Matthew Grifferty Nathan Gunnels Loraine and Ed Hammerbeck David and Theresa Hard Blake Ives Sara Kelly Meredith LaCagnin Mary Leach The Leach Family Sang Lee Rhonda Lofgren Alexa Lofgren Megan Max The Max Family Jay Todd Max Christopher and Laura McMahon Erin Sauter Monolo and Angie Monolo Eileen Moran Betsy Newman Marianne Nolley Michael and Dianne O'Brien Erin and Shannon O'Brien Kelly and Bob Patterson Nancy Paysinger Tabatha Phillips Robert and Michelle Pike Katilynn Pollard Adam Rechnitzer Christie Reed Tom Reed Chloé Risto and Kevin Byerley Cas Sachs Mary Jude Schmitz Erica Schreiber Erin Schulte

The Sens Family Levi Shafer Isaac Shafer Micah Shafer Penny Smith Erick Smith Brandon Spearman The Spiek Family Katelyn Sullivan Beth and Michael Vivio Melissa Walker Banks Wilson Jeff and Beth Wilson Mimi Wilson The following individuals created Facebook Fundraisers to support the AYF Sheena Marie Burd Olivia Marshall Amy McCreath Emily Milliman Man On A Mission Sharron Sanborn Miller Dave Schaper The following individuals supported the AYF by donating to Facebook Fundraisers William A. Holsten Kelsey Abell Rachael Anne Emily VanArk RhoCo Ashley Courtney Barnard Dianne Bennett Ron Bergman Rebecca Bond Heidi Burch Sheena Marie Burd Megin Charner-Laird Allison Cox Elisa Cuellar Huong Dao Kate Del Rachel Demotts Beth Dimka Kim Dzung Do Jeff Dorazewski Sue Essen Jan Forster Deana Fox Maggie Geller Kendall Gibson Billie Gordon Sarah Green

24

Bob Greiner Shawn Herron Calista L Hillman Rick Holgate Maggie Holsten Blake Ives Barry Johnson Dan Kemock Barbara Kerr Anne Klene Catherine Klene Sharon Lartey Katie Legrand Leisa Lowrey Sara Marblestone Olivia Marshall Liz Marshall JT Max Liz McCarthy Amy McCreath Daniel McCreath Carleigh McMahon Emily Milliman One Man Mission Erin O'Brien Dianne O'Brien Shannon O'Brien Christie Patrick Nancy Paysinger Karen Pfendler Brian Pham Emily Prince Hannah Puma Karen Reimer Christopher Sale Sharron Sanborn Presli Schumacker Rob Schumacker Wendy Sigle Morgan Smeaton Ben Speed Nate Struman Melanie Sullivan Bonnie Travers Waalkes Ollie Williamson Mary Wolfe Holley Young Shirley Young

Make a gift to the AYF by donating online at ayf.com/donate-now or scan the QR code.

2024 SAVE THE DATE

Online registration for 2024 Summer Camp programs is now open at ayf.com!

We are pleased to expand our program offerings in 2024 with one-, two-, and three-week options for each session at Miniwanca and Merrowvista.

We will also host the Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament in spring 2024 and adult programs in summer and fall, including Summer Seminars for Women, Alumni and Family Weekends, and Spark, an adult retreat. Visit ayf.com or sign up for our email newsletter at bit.ly/AYFEmailSignUp for more information.

NLC

MINIWANCA

MERROWVISTA

National Leadership Conference

Summer Camp

Summer Camp

Session A

Session A

1st and 2nd Year Participants:

June 30 to July 19

June 30 to July 19

Voyageur

Summer Camp

June 15 to June 22 3rd Year Participants: June 14 to June 22 Online registration begins November 20.

July 7 to August 9 (five weeks)

Summer Camp

Session B July 21 to August 9

Session B July 21 to August 9

The American Youth Foundation will mark its centennial in 2025 with a year of celebration, special events, and a capital campaign. We hope you’ll join us as we share our vision for the AYF’s next 100 years! Sign up for our email newsletter to receive all the centennial details at bit.ly/AYFEmailSignUp or scan the QR code.

25

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT NO. 5283

American Youth Foundation ayf.com Merrowvista

Advancement

Miniwanca

147 Canaan Rd.

6357 Clayton Rd.

8845 W. Garfield Rd.

Ctr. Tuftonboro, NH 03816

St. Louis, MO 63117

Shelby, MI 49455

603-539-6607

314-719-4343

231-861-2262