call on you to adventure with us into the next
100 years.
A Letter from the President
” In early August, on a cool and rainy morning, I gathered with hundreds of Miniwanca campers, families, and supporters on the shores of Lake Michigan for a tradition called Nostos, the triumphant return of Voyageur and Odyssey campers from their powerful kayaking and hiking adventures.
Cloudy skies parted, and the rain let up as campers chanted, “We are proud of you!” while the trip groups splashed and sang “Founder Hearts” in the chilly water. Along the sandy beach, young campers cheered and shouted with their whole hearts.
In the crowd, I overheard a younger boy say to a friend, “That’s gonna be us next year!” In that moment, the cycle of growth and inspiration turned and the next group of campers embraced the call to adventure.
I accepted my own call to adventure this year as I stepped into leadership as President and CEO of the American Youth Foundation. I’m lucky to have learned so much from Anna Kay Vorsteg, who has been an inspiring mentor throughout my career. I was honored when the Board of Directors asked me to lead at this exciting time for the organization as we are gaining momentum and growing our impact.
At Merrowvista and Miniwanca, our calendars and sites are quickly filling with thousands of participants who are reaching for their best in summer camp, National Leadership Conference, spring and fall school and community and school programs, and expanded adult offerings. We are updating our curriculum and our language as we find new ways to connect with today’s youth around the timeless work of discovering purpose and leading a balanced life.
As I revisit the highlights of 2024 in this year’s Founder Fire, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and motivation. These communities do more than just provide fun and adventure; they build connection and empower people to face new experiences with confidence and resilience. The magic that happens when kids come together, away from technology and the distractions of everyday life, to learn and support one another is truly remarkable.
We are also on the brink of a tremendous milestone — celebrating AYF’s 100th year since its founding in 1925. This upcoming centennial year is a testament to our rich history and a launching point for the future. Read on to learn how we are poised to continue enkindling the inner sparks of countless participants, helping them grow together and develop the skills and confidence they need to change their communities.
And now, I call on you to adventure with us into the next 100 years. We want and need your support to build on this momentum. You can help us sustain and expand our transformational programs, reach more people, and maintain the excellence that has defined our organization for a century. Spread the word about the camps, tell a young person about staff opportunities, and give a gift to the annual fund; all these actions make a critical difference for the AYF and the youth we serve.
Together, we will keep this legacy alive and thriving. Together, we will ensure the AYF continues to inspire, nurture, and empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
With deep gratitude and excitement for the future, Liz Marshall President and CEO
A Year of Anticipation
Miniwanca and Merrowvista campers of the 1920s and 1930s cabins with screened windows, elaborate high ropes courses, a wild
And yet, in the ways that matter most, these youth would fit right in with the campers of 2025: morning plunges into cold lakes, joyful friendships formed in the summer twilight, and thoughtful discussions of best self and balanced living.
As the AYF enters its centennial year, President and CEO Liz Marshall said it’s important to commemorate the organization’s storied history and celebrate its limitless future.
“Our founders were united by a common vision: to develop leaders for tomorrow, inspire young people to discover and develop their own best self, and to give them the tools to live a balanced life,” Marshall said. “That legacy continues as our programs prepare youth today for a future as confident community leaders.”
Extending the Reach
Vice President of Strategic Programs Kris Light said the AYF mission reaches more people than ever before as the organization’s programs adapt to connect with youth across the country.
Each summer, Miniwanca and Merrowvista build intentional communities filled with diverse perspectives and experiences where everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves. These camp programs have experienced steady growth in the last four years as youth crave real, in-person connection away from technology and the stresses of daily life.
AYF Community and School Programs also introduce many youth to outdoor educational experiences for the first time. “Many of our CSP participants have never spent this much time in a rustic setting,”
said Light. “Time away from home in these beautiful spaces gives them the chance to truly engage with the outdoor world and their peers in new ways.”
CSP also forges partnerships in new communities like Boston Public Schools in Massachusetts and Community Foundation of Oceana County in western Michigan.
As participants grow into adulthood, the AYF recognized the desire for the young at heart to continue their journey of self-discovery through adult programs. Summer Seminars for Women is now approaching its fourth decade, while other newer programs like Spark are entering their third year at Miniwanca and inaugural year at Merrowvista.
“Our learning, growth, and the impact we have on others don’t stop when we age out of youth-oriented programs,” said Holley Young, Director of Adult Programs.
Growing Together in Community
The AYF community extends far beyond the boundaries of Miniwanca and Merrowvista, and Marshall hit the road this year to meet alumni in cities across the country.
Marshall made stops in several cities like Chicago, Cincinnati, and St. Petersburg, Florida to personally connect with AYF supporters, some of whom haven’t been back to Miniwanca or Merrowvista in years. More trips to cities on the West Coast and Washington, D.C. are planned for this fall.
Anticipation
1930s would find some camp elements unrecognizable: wild cardboard box race inspired by the video game Mario Kart.
“I’m struck by the passion of our alums who were so moved by the power of their AYF experiences that even decades later, they can recall the people and programs that had a lasting effect on their lives,” she said. “Meeting this diverse group – some with a long history at Miniwanca and Merrowvista, others with a single impactful encounter – is inspiring.”
Marshall hopes to channel this passion into action, rekindling sparks to create Regional Action Networks that can develop and strengthen relationships in their communities.
“The Regional Action Networks gather our Founder Friends for social activities, lifelong learning, and service,” said Vice President of Advancement Sandra George. “We also hope these ambassadors will help us share more information about AYF programs in their communities and collaborate with regional partners to advance the AYF mission.”
Regional Action Networks are currently being organized in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Louisville, Seattle, and St. Louis. Volunteer ambassadors helm the groups, coordinating gatherings via private Facebook Groups. As the AYF grows these satellite communities, George is confident its members will embrace the organization’s value of investing in youth.
“There are so many wonderful, supportive people who want to invest in this work as we prepare to enter AYF’s next century,” she said.
Coming Home
Of course, no centennial would be complete without celebration. The AYF will host homecoming weekends at Miniwanca and Merrowvista, as well as virtual events and regional celebrations across the country.
Everyone is invited to join a homecoming weekend at each site. Miniwanca Homecoming will take place Friday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, and Merrowvista Homecoming will take place Friday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. Registration and rates for both events will be available online in January 2025.
Homecoming will see family and friends from all generations gather at Miniwanca and Merrowvista for a three days of fun camp activities, delicious meals, and powerful community moments. On-site housing will be available.
The AYF will also host a 100th Birthday Party in St. Louis on Oct. 18, 2025, and Miniwanca will also host its 2025 Girls Camp Reunion from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. More details and registration will be available online.
“The American Youth Foundation is so excited to gather so many Founder Friends as we honor our past and celebrate our future,” Marshall said. “We are growing in so many new ways, and we look to our community to help us build on that momentum as we prepare the next generations to discover and unleash their best for another 100 years.”
Programs Spark Purpose
For the last 100 years, American Youth Foundation programs have fostered self-discovery through a balanced approach of personal growth, community building, and interconnected program goals. Recently, AYF leadership updated its program outcomes to better illustrate how the organization’s timeless approach to youth development best addresses the needs of youth today.
Vice President of Strategic Programs Kris Light said the AYF remains grounded in the original philosophies of the four folds and best self.
“These program outcomes are as important now as ever, and this updated language does not change what we do, but instead further explains the ‘why’ of the AYF’s approach,” he said.
by Dana Rieck
Outcome 1: DISCOVERING AND DEVELOPING YOUR OWN BEST SELF
An open, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive is key to helping campers find their best self. Miniwanca Girls Camp Director Bethany Wise said AYF camp programs emphasize the value of individuality, acceptance, and freedom of expression, often reflected in the creative, eclectic costumes campers don for skits.
“Their outer appearance can represent their inner thoughts and feelings,” Wise said. “They’re always coming up with the silliest ways to put pieces together and design characters. I think that’s a great example of this environment fostering authentic self-expression. Outside of camp, so many girls’ clothing choices are scrutinized. Here, they can be themselves.”
Wise said the AYF’s philosophy of “challenge by choice” also supports this program outcome: knowing and accepting that not everyone’s goal will be the same. “During an activity like high ropes, some will aim to make it to the top of the rock wall, others want to go farther than they did the previous time,” she said. “It’s all a path of personal growth and discovery.”
Outcome 2: GROWING THROUGH THE FOUR FOLDS
Once participants begin to identify best self, Merrowvista Director of Community and School Programs Dayna Vuksinick said they continue to grow through the four folds: mental, physical, social, and reverent (formerly the religious or spiritual fold). Her CSP participants often explore those concepts as they hike for the first time, get to know people who are different from them, and have conversations where everyone may not agree.
Miniwanca Conference, Community, and School Programs Director Michael Harter emphasized it’s important to spend time on the four folds without expecting or demanding perfection. It’s something he and his fellow National Leadership Conference co-directors have spent a lot of time discussing.
“Young people are surrounded by so many conflicting messages,” he said. “We never want to them to confuse the pursuit of best self and balanced living with the concept of perfection, and we make that distinction in program.”
Light said the four folds serve as a lens through which to view life. “They help participants assess where they are strong and confident and where they would like to grow and challenge themselves,” he said. “The programs then provide opportunities to follow through on that assessment.”
Outcome 3: WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD COMMUNITY
Vuksinick said even just a few days is enough for kids to develop a deeply connected community. She recalled a group of students who asked to hold their senior prom at Merrowvista last year because they wanted to celebrate with the friends they made during a school program in sixth grade.
“Knowing that these kids hadn’t been there in six years, but they still had such a strong connection to us and really felt like they needed to be here to celebrate the end of their time together, was very beautiful to watch — and it was so fun,” she said.
Light said bonds created in these intentional communities do more than create lasting friendships. “When participants work together to achieve a common goal during program, they also develop positive leadership skills and find opportunities to put their best selves into action,” he said. “They recognize their impact as part of a larger whole and their responsibility in caring for and creating a sense of belonging within a community.”
Outcome 4: MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD
The final program outcome is the hardest one to see in the moment, but all the directors have heard from families and teachers about participants who return home and make meaningful change in their lives, whether that’s trying out for a new sport or volunteering in their communities.
“It’s been amazing to see how different they are when they go back home,” Vuksinick said. “They help their families, they seem a lot kinder, and they’re a lot kinder to themselves. And I think that’s important — making that positive difference in yourself, so it turns around and feeds back into the world.”
Wise said each program outcome sets up the others for success. “I see the program outcomes as concentric circles,” she said. “They all support each other at the same time, with this idea that you’re starting within your innermost self and then bringing that innermost best self out into the world.”
Harter said the foundational four folds and approach to balanced living combined with these updated program outcomes will propel the AYF and the youth it serves into the next 100 years.
“Many program activities look different than they did 100 years ago, but the actual work we do is very similar,” he said. “At the end of every program, we want participants to feel more prepared and empowered as young adults. We believe in their capacities to shape the world and confront issues facing their communities.”
Summer camp often calls to mind visions of youth adventuring daringly as they hike through rugged terrain or aspiring nobly as they master sailing or kayaking in open water. However, teens in hardhats wielding shovels and power tools are an equally accurate image as they serve humbly and give back to camp.
Vice President of Infrastructure Andy Mulcahy said service learning continues to be a cornerstone of Miniwanca and Merrowvista summer programs. “Each summer, we entrust our oldest campers with important construction projects that not only teach them valuable life skills, but also enrich the Miniwanca and Merrowvista communities,” he said.
The Wayfinder campers at Merrowvista (entering grades 11 and 12) and the Avail campers at Miniwanca (entering grades 9 to 12) complete three-week in-camp programs focused on leadership development, community building, and service learning. The teens work under the careful supervision of the skilled facilities teams to complete projects that leave lasting legacies.
This year, the Merrowvista Wayfinders replaced an aged outdoor cooking area with a new pavilion, fire circle, and prep table with firewood storage. This project, designed by longtime facilities seasonal staff member Jim Davis, repurposed six 30-year-old telephone poles from the high ropes course as supports for the structure. Wayfinders measured, cut, and installed the poles, as well as the roof framing, rafters, collar ties, and metal roofing panels.
New skills abound during these projects. When constructing the fire circle, the teens learned how to use a transit, providing a level area for the base of the fire circle and a minor slope around the rest of the site to provide proper drainage. They also learned to mix and pour concrete when creating the tabletop.
Meanwhile, the Miniwanca Avail campers helped complete several projects, including renovating Duneview Cottage. They dug out the southwestern corner of the building where the dune had encroached on the structure, as well as removed saplings and underbrush surrounding the building. They also helped remove the front deck and stairs, as well as prepped the exterior for new paint.
Inside, they helped the facilities team gut the interior. They also replaced the floor joists and floor decking and dug a trench for a new water supply line.
Service learning extended to other parts of camp. Avail also got a chance to try their hands at trail maintenance, a critical part of maintaining overall safety and beauty at Miniwanca. They trimmed back significant overgrowth around the Michigan Trail near the Well Site, where campers often enjoy overnight campouts and practice for Four Trails trips. They also brought the nearby tent platforms back to life, replacing rotten railroad ties and adding new sand or dirt to the platforms.
Mulcahy made several visits to both sites to check on the progress of the projects and was impressed with the campers’ enthusiasm, dedication, and work ethic – though there was one situation he’d never encountered in his career.
“We did have to stop on more than one occasion due to dancing,” he said, laughing. “Never in my life have I had to halt work on a job site because of an impromptu dance party.”
Merrowvista Wayfinders
Duneview under construction at Miniwanca
Pavilion under construction at Merrowvista
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. Scan the QR code or go to ayf.com to learn how you can tell your AYF story.
Staebler
2016
1962
“All five of my kids attended camp here and five of my grandchildren, and I think we will have two more next year. Everything they gained from camp, and I felt I gained was the friendships, of course, the experiences, the confidence in trying new things, learning new things, learning how to set goals, learning how to work for something you believe in. There’s just so much here you can learn. I loved the time. We became great campers. We were tent campers when our kids were young and traveled a lot, and I think that came from the experiences we had here at camp. We loved to travel, meet new people.”
“One thing I will always remember about camp is the scenery on this beautiful, beautiful property. It’s around 360 acres, and during every part of our day, we’re adventuring into different parts of it. … It’s a unique experience that I don’t get a whole lot coming from St. Louis. And it’s helped detach from that technological side of society, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but everybody needs their moments to recharge.”
“The most important thing I learned at camp was definitely to take time in my day to pause and check in with myself. Reflection is a very big thing that we do here. … I take time to reflect on where I’m at as a way to personally grow and to make sure my actions are for the betterment of myself. It’s very easy in the modern day to get lost in the actions that you’re doing. It’s a very fast-paced environment that we live in. There’s not a lot of time to think about yourself and where you’re at. And this camp is a place where everybody is safe to do that.”
“The day I picked my daughter up from camp last year… was the best day in the entire year. We drove all the way from camp to our home in Long Island, and it took us almost 10 hours. And the whole way, my daughter is just talking, talking, talking, filling me in on everything that she did at camp. The things she wanted to share was not how much fun she had, but all the challenges that she overcame and the growth that she experienced.
“Like the time they were all huddled together in a tent while it was pouring rain outside, or the time they literally spilled the beans on the campfire and lost some of their dinner. And how her camp counselor modeled Leave No Trace and picked up every single bean. It was all those times she was put in situations where she didn’t know what she was capable of and tried it and grew as a person. I had a lot of admiration for Merrowvista and the leadership. … It was incredible.”
Judy
Bushouse Miniwanca Younger Girls Camp: 1954 to 1958 Miniwanca Older Girls Camp: 1959 to
Tay Wiley Miniwanca camper: 2014 to
Miniwanca Community Life Coordinator: 2024
Patty Morrissey Merrowvista Camper Parent: 2023 to 2024
ARTISTS ENKINDLE CREATIVE
by Dana Rieck
The American Youth Foundation strives to create vibrant, expressive spaces for its camp communities, and this year, it bolstered those efforts through new artist-in-residence programs at Miniwanca and Merrowvista.
Vice President of Advancement Sandra George said the AYF welcomed three talented creators to spend one to two weeks on site this summer, teaching interest groups to campers and working on their own art.
“This new program is designed for creative professionals to share their passion and expertise with our campers and staff,” George said.
At Merrowvista, mosaic artist Lizz Van Saun took up a one-week residency and worked with campers to create their own small-scale mosaic pieces.
“I think everyone had fun,” Van Saun said. “Everyone felt successful. Everyone completed the project. They seemed to really love it a lot. And I think they were really proud of what they did.”
Van Saun also began work on a design for a larger mosaic artwork that she’ll install at the camp next year to commemorate the AYF’s centennial.
“When considering imagery for the final mosaic for next year, I was inspired by the beauty of the mountains, woods, and lakes, as well as the many and varied activities offered to the campers,” she said.
At Miniwanca, artist and Lake Michigan neighbor Jeffrey Meeuwsen recruited the camp’s two artists this summer: Yolanda Gonzalez and Regin Igloria.
Gonzalez specializes in illustration, fine art, printmaking, and painting. She helped campers design and carve their own printmaking blocks. Gonzalez said it was fun to then watch the campers use each other’s blocks to come up with patterns that they printed on fabric headbands.
CREATIVE COMMUNITIES
She said she had no idea what to expect out of this unique residency but enjoyed immersing herself in camp life.
“There’s just something special about the joy that you get from the community there,” she said. “I’m still making artwork from the experience. I think that’s really special, when there’s just a whole lot of intensity for those two weeks and you just want to create more and more afterwards.”
Igloria said he has participated in about eight other residencies across the country and overseas, so he was excited to find an experience different from anything he had done.
Igloria specializes in artistic bookbinding and describes himself as a multidisciplinary artist mostly focusing on drawings and collages. He hosted introduction classes to creating zines and bookmaking.
“It was nice to just jump in, throw a couple of techniques and concepts at the campers, and see where they went,” Igloria said.
“And what always tends to happen when I introduce books to people who have never made books – which is a really wonderful thing –is that they want to give it to somebody they love and care about as a gift, so they put all this time, effort, and energy into it.”
Meeuwsen will continue to assist the Minwianca team as it plans and designs its own centennial artworks at Girls Camp and Boys Camp.
All three artists said they’re excited to see where the residency program grows from here. “The framework and overarching premise of an encouraging environment is already in place, so it lends itself well to this,” Van Saun said.
Merrowvista Community and School
Programs provide growth opportunities to thousands of kids and teens, but there’s another key group that benefits, too. The dedicated internship cohorts who develop and run these programs each year hone professional skills and create lifelong bonds in the pristine New Hampshire wilderness.
An Internship
Former American Youth Foundation President Anna Kay Vorsteg first established the internship program in the 1990s, envisioning a monthslong experience for young adults to work in youth education while developing their interpersonal skills.
“It’s a really great opportunity for these young adults who are just getting out of college, who are unsure of what they want to do next, to come and learn these skills,” said Dayna Vuksinick, Merrowvista Director of Community and Schools Programs.
The pandemic shifted the internship program for a few years. Vuksinick said staffing shortages post-COVID limited its structure and activities, and it was a challenge to balance intern growth opportunities with workload to avoid burnout.
This fall, Merrowvista returned to the internship’s original iteration: a two-part program with the same cohort. Each group has about six to 10 interns, who must be at least 21 or a senior in college. This year, Merrowvista has eight fall interns and two lead facilitators, who are previous interns, to help train and coordinate programming.
The fall portion of the internship typically lasts about 12 weeks, starting right after summer camp and running through November. The interns can opt to return in the spring to work CSP from February to May.
Up to 2,000 students come through Merrowvista CSP every year. The interns do everything from connecting with schools and clients to creating programming and working in the kitchen to cleaning the site between groups.
Vuksinick said after COVID, CSP shifted to focus on students’ social and emotional learning, as well as developing their leadership and communication skills. She said the interns are encouraged to be
Anna Kay Vorsteg, circled, with the first Merrowvista intern class
with Impact
creative and put their own unique stamp on the activities, rather than just following a strict curriculum.
“At the end of the season, they have this sense of ownership over the entire space,” Vuksinick said.
In the spring, they also work on a special project when kids aren’t on site. In 2019, Vuksinick said the interns worked with a nonprofit to create a more robust composting system for Merrowvista and then created programming for kids to learn about composting.
“These projects are their chance to leave their mark on Merrowvista,” she said. “The idea is to build something that can better the camp.”
The connections made during the internship create lasting personal and professional bonds.
Matt Loper, former AYF Director of Programs, said his 2007-2008 intern cohort remains close. They attend each other’s weddings, celebrate the birth of their children, and this year grieved together when one of them passed away. He said the program is set up to create an “incredible group identity formation process.”
“It was probably the best year of my life,” he said. “We really bonded. We were forged in the fire of these intense days together.”
Like Loper, some Merrowvista interns go on to full-time work with the AYF. Former Merrowvista Camp Director Lauren Abrami, Miniwanca Boys Camp Director Tiwi Freeman, and Vice President of Strategic Programs Kris Light are also former Merrowvista interns.
A more recent intern, Hannah Harris, has been a part of the Merrowvista community since she was a baby; both her parents were educators. Her 10-person intern cohort began in fall 2019 but was
by Dana Rieck
interrupted in spring when the pandemic shut down normal operations.
She still considers her fellow interns close friends. “The early spring was so awesome,” she said. “We were really thrilled to be reunited when we came back to program.”
While interns get the chance to work with kids, Harris said the program’s other significant appeal is that it acts as an accelerated course for college grads to learn skills they wouldn’t necessarily learn in a traditional office setting, particularly social-emotional intelligence skills.
“Your people skills are really what grow the most,” she said. “You get to essentially play for your job, which is so lucky, but it’s tough, too, and there’s a lot to navigate socially with that.”
Loper agreed. “You’re learning skills that you’re putting into practice day after day after day — and you’re getting the chance to learn your own specific approach, your style,” he said.
For more information about the 2025 Merrowvista internship experience, email Vuksinick at dvuksinick@ayf.com.
2023 Merrowvista intern cohort
2013 Merrowvista intern cohort
A FORCE OF NATURE
The American Youth Foundation was deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Rosetta “Zetty” Weber, a beloved member of the Merrowvista community and an inspirational leader in outdoor youth empowerment. Zetty’s life was cut short in a vehicle collision on April 11, 2024. She was 39.
In 2014, Zetty joined the Chill Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to inspire young people through board sports and build a more equitable outdoor community. Zetty’s impact on the organization was profound. As vice president of global programs, she helped expand Chill from a regional organization to an international one with programs in 24 cities in nine countries.
Zetty grew up in the hills of Guilford, Vermont, where she first developed a passion for the outdoors. This connection to nature became the cornerstone of her life’s work. She thrived in outdoor activities like backcountry skiing, surfing, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Zetty first attended Merrowvista at age 12 and returned year after year, transitioning from camper to village leader and program coordinator. At Merrowvista, Zetty deepened her connection to the outdoors and honed her leadership skills, leading several Four Trails backpacking, canoeing, and bicycling trips.
Zetty had an equally massive impact on Merrowvista. She also worked with hundreds of young people as a member of the Community and School Program team (I-33, I-34). Those who knew her in those spaces will remember her magnetic, joyful presence, paired with a fierce passion for helping youth discover more about who they are and what they can do.
Her commitment to youth empowerment extended beyond Merrowvista. After college, she served as an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer with the DREAM (Directing through Recreation, Education, Adventure, and Mentoring) Program, which provides free outdoor education programming for children in low-income communities.
“The way Zetty lived will forever be a guidepost for me,” said AYF Vice President of Strategic Programs Kris Light. “She ran her race so fully, and with such an unquenchable sense of purpose, relentless in her drive to help people, especially young people. I picture her constantly in motion, with a huge smile, and challenging us all to keep up.”
Zetty married Parker Weber in 2018, and together they sought adventure across the country from Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado to their home in Waitsfield, Vermont. In 2021, they embarked on a new adventure together: welcoming their daughter, Bridger, to the world.
With every step, Zetty forged deep, lifelong friendships and brought people together with her infectious optimism and warmth. She simply did not stop. Her passing is a profound loss for her family, friends, and the countless young people whose lives she touched.
Her legacy lives on in the many communities she helped build and the lives she inspired. Zetty brilliantly embodied the idea of one enkindled spirit setting hundreds on fire.
Remembering Our Founder Family
A LIFETIME OF SERVICE
The American Youth Foundation stands strong today thanks to the dedication of past leaders who served our youth humbly and kept Miniwanca and Merrowvista growing strong. In the last year, the AYF lost three pillars of leadership who built upon the summer camp programs’ original foundations.
John McAlister, Dr. Richard “Dick” Phillips, and Geraldine “Gerry” Thompson were influential in countless young lives. Their work with the AYF saw the expansion of women in leadership, the preservation of beloved sites, and the evolution of educational programmatic elements. Their legacies live on in the camps today, as the sparks they enkindled set the next generations on fire.
John C. McAlister
John C. McAlister passed away Aug. 6, 2024. John attended Miniwanca Younger Boys Camp from 1961 through 1965, returning as a cabin leader in 1966. John was a longtime volunteer with both the International Leadership Conference and Wakonse in the 1980s and ’90s. He was Director of Miniwanca from 1998 to 2001. John served on the Miniwanca Advisory Committee and on the AYF Property and Maintenance Board Committee. John is survived by his granddaughter, Zoe, as well as his daughter Kara, who attended Miniwanca from 1989 to 1991; his brother, Doug (YB 1959 to 1963, YB leader 1966 to 1967, National Leadership Conference staff 1991); his sister, Kate (Younger Girls Camp 1966); and his brother, Alan (YB 1965 to 1968). John’s mother, Mary Ann McCarthy McAlister attended YG from 1935 to 1939 and was a member of the Older Girls Camp class of 1942.
Dr. Richard L. Phillips
Dr. Richard “Dick” Phillips, age 90, passed away July 10, 2024. He served as the AYF Executive Director from 1975 to 1980, promoting the advancement of women in faculty leadership and broadening the scope of leadership classes. He also arranged for tennis star Althea Gibson to speak at the Young Women’s Conferences (Older Girls Camp). Following his tenure at AYF, he became the Dean of Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University, where he remained until his retirement. His daughter, Cindy Phillips, attended both Miniwanca and Merrowvista from 1975 to 1977, continuing at Miniwanca Girls Camp until 1979. She was also a staff member at both camps. His son, Ken, attended Miniwanca Older Boys Camp from 1975 to 1977, returning as staff in 1979. His wife of 67 years, Ethel, preceded him in death in 2023.
Geraldine Thompson
Geraldine “Gerry” Thompson, 92, passed away Nov. 2, 2023. Geraldine was a Miniwanca Older Girls Camp leader from 1955 through 1975. She was the Older Girls Camp Choir Director and led group singing and chorus leadership most of that time. It was a perfect fit for her, and she was able to share her lifelong love of singing and music with thousands of young women. She also taught many courses on leadership and group dynamics for Older Girls Camp and was an integral part of the AYF Education Committee. She was predeceased by her lifetime friend, Jean Booker, who passed away in 2018. Gerry is survived by a large extended family.
Remembering Our Founder Family
John F. Bowyer
John Ford Bowyer, 74, passed away April 7, 2023. He attended Miniwanca Younger Boys Camp in 1964. His sisters, Ann Bowyer Boren and Susan Lee Bowyer, also attended Miniwanca Older and Younger Girls Camp. John is survived by his significant other, Barbara; his daughter, Catherine (Miniwanca Girls Camp 1996 to 1998); and his son, Patrick. His niece, Amanda Boren Tucker, also attended Girls Camp in the 1980s and also worked at Merrowvista in the early 1990s. John was predeceased by his sister, Susan Lee Bowyer.
Cynthia Pillsbury Dickinson
Ferial E. Deer-Skye
Ferial E. Deer-Skye, 83, passed away Oct. 22, 2023. Ferial participated in Miniwanca Younger Girls Camp in 1953 and the Older Girls Camp from 1957 to 1960. Her son, Clifton, and daughter, Wenonah, also took part in the National Leadership Conference in 1982 and 1985. Her sisters, Ada Deer and Constance Deer, attended Miniwanca in the late 1950s.
Thomas R. Cole
Thomas R. Cole, 94, passed away Nov. 13, 2023. Tom is survived by his wife, Dianne; his sons, Tim and Clint; and his daughter, Susan. He attended Miniwanca Older Boys Camp from 1946 to 1949 and was part of the Miniwanca work staff from 1945 to 1954. His sisters, Mary Cole Naeher and Nancy Cole Spencer, both attended Miniwanca Girls Camp. His son, Tim, attended Miniwanca Older Boys Camp from 1978 to 1980 and was on work staff in 1981.
Judith Nosker Croghan
Judith Nosker Croghan, age 84, passed away Nov. 8, 2023. In December 1960, she married Dr. Tom Croghan. Tom attended Miniwanca Older Boys Camp from 1955 to 1956, and he returned as the camp doctor in 1976. In 1977, Tom and Judith attended Miniwanca Family Camp with their four children. This began years of family involvement with Miniwanca, with Jeff (Boys Camp 1978 to 1979, National Leadership Conference 1982 to 1983), Kathy (Girls Camp 1979 to 1984), Karen (NLC 1985), and Mike (BC 1984 to 1987, NLC 1989 to 1990).
Cynthia Pillsbury Dickinson, 81, passed away Oct. 29, 2023. Cynthia attended Miniwanca Younger Girls Camp from 1954 to 1960, returning as a leader in 1961 and 1962. She is survived by her husband, Virgil; her son, Ken (Miniwanca Boys Camp 1989 to 1995) and her two daughters, Elizabeth “Liz” Dickinson Smith (Girls Camp 1986 to 1994, GC Staff 1999 to 2000) and Stephanie Dickinson Graham (GC 1994 to 1998, GC Staff 2000). In addition, she is survived by her sisters, Elizabeth Hoffman (GC 1956 to 1961), Linda Roos (GC 1958 to 1969, Leader 1966 to 1969), and Evelyn Kurtz (GC 1960 to 1962). Many of her grandchildren have also attended camp, including Kenzie Smith (GC 2018 to 2024), Merit Smith (BC 2021 to 2024), Felix Dickinson (BC 2016 to 2021), and Archibald Dickinson (BC 2021).
Judith Langohr Ebeling
Judith Langohr Ebeling, 85, passed away Jan. 26, 2024. Judith attended Miniwanca Older Girls Camp from 1953 to 1955 and returned to Miniwanca to participate in Summer Seminars for Women from 1997 to 2006. She is survived by her husband, Dwight; her children, Stacey Ann McMahon (Younger Girls Camp 1974 to 1976) and John Ebeling; and her sister, Lucy Langohr Grant (OG 1958). Judith’s mother, Margaret Kalor Langohr, also attended Miniwanca Girls Camp in 1931.
Dr. Robert S. Ellinger
Dr. Robert S. Ellinger passed away Sept. 12, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Rosenthal. Robert attended Miniwanca Younger Boys Camp in 1962 and returned as an Older Boys camper and Younger Boys leader in 1967. His sister, Kay Ellinger Rice, attended Miniwanca Younger Girls Camp and Older Girls Camp in the 1960s. His nephew, Matthew Rice, attended Miniwanca from 1986 to 1991.
Marjorie Goetzke Entorf
Marjorie Goetzke Entorf, age 99, passed away March 4, 2024. She attended Miniwanca Older Girls Camp in 1944, as well as being a Younger Girls leader that same year. Marjorie is survived by her children, William, Robert, and Alida Jane.
Martha English Hoadley
Susan Sherman Talley
Martha “Martie” English Hoadley, age 86, passed away April 19, 2024. Martie attended Miniwanca Younger Girls Camp from 1949 to 1953 and returned to Summer Seminars for Women in 2001. Martie’s mother, Helen English Hoadley, attended Older Girls Camp at Conference Point in 1920. Martie is survived by her four children: Lauralynn Hoadley Andrews, who attended Miniwanca YG from 1974 to 1977; Ricky Andrews, who attended Miniwanca Younger Boys Camp from 1977 to 1978; Deanne Andrews Lawrence; and Deborah Andrews Henry. Her sister, Meg Hoadley Putnam, attended from 1948 through 1951, as well as Summer Seminars for Women in 1999.
David M. MacMillin
David M. MacMillin, age 94, passed away Dec. 26, 2023. David attended Miniwanca Younger Boys Camp from 1941 though 1944. David’s wife, Mary, who survives him, attended Miniwanca Girls Camp for eight years while David was there, but they never crossed paths. They met in college, realized their shared love of the AYF and returned as leaders in 1949. They married and had three children, Scott, Marty, and Kathy, who all attended and worked at Merrowvista from 1967 to 1989. David also served on the Merrowvista staff five years and spent many summers volunteering at Merrowvista, as well as serving on the Merrowvista Advisory Board. Their seven grandchildren – Eric MacMillin, Brian MacMillin, Stephen Plesko, Cori Plesko, Dean Thomas, Clay Thomas, and Drew Thomas – became participants at Merrowvista in the 1990s, and their family’s loving involvement continues today.
Richard Simmons
Richard Simmons, age 76, passed away July 13, 2024. Richard was part of the Miniwanca work staff in 1966. He is survived by his brother, Leonard, who attended Older Boys Camp and was a member of the class of 1968. Leonard was also a Younger Boys Camp leader from 1966 to 1968.
Susan Sherman Talley, age 43, passed away on May 7, 2024. Susan attended Miniwanca Girls camp in 1993 and 1994 as well as NLC in 1996. She is survived by her husband, Sam, and her sons, Sean and Spencer. Sean attended Miniwanca Boys Camp from 2016 to 2019 and National Leadership Conference in 2024, and Spencer attended Boys Camp in 2018 and 2019. Susan’s mother, Victoria Sherman, is a longtime participant in Summer Seminars for Women. Susan’s sister, Sandra Sherman George, attended Miniwanca Girls Camp from 1992 to 1993 and International Leadership Conference from 1994 to 1995. Sandra is currently the Vice President of Advancement for the AYF. Her husband, Matt George, is a longtime NLC staff member and Miniwanca volunteer, and their children, Karah (Girls Camp 2016 to 2024, NLC 2024, Merrowvista 2024) and Jason (Boys Camp 2014 to 2019, NLC 2022 to 2024) are also involved with the AYF.
Donald E. Ward
Donald Edward Ward, age 82, passed away March 27, 2024. Don was a member of the Miniwanca Older Boys Class of 1961 and was a Younger Boys Camp leader in the early 1960s. He was predeceased by his wife, Sharon, and is survived by his sons, Chris and Todd Ward, and many grandchildren.
Timothy Lloyd White
Timothy Lloyd White, 62, passed away June 7, 2023. He attended Miniwanca Older Boys Camp in 1978. Tim’s father, Thomas C. White Jr., attended Miniwanca OB in 1942 and his sister, Beverly, attended Miniwanca Older Girls camp in 1972. Tim is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and three daughters, Mary Ann, Christine Marie, and Julia Kathleen.
James P. Wilson
James P. Wilson passed away Oct. 8, 2023 at 73. James attended Miniwanca Younger Boys Camp from 1962 to 1965. He is survived by his wife, Susan; their sons, James (Miniwanca Boys Camp 1986) and Richard; and daughter, Tricia Seitz (Miniwanca Girls Camp 1984 to 1986). James was predeceased by his son, Stephen Todd Wilson.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these memorials. Please accept our sincerest apologies for any errors or omissions.
Board’s Dedication Shines at NLC
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS DEEPLY ENGAGED IN SUPPORTING THE AMERICAN YOUTH FOUNDATION THROUGH SERVICE, STEWARDSHIP, AND LEADERSHIP.
In June, the Board gathered at Miniwanca for its summer meeting during the National Leadership Conference. Being on site during program provided an exhilarating opportunity to see the work in action, grounding the Board in its mission to empower young people to achieve their full potential and become agents of positive change in their communities.
At this year’s gathering, board members experienced the power of a vibrant program community coming together to spark change. The Board observed key moments in the final days of NLC as the second-year class returned from their powerful Quest experience and the third-year class gave a leadership presentation. Board members saw the AYF’s ongoing commitment to nurturing future leaders who embody resilience, empathy, and effective leadership.
The Board also immersed themselves in the festivities of the Closing Circle, joining in song and soaking up the contagious energy of this impactful program.
Board Member Ayn Dietrich-Williams said there was a true synergy at the heart of this year’s summer meeting. “NLC staff expressed genuine appreciation for the Board’s visit, recognizing our shared commitment and enthusiasm for their whole-hearted work,” she said.
The AYF Board remains committed to strategic opportunities of the upcoming centennial year. With a steadfast focus on AYF’s rich legacy and powerful future, the Board’s leadership will ensure that AYF’s transformative impact continues to grow.
Astrid
From left, Board Members Deb Seidel, Andi Van Cleve, and Pat Jones
Insert Photo: From left, Board Chair DD Danforth Burlin and AYF President Liz Marshall
HONOR ROLL |
DIRECTORS CIRCLE
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 2024 and 2025 as we prepare for our centennial year. 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
The Honorable and Mrs. John C. Danforth
Brook Detterman
FourEvergreen Foundation, Inc.
The Honorable Richard Gephardt and Jane Gephardt
The Mulcahy Family
The Estate of JoAnn Mulcahy
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company
The O’Brien Family Foundation
Deb Seidel
FOUNDERS CIRCLE
($10,000+)
The Albers/Kuhn Family Foundation
Elizabeth Calhoun
Donald and Susannah Danforth
Mrs. Donald Danforth, Jr.
Elizabeth G. Danforth
David and Christina Danforth
Dr. Chandlee Dickey and Lawrence Panych
John Drew
Chris and Kelly Gould
The Hyland Family
Patricia Cobb Jones
Charlie and Leah Koch
David Leisey
David and Mary MacMillin
Thearon and Vanette McKinney
Evelyn Rosenthal
Mary and Thomas Stillman
Andrea and Peter Van Cleve
Patrick and Kim West
($5,000+)
John Brewster Trust
Rev. David Cammack
The Cook Family
Christopher and Molly Danforth
Robin Dickson, Ph.D. & Patrick Dickson
Bob, Jeri and Logynn Funkhouser
Marjorie Goetzke Entorf
The Gunning Family
Kennelwood Village Inc.
The Lemaire Family
Jonathan and Suzann Lupton
Jeffrey and Jennifer McDonnell
Ellen Danforth O’Bannon
Shannon O’Toole
The Root Family
Marilyn Ripley Scheerbaum
Robert A. Smutz
Judith L. Straka
Janet G. Strube
Anna Kay Vorsteg and Vicki Boyd
Andy and Molly Mulcahy
Michael and Dianne O’Brien
The Pillsbury Foundation
Hallway Plumbing LLC
Keith and Virginia Smith Family Foundation
A. Neil Sweeny and Family
The Tinker Family
Michael and Jennifer Trippeer
Tim and Christina Williamson
ADVENTURERS CIRCLE
($1,000+)
Alliance Technologies
Andreas N. Philippides Scholarship Fund
Anonymous
David and Sara Bailey
Bank of America Private Bank
Kenneth Baughman
Gary J. Bloomfield, Ph.D.
Mary Jane and Robert Bolle
The Bowers Family: Amy, Brad, Kal, Ben and Natalie
WAYFINDERS CIRCLE
($2,500+)
Tom and Hunter Bailey
Kathleen Beyerman and Rick Hawkins
Teresa Suter Bowers
The Dalton Family
Ayn Dietrich-Williams
Catherine Erickson and Chris Young
Edman and Virginia Gray
John Hecker and Family
Kevin and Jana Hunt
Susan Marshall LaPine
H. Smith and Janet McGehee
Clara McLeod
Thomas G. Brackman
The Bratcher Family
Jane Brock-Wilson
Susan Buckley
Axel Burlin
Hans Burlin
Judith Bushouse
Charlotte Cabrol and Amy Johnson
Callier’s Catering
Charities Aid Foundation of America
Kathleen and Ivan
Crystal Cobb
Commerce Bank of St. Louis
David and Janel Daniel and Family
The Daniel & Henry Company
Glenn and Susan Davis
Janie Denman Legacy Fund
Fredrica and Charles Depew
Vellie S. Hall Dietrich-Hall and Family
Jeff Dorazewski
Dynaflex
Henry & Dorothy Fischer Family Fund
Jessa Glick, LMSW
Karen Bell Gwidt and Jesse Gwidt
Kenneth and Bonnie Hargreaves
Carrie Hargreaves-Smith
Robert and Sally Harrison
Diane Hatfield and Jim Hobbins
HeplerBroom LLC
Shawn Herron and Phuoc Le
Dale Hood
Thomas and Hilary Hoynes
Blake Ives
The Jaeger Family
Amy and Nathan Kostal
Jeffrey and Chris Libson
The Litton Family
Jean Ann and Charles Luckhardt
Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC
Liz Marshall
Paul and Georgia Martin
Laura Mason
Dr. Kip and Carol McGilliard
Susan H. McLeod
Heather McPherson
Brian Meade
Dean and Pat Messinger
Carol Davis Moakley and Brien Moakley
Michael and Lynn Mulcahy
James Oetting
Tom Oxtoby and Shirley Fleming-Oxtoby
Anne and Jack Palomaki
Amanda and Alex Perez
Kenneth J. Perkins
Margaret Ride Peterson
Jim and Laura Redmond
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Margaret Rush
Carolyn A. Sharp
Victoria Sherman and Bill Tucker
Linda Slagell
Santha Stall
Barbara W. Strawn
Dr. Dean Telthorst
Denotes Member of the Eternal Flame Society
HONOR ROLL | Contributor
United Way Worldwide
Washington University Athletics & Recreation
Marianne and Paul Weichselbaum
Katherine Weih
Emily Willingham
Kelly Winship
Holley Young
Laura Young
The Ziegelmueller Family
from January 1 – December 31, 2023
Buck Drew DDS PA
The Eaglesham Family
Sue Essen
Bill and Sue Etling
Neil Fisher and Meryl Loonin
Sandra and Matthew George
Robert and Cynthia Grimm
Nancy and Raymond Hill
Shane Hinde
Michelle Hirsch
LEADERS CIRCLE
($500+)
James Abshagen
Dru Anderson
Michael Arnold and Family
Phil and Kathy Baggett
Kay and Harvey Bell
Grace Blinkoff
Meghan and Chris Bliss
Stephanie Borum and Celeste Jordan
A.J. Brauer
Kevin Brockman
Stephanie Brock-Wilson
Katherine Brokaw
Rochelle and Louis Cain
Shawn Herron and LS Technologies
Susan Rockwell Chandler
Gerard Oprins and Cindy Christensen
Dr. Emily Cline
Richard Cobb
Don and Elizabeth Cobin
Madelyn Cook
Lara Cooper
The Desai Family
George Deuble Foundation
Hallie Dovich
Katie Hodgdon and Sarah Blake Walsh
Margaret Hoerner
Maggie Holsten
Duff Hufford
Anne Hughes and
Stan Livingston
Amy and John Hughes
Richard Isaacson
William and Lois Jeffers
Lynn Ann Jones
Elizabeth J. Kelly
JoAnn Kincaid
Ward and Carol Klein
Anne Pfeiffer Klene
Kathryn Koch
James Andrew Langan
Keith and Monique Lawton
Neil Lewis and Katherine Lindholm
Veronica and Kris Light
Steve Lilly
Katherine Lindholm and Neil Lewis
The Link Family
Martha D. MacMillin
Byron and Margaret Martin
McCord Group
George and Irene Minich
Terese Mitchusson
Jason Morris and Leslie Morris
Gary Muenster
The John & Deb Murphy Family
Edward and Nancy O’Leary
James Olson
Julie Palomaki-Meadows
The Parrott-Johnson Family
Jennifer Partee
Barbara Queal
Charles Rimmer
James and Mary Roberts
Karl Robillard and Bob Thornton
The Schneidewind Family
Karl Schults
Kelley and James Skidmore
PJ Smith
William and Kerrie Stude
Dr. Michael Tchou
Susan Steiger Tebb
Kelly and Cleveland Tyson
Mark and Mary Unangst
Brent Underwood
Anne Van Wart And Michael Keable
Robert and Nancy Early Wagoner
Stephanie Walsh
The Ward Family – Alan, Kay, Guy, Callie
Michael and Donna Warren
The Weaver Family
Jane Vahle Weingartner
Kim White and Gary Kaplan
Dickson Whitney
PATHFINDERS CIRCLE ($250+)
Appwerks, LLC
Annette Augsburger
Alex and Corinne Baker
David Baratz
The Beard Family
Rick and Marguerite Bliss
Steven Borgelt
Henry W. Boyd III
Margo Brackett
Vincent C. Bresch
Lisa Brucken
Karen Burke and Family
Richard H. Burst
Benjamin Caldwell
Amy Campbell
Meg Campbell
The Campos Family
The Carlson Family
John and Kay Clark
Paul Costa and Mia Carpiniello
Paul S. Craun
Jay Crosson
Rev. Beverly J. Crute, Ph.D.
Dean Transportation
Peter DiGasbarro
Ellie Dixon
Audrey Durrua
Leslie Ahrens Ellis
Fredrik and Anette Engelhardt
Carolyn A. Faber
Casidy Ferneding
Tricia Shields Folger
Dr. Richard and Barbara Fox
Jerry and Connie Fritz
The Glore Fund
Douglas and Jane Goodrich
Rodney Grusy
Barbara Henrichs
Joseph and Mary Herald-d’Oronzio
Gail Hindle
Al Hodgdon and Family
Margot Van Buskirk Hoerner
Mimi S. Holmes
Susan Melson Huffman
Dr. Jennifer Hull
Mr. Brady & Dr. Brigid Hunemuller
Sarah Spence Kallman
HONOR ROLL | Contributor
Carl and Marybeth Kantner
Dennis and Sharon Karr
Kerber, Eck & Braeckel, LLP
Kimmel Family Fund
Lake Forest Dental
Ava Lancaster
Nancy Lomax
C. Michael Lowrey
Elizabeth Lupfer
Daphne M. Rhodes
Jennifer M. Rhodes
David and Christy Riel
from January 1 – December 31, 2023
Chloé Risto and Kevin Byerley
Sharron and Daniel Sanborn
John Santelli and Jennifer Hirsch
The Schindler Family
Robert and Doni Schumacker
Derek Schwendinger
Bruce Marshall
Judith Jobbitt and Thomas Marshall
Carol and Philip Maus
Ben, Peter, Meg and Jay McDermott
Laurie Miller and Steve Nichols
Anne and Kurt Mueller
Barry and Elaine Nocks
Sheila Nollen
Karen Nordstrom
Patrick and Jamie O’Hagin
Stephen Owens and Ann Owens
Michele Oyie
W. Robert Pearson
Ron Petry
Steven and Frances Piesbergen
Mary Sue Fortner Pollitt
The Kaptur Puma Family
Carlos Ramirez
Karen Reimer
Thomas Spiegelhalter
The Spiek Family
Jim Stecher
Jamie Drinkwater Stockton
Carol E. Strecker
Jeannie Sturgeon
The Sullivan-Fielding Family
Luella Swisher
Kathy and Mike Thomas
The Vanier Family
Griffin Vogler and Michael Harter
John and Vicki Waller
Marta and Mark Ward
Carolyn Ward
Matt Ward
Linda G. Wenri
Astrid Wielens and Bridget Stearns
Beth and Jeff Wilson
Kate Wissman
Carol and John Wolters
Cynthia Meiners and James Wright
CHALLENGERS CIRCLE
($100+)
Diane Adair
Mark and Cindy Adams
Howell E. Adams, Jr.
Stephen Russel Ahrens
Martha Allard
Linda and Richard Allen
Laura Andrews and Family
Marc Armstrong
Jane Arnold
Jay Aronson and Family
Jeffrey and Ann Bach
Dr. David Balster
Jane and Burton Bangsberg
The Baran Family
Barbara Baran
Melanie H. Bates
Rev. A. Otto Baumann, II
Karen, Doug and John Beattie
David W. Beck
Katie and Albie Bell Family
Burke and Jo Hoyt Bero
Dr. Thomas Blanke
Laura Bliss and Kyle Vail
Sommar Boese and John Bouhan
Ann Bowyer Boren
Lynn Bradley
Tucker Branham
Will T. Brown
Pamela Brownlee and Family
Dr. Robert Bruce
Barbara Bruins
Caroline Brush
Angela and Todd Buchenauer
John A. Buchman
Nancy Burke and Don Burn
Charles W. Cammack III
Alan and Diane Campbell
Joseph Carey
John and June Carter
Christine Cesare
Nadine Chalmers
Leah Cleary
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Collins
James Collins
Sally and Gregory Connell
Dr. Margaret H. Cooper
Jeff and Carmen Croghan
Marie Dalton-Meyer and Les Meyer
Dr. Bruce and Linda Damstra
Helen K. Davis
Jacinda A. Davis
Mary Jane Davis
Marilyn Detrich
Ryan Dick
Barbara and Richard DoerrerPeacock
Robert and Dawn Downey
Diane Drollinger
George H. Faber
Faye Feltner
Thomas Foerster
Missy Foote and Family
Dan and Rita Forbush
Ambrean Ford
Deana Fox
Carol Savery Frederick and William Frederick
Jeremy Fryberger
The Lenard Family
Sarah Garner and Family
Beverly Davis Garner
Ann Ladenson Garrison
Joseph and Louise Gazzoli
James George
Heather Gettys
Bridget Gilmore
Maggie Hayba Gonzales
Donna Gould Pordes
Nancy and Michael Goyda
Matthew Gray
Chris Gregg and Family
Barbara J. Greig
David and Debra Grimm
Anne Davis Grothe
James Gula
Thomas Gutman
Thomsa E. Haas
Laura Haas
Jeff and Malisa Hagan
Robert F. Hagemann III
Lois Greenleaf Halsted
Dawn Hammersley
M. Kay Hannah
Becky and Peter Hanrahan
Kathryn Mellis Harper
Veronica Johnson Harris
Daniel Hayba
Priscilla and James Heininger
Catherine Campbell Henn and Family
John Henn and Family
Tanya Heydt
Sarah K. Hindle
Susan and Allan Hinton
Ruth Hintz
Jen Hobin
Denotes Member of the Eternal Flame Society
HONOR ROLL | Contributor
from January 1 – December 31, 2023
Nancy Hoerner
Robert and Elizabeth Hoffman
Sandra Bear Holcombe
Shirley Ann Holt Hale and Family
Laurie Hilscher Humphrey
Helaine Hunscher
Robert Istnick
Linda Meyer Jackmond
Deborah Jennings and Family
Heidi Frielingsdorf Johnson
Patricia and Chauncey Johnstone
Maryhelen Jones
Rachel and Michael Jones
Bettina Getz and William Judge
Nancy M. Kaelber
Sharon Karr
Jean Kasl
Dawn Kerchberger
Barbara A. Kerr, Ph.D.
Catherine Klene
Leah Knapp
Neale Koenig
Brad Kosem
Martha Koster
Jane Koten
Dominic and Karen Lambek
Mariann Laue Baker
Mary Leach
Alexander Lemaire
Mike Leopold
Jeanne D. Lischer
Michael and Kim Livingston
Matthew Loper
The Love Family
Judith Luptak
Lois Maag
Sara Marblestone and Sheri Tracey
Marianna and Byron Martin
Alvin Mathews
The Maxeiner Family
Erica McDermott
Thearon and Vanette McKinney
Sue McKinney
Gregg Merz
Margaret Messawer
The Meyers Family
Paul and Kay Miller
Beverly Cosner Miller
Megan Miller
Scott and Jane Molden
Gwen Henry Monahan
William and Martha Monroe
William R. Morris
William Morris Jr.
Jim Motz and Ames Hwang
Michael and Joan Mullen
Steve and Elizabeth Murrill
Judith K. Nettles
Bruce Newton
Kimberly and Sonny Novotny
Meg Schuster Nystrom
Jamie and Patrick O’Hagin
Annie and Todd Oliverio
Mr. Brian O’Loughlin and Family
Sverre and Sara Olsen
Carol Paronis
Mark Pawlowski
Timberly Pawlukowsky
Nancy Paysinger
J. Stuart and Debbie Pettitt
Jennifer Pett-Ridge
Julie C. Pett-Ridge
Suzanna Gordner Pollak
Catherine Skinner Powell
Emily Prince
Kip Probst
Dr. Martin and Mary Proudfoot
Sarah Putsavage
Jan Queal
Diane Rabe
Janet Reece
Jane Reynolds
Kenneth Reynolds
Laurie Rinehart-Thompson
Michael Robinson
Barbara Roden and Family
Elizabeth Roghair
Brian Rudolph
Sarah Coelho Ruiz
Eleanor and Dennis Safe
Patricia and Eric Sanders
Ann and Jon Schmid
Mary Dee and Ed Schmidt
Shawn Michael and Greg Schulson
Kathleen Schweich
Sara Scogland
Julius A. Seidel
Terry and Deena
James Senger
The Snedaker-Mainz Family
Leslie and Larry Snyder
Paul St. Cin
Tom “Doc Wheels” Steen and Carol Cook
Julie and Donn Stengele
Mary Struckhoff
William and Margaret Stude
Weeza Swain
Piroska Ludwig Szabo
Zachary and Emily Tebb
Bets and Chris Thomas
Karen Thomas
Geraldine J. Thompson
Patricia Thrash
Jeanne Yates Tomlinson
The Traxler Family
Ross Tucker
Jerilyn and Dave Tuten
Mark J. Twentyman
Fred Vahle
Margaret Van Cleve
Bill Van Cleve
Dyana Vukovich
Dayna Vuksinick
Sarah A. Wagoner
Stuart Walker
Chad and Amber Warner
Abigail and Tony Webster
Pat Gibbs Shanower
Manoochehr and Maryann Sharifi
Dan Shea
Nicole and Bryan Sherrick
Linda S. Shirk
Janet Christy Silvester and Terry Silvester
Patricia and William Simmons
John D. Simpson
Douglas Smith and Family
Virginia Welles
Phyllis Carrington Wertime
Frank Whitington
Wendell and Mary Williams
Evie (Hill) Williams
James Williams
Robert G. Willmering
Bethany and Garrett Wise
Nancy and William Wittkamp
HONOR ROLL | Contributor
Chris Wohlert
Janelle and Andrew Wood
James Yemm
DARERS CIRCLE
($1+)
Sally and Robert Anderson
Judy and Barry Baker
The Ball Family
Patricia Bergstrom
Dr. William and Jill Beute
Nicholas Blair
The Arthur Bodenbender Family
Melissa Boyle and Jennifer Stenersen
Cindy Brewbaker
Ruth and John Britton
Casey Brock-Wilson
E. Chandlee Bryan
Deborah and Derrick Buddemeyer
Krystal Ceballos
Megin and Catheryn Charner-Laird
Janet Clement
Ruth Cleveland
Bradley J. Collins
Mr. James and Patricia Cook
Susan and Stephen Costello
Catherine E. Cox
Mary Craven
Scout Curtin
Philip B. Curtis
Susan R. Danielson
Steph Dasman
The Davidson Family
Betty and Alvin DeWitt
Barbara Ruhl DeYoung and Family
Nancy S. Dickinson
Ardath Dixon
Sarah Dreyer-Oren
Elizabeth Early
Mr. and Mrs. Karl Eberhard
Sarah Ekern-Schumacher
Penny Estes
Allison Farnen
Delaney Feighan
Jerry and Joan Flynn
Pernie Hatcher Forehand
Faith Fraser
Laurence Frazen
Sarah Garvin
Stephen and Judy Geckeler
Thomas and Patricia Geiger
Jason George
Nicole Gerome
Emily Giberson
Lindsay and Hunter Gordon
Paul and Evelyn Green
Kim Greene
Beverly Griffin
Barbara Griffith
Joseph and Sally Grube
Samuel Gunning
Audrey Mueller Hahn
from January 1 – December 31, 2023
Eileen Kinsella
Dr. Natalie Knesek and
Mr. Tim Knesek
Dr. Daniel Kocarnik
Judy R. Koehl
Sara and Richard Kopacz
Ann and Lionel Kreamer
Rebecca Harberts
Carolyn Metzger Harmon
Julie Harris
Jennifer and Kenneth Harrop
Michael Harter and Family
Yvette LeGear Hartsfield
Susan and Timothy Harvey
Amy Harvey and Jennifer Tucker
Kara Heathcote and Lauren
Schubert
Faith Heinle
Calista L. Hillman
Frederick Hird
Thomas R. Hoober
Gwendolyn Hood and Family
William Hopewell
Megan Hugel
Marie and Philip Huizenga
Lynne and Robert Irwin
Charles Ivie
Beverly Stevens Jensen
Parker Jensen
Jory and Calvin Johnson
Janelle Jones
Cameron Jones
Mike and Amanda Jones
Courtney Kaiser
Christy and Howard Kaplan
Grace Kennedy
Amy and Brady Kress
Erin Krewet
Jane Mahler Kuipers
Meredith LaCagnin
Michael E. Latschar
Aliza Lee
Mary Lee-Clark
Meredith Lee-Clark
Katie and Joe LeGrand
Megan Lemaire
Jill Lewis
Elizabeth Lilly
Catherine Lindell
John Linke
Eileen Dressel Lischer
The Litwiller Family
Jerie Lukefahr
Barbara Washburn Markus
Olivia Marshall
Susan McColl
Hadley McCormick
Margaret and David McDiarmid
Elizabeth McDonald
The McGaughey Family
Bridgette Lyn McKeown
Kelley McShane
Deborah Amsden Micklos
Joseph and Kathryne Mitchell
Maria Gorret Nampiima
Martha Neuman
Joan Niehoff and Jonathan Green
Meredith Nierman
Carolyn and Todd Ohle
Elizabeth Ohle
Christine and John Orsborn
Sara Ottman
Beth Perkins
Edward Nelson Peters
Joan Peterson
Sharlyn Stephens Radcliffe
Abby Rand
Nancy Ratliff
The Reck Family
Jill Currie Reeves
Brent and Meehan Repp
David and Nadine Richardson
Jim and Kim Rosborough
Robert Ross
Royalgami LLC
Sandra and Gary Ruggiero
Chris Samuels
Helene M. Saunders
Julia Yvonne Schenck
Philip and Mary Schenkenberg
Ronald and Jane Scholl
Lesley Mellis Schuldt
Chris Sherratt
Amy and Kevin Simmons
Lina Slack
Samantha Sloan
Adam Smetana
Penny Smith
Stephen Steiner
Sarah Suggs
Donalee Sumner
Jamie Sweester
Nancy Tellier
Michelle Thompson
Debbie Rariden Trueman
The Vigh Family
Alice Volkov
Sovann Vorsteg-Boyd
Cinda Lou Walton
Carmen Dressler Ward
Donald E. Ward
Barbara and David Warmbrodt
Nancy and Robert Weed
Carol Crain White
David and Mary Anna Wicker
Steven and Ellen Wickland
Robert and Pamela Wunder
Florence R. Zeller
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. The AYF Eternal Flame Society honors these individuals and families who recognize the AYF in their wills, trusts, estate plans, or other legacy gifts.
There are many ways to support the AYF through planned giving, and our Advancement Team is happy to connect with you to discuss the various options. If you intend to remember the AYF in your will or estate, please let us know so we can recognize your generosity.
More information about planned giving can be found on our website. Scan the QR code or contact us directly at advancement@ayf.com to learn more.
TRIBUTE & MEMORIAL GIFTS |
In Memory of Madeline R. Adams
Howell E. Adams Jr.
In Memory of Margaret Ann Ahrens
Stephen Russel Ahrens
In Memory of Bruce Barmby
James George
John and Vicki Waller
In Memory of Carolyn Anderson Beimdiek
Karen and David Baratz
In Honor of Albie & Kate Bell and family
Carol and Philip Maus
Karen Bell Gwidt and Jesse Gwidt
In Memory of Jean Booker
Alvin Mathews
In Memory of Kenneth J. Bryant
Glenn and Susan Davis
In Honor of DD Danforth Burlin
Anne Van Wart and Michael Keable
The Ziegelmueller Family
In Memory of Jeffrey T. Burrows
James Senger
William R. Morris
In Memory of Walter Joseph Clayton
Jeff and Laurie Meskin
In Memory of Monique Colletti
Carol Savery Frederick and William Frederick
In Memory of Judith Ann Croghan
Jeff and Carmen Croghan
In Memory of Ralph C. Cordell
Dale Hood
In Memory of Shawman Detterman
Robin Burke
Carrie Hargreaves-Smith
In Memory of Cynthia Dickinson
Julie Palomaki-Meadows
In Memory of Aaron Dornan
Carol Savery Frederick and William Frederick
In Memory of Charles S. Drew
Nicolle and Jeremy Callier
In Memory of Virginia Dunn
Olivia Marshall
Susan Marshall LaPine
In Memory of Patricia and Bruce Dutcher
Kelley and James Skidmore
In Honor of Sarah and Lily Gehres
Tony and Shawna Gehres
In Memory of Jeffrey Glick
Jessa Glick, LMSW
In Honor of Danny Grads
Pat Gibbs Shanower
In Honor of Our Wedding Guests
Alex and Corinne Baker
In Memory of Charles Geisel and Jane Geisel Guidicini
Anonymous
In Honor of Karen, Jesse, Kristina and Josh Gwidt
Katie and Albie Bell Family
In Honor of the birthday of Karen Bell Gwidt
Kay and Harvey Bell
July 16, 2023 to July 3, 2024
Jennifer M. Rhodes
PJ Smith
Thearon and Vanette McKinney
In Honor of Pat Jones
Anonymous
In Memory of Roland P. Ladenson
Ann Ladenson Garrison
In Memory of Diane Litton
The Litton Family
In Memory of Kenneth Lomax
Nancy Lomax
In Memory of Jennifer Mason
Jeffrey and Ann Bach
Laura Mason
Emily Prince
In Memory of David M. MacMillin
Bill and Nancy Dailey
William Hopewell
Martha D. MacMillin
Kathy and Mike Thomas
In Honor of Sarah Hofverberg and her lifelong Miniwanca Friends
Nancy Lau
In Memory of Michele R. Johnson
Humphries
Roger Humphries II
In Honor of William Hutchins
Pat Gibbs Shanower
In Honor of Liz Jackson
Jennifer Partee
In Memory of Bartie Jones
Christena Bolton
Helen K. Davis
Carolyn A. Faber
Maggie Hayba Gonzales
Daniel Hayba
Anne Hughes and Stan Livingston
Lynn Ann Jones
Susan Melson Huffman
In Honor of Liz Marshall
Meredith Nierman
Anna Kay Vorsteg and Vicki Boyd
In Honor of Peter and Ben McDermott
Meg and Jay McDermott
Dr. Steven Meadows
Anne and Jack Palomaki
Julie Palomaki-Meadows
In Memory of JoAnn Mulcahy
Eileen Kinsella
In Honor of Erin O’Brien
Dennis and Sharon Karr
In Memory of Ernest and Martha Ohle
Carolyn and Todd Ohle
In Honor of Katherine Ondobo
Michele Oyie
In Memory of Susan Orndorff
Kara Heathcote and Lauren Schubert
In Memory of David Osborne
Rochelle and Louis Cain
In Memory of Don Pace
Auntie Anne’s
Jane Arnold
AVHS Class of 1976
Christine Cesare
Diane Drollinger
Thomas Gutman
Martha Koster
The Love Family
Paula Pace
Ron Petry
Chris Wohlert
Andrea and Peter Van Cleve
In Memory of Kathy Parrott
The Parrott-Johnson Family
In Honor of Hannah Puma
The Kaptur Puma Family
In Honor of Elijah Sarvey
Joseph and Mary Herald-d’Oronzio
In Honor of Rebecca Mee Jee
Sarvey
Joseph and Mary Herald-d’Oronzio
In Memory of Kim Scartelli
Mary Jane and Robert Bolle
Margot Van Buskirk Hoerner
Mary Struckhoff
Andrea and Peter Van Cleve
In Honor of Marilyn Scheerbaum
Jo and Kiau Loi
In Memory of Alvena Kicker Schott
Elizabeth J. Kelly
In Honor of Deb Seidel
Appwerks, LLC
JoAnn Kincaid
In Memory of Mary Seidel
Courtney Kaiser
In Memory of Gilbert Sherman
Jerie Lukefahr
In Honor of Nancy Solon
Jennifer Partee
In Honor of Chris Spiek
Heather Bowen
In Honor of Danny Strayhorn
David and Janel Daniel and Family
TRIBUTE & MEMORIAL GIFTS |
In Memory of Jack C. Swisher
Luella Swisher
In Memory of Patrick Tchou
Michael Tchou
In Memory of Elizabeth Mulcahy Telthorst
John Crowley
In Honor of Adam Thomas
Kate Wissman
In Honor of Jack Thomas
Kate Wissman
In Memory of Ryan Thomas
James Gula
The Sullivan-Fielding Family
The Lenard Family
Bets and Chris Thomas
Karen Thomas
Kate Wissman
In Memory of Patricia Wenzel Uhl
Pamela Brownlee and Family
In Honor of Andrea Van Cleve
Joseph and Louise Gazzoli
In Honor of Anna Kay Vorsteg
Jay Aronson and Family
Marie Dalton-Meyer and Les Meyer
Susan Marshall LaPine
Karl Robillard and Bob Thornton
Kelly and Cleveland Tyson
The Vanier Family
In Honor of Nancy Vukovich
Dyana Vukovich
In Memory of Sandra Wahby
Jack Webb
In Memory of Timothy White
Beverly White
In Memory of Jim Wilson
Joseph Carey
Mrs. Edman L. Gray
Lynne and Robert Irwin
Amy and Brady Kress
Margaret and David McDiarmid
Donna Gould Pordes
Kenneth Reynolds
Terry and Deena Seitz
Steven and Ellen Wickland
In Honor of Jason D. Wright
Cynthia Meiners and James Wright
In Honor of Holley Young
Kip Probst
The following individuals donated to the 2024 NLC Class Challenge
Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous
Connie Abell
Kelsey Abell
Tia Afa
Rabia Bajwa
Seth Baker
Naomi Bakker
Gene Beiswenger
Kaitlin Bell
Tabatha Benhaim
Adam Benhaim
Camille Oehler Bondi
Kerrie Boodt
Heather Bowen
Katie Brokaw
Caroline Brush
Todd Bundy
Brendan Burke
Kyle Burke
Krystal Ceballos
Abbie Chronister (Greene)
Madelyn Cook
Becky Voltmer Cook
Jen & James Dagdigian
Ayn Dietrich-Williams
Kelly Dietze
Sarah Frail
Austin Faber
Nancy Fenstemacher
Alex Fullman
Jessa Glick
Kevin Goodwin
Jim Greco
Tara H.
Alice Harris
John Harris
Nate Harris
Mo Harris
Yvette LeGear Hartsfield
Nathan Hatfield
Shawn Herron and Phuoc Le
Maggie Holsten
Magnus Johnson
Sara Kelly
Grace Kennedy
Nana Khin
Kling Family
Mere LaCagnin
Mary Leach and Emily Feldenkris
Katie Belden LeGrand
July 16, 2023 to July 3, 2024
Benedict Lochtenberg
Joseph Lock
Laura Mason
Marion Mason
Brad and Sheryl Max
JT Max
Megan Max
Chris & Laura McMahon
Johnny Meshes
Theresa Meshes
Nick Meshes
Erin Monolo
Andy and Molly Mulcahy
Meg Schuster Nystrom
Erin and Shannon O’Brien
Wally Ochoa Jr.
Bre Orcasitas
Auntie Pam
Kelly Patterson
Nancy Paysinger
Marge Ride Peterson
Pike
Teddy Pins
Jim and Laura Redmond
Christie Reed
Tom Reed
Michael Robinson
The Schindler Family
Philip Schneider
Riley and Julia Schoeben
Erica Schreiber
Erin Schulte
Presli Schumacker
Rob and Doni Schumacker
Victoria Ohs Sherman
John Shivanandan
Victoria Shivanandan
Baby Shivanandan
Penny Smith
Spiek
Bridget Stack
Jenny Stempel
Jan Strube
Katie Sullivan
Kelsey Tucker
Anthony Verdeja
Ella Vogler-Quintana
Beth Wilson
Holley Young
Register online now for 2025 summer programs!
We will also host the Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, May 5, and adult programs in summer and fall, including Summer Seminars for Women, Alumni and Family Weekends, and Spark retreats. Visit ayf.com, sign up for our email newsletter at bit.ly/AYFEmailSignUp, or email advancement@ayf.com to update your contact information.
National Leadership Conference
1st and 2nd Year Participants
June 14 to June 21
3rd and 4th Year Participants
June 13 to June 21
Summer Camp Session A June 29 to July 18 Voyageur and Odyssey July 6 to August 8 (five weeks) Summer Camp Session B July 20 to August 8
Summer Camp Session A June 29 to July 18 Summer Camp Session B July 20 to August 8 MERROWVISTA
WE HOPE YOU’LL JOIN US NEXT YEAR AT OUR SPECIAL EVENTS!
Miniwanca Homecoming: Aug. 22 to 24
Miniwanca Girls Camp Reunion: Aug. 29 to Sept. 1
Merrowvista Homecoming: Sept. 12 to 14 St. Louis 100th Birthday Party: Oct. 18
